upi--2020-05-06--Pompeo blames China for lives lost to COVID-19

May 6 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed China for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide from the coronavirus on Wednesday and renewed demands for the Asian nation to reveal what it knows about COVID-19 .
In a press availability at the State Department , the United States ' top diplomat continued to build his case against China , charging it with arresting doctors during the initial stages of the outbreak late last year , destroying virus samples in early January and continuing to refuse to share what information it has about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the so-called patient zero .
`` They knew .
China could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide .
China could have spared the world a descent into global economic malaise .
They had a choice .
But instead , China covered up the outbreak in Wuhan , China , '' he said .
`` ... China is still refusing to share the information we need to keep people safe . ''
The coronavirus that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December has since spread the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people , killing more than 260,000 of them .
Since then , the United States has become the virus ' epicenter , with more than 1.2 million infections and 73,000 deaths , making it by far the worst-affected nation .
The United States has consistently leveled criticism at China for covering up the outbreak -- allegations that China has vehemently denied and that critics say are a political tactic the Trump administration is employing to obfuscate its own response to the outbreak .
On Wednesday , Pompeo denied accusations demands for transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require that information `` to save American lives . ''
`` We need countries to share reliable data in a timely way -- now , and the next time that a calamity like this hits , '' he said .
`` We need reliable partners . ''
When confronted over seemingly disparate statements made by himself and other Trump administration officials over the origin of the virus , Pompeo said there is no division , they are consistent in that they are all essentially about having a lack of information from China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant amount of evidence '' the virus came from a Wuhan laboratory , which has seemingly been countered by other officials , including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley who said `` we do n't know '' exactly where the virus emerged but various agencies `` are looking at that . ''
Anthony Fauci , a key member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , also told National Geographic this week that evidence `` strongly indicates '' the virus evolved in nature .
Pompeo retorted `` that 's all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reporter .
`` Every one of those statements is entirely consistent , '' he said .
`` Every one of them .
Lay them down together , there 's no separation .
We 're all trying to figure out the right answer , we 're all trying to get to clarity . ''
He said Fauci , Milley , President Donald Trump and himself know where the answers they seek are , and focus should be on China .
`` The American people remain at risk because we do not know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it began in the lab or whether it began someplace else , '' he said .
`` There 's an easy way to find out the answer to that : transparency , openness , the kinds of things that nations do when they really want to be part of solving a global pandemic . ''
Pompeo also called on the international community to support Taiwan 's request to participate in the upcoming World Health Organization 's forum .
Taiwan 's participation is to be discussed by the organization in mid-may after two countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included .
`` Today , I want to call upon all nations , including those in Europe , to support Taiwan 's participation as an observer at the World Health Assembly and in other relevant United Nations venues , '' he said .
`` I also call upon WHO Director-General Tedros [ Adhanom Ghebreyesus ] to invite Taiwan to observe this month 's WHA , as he has the power to do , and as his predecessors have done on multiple occasions . ''

Mike Pompeo, U.S. secretary of state, listens during a Coronavirus Task Force news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 20. Photo by Al Drago/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed China for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide from the coronavirus on Wednesday and renewed demands for the Asian nation to reveal what it knows about COVID-19. In a press availability at the State Department, the United States' top diplomat continued to build his case against China, charging it with arresting doctors during the initial stages of the outbreak late last year, destroying virus samples in early January and continuing to refuse to share what information it has about the virus, such as who was the so-called patient zero. Advertisement
"They knew. China could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. China could have spared the world a descent into global economic malaise. They had a choice. But instead, China covered up the outbreak in Wuhan, China," he said. "... China is still refusing to share the information we need to keep people safe."
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The coronavirus that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December has since spread the world over, infecting more than 3.7 million people, killing more than 260,000 of them.
Since then, the United States has become the virus' epicenter, with more than 1.2 million infections and 73,000 deaths, making it by far the worst-affected nation.
The United States has consistently leveled criticism at China for covering up the outbreak -- allegations that China has vehemently denied and that critics say are a political tactic the Trump administration is employing to obfuscate its own response to the outbreak.
On Wednesday, Pompeo denied accusations demands for transparency are about politics, stating health officials require that information "to save American lives."
"We need countries to share reliable data in a timely way -- now, and the next time that a calamity like this hits," he said. "We need reliable partners."
When confronted over seemingly disparate statements made by himself and other Trump administration officials over the origin of the virus, Pompeo said there is no division, they are consistent in that they are all essentially about having a lack of information from China.
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Pompeo on Sunday said there is "a significant amount of evidence" the virus came from a Wuhan laboratory, which has seemingly been countered by other officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley who said "we don't know" exactly where the virus emerged but various agencies "are looking at that."
Anthony Fauci, a key member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, also told National Geographic this week that evidence "strongly indicates" the virus evolved in nature.
Pompeo retorted "that's all consistent" in a heated conversation with a reporter.
"Every one of those statements is entirely consistent," he said. "Every one of them. Lay them down together, there's no separation. We're all trying to figure out the right answer, we're all trying to get to clarity."
He said Fauci, Milley, President Donald Trump and himself know where the answers they seek are, and focus should be on China.
"The American people remain at risk because we do not know, we don't have certainty about whether it began in the lab or whether it began someplace else," he said. "There's an easy way to find out the answer to that: transparency, openness, the kinds of things that nations do when they really want to be part of solving a global pandemic."
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Pompeo also called on the international community to support Taiwan's request to participate in the upcoming World Health Organization's forum.
Taiwan's participation is to be discussed by the organization in mid-may after two countries formally tendered proposals requesting it to be included.
"Today, I want to call upon all nations, including those in Europe, to support Taiwan's participation as an observer at the World Health Assembly and in other relevant United Nations venues," he said. "I also call upon WHO Director-General Tedros [Adhanom Ghebreyesus] to invite Taiwan to observe this month's WHA, as he has the power to do, and as his predecessors have done on multiple occasions."


upi--2020-05-06--NFL lays out protocols for reopening of team facilities

May 6 ( UPI ) -- The NFL outlined protocols Wednesday for the gradual reopening of team facilities amid the coronavirus pandemic .
According to a memo NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent to all 32 teams , the league wants clubs to be ready to implement the first phase of protocols by May 15 .
Team facilities have been closed since March because of the virus .
`` The protocols are intended to allow for a safe and phased reopening , '' Goodell wrote .
`` The first phase would involve a number of non-player personnel .
... No players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue a course of therapy and rehabilitation that was underway when facilities were initially closed .
`` Clubs should take steps to have these protocols in place by Friday , May 15 in anticipation of being advised when club facilities will formally reopen . ''
The previous NFL policy that said no team facilities could reopen until all 32 teams are eligible to do so remains in place , according to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy .
League owners are expected to discuss the reopening of facilities during their May 19 virtual meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' McCarthy said in a statement .
`` This memo outlines the actions clubs will take to have the protocols in place by May 15 .
After that time , clubs will be advised when facilities could formally reopen .
These steps include the clubs reviewing their plans with the appropriate state and local officials .
`` It 's anticipated there will be further discussion on the reopening of facilities at the May 19 league owners virtual meeting . ''
Among the league 's protocols are wearing face coverings , maintaining a distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees and daily screenings of employees and visitors .

In a memo Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said teams should have the protocols in place by May 15. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- The NFL outlined protocols Wednesday for the gradual reopening of team facilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to a memo NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent to all 32 teams, the league wants clubs to be ready to implement the first phase of protocols by May 15. Team facilities have been closed since March because of the virus. Advertisement
"The protocols are intended to allow for a safe and phased reopening," Goodell wrote. "The first phase would involve a number of non-player personnel. ... No players would be permitted in the facility except to continue a course of therapy and rehabilitation that was underway when facilities were initially closed.
"Clubs should take steps to have these protocols in place by Friday, May 15 in anticipation of being advised when club facilities will formally reopen."
The previous NFL policy that said no team facilities could reopen until all 32 teams are eligible to do so remains in place, according to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. League owners are expected to discuss the reopening of facilities during their May 19 virtual meeting.
"That principle remains intact," McCarthy said in a statement. "This memo outlines the actions clubs will take to have the protocols in place by May 15. After that time, clubs will be advised when facilities could formally reopen. These steps include the clubs reviewing their plans with the appropriate state and local officials.
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"It's anticipated there will be further discussion on the reopening of facilities at the May 19 league owners virtual meeting."
Among the league's protocols are wearing face coverings, maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other employees and daily screenings of employees and visitors.


upi--2020-05-06--Sinclair agrees to pay $48M civil penalty to settle FCC probe into Tribune deal

May 6 ( UPI ) -- Sinclair Broadcast Group agreed Wednesday to pay a record $ 48 million civil penalty to settle multiple Federal Communication Commission investigations .
The FCC announced the payment would close three investigations related to Sinclair 's proposed deal to purchase 42 television stations from Tribune Media in 2017 and was the largest penalty against a broadcaster in the agency 's 86-year history .
`` Sinclair 's conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was completely unacceptable , '' FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said .
`` Today 's penalty , along with the failure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cautionary tale to other licenses seeking Commission approval of a transaction in the future . ''
Sinclair paid the fines to close investigations into its disclosure of information related to the Tribune deal , whether it negotiated retransmission consent agreements with cable networks in good faith and its failure to identify the sponsor of content it produced for the television stations it owns .
Tribune pulled out of the $ 3.9 billion merger in August and filed a $ 1 billion lawsuit against Sinclair saying the company knew it was taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships with certain buyers from the FCC .
Pai added that the FCC will not revoke Sinclair 's licenses as a result of the settlement .
`` I disagree with those , who for transparently political reasons , demand that we revoke Sinclair 's licenses , '' said Pai .
`` While they do n't like what they perceive to be the broadcaster 's viewpoints , the First Amendment still applies around here . ''

The FCC on Wednesday announced that Sinclair Broadcast Group had agreed to pay a $48 million civil penalty to settle three investigations related to its proposed deal to purchase 42 television stations from Tribune media. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- Sinclair Broadcast Group agreed Wednesday to pay a record $48 million civil penalty to settle multiple Federal Communication Commission investigations. The FCC announced the payment would close three investigations related to Sinclair's proposed deal to purchase 42 television stations from Tribune Media in 2017 and was the largest penalty against a broadcaster in the agency's 86-year history. Advertisement
"Sinclair's conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was completely unacceptable," FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said. "Today's penalty, along with the failure of the Sinclair/Tribune transaction, should serve as a cautionary tale to other licenses seeking Commission approval of a transaction in the future."
Sinclair paid the fines to close investigations into its disclosure of information related to the Tribune deal, whether it negotiated retransmission consent agreements with cable networks in good faith and its failure to identify the sponsor of content it produced for the television stations it owns.
Tribune pulled out of the $3.9 billion merger in August and filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Sinclair saying the company knew it was taking a substantial risk by concealing information about its relationships with certain buyers from the FCC.
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Pai added that the FCC will not revoke Sinclair's licenses as a result of the settlement.
"I disagree with those, who for transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke Sinclair's licenses," said Pai. "While they don't like what they perceive to be the broadcaster's viewpoints, the First Amendment still applies around here."


upi--2020-05-06--Taiwan baseball league to allow fans back in ballparks amid pandemic

May 6 ( UPI ) -- A limited number of fans will be allowed to enter ballparks for games in Taiwan for the first time this season as stay-at-home orders continue to loosen amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The Chinese Professional Baseball League announced that up to 1,000 people will be permitted to enter baseball stadiums starting Friday after an agreement between the league and Taiwan 's Central Epidemic Command Center .
Other baseball leagues around the world were still suspended last month when games began in empty ballparks in Taiwan .
The league has been operating in vacant stadiums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One month has elapsed since the start of play on April 11 , '' the CPBL said Wednesday on its official website .
`` With the unity and cooperation of the government and the people , the epidemic in Taiwan has eased . ''
The CPBL said it will continue to maintain high levels of epidemic prevention policies to `` let baseball gradually return to Chinese life . ''
Baseball-starved American fans have been attracted to Taiwan 's five-team Chinese Professional Baseball League as Major League Baseball remains suspended indefinitely due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have started to broadcast games in English on social media to engage with overseas MLB spectators .
The Korean Baseball Organization joined the CPBL as the second baseball league to begin its 2020 regular season this week .
The KBO hosted its opening day on Tuesday without fans .

May 6 (UPI) -- A limited number of fans will be allowed to enter ballparks for games in Taiwan for the first time this season as stay-at-home orders continue to loosen amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chinese Professional Baseball League announced that up to 1,000 people will be permitted to enter baseball stadiums starting Friday after an agreement between the league and Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center.
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Other baseball leagues around the world were still suspended last month when games began in empty ballparks in Taiwan. The league has been operating in vacant stadiums since play started in mid-April.
"One month has elapsed since the start of play on April 11," the CPBL said Wednesday on its official website. "With the unity and cooperation of the government and the people, the epidemic in Taiwan has eased."
The CPBL said it will continue to maintain high levels of epidemic prevention policies to "let baseball gradually return to Chinese life."
Baseball-starved American fans have been attracted to Taiwan's five-team Chinese Professional Baseball League as Major League Baseball remains suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Teams in the CPBL have started to broadcast games in English on social media to engage with overseas MLB spectators.
Advertisement WELCOME BACK FANS!!!! We are hoping to allow 1000 fans to our stadiums as early as May 8th!Thank you to all the frontline workers at @MOHW_Taiwan for making this possible! #CPBL #TaiwanCanHelp#baseball pic.twitter.com/SaarkBuZsg— CPBL 中華職棒 (@CPBL) May 5, 2020
The Korean Baseball Organization joined the CPBL as the second baseball league to begin its 2020 regular season this week. The KBO hosted its opening day on Tuesday without fans.


upi--2020-05-06--Lawmakers question airline executives on use of government loans

May 6 ( UPI ) -- Lawmakers on Wednesday rebuked airline executives for poor treatment of customers and employees as they have received billions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief .
The Senate commerce science and transportation committee on aviation oversight questioned executives about issuing travel credits instead of refunds to travelers who cancel their trips , charging fees to keep the middle seat open on flights and cutting workers ' hours .
Sen. Richard Blumenthal , D-Conn. , said customers `` feel betrayed '' that airlines are not offering refunds in all cases despite the industry receiving $ 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 trillion Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Emergency Services Act signed in March including $ 25 billion for payroll and an additional $ 25 billion for other expenses .
`` When you come to us and ask for more assistance , my mind goes back to the bailout we 've just given you , '' said Blumenthal .
`` More than $ 25 billion in taxpayer money and now in effect you are continuing to mislead and deceive those taxpayers who have given you that bailout .
In effect , you are -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose money is going into your pocket . ''
Nicholas Calio , head of trade and lobbying group Airlines for America , said his members are complying with current regulations that dictate passengers who cancel their own flights can receive a flight voucher while airlines that cancel flights are obligated to offer a cash refund .
He also said it `` ought to be clear '' to some passengers receiving vouchers that they are entitled to a refund .
Calio added he did not appear before Congress to ask for more funds but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choices . ''
`` You can insist that everyone gets a refund who canceled the flight themselves instead of a voucher , '' Calico said .
`` Or you can drive the companies towards bankruptcy , which would happen very quickly at the rate things are going . ''
Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , and other lawmakers criticized Frontier Airlines ' announcement last week that it would charge $ 39 per passenger per flight to leave an empty seat on flights , questioning whether a rule could be put in place barring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to charge passengers to keep middle seats empty is capitalizing on fear and passengers ' well-founded concerns for their health and safety , '' Sen. Peter DeFazio , D-Ore. , said .
Sen. Maria Cantwell , D-Wash. , said she was concerned by airlines cutting employee hours despite receiving federal funding for payroll support and praised United for recently saying it would ask employees to volunteer to reduce their working hours before making involuntary cuts .
`` United backing off what it was trying to do with forced hour reduction is right , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JetBlue and Delta are going to do the right thing . ''

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Nicholas Calio president and CEO of Airlines for America, testifies during his opening statement, on Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C., Wednesday, May 6, 2020, before a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, on the state of the aviation industry and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Pool Photo by Graeme Jennings/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- Lawmakers on Wednesday rebuked airline executives for poor treatment of customers and employees as they have received billions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief. The Senate commerce science and transportation committee on aviation oversight questioned executives about issuing travel credits instead of refunds to travelers who cancel their trips, charging fees to keep the middle seat open on flights and cutting workers' hours. Advertisement
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said customers "feel betrayed" that airlines are not offering refunds in all cases despite the industry receiving $50 billion worth of grants in the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Emergency Services Act signed in March including $25 billion for payroll and an additional $25 billion for other expenses.
"When you come to us and ask for more assistance, my mind goes back to the bailout we've just given you," said Blumenthal. "More than $25 billion in taxpayer money and now in effect you are continuing to mislead and deceive those taxpayers who have given you that bailout. In effect, you are -- forgive me -- screwing the very taxpayers whose money is going into your pocket."
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Nicholas Calio, head of trade and lobbying group Airlines for America, said his members are complying with current regulations that dictate passengers who cancel their own flights can receive a flight voucher while airlines that cancel flights are obligated to offer a cash refund.
He also said it "ought to be clear" to some passengers receiving vouchers that they are entitled to a refund.
Calio added he did not appear before Congress to ask for more funds but said that airlines face "two bad choices."
"You can insist that everyone gets a refund who canceled the flight themselves instead of a voucher," Calico said. "Or you can drive the companies towards bankruptcy, which would happen very quickly at the rate things are going."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and other lawmakers criticized Frontier Airlines' announcement last week that it would charge $39 per passenger per flight to leave an empty seat on flights, questioning whether a rule could be put in place barring such fees.
"Frontier's decision to charge passengers to keep middle seats empty is capitalizing on fear and passengers' well-founded concerns for their health and safety," Sen. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., said.
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Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said she was concerned by airlines cutting employee hours despite receiving federal funding for payroll support and praised United for recently saying it would ask employees to volunteer to reduce their working hours before making involuntary cuts.
"United backing off what it was trying to do with forced hour reduction is right," said Cantwell. "I hope JetBlue and Delta are going to do the right thing."


upi--2020-05-07--NFL releases dates, times for 2020 regular-season schedule

May 7 ( UPI ) -- The NFL revealed its 2020 regular-season schedule Thursday , with the Kansas City Chiefs kicking off their Super Bowl title defense against the Houston Texans in Week 1 .
The league announced its schedule in anticipation of playing a normal season despite the coronavirus pandemic .
However , NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told all 32 teams in a memo this week that adjustments could happen if necessary .
`` We will continue to work in a deliberate and thoughtful way to plan for the 2020 season , including with [ Thursday 's ] schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will be prepared to address any contingencies as they arise . ''
The Chiefs will open the season by hosting the Texans in a Thursday Night Football matchup on Sept. 10 at Arrowhead Stadium .
It will be a rematch of last season 's AFC Divisional Round game , in which Kansas City rallied from a 21-0 deficit in the first quarter en route to a 51-31 victory .
In other Week 1 action , the Super Bowl runner-up San Francisco 49ers will host second-year quarterback Kyler Murray and the revamped Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Los Angeles for a matchup against the Rams on Sunday Night Football .
Also in Week 1 , Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints will host newcomer Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a late afternoon game on FOX .
Meanwhile , Brady 's former team -- the New England Patriots -- will host rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins in the opening week of games .
The Atlanta Falcons will take on the Seattle Seahawks in a battle of high-octane offenses , while the Green Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Vikings in Minnesota .
Joe Burrow , the No .
1 overall pick in this year 's draft , could make his pro debut in Week 1 against fellow first-round signal-caller Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers .
Below is the full schedule for Week 1 of the 2020-21 NFL season .
The remainder of the schedule for each team can be found at NFL.com .

The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans will open the 2020 season on Sept. 10. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- The NFL revealed its 2020 regular-season schedule Thursday, with the Kansas City Chiefs kicking off their Super Bowl title defense against the Houston Texans in Week 1. The league announced its schedule in anticipation of playing a normal season despite the coronavirus pandemic. However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told all 32 teams in a memo this week that adjustments could happen if necessary. Advertisement
"We will continue to work in a deliberate and thoughtful way to plan for the 2020 season, including with [Thursday's] schedule release," Goodell said. "We will be prepared to address any contingencies as they arise."
The Chiefs will open the season by hosting the Texans in a Thursday Night Football matchup on Sept. 10 at Arrowhead Stadium. It will be a rematch of last season's AFC Divisional Round game, in which Kansas City rallied from a 21-0 deficit in the first quarter en route to a 51-31 victory.
In other Week 1 action, the Super Bowl runner-up San Francisco 49ers will host second-year quarterback Kyler Murray and the revamped Arizona Cardinals. The Dallas Cowboys will travel to Los Angeles for a matchup against the Rams on Sunday Night Football.
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Also in Week 1, Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints will host newcomer Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a late afternoon game on FOX. Meanwhile, Brady's former team -- the New England Patriots -- will host rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins in the opening week of games.
The Atlanta Falcons will take on the Seattle Seahawks in a battle of high-octane offenses, while the Green Bay Packers will renew their NFC North rivalry with the Vikings in Minnesota. Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, could make his pro debut in Week 1 against fellow first-round signal-caller Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Below is the full schedule for Week 1 of the 2020-21 NFL season. The remainder of the schedule for each team can be found at NFL.com.
Thursday Night Kickoff, Sept. 10:
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. EST, NBC
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Sunday afternoon games, Sept. 13:
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. EST, FOX
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. EST, FOX
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. EST, CBS
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. EST, FOX
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. EST, CBS
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. EST, FOX
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. EST, CBS
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. EST, CBS
Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. EST, CBS
Sunday late games, Sept. 13:
Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals, 4:05 p.m. EST, CBS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 p.m. EST, FOX
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. EST, FOX
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 p.m. EST, NBC
Monday Night Football games, Sept. 14:
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Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants, 7:15 p.m. EST, ESPN
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos, 10:10 p.m. EST, ESPN


upi--2020-05-07--Disney Springs to begin phased reopening May 20

May 7 ( UPI ) -- The Disney Springs shopping and dining district in Orlando , Fla. , is to begin a phased reopening on May 20 , resort officials announced Thursday .
The area -- along with most other non-essential businesses and cultural institutions in the United States and Europe -- has been closed since March when social-distancing practices went into effect to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide .
`` During the initial opening phase , Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity , parking and operating hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Disney Springs , wrote on the Disney Parks Blog .
He added : `` Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures , including increased cleaning procedures , the use of appropriate face coverings by both cast members and guests , limited-contact guest services and additional safety training for cast members . ''
Simon recommended visitors the Disney Springs website closer to May 20 to see what businesses are open and what their hours are .
No reopening date has been announced for the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theme parks and hotels .

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The Disney Springs section of Disney World in Florida is scheduling a phased reopening for May 20. Photo by Michael Rivera/ Wikimedia Commons
May 7 (UPI) -- The Disney Springs shopping and dining district in Orlando, Fla., is to begin a phased reopening on May 20, resort officials announced Thursday. The area -- along with most other non-essential businesses and cultural institutions in the United States and Europe -- has been closed since March when social-distancing practices went into effect to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide. Advertisement
"During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity, parking and operating hours," Matt Simon, vice president of Disney Springs, wrote on the Disney Parks Blog.
He added: "Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both cast members and guests, limited-contact guest services and additional safety training for cast members."
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Simon recommended visitors check out the Disney Springs website closer to May 20 to see what businesses are open and what their hours are.
No reopening date has been announced for the rest of Walt Disney World Resort, including its theme parks and hotels.


upi--2020-05-07--Senate falls short of overriding Trump veto on Iran War Powers resolution

May 7 ( UPI ) -- The Senate on Thursday failed to override President Donald Trump 's veto of a resolution to limit presidential war-making authority against Iran .
The chamber voted 49-44 to override the veto issued by Trump on Wednesday , falling short of the two-thirds threshold required to push through the War Powers measure that would limit the president 's ability to take military action against Iran without congressional approval .
Trump described the measure as a `` very insulting resolution '' in his veto and said it would `` greatly '' damage his responsibility to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a hostile world of evolving threats and the Constitution recognizes that the president must be able to anticipate our adversaries ' next moves and take swift and decisive action in response , '' he said .
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called for lawmakers to support Trump 's `` rightful '' veto of the measure before the vote on Thursday .
`` Iran has not let popular unrest , a mismanaged economy , or COVID-19 slow their aggressive meddling from Yemen to the Mediterranean , '' he said .
`` We must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the decisive strike on Qasem Soleimani . ''
Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , introduced the bill alongside Republican Sens .
Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky and assured Thursday the measure was `` not part of a strategy to hurt President Trump . ''
`` I 've advocated these same positions as have other members of this body under presidents who were both Democratic and Republican , '' he said .
The measure received bipartisan support in both chambers , passing by a vote of 55-45 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Senate on Thursday failed to override President Donald Trump's veto of a War Powers resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, pictured, that would limit presidential authority to take military action without approval from Congress Pool Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- The Senate on Thursday failed to override President Donald Trump's veto of a resolution to limit presidential war-making authority against Iran. The chamber voted 49-44 to override the veto issued by Trump on Wednesday, falling short of the two-thirds threshold required to push through the War Powers measure that would limit the president's ability to take military action against Iran without congressional approval. Advertisement
Trump described the measure as a "very insulting resolution" in his veto and said it would "greatly" damage his responsibility to protect the United States.
"We live in a hostile world of evolving threats and the Constitution recognizes that the president must be able to anticipate our adversaries' next moves and take swift and decisive action in response," he said.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called for lawmakers to support Trump's "rightful" veto of the measure before the vote on Thursday.
"Iran has not let popular unrest, a mismanaged economy, or COVID-19 slow their aggressive meddling from Yemen to the Mediterranean," he said. "We must maintain the measure of deterrence we restored with the decisive strike on Qasem Soleimani."
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Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., introduced the bill alongside Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky and assured Thursday the measure was "not part of a strategy to hurt President Trump."
"I've advocated these same positions as have other members of this body under presidents who were both Democratic and Republican," he said.
The measure received bipartisan support in both chambers, passing by a vote of 55-45 in the Senate and 227-186 in the House.


upi--2020-05-07--Sam Esmail's new 'Battlestar Galactica' gets a screenwriter

May 7 ( UPI ) -- The Little Drummer Girl and Assassin 's Creed screenwriter Michael Lesslie has signed on to write and executive produce the Peacock 's new Battlestar Galactica sci-fi series .
The iconic show is also being executive produced by Mr .
Robot creator Sam Esmail .
It is billed in an NBCUniversal press release as a `` new story '' within the Battlestar Galactica mythology .
`` I am beyond excited to be taking on this iconic and inspirational show , '' Lesslie said in a statement to Deadline.com Thursday .
He added : `` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibilities of Battlestar Galactica 's world are infinite and that each iteration has raised the bar for epic and intelligent sci-fi storytelling .
The teams at Esmail Corp , UCP and Peacock are second to none , and I already know that we are going to honor Glen A. Larson and Ronald D. Moore 's landmark series and break new boundaries with our own vision .
It 's a dream come true -- one I just ca n't wait to share with fans , new and old alike .
So say we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the series aired on ABC 1978-79 .
A remake ran on the Sci Fi Channel 2004-09 .
No casting for the next generation has been announced yet .

Sam Esmail (L) -- pictured here with actress Emmy Rossum -- is executive producing a new version of "Battlestar Galactica." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- The Little Drummer Girl and Assassin's Creed screenwriter Michael Lesslie has signed on to write and executive produce the Peacock's new Battlestar Galactica sci-fi series. The iconic show is also being executive produced by Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail. Advertisement
It is billed in an NBCUniversal press release as a "new story" within the Battlestar Galactica mythology.
"I am beyond excited to be taking on this iconic and inspirational show," Lesslie said in a statement to Deadline.com Thursday.
He added: "As a lifelong devotee, I know that the possibilities of Battlestar Galactica's world are infinite and that each iteration has raised the bar for epic and intelligent sci-fi storytelling. The teams at Esmail Corp, UCP and Peacock are second to none, and I already know that we are going to honor Glen A. Larson and Ronald D. Moore's landmark series and break new boundaries with our own vision. It's a dream come true -- one I just can't wait to share with fans, new and old alike. So say we all."
The first incarnation of the series aired on ABC 1978-79. A remake ran on the Sci Fi Channel 2004-09.
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No casting for the next generation has been announced yet.


upi--2020-05-07--Raytheon nabs $19M for RAM missiles, GMLS launchers

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Raytheon Missile Systems was awarded a $ 19 million contract modification to exercise options @ @ @ @ @ and Guided Missile Launching Systems , according to the Department of Defense .
The deal @ @ @ @ @ June 2019 to provide the missile system for the U.S. Navy and the Japanese military @ @ @ @ @ Sales program .
Under the contract Raytheon will procure material , fabricate parts , aassemble @ @ @ @ @ Mof 5 GMLS and GMLS alteration kits .
The missile is a small , infrared @ @ @ @ @ against anti-ship cruise missiles , and developed jointly by the United States and Germany .
@ @ @ @ @ Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers , Nimitz-class carriers , Wasp-class amphibious assault ships and San @ @ @ @ @ .
Federal Republic of Germany funds in the amount of $ 19 million are obligated @ @ @ @ @ award .

The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island fires a rolling airframe missile as part of a training exercise. Photo by Harry Andrew D. Gordon/U.S. Navy
May 7 (UPI) -- Raytheon Missile Systems was awarded a $19 million contract modification to exercise options for Navy Rolling Airframe Missile and Guided Missile Launching Systems, according to the Department of Defense. The deal modifies a contract awarded in June 2019 to provide the missile system for the U.S. Navy and the Japanese military, under the Foreign Military Sales program. Advertisement
Under the contract Raytheon will procure material, fabricate parts, aassemble and test RAM MK 49 Mof 5 GMLS and GMLS alteration kits.
The missile is a small, infrared homing surface-to-air missile used primarily against anti-ship cruise missiles, and developed jointly by the United States and Germany.
It is in use aboard Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, Nimitz-class carriers, Wasp-class amphibious assault ships and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships.
Federal Republic of Germany funds in the amount of $19 million are obligated at the time of the award.


upi--2020-05-07--California to allow more retailers to open for curbside pickup Friday

May 7 ( UPI ) -- California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced that the state will move into the second phase of its plan to ease its stay-at-home order , allowing several types of business to open with restrictions .
The updated guidelines will allow retailers such as book stores , clothing stores , toy stores and florists to reopen for curbside pickup beginning Friday as California and other states lift guidelines related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 .
In order for these businesses to reopen they will be required to implement contactless payment procedures , provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensure employees have personal protective gear .
Manufacturers will also be allowed to reopen while keeping break rooms closed and creating outdoor break areas that allow people to maintain appropriate physical distance .
Warehouses can reopen as long as drivers carry sanitation materials during deliveries and wear personal protective equipment at each stop .
Office buildings , dine-in restaurants and shopping malls will be required to remain closed , but the state plans to release guidelines on Tuesday for allowing these businesses , as well as outdoor museums , to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , retailers , open-air malls , barbershops , hair salons and nail salons will be permitted to reopen with some restrictions on May 15 .
Restaurants and retailers will be required to operate at 50 percent of their allowed capacity and are still encouraged to operate mostly for take-out , pickup and drop-off orders .
All restaurant employees are required to wear face coverings and customers are encouraged to wear them as well .
Sisolak said reservations should be required for dine-in customers , booths should be spaced 6 feet apart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed and patrons waiting to be seated should wait outside .
Barber shops , hair salons and nail salons are encouraged to place partitions or walls between each work station and ensure each chair is spaced 6 feet apart .
Face coverings are also required for these businesses and services must be provided through appointment only .
Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchinson announced the state 's three gaming casinos will be allowed to open at one-third capacity on May 18 while enforcing `` strict social distancing . ''
Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to reopen on May 22 with 33 percent capacity and outdoor seating followed by movie theaters and fitness centers on June 1 , public and private campgrounds on June 11 , and childcare with reduced capacity as well as potentially low-touch and outdoor youth sports on June 15 .
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner questioned Texas Gov .
Abbott 's plan to reopen the state , including allowing hair salons to reopen on Friday , saying `` the virus is still present in our community . ''
`` Once you removed the enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do to enforce something that you ca n't enforce , '' Turner said .
President Donald Trump praised Abbott 's efforts to reopen the state during a Thursday meeting at the White House , including the governor 's decision to allow a salon owner to be released from jail after she opened her business before restrictions were lifted .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo also said Thursday that it was `` absurd '' for the state to weigh how many deaths are worth reopening businesses .
`` This is not a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and say , 'How many lives are you willing to lose to reopen the economy ? '
We do n't want to lose any lives , '' he said .

California and several other states announced plans to lift restrictions related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 as early as Friday, allowing some retailers to resume business with curbside pickup while states such as Nevada and Kentucky will allow restaurants and other retailers to open to customers in a limited capacity. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced that the state will move into the second phase of its plan to ease its stay-at-home order, allowing several types of business to open with restrictions. The updated guidelines will allow retailers such as book stores, clothing stores, toy stores and florists to reopen for curbside pickup beginning Friday as California and other states lift guidelines related to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Advertisement
In order for these businesses to reopen they will be required to implement contactless payment procedures, provide hand sanitizer for employees and customers, and ensure employees have personal protective gear.
Manufacturers will also be allowed to reopen while keeping break rooms closed and creating outdoor break areas that allow people to maintain appropriate physical distance. Warehouses can reopen as long as drivers carry sanitation materials during deliveries and wear personal protective equipment at each stop.
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Office buildings, dine-in restaurants and shopping malls will be required to remain closed, but the state plans to release guidelines on Tuesday for allowing these businesses, as well as outdoor museums, to reopen.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that restaurants, retailers, open-air malls, barbershops, hair salons and nail salons will be permitted to reopen with some restrictions on May 15.
Restaurants and retailers will be required to operate at 50 percent of their allowed capacity and are still encouraged to operate mostly for take-out, pickup and drop-off orders.
All restaurant employees are required to wear face coverings and customers are encouraged to wear them as well. Sisolak said reservations should be required for dine-in customers, booths should be spaced 6 feet apart, bar tops and bar areas should remain closed and patrons waiting to be seated should wait outside.
Barber shops, hair salons and nail salons are encouraged to place partitions or walls between each work station and ensure each chair is spaced 6 feet apart. Face coverings are also required for these businesses and services must be provided through appointment only.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the state's three gaming casinos will be allowed to open at one-third capacity on May 18 while enforcing "strict social distancing."
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said restaurants in the state will be able to reopen on May 22 with 33 percent capacity and outdoor seating followed by movie theaters and fitness centers on June 1, public and private campgrounds on June 11, and childcare with reduced capacity as well as potentially low-touch and outdoor youth sports on June 15.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner questioned Texas Gov. Abbott's plan to reopen the state, including allowing hair salons to reopen on Friday, saying "the virus is still present in our community."
"Once you removed the enforcement mechanism, there's nothing you can do to enforce something that you can't enforce," Turner said.
President Donald Trump praised Abbott's efforts to reopen the state during a Thursday meeting at the White House, including the governor's decision to allow a salon owner to be released from jail after she opened her business before restrictions were lifted.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also said Thursday that it was "absurd" for the state to weigh how many deaths are worth reopening businesses.
"This is not a situation where you can go to the American people and say, 'How many lives are you willing to lose to reopen the economy?' We don't want to lose any lives," he said.
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California life in the COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-07--Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh proposes major changes to NFL Draft eligibility rules

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is urging the NFL and NCAA to amend their rules and provide more flexibility to college football players who consider making the jump to the next level despite having college eligibility left .
In an open letter Thursday , Harbaugh laid out a proposal that would allow football players to enter the NFL Draft at any point during their collegiate careers .
He also wants players who go undrafted to be allowed to return to their respective schools .
Current NFL rules require that a player must be at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before entering the draft .
NCAA rules state that college football players are n't allowed to return to school once they declare for the draft , even if they have eligibility remaining .
`` There are 'early bloomers ' capable of competing in the NFL and earning a livelihood at an earlier age , '' Harbaugh wrote in the letter .
`` The goal would be to create a scenario that makes adjustments for all current and future student-athletes that puts the timeline for transition to professional football at their discretion and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option that allows them to make the decision that is best for them . ''
Harbaugh also said he would like to see rules that allow college football players to receive advice from agents before signing professional contracts , as long as the student-athlete is n't compensated during that process .
Under Harbaugh 's plan , a player would be permitted to enter his name in the draft and return to school if he is n't selected in the seven rounds of the draft .
If a player is picked in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would forfeit the remainder of his college eligibility .
Harbaugh 's letter also proposed eliminating the redshirt , giving all players five years of eligibility and lifting the hard cap of 25 incoming scholarship recruits and transfers .

Michigan Wolverines head football coach Jim Harbaugh's letter also proposes a blanket five-year eligibility clock for players with no need for a redshirt. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is urging the NFL and NCAA to amend their rules and provide more flexibility to college football players who consider making the jump to the next level despite having college eligibility left. In an open letter Thursday, Harbaugh laid out a proposal that would allow football players to enter the NFL Draft at any point during their collegiate careers. He also wants players who go undrafted to be allowed to return to their respective schools. Advertisement
Current NFL rules require that a player must be at least three years removed from high school before entering the draft. NCAA rules state that college football players aren't allowed to return to school once they declare for the draft, even if they have eligibility remaining.
"There are 'early bloomers' capable of competing in the NFL and earning a livelihood at an earlier age," Harbaugh wrote in the letter. "The goal would be to create a scenario that makes adjustments for all current and future student-athletes that puts the timeline for transition to professional football at their discretion and that of their family.
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"I propose an option that allows them to make the decision that is best for them."
Harbaugh also said he would like to see rules that allow college football players to receive advice from agents before signing professional contracts, as long as the student-athlete isn't compensated during that process.
Under Harbaugh's plan, a player would be permitted to enter his name in the draft and return to school if he isn't selected in the seven rounds of the draft. If a player is picked in the draft or signs a free-agent deal, he would forfeit the remainder of his college eligibility.
Harbaugh's letter also proposed eliminating the redshirt, giving all players five years of eligibility and lifting the hard cap of 25 incoming scholarship recruits and transfers.


upi--2020-05-07--Boeing awarded $128.5M modification to GMD missile upgrade contract

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Boeing was awarded a $ 128.5 million modification to its Ground-based Midcourse Defense development @ @ @ @ @ according to the Pentagon .
The deal modifies a contract awarded in 2018 for upgrades @ @ @ @ @ is the United States ' ballistic missile defense system .
The modification increases the total @ @ @ @ @ $ 11.2 billion to $ 11.3 billion and covers work performed through September 2022 .
@ @ @ @ @ in December .
The GMD provides commanders with the capability to target and eliminate limited @ @ @ @ @ in space , according to the Missile Defense Agency .
Under the modification Boeing will @ @ @ @ @ booster spare parts and associated avionics to maintain fleet and flight test programs , according @ @ @ @ @ .

A test of the nation's Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, was conducted from North Vandenberg in March 2019. Boeing was awarded a $128.5 million modification to its Ground-based Midcourse Defense development and sustainment contract Thursday. Photo by Jose Davila/U.S. Air Force
May 7 (UPI) -- Boeing was awarded a $128.5 million modification to its Ground-based Midcourse Defense development and sustainment contract Thursday, according to the Pentagon. The deal modifies a contract awarded in 2018 for upgrades to the GMD, which is the United States' ballistic missile defense system. Advertisement
The modification increases the total value of the contract from $11.2 billion to $11.3 billion and covers work performed through September 2022. The contract was last modified in December.
The GMD provides commanders with the capability to target and eliminate limited intermediate-and long-range ballistic missile threat in space, according to the Missile Defense Agency.
Under the modification Boeing will manufacture C2 boost vehicles, booster spare parts and associated avionics to maintain fleet and flight test programs, according to the Department of Defense.


upi--2020-05-07--Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani confirmed for Red Nose Day special

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Blake Shelton , Gwen Stefani , OneRepublic , Ellie Goulding and Steve Martin are confirmed to appear on NBC 's 6th annual Red Nose Day Special .
The 2-hour entertainment special and fundraiser is to air on the network on May 21 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT .
Also taking part in the program -- remotely in keeping with social distancing practices during the coronavirus pandemic -- will be Steep Canyon Rangers , Sam Smith , James Taylor , Meghan Trainor , Adrienne Warren , Jim Gaffigan , Tony Hale , Ray Romano , Lilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Milo Ventimiglia and Noah Jupe .
`` Red Nose Day 's mission is to end child poverty , '' a press release said .
`` And with the outbreak of COVID-19 , support for children in need has never been more critical .
Funds raised through Red Nose Day address both the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable children , helping to keep them safe , healthy and educated . ''
Celebrity Escape Room , hosted by Ben Stiller and Jack Black , will air at 8 p.m. that night .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kudrow and Adam Scott trying to solve puzzles in a race against time .

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Gwen Stefani (L) and Blake Shelton are set to take part in NBC's next Red Nose Day fundraiser. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding and Steve Martin are confirmed to appear on NBC's 6th annual Red Nose Day Special. The 2-hour entertainment special and fundraiser is to air on the network on May 21 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT. Advertisement
Also taking part in the program -- remotely in keeping with social distancing practices during the coronavirus pandemic -- will be Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Smith, James Taylor, Meghan Trainor, Adrienne Warren, Jim Gaffigan, Tony Hale, Ray Romano, Lilly Singh, Bryan Cranston, Mario Lopez, Milo Ventimiglia and Noah Jupe.
"Red Nose Day's mission is to end child poverty," a press release said.
"And with the outbreak of COVID-19, support for children in need has never been more critical. Funds raised through Red Nose Day address both the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable children, helping to keep them safe, healthy and educated."
Celebrity Escape Room, hosted by Ben Stiller and Jack Black, will air at 8 p.m. that night.
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The special will feature Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Adam Scott trying to solve puzzles in a race against time.


upi--2020-05-07--World moves to reopen after 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--2020-05-07--Arthritis drug shows promise against respiratory distress caused by COVID-19

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Anakinra , a drug developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis , or RA , might help patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19 , a small study published Thursday by The Lancet Rheumatology has found .
The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001 to treat RA .
It is the latest prescription medication developed for another purpose to be evaluated for use in people with the disease caused by the new coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2 .
`` Until a vaccine is available , we urgently need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 , and to do that without overwhelming the intensive care capacity of hospitals , '' study co-author Lorenzo Dagna said in a press release .
`` A treatment that has already met strict safety tests and that is available in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of the current pandemic is ideal , '' said Dagna , head of immunology , rheumatology , allergy and rare diseases at San Raffaele Hospital and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Italy .
The research was performed there .
COVID-19 has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more than 260,000 people have died , according to figures from Johns Hopkins University .
Most people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms , but in those with serious illness , the immune system overreacts , causing rapid production of immune proteins called cytokines .
This so-called `` cytokine storm '' leads to hyper-inflammation in the lungs and acute respiratory distress syndrome , or ARDS , as well as reduced oxygen levels in the blood .
ARDS is the main cause of death from COVID-19 .
In RA , an autoimmune form of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 , which is why Dagna and his colleagues tried it on patients with severe COVID-19 , many of whom had other underlying health conditions .
For the trial , 29 patients who had ARDS and hyper-inflammation received intravenously a daily regimen of 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight , as well as `` standard treatment '' for the virus -- non-invasive ventilation , or CPAP , and the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine -- for 21 days .
The study authors noted that this is considered a high dose for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with RA is 100 mg. daily .
That high dose resulted in progressive improvements in respiratory function in 21 of the 29 patients .
In all , 26 of the 29 recovered from COVID-19 .
Both of these results are significant improvements over those experienced by patients who received only standard treatment , the researchers said .
Of 16 patients who received standard treatment , respiratory function improved in only half , and nine ultimately died from the virus .
`` While great attention has been focused so far on viral control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial for the treatment of COVID-19 , and it seems to have allowed us to postpone or avoid intubation in most patients , '' said co-author Chiara Tassan Din , of the Department of Infectious Diseases at San Raffaele Hospital .
The authors reported that high-dose anakinra generally was safe .
However they noted that this was not a randomized , controlled trial -- the gold standard for proving the safety and effectiveness of a treatment .
A randomized , controlled trial of the drug in COVID-19 is underway , but it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with ARDS .
`` Our study is the first to suggest that a high dose of the arthritis drug anakinra may be able to block the overreaction of the immune system caused by COVID-19 , '' said co-author Dr. Giulio Cavalli , of San Raffaele Hospital .
`` The results are interesting and the drug deserves controlled testing in large randomized trials . ''

A drug for rheumatoid arthritis may reduce lung inflammation in people with COVID-19, lessening the need for ventilators. Photo by Simon Orlob/Pixabay
May 7 (UPI) -- Anakinra, a drug developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, might help patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19, a small study published Thursday by The Lancet Rheumatology has found. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001 to treat RA. It is the latest prescription medication developed for another purpose to be evaluated for use in people with the disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Advertisement
"Until a vaccine is available, we urgently need to find a way to help people survive the most severe symptoms of COVID-19, and to do that without overwhelming the intensive care capacity of hospitals," study co-author Lorenzo Dagna said in a press release.
"A treatment that has already met strict safety tests and that is available in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of the current pandemic is ideal," said Dagna, head of immunology, rheumatology, allergy and rare diseases at San Raffaele Hospital and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Italy. The research was performed there.
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COVID-19 has infected nearly 3.8 million people globally, and more than 260,000 people have died, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. Most people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, but in those with serious illness, the immune system overreacts, causing rapid production of immune proteins called cytokines.
This so-called "cytokine storm" leads to hyper-inflammation in the lungs and acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, as well as reduced oxygen levels in the blood. ARDS is the main cause of death from COVID-19.
In RA, an autoimmune form of arthritis, anakinra works by blocking the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1, which is why Dagna and his colleagues tried it on patients with severe COVID-19, many of whom had other underlying health conditions.
For the trial, 29 patients who had ARDS and hyper-inflammation received intravenously a daily regimen of 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, as well as "standard treatment" for the virus -- non-invasive ventilation, or CPAP, and the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine -- for 21 days.
The study authors noted that this is considered a high dose for the drug, as the recommended dose for patients with RA is 100 mg. daily.
That high dose resulted in progressive improvements in respiratory function in 21 of the 29 patients. In all, 26 of the 29 recovered from COVID-19.
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Both of these results are significant improvements over those experienced by patients who received only standard treatment, the researchers said. Of 16 patients who received standard treatment, respiratory function improved in only half, and nine ultimately died from the virus.
"While great attention has been focused so far on viral control, inflammation control might also be as crucial for the treatment of COVID-19, and it seems to have allowed us to postpone or avoid intubation in most patients," said co-author Chiara Tassan Din, of the Department of Infectious Diseases at San Raffaele Hospital.
The authors reported that high-dose anakinra generally was safe. However they noted that this was not a randomized, controlled trial -- the gold standard for proving the safety and effectiveness of a treatment.
A randomized, controlled trial of the drug in COVID-19 is underway, but it is assessing lower doses and does not include patients with ARDS.
"Our study is the first to suggest that a high dose of the arthritis drug anakinra may be able to block the overreaction of the immune system caused by COVID-19," said co-author Dr. Giulio Cavalli, of San Raffaele Hospital. "The results are interesting and the drug deserves controlled testing in large randomized trials."


upi--2020-05-07--History cancels 'Project Blue Book,' 'Knightfall'

May 7 ( UPI ) -- A & E Networks has opted not to renew the History channel shows Project @ @ @ @ @ third seasons .
The cancellations were reported Thursday by Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter .
@ @ @ @ @ on the real-life experiences of Dr. J. Allen Hynek ( Aidan Gillen ) , a @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Air Force to investigate unexplained mysteries , possibly involving aliens from other planets @ @ @ @ @ Malarkey , Neal McDonough , Michael Harney , Laura Mennell and Ksenia Solo also star @ @ @ @ @ Jerod Haynes .
`` Friends , very sad to report # ProjectBlueBook wo n't be @ @ @ @ @ 'll pursue mini-series only .
BUT , know this : We are committed to finding @ @ @ @ @ Now we need our 2.5mil+ weekly fans ' help !
# RenewBlueBook is now # @ @ @ @ @ show creator David O'Leary tweeted .
Knightfall was a drama about the Knights Templar , @ @ @ @ @ .

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Aidan Gillen's "Project Blue Book" has been canceled after two seasons on History. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- A&E Networks has opted not to renew the History channel shows Project Blue Book and Knightfall for third seasons. The cancellations were reported Thursday by Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter. Advertisement
Project Blue Book was based on the real-life experiences of Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Aidan Gillen), a college professor called upon by the U.S. Air Force to investigate unexplained mysteries, possibly involving aliens from other planets.
The series co-starred Michael Malarkey, Neal McDonough, Michael Harney, Laura Mennell and Ksenia Solo also star, with Keir O'Donnell and Jerod Haynes.
"Friends, very sad to report #ProjectBlueBook won't be renewed @HISTORY, who'll pursue mini-series only. BUT, know this: We are committed to finding it a new home! Now we need our 2.5mil+ weekly fans' help! #RenewBlueBook is now #SaveBlueBook! RT!" show creator David O'Leary tweeted.
Knightfall was a drama about the Knights Templar, set in the 14th century.
It starred Tom Cullen, Jim Carter, Padraic Delaney, Olivia Ross and Mark Hamill.
Friends, very sad to report #ProjectBlueBook won't be renewed @HISTORY, who'll pursue mini-series only. BUT, know this: We are committed to finding it a new home! Now we need our 2.5mil+ weekly fans' help! #RenewBlueBook is now #SaveBlueBook! RT!  pic.twitter.com/NipqPhbcSs— David O'Leary (@davideoleary) May 7, 2020


upi--2020-05-07--President Donald Trump applauds Gov. Greg Abbott's handling of Texas reopening during White House vi

President Donald Trump applauds Gov. Greg Abbott's handling of Texas reopening during White House visit

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Gov .
Greg Abbott met Thursday with President Donald Trump in the White House to discuss Texas ' response to the coronavirus pandemic as the state moves forward with restarting its economy .
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office , Abbott touted the state 's ability to reopen while still responding to flare-ups in certain places .
He also promoted the action he took hours earlier that prevents Texans from being jailed for violating his executive orders .
That decision was prompted by the case of Shelley Luther , a Dallas hair salon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for illegally reopening her business .
She was freed as Abbott was at the White House .
`` We should not be taking these people and put them behind bars , '' Abbott said .
`` That is wrong , and that is why I issued another executive order today saying that in the state of Texas , no one can be put behind bars because they 're not following an executive order .
It 's common sense . ''
`` That includes the woman that we 've been reading about with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has been complimentary of Abbott 's leadership during the pandemic , most recently of the governor 's efforts to restore the Texas economy .
The next phase of that process begins Friday , when Abbott is allowing barbershops and salons to reopen under certain restrictions .
`` Gov .
Abbott , when you look at the job he 's done in Texas , I rely on his judgment , '' Trump said .
While discussing the reopening process with Trump , Abbott repeatedly pointed to the state 's new `` surge response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressing flare-ups locally going forward .
Abbott noted that most of the high concentrations of cases have been occurring at meatpacking plants , jails and senior centers , `` and if it were n't for those three categories , the people in Texas testing positive would be very minimal . ''
`` It 's like putting out a fire , '' Abbott said of the work that the surge response teams are doing .
Abbott said Texas has `` learned so much [ over ] the past few months '' about combatting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these strategies to make sure that we are able to contain any type of outbreak , and that allows the rest of the economy of big states like Texas to continue to go and grow while we manage and contain the outbreaks where they exist , '' Abbott said .
The meeting including Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus response coordinator , whom Abbott regularly cites in defending his reopening efforts .
Asked about Texas ' plans , she said she has remained in touch with Abbott , and in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion '' about not including nail salons in his first round of business reopenings `` because you ca n't really physical distance . ''
`` We had that discussion , and he agreed , and we moved forward together , '' Birx said .
Asked if Texas was a role model for other states , Birx replied , `` Every state is different , so I do n't want to get in comparison with the governors because I talk to some incredible governors who are all doing quite a good job . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases in Texas rose to at least 35,390 , with 973 deaths , according to the latest numbers from the Texas Department of State Health Services .
Eighty-five percent of Texas ' 254 counties -- 217 -- are reporting cases .
There have been 455,162 tests conducted in the state , according to the latest figures .
While the daily number of tests has been on an upward trend , the tally is still not hitting Abbott 's own target , which is at least 25,000 per day .
Democrats have argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen the economy , a point they reiterated ahead of his meeting with Trump .
`` From a lack of testing at the federal and state level to reopening businesses before health experts say it is safe to open , Trump and Abbott have both mismanaged the coronavirus crisis , '' Texas Democratic Party spokesperson Abhi Rahman said in a statement .
`` Abbott is Donald Trump without the showmanship . ''
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune .
Read the original here .
The Texas Tribune is a non-profit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and engages with them -- about public policy , politics , government and statewide issues .

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President Donald Trump meets with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday. Pool Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- Gov. Greg Abbott met Thursday with President Donald Trump in the White House to discuss Texas' response to the coronavirus pandemic as the state moves forward with restarting its economy. Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Abbott touted the state's ability to reopen while still responding to flare-ups in certain places. He also promoted the action he took hours earlier that prevents Texans from being jailed for violating his executive orders. That decision was prompted by the case of Shelley Luther, a Dallas hair salon owner who was jailed earlier this week for illegally reopening her business. She was freed as Abbott was at the White House. Advertisement
"We should not be taking these people and put them behind bars," Abbott said. "That is wrong, and that is why I issued another executive order today saying that in the state of Texas, no one can be put behind bars because they're not following an executive order. It's common sense."
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"That includes the woman that we've been reading about with the beauty salon?" Trump asked.
"She's free today," Abbott replied.
"Good," Trump said.
Trump has been complimentary of Abbott's leadership during the pandemic, most recently of the governor's efforts to restore the Texas economy. The next phase of that process begins Friday, when Abbott is allowing barbershops and salons to reopen under certain restrictions.
"Gov. Abbott, when you look at the job he's done in Texas, I rely on his judgment," Trump said.
While discussing the reopening process with Trump, Abbott repeatedly pointed to the state's new "surge response teams," which are tasked with addressing flare-ups locally going forward. Abbott noted that most of the high concentrations of cases have been occurring at meatpacking plants, jails and senior centers, "and if it weren't for those three categories, the people in Texas testing positive would be very minimal."
"It's like putting out a fire," Abbott said of the work that the surge response teams are doing.
Abbott said Texas has "learned so much [over] the past few months" about combatting the virus.
"We now have all these strategies to make sure that we are able to contain any type of outbreak, and that allows the rest of the economy of big states like Texas to continue to go and grow while we manage and contain the outbreaks where they exist," Abbott said.
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The meeting including Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, whom Abbott regularly cites in defending his reopening efforts. Asked about Texas' plans, she said she has remained in touch with Abbott, and in one instance, they had a "long discussion" about not including nail salons in his first round of business reopenings "because you can't really physical distance."
"We had that discussion, and he agreed, and we moved forward together," Birx said.
Asked if Texas was a role model for other states, Birx replied, "Every state is different, so I don't want to get in comparison with the governors because I talk to some incredible governors who are all doing quite a good job."
The meeting came as the number of coronavirus cases in Texas rose to at least 35,390, with 973 deaths, according to the latest numbers from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Eighty-five percent of Texas' 254 counties -- 217 -- are reporting cases.
There have been 455,162 tests conducted in the state, according to the latest figures. While the daily number of tests has been on an upward trend, the tally is still not hitting Abbott's own target, which is at least 25,000 per day.
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Democrats have argued that Abbott is moving too quickly to reopen the economy, a point they reiterated ahead of his meeting with Trump.
"From a lack of testing at the federal and state level to reopening businesses before health experts say it is safe to open, Trump and Abbott have both mismanaged the coronavirus crisis," Texas Democratic Party spokesperson Abhi Rahman said in a statement. "Abbott is Donald Trump without the showmanship."
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is a non-profit, non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Stay-home orders draw demonstrations across U.S.


upi--2020-05-07--Navy breaks ground on laser weapons test lab in California

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Navy leaders and private contractors broke ground this week on what will become the fleet 's only dedicated facility to test , fire and evaluate complete laser weapon systems in a maritime environment , Naval Sea Systems Command announced on Thursday .
The Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory is projected to open in roughly a year along the Point Mugu Sea Range near Naval Base Ventura County in California .
`` The value of the Point Mugu Sea Range is that you can put a facility of this nature right on the coastline and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and take advantage of that testing capability , '' Thomas Dowd , range department director of Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division , Naval Air Systems Command , said Tuesday during the small groundbreaking ceremony .
`` The decision to build it here is a recognition of the value of the partnership we have between location , geography , maritime environment and engineering talent at the two centers . ''
The facility is intended to recreate as realistically as possible how High Energy Laser weapons behave on a Navy ship platform , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moisture , humidity , salt , fog , differing air densities and temperature will affect laser performance .
Lab staff will also test how ships ' systems power and cool the energy-intense weapons , and will test them by shooting at targets on the sea range and air over the range .
`` This lab is a great win for the Navy , and it further affirms that even during a crisis , the Navy and NAVSEA have been -- and continue to be -- open for business , executing our mission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commanding officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center , Port Hueneme Division .
This year , the Navy has announced multiple deals and developments related to laser weapons .
Lockheed Martin was awarded a a $ 22.4 million deal in March for work on a Layered Laser Defense system prototype on board a littoral combat ship , and the installation of an Optical Dazzling Interdictor , Navy , or ODIN , on the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey in February .
In March , Lockheed also announced it had completed a critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance , or HELIOS , system .
`` What 's happened is that in the last five to 10 years , there 's been a revolution in laser technology , '' Rob Afzal , a senior fellow at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission System , told UPI .
Previous laser weapons were incredibly powerful -- but too large and heavy to transport in a way that would make them useful in combat , Afzal said .
The tipping point was the development of fiber lasers , which use fibers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more stable and powerful than other lasers .
`` That 's what really started to push up the power lasers , '' David Stoudt , a senior executive advisor with Booz Allen Hamilton and former Navy engineer , told UPI .
The estimated cost of the lab , which will be built by Harper Construction Co. Inc. , of San Diego , is roughly $ 23 million .
Navy in-service engineering agents , or ISEA , for ship-based combat and laser systems will operate DESIL , enabling the lasers to support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's maritime superiority strategy .
`` The ISEA engineers will recreate issues , and investigate engineering issues for deployed DE-installed ships , and use the lab as a test range asset , '' said Marcos Gonzalez , project lead for DESIL .
`` DESIL could also bring in industry-developed versions of lasers , and developers could perform firing exercises on the test range . ''
The range may also be made open to others in the directed energy community , such as university researchers , Gonzalez said .

U.S. Navy officials and the owner of Harper Construction, which will build the Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory, pictured at a May 5 groundbreaking for the lab. Photo by Dana White/U.S. Navy
May 7 (UPI) -- Navy leaders and private contractors broke ground this week on what will become the fleet's only dedicated facility to test, fire and evaluate complete laser weapon systems in a maritime environment, Naval Sea Systems Command announced on Thursday. The Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory is projected to open in roughly a year along the Point Mugu Sea Range near Naval Base Ventura County in California. Advertisement
"The value of the Point Mugu Sea Range is that you can put a facility of this nature right on the coastline and it can operate in the sea range, and take advantage of that testing capability," Thomas Dowd, range department director of Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Naval Air Systems Command, said Tuesday during the small groundbreaking ceremony. "The decision to build it here is a recognition of the value of the partnership we have between location, geography, maritime environment and engineering talent at the two centers."
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The facility is intended to recreate as realistically as possible how High Energy Laser weapons behave on a Navy ship platform, and will help establish how conditions like moisture, humidity, salt, fog, differing air densities and temperature will affect laser performance.
Lab staff will also test how ships' systems power and cool the energy-intense weapons, and will test them by shooting at targets on the sea range and air over the range.
"This lab is a great win for the Navy, and it further affirms that even during a crisis, the Navy and NAVSEA have been -- and continue to be -- open for business, executing our mission," said Capt. Ray Acevedo, commanding officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division.
This year, the Navy has announced multiple deals and developments related to laser weapons. Lockheed Martin was awarded a a $22.4 million deal in March for work on a Layered Laser Defense system prototype on board a littoral combat ship, and the installation of an Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy, or ODIN, on the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey in February.
In March, Lockheed also announced it had completed a critical design review for the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance, or HELIOS, system.
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"What's happened is that in the last five to 10 years, there's been a revolution in laser technology," Rob Afzal, a senior fellow at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission System, told UPI.
Previous laser weapons were incredibly powerful -- but too large and heavy to transport in a way that would make them useful in combat, Afzal said.
The tipping point was the development of fiber lasers, which use fibers dipped in rare earth elements and are much more stable and powerful than other lasers.
"That's what really started to push up the power lasers," David Stoudt, a senior executive advisor with Booz Allen Hamilton and former Navy engineer, told UPI.
The estimated cost of the lab, which will be built by Harper Construction Co. Inc., of San Diego, is roughly $23 million.
Navy in-service engineering agents, or ISEA, for ship-based combat and laser systems will operate DESIL, enabling the lasers to support the fleet as crucial components of the Navy's maritime superiority strategy.
"The ISEA engineers will recreate issues, and investigate engineering issues for deployed DE-installed ships, and use the lab as a test range asset," said Marcos Gonzalez, project lead for DESIL. "DESIL could also bring in industry-developed versions of lasers, and developers could perform firing exercises on the test range."
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The range may also be made open to others in the directed energy community, such as university researchers, Gonzalez said.


upi--2020-05-07--Researchers find honey bee gene that causes virgin birth

May 7 ( UPI ) -- The Cape honey bee , a subspecies found along the southern coast of South Africa , reproduces without having sex .
Now , scientists have identified the gene responsible for the bee 's virgin births .
Scientists found the gene , named GB45239 , on the bee 's eleventh chromosome .
The discovery , detailed this week in the journal Current Biology , ends a 30-year search for the virgin birth gene .
Analysis of the novel gene could help scientists gain new insights into the evolution of different reproductive strategies .
`` Sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet it is the most common form of reproduction for animals and plants on the planet , '' study co-author Benjamin Oldroyd , professor of behavioral genetics at the University of Sydney in Australia , said in a news release .
`` It 's a major biological mystery why there is so much sex going on and it does n't make evolutionary sense .
Asexuality is a much more efficient way to reproduce , and every now and then we see a species revert to it . ''
The presence of GB45239 allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that produce only females .
In an bee society capable of asexual reproduction , males are mostly useless .
But even without the drama of mating , Cape honey bee colonies are often full of strife .
`` Cape workers can become genetically reincarnated as a female queen and that prospect changes everything , '' Oldroyd said .
`` Instead of being a cooperative society , Cape honey bee colonies are riven with conflict because any worker can be genetically reincarnated as the next queen .
When a colony loses its queen the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother of the next queen . ''
The Cape bee , Apis mellifera capensis , is a subspecies of the western honey bee .
The ability to asexually birth daughters -- known as `` thelytokous parthenogenesis '' -- is n't the only trait that sets them apart from their African relatives .
Cape bee workers boast larger and more easily activated ovaries capable of producing queen pheromones .
This attribute allows the subspecies to use what 's called social parasitism to invade foreign colonies , reproduce and persuade the host bees to feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social parasitism are responsible for the loss of 10,000 commercial honey bee colonies in South Africa every year .
If scientists can find a way to manipulate GB45239 , to turn on and off the thelytokous parthenogenesis gene , the method could be used to combat a variety of asexually reproducing pest species .
`` If we could control a switch that allows animals to reproduce asexually , that would have important applications in agriculture , biotechnology and many other fields , '' Oldroyd said .

Cape honey bees, a subspecies from South Africa, can asexually produce daughters. Photo by Discott/ Wikimedia Commons
May 7 (UPI) -- The Cape honey bee, a subspecies found along the southern coast of South Africa, reproduces without having sex. Now, scientists have identified the gene responsible for the bee's virgin births. Scientists found the gene, named GB45239, on the bee's eleventh chromosome. The discovery, detailed this week in the journal Current Biology, ends a 30-year search for the virgin birth gene. Advertisement
Analysis of the novel gene could help scientists gain new insights into the evolution of different reproductive strategies.
"Sex is a weird way to reproduce and yet it is the most common form of reproduction for animals and plants on the planet," study co-author Benjamin Oldroyd, professor of behavioral genetics at the University of Sydney in Australia, said in a news release. "It's a major biological mystery why there is so much sex going on and it doesn't make evolutionary sense. Asexuality is a much more efficient way to reproduce, and every now and then we see a species revert to it."
The presence of GB45239 allows Cape honey bee workers to lay eggs that produce only females. In an bee society capable of asexual reproduction, males are mostly useless. But even without the drama of mating, Cape honey bee colonies are often full of strife.
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"Cape workers can become genetically reincarnated as a female queen and that prospect changes everything," Oldroyd said. "Instead of being a cooperative society, Cape honey bee colonies are riven with conflict because any worker can be genetically reincarnated as the next queen. When a colony loses its queen the workers fight and compete to be the mother of the next queen."
The Cape bee, Apis mellifera capensis, is a subspecies of the western honey bee. The ability to asexually birth daughters -- known as "thelytokous parthenogenesis" -- isn't the only trait that sets them apart from their African relatives.
Cape bee workers boast larger and more easily activated ovaries capable of producing queen pheromones. This attribute allows the subspecies to use what's called social parasitism to invade foreign colonies, reproduce and persuade the host bees to feed their larvae. Cape bees and their social parasitism are responsible for the loss of 10,000 commercial honey bee colonies in South Africa every year.
If scientists can find a way to manipulate GB45239, to turn on and off the thelytokous parthenogenesis gene, the method could be used to combat a variety of asexually reproducing pest species.
"If we could control a switch that allows animals to reproduce asexually, that would have important applications in agriculture, biotechnology and many other fields," Oldroyd said.


upi--2020-05-07--Lyft, Amtrak to require employees, passengers to wear face coverings

May 7 ( UPI ) -- Lyft and Amtrak announced new safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , including requiring all employees and passengers to wear face coverings .
Lyft issued a statement Thursday announcing a new health and safety program that will require personal health certification , face masks and health safety education for both drivers and riders .
Under the Lyft program , every rider and driver will be required to self certify that they will wear a face covering throughout the entirety of their ride , are free of COVID-19 symptoms , will keep vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave windows open when possible .
Passengers must also agree to not ride in the front seat of a Lyft vehicle .
`` Anyone who does not agree to the personal health certification will be unable to request a ride or drive with Lyft , '' the company said .
Amtrak also announced that all customers in stations , trains and thruway buses will be required to wear facial covering beginning Monday .
The railway also announced it has temporarily reduced coach- and business-class sales to 50 percent capacity and is accepting only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has also implemented guidelines and other information to promote social distancing during trips .
`` Signage has been displayed at several of our busiest staffed stations to indicate safe distances in high customer traffic areas such as waiting rooms , in front ticket offices , at the base/top of escalators , lunge entrances , etc.
, '' Amtrak said .
`` In addition , clear protective barriers have been retrofitted at staffed stations where there are no current glass barriers . ''

Lyft and Amtrak announced that all employees and passengers will be required to wear face masks or other coverings during travel in addition to omplementing other practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- Lyft and Amtrak announced new safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including requiring all employees and passengers to wear face coverings. Lyft issued a statement Thursday announcing a new health and safety program that will require personal health certification, face masks and health safety education for both drivers and riders. Advertisement
Under the Lyft program, every rider and driver will be required to self certify that they will wear a face covering throughout the entirety of their ride, are free of COVID-19 symptoms, will keep vehicles clean, frequently sanitize their hands and leave windows open when possible.
Passengers must also agree to not ride in the front seat of a Lyft vehicle.
"Anyone who does not agree to the personal health certification will be unable to request a ride or drive with Lyft," the company said.
Amtrak also announced that all customers in stations, trains and thruway buses will be required to wear facial covering beginning Monday.
The railway also announced it has temporarily reduced coach- and business-class sales to 50 percent capacity and is accepting only cashless payments on stations and trains.
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It has also implemented guidelines and other information to promote social distancing during trips.
"Signage has been displayed at several of our busiest staffed stations to indicate safe distances in high customer traffic areas such as waiting rooms, in front ticket offices, at the base/top of escalators, lunge entrances, etc.," Amtrak said. "In addition, clear protective barriers have been retrofitted at staffed stations where there are no current glass barriers."


upi--2020-05-07--'Wonderful World of Disney' returning to ABC

May 7 ( UPI ) -- ABC announced Thursday that it is bringing back its The Wonderful World of Disney programming banner .
The network will show a different classic Disney movie on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT , starting with Moana on May 20 .
Other films scheduled to screen in the time slot each week include Thor : The Dark World on May 27 , Up on June 3 and Big Hero 6 on June 10 .
The Wonderful World of Disney showcase for Disney 's projects has aired off and on since 1954 .
`` Presenting these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABC is one of many ways The Walt Disney Company is bringing the magic of Disney into homes right now , '' a press release said .
`` At DisneyMagicMoments.com , fans and families can find more entertaining stories , videos and activities from Disney , Pixar , Star Wars , Marvel and National Geographic that inspire imagination and discovery . ''
A second edition of last month 's popular Disney Singalong special is also set to air on Sunday .
The company also made its recent blockbusters Onward and Frozen 2 available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service Disney+ The special programming comes as theaters and theme parks remain shuttered in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide .

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Auli'i Cravalho's movie "Moana" will be the first film shown on ABC's revived "Wonderful World of Disney" program, which will air on Wednesdays, starting May 20. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 7 (UPI) -- ABC announced Thursday that it is bringing back its The Wonderful World of Disney programming banner. The network will show a different classic Disney movie on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT, starting with Moana on May 20. Advertisement
Other films scheduled to screen in the time slot each week include Thor: The Dark World on May 27, Up on June 3 and Big Hero 6 on June 10.
The Wonderful World of Disney showcase for Disney's projects has aired off and on since 1954.
"Presenting these iconic films, listed below, on ABC is one of many ways The Walt Disney Company is bringing the magic of Disney into homes right now," a press release said. "At DisneyMagicMoments.com, fans and families can find more entertaining stories, videos and activities from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic that inspire imagination and discovery."
A second edition of last month's popular Disney Singalong special is also set to air on Sunday. The company also made its recent blockbusters Onward and Frozen 2 available months earlier than planned on its streaming service Disney+
The special programming comes as theaters and theme parks remain shuttered in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide.
Advertisement "There there." -Baymax, Big Hero 6 pic.twitter.com/1tqDKG7uf0— Disney (@Disney) May 7, 2020