upi--2020-07-31--Next COVID-19 casualty: Cities hit hard by pandemic face bankruptcy

July 31 ( UPI ) -- U.S. cities are fast running out of cash .
The pandemic will reduce local government revenues by an estimated $ 11.6 billion in 2020 .
With COVID-19 requiring residents to stay home and stores to shutter , the bulk of this reduction comes from a slump in local sales taxes .
Declines will continue into 2021 .
State revenues are heading in the same direction , so many U.S. cities will need to rely on help from the federal government .
Aid to cities may be part of the next pandemic aid package being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
But so far , the Republicans ' bill leaves out any new funding for state and local governments , while the Democrats ' bill includes $ 1 trillion for it .
And if federal assistance arrives , it will not fix every city 's budget .
The pandemic has hit budgets so hard that even cities in relatively good financial health -- including those with rainy day funds to help them through an emergency -- will face significant changes to staffing and services .
For cities in the poorest shape , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a legal process where people , companies and governments who can not pay their debts seek to reduce them .
Which debts get paid during a bankruptcy are important decisions .
They involve how comfortable a city employee 's retirement might be , the level of health insurance for pensioners and workers , the extent of labor protections for employees and the future cost of borrowing for a city .
City bankruptcy was created by Congress after the Great Depression , in response to 4,770 units of city government going belly up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to file for bankruptcy .
Those states that do not allow city bankruptcy -- Georgia and Iowa explicitly prohibit filing , with the other 21 states having no specific allowance or prohibition -- manage the problem of city indebtedness in various ways , ranging from strict budget oversight to the disbanding of heavily indebted cities .
Since 1938 , city bankruptcy has been used around 700 times .
A city 's bankruptcy differs from corporate bankruptcy in that it does not allow for the liquidation of assets .
For cities , bankruptcy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off things -- such as public roads and buildings -- to pay off debts .
The bankruptcy judge 's role is to determine whether the proposed reduction is fair to all people the city owes money to , which may include workers , pensioners , bankers , suppliers and investors .
But bankruptcies can look different in different cities .
We are scholars who research changes in how cities go about budgeting .
Our work has showed that the city bankruptcies that followed the Great Recession of 2007 and 2008 were not uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , your government owed money to lots of people .
The converse was true in small cities .
As the number of participants in a bankruptcy increases , the task of deciding how much different creditors should get repaid becomes more complicated .
Westfall Township , Pa. , home to about 2,000 people , declared bankruptcy in 2009 after losing a lawsuit to New Jersey real estate developers David and Barbara Katz .
Courts ruled that the city owed the Katzes $ 20.8 million after improperly denying them permission to develop projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just $ 1 million , Westfall had few options but to file for bankruptcy .
Resolving Westfall 's bankruptcy meant reaching a new agreement with the Katzes .
The bankruptcy court approved a $ 6 million settlement with the developers and gave Westfall 20 years to pay .
The city would also raise property taxes and delay the repayment of other debts .
By 2014 , Westfall 's budget had recovered enough for Pennsylvania to remove it from its list of distressed cities .
Bankruptcy proceedings were more complicated in Vallejo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of San Francisco Bay .
Vallejo , population 120,000 , had a 2008-09 budget of $ 79.6 million .
In 2008 , the city lost around one-quarter of its revenues as local sales taxes and real estate development fees collapsed .
Vallejo suddenly found itself unable to pay all of its bills .
The City Council voted unanimously to file for bankruptcy .
In its bankruptcy filing , the city estimated it had between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors .
The most contentious part of the bankruptcy concerned the city 's obligations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that its bankruptcy should include the option of reducing employee wages and benefits , and changing working conditions , if necessary , without union consent .
The judge agreed and , in doing so , expanded what types of debt could be reduced in bankruptcy .
This was , and remains , controversial .
Although unions have pushed back , later bankruptcies have confirmed the court 's decision .
Vallejo ultimately chose not to impose new employment contracts on most of its employees .
That decision helped Vallejo avoid costly legal battles -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages and pensions , remained largely unaltered .
The city emerged out of bankruptcy solvent but struggling .
Filing for bankruptcy ended up costing Vallejo over $ 20 million in court and legal fees .
Vallejo 's bankruptcy foreshadowed an even more complex one in Detroit , where revenue decline and failed Wall Street bets left the city unable to balance its budget .
Detroit listed 100,000 creditors in its 2013 bankruptcy filing , totaling $ 18.5 billion in debts .
Like Vallejo , Detroit would have to decide which creditors to stiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's budget failures .
The eventual settlement would reduce Detroit 's debts by $ 7 billion , mostly by slashing the amount of borrowed money the city would have to repay to banks and investors .
But no creditor would walk away unscathed .
Wages , pensions and healthcare for city employees were all cut .
The city also entered into a complex `` Grand Bargain '' brokered by local philanthropists with the state of Michigan and pension holders that helped settle the city 's largest debt , which was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its one major asset , the Detroit Institute of Art 's collection .
The administrative and legal costs of the Detroit bankruptcy came in at around $ 100 million .
The bigger the city , the more complicated and expensive the bankruptcy .
More creditors means more lawyers making competing claims on the city 's dwindling revenues .
It also makes the process of picking winners and losers more complex and something that can involve testing the limits of bankruptcy law .
When these limits expand , just what going bust means can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untouchable , like pensions , can become vulnerable in bankruptcy courts .
With many budgets in tatters , the prospect of growing numbers of city bankruptcies looms .
Distressed cities will have to figure out what the process means for them .
It is rarely possible to predict what any city will decide .
With any part of a city 's operations -- including salaries , pensions , road repairs , borrowing , park maintenance , policing , libraries -- potentially fair game , everyone involved faces great uncertainty .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mark Davidson is an associate professor of urban geography at Clark University .
Kevin Ward is a professor at the University of Manchester .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Many U.S. cities will need to rely on help from the federal government to recover from the revenue declines associated with the pandemic. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
July 31 (UPI) -- U.S. cities are fast running out of cash. The pandemic will reduce local government revenues by an estimated $11.6 billion in 2020. With COVID-19 requiring residents to stay home and stores to shutter, the bulk of this reduction comes from a slump in local sales taxes. Declines will continue into 2021. Advertisement
State revenues are heading in the same direction, so many U.S. cities will need to rely on help from the federal government. Aid to cities may be part of the next pandemic aid package being discussed by members of the House and Senate. But so far, the Republicans' bill leaves out any new funding for state and local governments, while the Democrats' bill includes $1 trillion for it.
And if federal assistance arrives, it will not fix every city's budget.
The pandemic has hit budgets so hard that even cities in relatively good financial health -- including those with rainy day funds to help them through an emergency -- will face significant changes to staffing and services.
Advertisement
For cities in the poorest shape, the pandemic could mean bankruptcy.
Size matters
Bankruptcy is a legal process where people, companies and governments who cannot pay their debts seek to reduce them.
Which debts get paid during a bankruptcy are important decisions. They involve how comfortable a city employee's retirement might be, the level of health insurance for pensioners and workers, the extent of labor protections for employees and the future cost of borrowing for a city.
City bankruptcy was created by Congress after the Great Depression, in response to 4,770 units of city government going belly up. Twenty-seven states now allow their cities to file for bankruptcy.
Those states that do not allow city bankruptcy -- Georgia and Iowa explicitly prohibit filing, with the other 21 states having no specific allowance or prohibition -- manage the problem of city indebtedness in various ways, ranging from strict budget oversight to the disbanding of heavily indebted cities. Since 1938, city bankruptcy has been used around 700 times.
A city's bankruptcy differs from corporate bankruptcy in that it does not allow for the liquidation of assets. For cities, bankruptcy is used to reduce debts, not sell off things -- such as public roads and buildings -- to pay off debts. The bankruptcy judge's role is to determine whether the proposed reduction is fair to all people the city owes money to, which may include workers, pensioners, bankers, suppliers and investors.
Advertisement
But bankruptcies can look different in different cities.
We are scholars who research changes in how cities go about budgeting. Our work has showed that the city bankruptcies that followed the Great Recession of 2007 and 2008 were not uniform.
If you were in a big city, your government owed money to lots of people. The converse was true in small cities. As the number of participants in a bankruptcy increases, the task of deciding how much different creditors should get repaid becomes more complicated.
Somebody doesn't get paid
Westfall Township, Pa., home to about 2,000 people, declared bankruptcy in 2009 after losing a lawsuit to New Jersey real estate developers David and Barbara Katz. Courts ruled that the city owed the Katzes $20.8 million after improperly denying them permission to develop projects in the township.
With annual revenues of just $1 million, Westfall had few options but to file for bankruptcy.
Resolving Westfall's bankruptcy meant reaching a new agreement with the Katzes. The bankruptcy court approved a $6 million settlement with the developers and gave Westfall 20 years to pay. The city would also raise property taxes and delay the repayment of other debts. By 2014, Westfall's budget had recovered enough for Pennsylvania to remove it from its list of distressed cities.
Advertisement
Bankruptcy proceedings were more complicated in Vallejo, Calif., which is on the northern end of San Francisco Bay. Vallejo, population 120,000, had a 2008-09 budget of $79.6 million. In 2008, the city lost around one-quarter of its revenues as local sales taxes and real estate development fees collapsed. Vallejo suddenly found itself unable to pay all of its bills.
The City Council voted unanimously to file for bankruptcy.
In its bankruptcy filing, the city estimated it had between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors. The most contentious part of the bankruptcy concerned the city's obligations to its own unionized employees. Vallejo argued that its bankruptcy should include the option of reducing employee wages and benefits, and changing working conditions, if necessary, without union consent.
The judge agreed and, in doing so, expanded what types of debt could be reduced in bankruptcy. This was, and remains, controversial. Although unions have pushed back, later bankruptcies have confirmed the court's decision.
Vallejo ultimately chose not to impose new employment contracts on most of its employees.
That decision helped Vallejo avoid costly legal battles -- but the city's main expenditures, wages and pensions, remained largely unaltered. The city emerged out of bankruptcy solvent but struggling. Filing for bankruptcy ended up costing Vallejo over $20 million in court and legal fees.
Advertisement
Debts in Detroit
Vallejo's bankruptcy foreshadowed an even more complex one in Detroit, where revenue decline and failed Wall Street bets left the city unable to balance its budget.
Detroit listed 100,000 creditors in its 2013 bankruptcy filing, totaling $18.5 billion in debts. Like Vallejo, Detroit would have to decide which creditors to stiff, effectively asking them to pay for the city's budget failures.
The eventual settlement would reduce Detroit's debts by $7 billion, mostly by slashing the amount of borrowed money the city would have to repay to banks and investors.
But no creditor would walk away unscathed. Wages, pensions and healthcare for city employees were all cut. The city also entered into a complex "Grand Bargain" brokered by local philanthropists with the state of Michigan and pension holders that helped settle the city's largest debt, which was to pensioners, while keeping in the city its one major asset, the Detroit Institute of Art's collection.
The administrative and legal costs of the Detroit bankruptcy came in at around $100 million.
No single path
The bigger the city, the more complicated and expensive the bankruptcy. More creditors means more lawyers making competing claims on the city's dwindling revenues.
Advertisement
It also makes the process of picking winners and losers more complex and something that can involve testing the limits of bankruptcy law. When these limits expand, just what going bust means can change dramatically. Things that once seemed untouchable, like pensions, can become vulnerable in bankruptcy courts.
With many budgets in tatters, the prospect of growing numbers of city bankruptcies looms. Distressed cities will have to figure out what the process means for them.
It is rarely possible to predict what any city will decide. With any part of a city's operations -- including salaries, pensions, road repairs, borrowing, park maintenance, policing, libraries -- potentially fair game, everyone involved faces great uncertainty. There is no single, predictable path through city bankruptcy.
Mark Davidson is an associate professor of urban geography at Clark University. Kevin Ward is a professor at the University of Manchester. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-07-31--Isaias strengthens into Category 1 hurricane, will bring rains to Florida

July 31 ( UPI ) -- Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened into Hurricane Isaias late Thursday and approached the Bahamas early Friday , on track to bring heavy rains and wind to the eastern coast of Florida this weekend .
The National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. update Friday the storm was 30 miles northwest of Great Inagua Island and 340 miles southeast of Nassau , Bahamas .
Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and was moving northwest at 17 mph .
The NHC said Isaias is producing strong winds and heavy squalls `` lashing '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 hurricane late Thursday after spending a couple days as a tropical storm .
The hurricane is on track to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the far east coast of Florida this weekend , but is not forecast to make landfall until it reaches the Carolinas early next week , forecasters said .
A tropical storm watch is in effect for the east coast of Florida from Ocean Reef to Sebastian Inlet .
`` On the forecast track , the center of Isaias will move near or over the southeastern Bahamas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its forecast early Friday .
`` Isaias is forecast to be near the Central Bahamas tonight and move near or over the Northwestern Bahamas and near or east of the Florida peninsula on Saturday and Sunday . ''
`` The U.S. will only get skimmed in Florida and the Carolina coastline with the only possible landfall along the Carolina coast early next week , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert said .
`` It will be losing wind intensity by that time though , but it still will bring rain , wind and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Carolina coastline . ''
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Rob Miller cautioned that people should not focus on just the eye path given the sweeping size of Isaias .
Tropical storm-force winds extend outward by about 205 miles from the center on the storm 's northeastern , northern and northwestern flanks .
When compared to that of tiny Gonzalo from last week , the tropical storm-force winds extend much farther out from the center .
Torrential downpours , gusty thunderstorms and building seas are likely to precede Isaias by as much as 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will spread northwestward across Cuba during through early Saturday and should begin in Miami during Friday night or early Saturday .
In the Bahamas , hurricane conditions are expected through early Saturday .
Tropical storm conditions could then spread across Florida over the weekend .
Adding onto this , the system is racing along at about twice the average speed of tropical systems for this area of the basin .
Hurricane warnings were in effect for the Bahamas , as well as the Turks and Caicos , while portions of the Dominican Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Isaias is expected to remain a Category 1 hurricane later on Friday as it moves into the Bahamas , hitting the warmer waters after trudging its way through the Hispaniola mountains , which are a major hurdle for tropical systems .
However , the center of the storm remained well defined Thursday night as it moved off the northern coast of Hispaniola , having missed the highest terrain of the island that could have unraveled it .
The fast-forward motion of Isaias should limit the overall amount of rain , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Bahamas , parts of Cuba and from Florida to the Carolinas .
A track farther to the east would bring less rain to the United States and Cuba and more rain to the Bahamas .
The name Isaias was added to the Atlantic list after Ike caused destruction in Texas in 2008 and was retired in 2009 .
This is the first time it has been used .
Six of the nine tropical storms in 2020 have set new records for early formation for their respective letters in the basin -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hanna and Isaias -- and more are likely to fall as the season progresses , according to forecasters .
The `` J-storm '' record is held by Jose on Aug. 22 , 2005 , with the `` K-storm '' record held by the infamous Katrina , which formed on Aug. 24 , 2005 .
The 10th and 11th names on this year 's tropical list are Josephine and Kyle .

Isaias was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone as it moved into Canada Tuesday night. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Isaias made its way into southeastern Canada after being downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone on Tuesday night. The epicenter of the post-tropical cyclone was about 55 miles north-northwest of Quebec City, Quebec, in Canada, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. Wednesday update. Advertisement
The storm was traveling north-northeast at 28 mph but its speed was expected to decrease and its maximum sustained winds of 40 mph with higher gusts was to weaken and drop below tropical storm force through Wednesday morning, the NHC said.
"The post-tropical cyclone is expected to dissipate over southeastern Canada on Thursday," the NHC said.
Forecasters said one to three inches of rain should fall along and near Isaias' track across southern Quebec.
Hurricane-force wind gusts were reported Monday night as the eyewall went ashore in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., with the highest gust reported over land at 93 mph. As the hurricane approached, the system spawned a tornado that touched down on Bald Head Island, N.C.
All told, Isaias is predicted to cause between $2 billion and $3 billion in damages and economic loss, according to AccuWeather founder and CEO Joel N. Myers.
Advertisement
One of the main threats for the areas from Virginia to Maine was from torrential rain that can lead to flash, urban and small-stream flooding.
Following its impact on the U.S., Isaias is forecast to spread a swath of rain and gusty winds rapidly through a portion of Atlantic Canada Wednesday into Thursday.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already left its mark in history with several of the earliest-forming tropical storms on record. Cristobal, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna and Isaias all set early-season formation records for their respective letter. All of the July-forming storms from Edouard through Isaias broke the records set during the infamous 2005 season.
Hanna became the first hurricane of the 2020 season, and Isaias became the second.
There is a high potential that the 2020 season could become "hyperactive" as the peak of hurricane season nears and tropical storm numbers may end up rivaling the historic 2005 season numbers, which produced 28 storms. AccuWeather meteorologists are already monitoring a few areas of disturbed weather beyond Isaias.


upi--2020-07-31--Negotiators fail to agree on COVID-19 relief; talks resume Friday

July 31 ( UPI ) -- Congressional and White House negotiators will resume talks on Friday after they failed to reach an agreement on a coronavirus relief bill during discussions that lasted into Thursday night .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows failed to agree on a deal .
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is not part of the negotiations , as he 's agreed to let President Donald Trump 's deputies represent the Senate proposals .
Negotiations will resume Friday and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth meeting for negotiators in as many days .
One of the main focuses is an enhanced federal unemployment benefit that had paid out-of-work Americans an extra $ 600 each week , which was part of the first relief package , the CARES Act , in March .
The federal benefit ran out last week but officially expires Friday .
Before talks broke down late Thursday , lawmakers on both sides unsuccessfully attempted to pass their own proposals to extend the benefit and other measures .
Giving a greater sense of urgency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier Thursday that illustrated the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Commerce Department said the U.S. economy saw its worst second-quarter performance in history , and the Labor Department reported that unemployment filings had increased for the second week in a row .
The failure to bridge the gap in Congress for the next relief bill makes it less likely one will be passed before lawmakers leave for the August recess .
The House is scheduled to begin its recess at the end of the day Friday and the Senate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the impasse is that the Senate proposal is separated into different measures , while the House 's is contained in one single bill .
Schumer , D-N.Y. , and Pelosi , D-Calif. , have consistently opposed this approach .
`` We just do n't think they understand the gravity of the problem , '' Schumer said of the Republican negotiators .
`` I think they understand that we have to have a bill , but they just do n't realize how big it has to be , '' Pelosi added .
Said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a short-term deal .
And as of now they 've repeated they do n't want to do that . ''
The Senate attempted to pass its unemployment extension bill , which offers to match two-thirds of a previous wage from combined state and federal sources .
Schumer rejected it and introduced the House 's $ 3 trillion package , which was similarly blocked by Republicans .
`` The bottom line is this is the most serious health problem and economic problem we 've had in a century and 75 years and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , '' Schumer added .
`` They do n't quite get that . ''
`` We are working around the clock to see if we can reach an agreement that 's good for the American people , '' Mnuchin said .

1/2
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell arrive at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday for a memorial service honoring Rep. John Lewis. Negotiations for the next coronavirus relief package ended Friday as Congress adjourned. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
July 31 (UPI) -- Congress adjourned for the weekend Friday without coming to an agreement on a new coronavirus relief bill as key stimulus benefits expired. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows resumed talks earlier in the day, but failed to agree on a deal. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was not part of the negotiations, as he agreed to let President Donald Trump's deputies represent the Senate proposals. Advertisement
Meadows criticized Democrats for rejecting Trump's proposal of a short-term stopgap measure to extend key elements of previous relief bills -- a $600-per-week unemployment enhancement and eviction protections.
Advertisement
"What we're seeing is politics as usual from Democrats up on Capitol Hill," Meadows said. "The Democrats believe that they have all the cards on their side, and they're willing to play those cards at the expense of those that are hurting."
Pelosi said such stopgap measures are only useful for a short-term extension when two sides are close to an agreement.
"A week would be a time for that -- if we had a bill. What are we going to do in a week?" she asked. "They don't even have the votes for it in the Senate."
One of the main focuses of the legislation is an enhanced federal unemployment benefit that had paid out-of-work Americans an extra $600 each week, which was part of the first relief package, the CARES Act, in March.
The federal benefit ran out last week but officially expired Friday.
Before talks broke down late Thursday, lawmakers on both sides unsuccessfully attempted to pass their own proposals to extend the benefit and other measures.
Giving a greater sense of urgency to the negotiations were two government reports earlier Thursday that illustrated the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commerce Department said the U.S. economy saw its worst second-quarter performance in history, and the Labor Department reported that unemployment filings had increased for the second week in a row.
Advertisement
Part of the impasse is that the Senate proposal is separated into different measures, while the House's is contained in one single bill. Schumer, D-N.Y., and Pelosi, D-Calif., have consistently opposed this approach.
"We just don't think they understand the gravity of the problem," Schumer said of the Republican negotiators.
"I think they understand that we have to have a bill, but they just don't realize how big it has to be," Pelosi added.
Said Mnuchin: "We made a proposal for a short-term deal. And as of now they've repeated they don't want to do that."
The Senate attempted to pass its unemployment extension bill, which offers to match two-thirds of a previous wage from combined state and federal sources. Schumer rejected it and introduced the House's $3 trillion package, which was similarly blocked by Republicans.
"The bottom line is this is the most serious health problem and economic problem we've had in a century and 75 years and it takes really, good, strong bold action," Schumer added. "They don't quite get that."
"We are working around the clock to see if we can reach an agreement that's good for the American people," Mnuchin said.


upi--2020-07-31--Bryan Cranston donates plasma after contracting coronavirus

1/3
Bryan Cranston announced on Instagram he is recovering from the coronavirus. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 31 (UPI) -- Breaking Bad icon Bryan Cranston has announced on Instagram he recently battled the coronavirus. "About now you're probably feeling a little tied down, restricting your mobility and like me, you're tired of this!! Well, I just want to encourage you to have a little more patience. I was pretty strict in adhering to the protocols and still... I contracted the virus," Cranston wrote. Advertisement
"Yep. it sounds daunting now that over 150,000 Americans are dead because of it. I was one of the lucky ones. Mild symptoms. I count my blessings and urge you to keep wearing the damn mask, keep washing your hands, and stay socially distant. We can prevail - but ONLY if we follow the rules together. Be well - Stay well."
The message accompanied a video showing the 64-year-old actor wearing a face mask as he donates his plasma at the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center in the hope of helping others with the virus.
Also among the celebrities who have battled and recovered from coronavirus in recent months are Anna Camp, Idris Elba, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.
Playwright Terrence McNally, musicians Adam Schlesinger and John Prine, Broadway actors Nick Cordero and Mark Blum have died of complications from the virus, however.
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-07-31--In photos: This week in major league baseball

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu delivers in the first inning against the Washington Nationals in Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ Toronto was the home team since the Blue Jays can not use their home ballpark @ @ @ @ @ Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

The Chicago White Sox's James McCann (C) and Yoan Moncada (R) celebrate the victory over the Kansas City Royals by clicking feet during opening day in Kansas City, Mo., on July 31. Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI


upi--2020-07-31--A year after El Paso Walmart shooting, prosecutors face hard decisions

EL PASO , Texas , July 31 ( UPI ) -- When El Pasoans mark the one-year anniversary of the Walmart shooting Monday , attorney Yvonne Rosales will be one of hundreds of thousands of border residents reflecting on the tragedy afflicted on this city that claimed the lives of 23 people .
But after the candlelight vigils dim , Rosales will be right back at the task she 's been preparing for since she was confirmed as the county 's incoming district attorney -- how to take over an office that could prosecute the man authorities say is responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Texas history .
Rosales , an El Paso native who graduated from Austin High School and the University of Texas El Paso , will replace Jaime Esparza -- who decided not to seek re-election after nearly three decades in office -- in January to become the county 's first female district attorney .
Rosales is inheriting one of the biggest criminal cases in the state 's history amid a pandemic that 's shut down in-person court proceedings .
She 's also inheriting a huge decision : whether to pursue a death penalty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case .
Federal prosecutors have also brought a litany of charges against Patrick Crusius , a 22-year-old from the Dallas suburb of Allen who authorities claim drove nearly 600 miles to target Hispanics .
He allegedly posted a document online just before the shooting railing against immigrants and a `` Hispanic invasion of Texas . ''
He 's facing dozens of state and federal charges , including nearly two dozen counts of capital murder at the state level and 23 counts of hate crimes resulting in death and 23 involving an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the outgoing district attorney , said he would pursue the death penalty , while federal prosecutors have stated they would consider it upon conviction , but it 's unclear which case will proceed first -- and whether Crusius will be tried by both jurisdictions .
Rosales said justice is n't likely to come soon because of the complexity of the case and the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I really do n't anticipate this case going to the trial [ phase ] until , I am guessing , between two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Before the coronavirus pandemic put a stranglehold on local economies , including El Paso 's , Esparza said he was `` offended '' at the suggestion that the county should sit back and let federal officials take the lead in Crusius ' prosecution in order to save the county millions in prosecution costs .
`` Funding should never have a barrier in this prosecution , so I can tell you I 'm not going to hand it off to the feds just because it 's cheaper , '' Esparza said in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Paso County and the rest of Texas .
After sealing her victory in last month 's runoff election , Rosales said letting the U.S. attorney 's office prosecute Crusius first would make financial sense for El Paso .
`` From a legal perspective , it would make more sense for the federal government to try the case first , '' she said , adding that the appeals process for federal cases is faster than state cases .
`` If you 're going to talk economics , then it would save the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try that case , '' Rosales added .
She said it 's too soon to make that determination , and she plans to discuss the situation with the state and federal judges after she takes office .
Rosales said she must also consider whether the community -- and especially the victims ' families -- should be forced to relive the tragedy twice during two separate trials .
`` As we approach the one-year anniversary , it 's going to be a very emotional time for these people , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put the families through a second time ? ''
Despite confessing to authorities that he was the gunman after his arrest the day of the shooting , Crusius has pleaded not guilty in the state and federal cases .
Federal prosecutors were scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss what punishment they would seek when the case moves forward .
Defense attorney David Lane did not respond to a request for comment .
In a emailed statement , John Bash , the U.S attorney for the Western District of Texas , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Texans and all Americans in mourning those we lost that terrible day one year ago .
And I pray for the continued healing of those who survived .
My office will not relent in our pursuit of justice for the victims and our community . ''
Bash declined to comment on any aspect of the prosecution .
Robert Dunham , executive director of the Washington-based Death Penalty Information Center , a non-profit think tank that analyzes the death penalty , said the case could be over quickly if prosecutors took the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important is it to make a statement to take his life ? ''
he said .
`` How important is it to do that to protect the public , which can be done just as effectively with a sentence of life [ in prison ] without parole ? ''
Earlier this month in the parking lot of the Walmart , where the shooting began before the gunman entered the store , El Pasoans had a range of thoughts on what the accused gunman 's fate should be .
`` I do n't think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Stephanie Cordova .
`` He needs to live so he can learn his lesson .
What if he just wants to die ? ''
Her friend Joey Reynolds said that while he 'd usually agree with Cordova , the scale of the shooting and the number of lives lost justifies capital punishment .
`` My personal belief , I think he should '' face the death penalty , he said .
`` A lot of [ images ] were shown online and I think that got to a lot of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have some finalization . ''
Domingo Soledad Nuñez , who was raised in Chihuahua City in northern Mexico but has lived in El Paso for 20 years , said whether Crusius is executed or not wo n't make a difference in God 's eyes .
`` I ca n't say whether to kill him or lock him up for the rest of the life , '' he added .
`` But he was already dead inside when he did what he did . ''
The anniversary has rekindled demands for action from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded with Gov .
Greg Abbott to call a special session of the Texas Legislature to address gun violence .
Those calls grew louder after another mass shooting just weeks later in Midland that killed eight , including the shooter 's .
The El Paso shooting happened a day after Abbott 's campaign sent out a mailer saying Texans would need to take matters into their `` own hands '' to `` defend '' the border .
Abbott later said he spoke to members of El Paso 's legislative delegation and told them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correction has been made , '' he said at the time .
`` We will make sure that we work collaboratively in unification . ''
The governor did n't call lawmakers back into session , instead opting for roundtable discussions in El Paso on gun violence .
During a press call Monday with Moms Demand Action , a national gun-reform group with chapters across the country , U.S. Rep Veronica Escobar , D-El Paso , said Texas Republicans who pushed for a special session on a transgender bathroom bill showed little interest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of gun violence .
`` Unfortunately , we have yet to see any legislation taken up and really not much has changed , '' she said .
`` And as you can imagine , it is very frustrating not just for me , but I hear all the time from constituents 'What are you going to do about this ? '
'' State Rep. Joe Moody , D-El Paso , said the state 's Democratic caucus has had a long-standing request for a special session on gun violence since before the Walmart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come away with the feeling that the task forces formed after the shooting were able to create some momentum on how to move forward next session and address issues like strengthening background checks and ensuring that information provided to gun sellers by potential owners is accurate .
`` The message I heard from the governor and from others was to build consensus around reform measures and then bring those forward , '' he said .
`` I fully expect and anticipate that when we return , in whatever way it looks in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to be one of the major issues that is going to get tackled . ''
Abbott spokesman John Wittman said the El Paso shooting led to the creation of a domestic terrorism task force that recommended creating `` domestic terrorism teams '' comprised of Department of Public Safety special agents , as well as a `` state intelligence assessment on domestic terrorism threats in Texas . ''
Wittman said Thursday the governor shares the city 's grief and said lawmakers will act on other recommendations by the task force when lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our hearts forever remain with the victims , their families and all those impacted by this senseless and hateful attack , '' he said in an email .
`` As Texas prepares for the upcoming session , we seek justice for all those harmed in this tragedy by passing laws to combat domestic terrorism in Texas . ''
The city and county have planned events to commemorate the anniversary , including a drive-through candlelight vigil and a memorial at the city 's history museum .
Activist groups said they are also planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive director of the El Paso-based Border Network for Human Rights , said his group will march to the Walmart from a nearby memorial service carrying 23 white crosses .
`` What is different from what we 're doing and from the county and the city is doing is we 're going to call it what it was , white supremacy , '' he said .
`` It was a racist attack against our community .
It was n't about mental health or about a disturbed individual .
It was created by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Disclosure : Walmart has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune , a nonprofit , nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members , foundations and corporate sponsors .
Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune 's journalism .
Find a complete list of them here .
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune .
Read the original here .
The Texas Tribune is proud to celebrate 10 years of exceptional journalism for an exceptional state .
Explore the next 10 years with us @

A memorial lies outside of the Walmart where a mass shooting took place on August 3, 2019. File Photo by Justin Hamel/UPI | License Photo
EL PASO, Texas, July 31 (UPI) -- When El Pasoans mark the one-year anniversary of the Walmart shooting Monday, attorney Yvonne Rosales will be one of hundreds of thousands of border residents reflecting on the tragedy afflicted on this city that claimed the lives of 23 people. But after the candlelight vigils dim, Rosales will be right back at the task she's been preparing for since she was confirmed as the county's incoming district attorney -- how to take over an office that could prosecute the man authorities say is responsible for one of the worst mass shootings in Texas history. Advertisement
Rosales, an El Paso native who graduated from Austin High School and the University of Texas El Paso, will replace Jaime Esparza -- who decided not to seek re-election after nearly three decades in office -- in January to become the county's first female district attorney.
Advertisement
Rosales is inheriting one of the biggest criminal cases in the state's history amid a pandemic that's shut down in-person court proceedings. She's also inheriting a huge decision: whether to pursue a death penalty prosecution in the city's biggest murder case.
Federal prosecutors have also brought a litany of charges against Patrick Crusius, a 22-year-old from the Dallas suburb of Allen who authorities claim drove nearly 600 miles to target Hispanics. He allegedly posted a document online just before the shooting railing against immigrants and a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." He's facing dozens of state and federal charges, including nearly two dozen counts of capital murder at the state level and 23 counts of hate crimes resulting in death and 23 involving an attempt to kill at the federal level.
Esparza, the outgoing district attorney, said he would pursue the death penalty, while federal prosecutors have stated they would consider it upon conviction, but it's unclear which case will proceed first -- and whether Crusius will be tried by both jurisdictions. Rosales said justice isn't likely to come soon because of the complexity of the case and the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.
"I really don't anticipate this case going to the trial [phase] until, I am guessing, between two to three years," she said.
Advertisement
Before the coronavirus pandemic put a stranglehold on local economies, including El Paso's, Esparza said he was "offended" at the suggestion that the county should sit back and let federal officials take the lead in Crusius' prosecution in order to save the county millions in prosecution costs.
"Funding should never have a barrier in this prosecution, so I can tell you I'm not going to hand it off to the feds just because it's cheaper," Esparza said in February.
That was before the pandemic ravaged El Paso County and the rest of Texas. After sealing her victory in last month's runoff election, Rosales said letting the U.S. attorney's office prosecute Crusius first would make financial sense for El Paso.
"From a legal perspective, it would make more sense for the federal government to try the case first," she said, adding that the appeals process for federal cases is faster than state cases.
"If you're going to talk economics, then it would save the county of El Paso millions of dollars to try that case," Rosales added. She said it's too soon to make that determination, and she plans to discuss the situation with the state and federal judges after she takes office.
Advertisement
Rosales said she must also consider whether the community -- and especially the victims' families -- should be forced to relive the tragedy twice during two separate trials.
"As we approach the one-year anniversary, it's going to be a very emotional time for these people," she said. "Is it something that we really want to put the families through a second time?"
Despite confessing to authorities that he was the gunman after his arrest the day of the shooting, Crusius has pleaded not guilty in the state and federal cases. Federal prosecutors were scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss what punishment they would seek when the case moves forward. Defense attorney David Lane did not respond to a request for comment.
In a emailed statement, John Bash, the U.S attorney for the Western District of Texas, said: "I join all El Pasoans, all Texans and all Americans in mourning those we lost that terrible day one year ago. And I pray for the continued healing of those who survived. My office will not relent in our pursuit of justice for the victims and our community." Bash declined to comment on any aspect of the prosecution.
Robert Dunham, executive director of the Washington-based Death Penalty Information Center, a non-profit think tank that analyzes the death penalty, said the case could be over quickly if prosecutors took the death penalty off the table.
Advertisement
"How important is it to make a statement to take his life?" he said. "How important is it to do that to protect the public, which can be done just as effectively with a sentence of life [in prison] without parole?"
Earlier this month in the parking lot of the Walmart, where the shooting began before the gunman entered the store, El Pasoans had a range of thoughts on what the accused gunman's fate should be.
"I don't think anyone should get the death penalty," said Stephanie Cordova. "He needs to live so he can learn his lesson. What if he just wants to die?"
Her friend Joey Reynolds said that while he'd usually agree with Cordova, the scale of the shooting and the number of lives lost justifies capital punishment.
"My personal belief, I think he should" face the death penalty, he said. "A lot of [images] were shown online and I think that got to a lot of the younger generation. It would be nice to have some finalization."
Domingo Soledad Nuñez, who was raised in Chihuahua City in northern Mexico but has lived in El Paso for 20 years, said whether Crusius is executed or not won't make a difference in God's eyes.
Advertisement
"I can't say whether to kill him or lock him up for the rest of the life," he added. "But he was already dead inside when he did what he did."
The anniversary has rekindled demands for action from lawmakers, especially Democrats who last year pleaded with Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session of the Texas Legislature to address gun violence. Those calls grew louder after another mass shooting just weeks later in Midland that killed eight, including the shooter's.
The El Paso shooting happened a day after Abbott's campaign sent out a mailer saying Texans would need to take matters into their "own hands" to "defend" the border.
Abbott later said he spoke to members of El Paso's legislative delegation and told them "that mistakes were made and course correction has been made," he said at the time. "We will make sure that we work collaboratively in unification."
The governor didn't call lawmakers back into session, instead opting for roundtable discussions in El Paso on gun violence.
During a press call Monday with Moms Demand Action, a national gun-reform group with chapters across the country, U.S. Rep Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, said Texas Republicans who pushed for a special session on a transgender bathroom bill showed little interest in addressing what she called the more pressing issue of gun violence.
Advertisement
"Unfortunately, we have yet to see any legislation taken up and really not much has changed," she said. "And as you can imagine, it is very frustrating not just for me, but I hear all the time from constituents 'What are you going to do about this?'"
State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, said the state's Democratic caucus has had a long-standing request for a special session on gun violence since before the Walmart shooting. But he said he did come away with the feeling that the task forces formed after the shooting were able to create some momentum on how to move forward next session and address issues like strengthening background checks and ensuring that information provided to gun sellers by potential owners is accurate.
"The message I heard from the governor and from others was to build consensus around reform measures and then bring those forward," he said. "I fully expect and anticipate that when we return, in whatever way it looks in January, that gun violence and community safety is going to be one of the major issues that is going to get tackled."
Abbott spokesman John Wittman said the El Paso shooting led to the creation of a domestic terrorism task force that recommended creating "domestic terrorism teams" comprised of Department of Public Safety special agents, as well as a "state intelligence assessment on domestic terrorism threats in Texas."
Advertisement
Wittman said Thursday the governor shares the city's grief and said lawmakers will act on other recommendations by the task force when lawmakers return to the Capitol next year.
"Our hearts forever remain with the victims, their families and all those impacted by this senseless and hateful attack," he said in an email. "As Texas prepares for the upcoming session, we seek justice for all those harmed in this tragedy by passing laws to combat domestic terrorism in Texas."
The city and county have planned events to commemorate the anniversary, including a drive-through candlelight vigil and a memorial at the city's history museum. Activist groups said they are also planning their own events. Fernando Garcia, executive director of the El Paso-based Border Network for Human Rights, said his group will march to the Walmart from a nearby memorial service carrying 23 white crosses.
"What is different from what we're doing and from the county and the city is doing is we're going to call it what it was, white supremacy," he said. "It was a racist attack against our community. It wasn't about mental health or about a disturbed individual. It was created by the hateful rhetoric by the president and others."
Advertisement
Disclosure: Walmart has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is proud to celebrate 10 years of exceptional journalism for an exceptional state. Explore the next 10 years with us.
El Paso, Texas, mourns after mass shooting


upi--2020-07-31--Angels add Mike Trout to paternity leave list

July 31 ( UPI ) -- The Los Angeles Angels have placed reigning American League MVP Mike Trout on the paternity leave list so he can be with his wife for the birth of the couple 's first child .
The Angels placed Trout on the list Thursday and recalled right-handed pitcher Kyle Keller from their alternate training site in a corresponding translation .
Trout , 28 , and his wife , Jessica , announced in March that they expected to have a baby boy in August .
The baby 's due date is Monday .
The Angels face the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Calif. Trout hit .292 with a home run and four RBIs in the Angels ' first six games before he missed the team 's 8-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners Thursday in Anaheim .
Keller allowed two hits and a run in two-thirds of an inning for the Angels .
Trout won his third MVP award last season after he hit .291 with a career-high 45 home runs and 104 RBIs .
He led the American League with a .645 slugging percentage and led baseball with a .438 on-base percentage in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 tests during his absence .
He can return to the Angels without a quarantine as long as he continues the tests .
The Angeles star voiced hesitation about his participation in the shortened 2020 MLB season before the season began , citing safety concerns for his family .
He still reported to the Angels in time for the team 's season debut .
The Angels host the Astros at 7:07 p.m. EDT Saturday at Angel Stadium .

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout missed Thursday's game and could miss a weekend series in Anaheim, Calif., after he was added to the maternity leave list. File Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI | License Photo
July 31 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Angels have placed reigning American League MVP Mike Trout on the paternity leave list so he can be with his wife for the birth of the couple's first child. The Angels placed Trout on the list Thursday and recalled right-handed pitcher Kyle Keller from their alternate training site in a corresponding translation. Advertisement
Trout, 28, and his wife, Jessica, announced in March that they expected to have a baby boy in August. The baby's due date is Monday. The Angels face the Houston Astros Saturday and Sunday in Anaheim, Calif.
Trout hit .292 with a home run and four RBIs in the Angels' first six games before he missed the team's 8-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners Thursday in Anaheim. Keller allowed two hits and a run in two-thirds of an inning for the Angels.
Trout won his third MVP award last season after he hit .291 with a career-high 45 home runs and 104 RBIs. He led the American League with a .645 slugging percentage and led baseball with a .438 on-base percentage in 2019.
Advertisement
Trout will continue to take daily COVID-19 tests during his absence. He can return to the Angels without a quarantine as long as he continues the tests.
The Angeles star voiced hesitation about his participation in the shortened 2020 MLB season before the season began, citing safety concerns for his family. He still reported to the Angels in time for the team's season debut.
The Angels host the Astros at 7:07 p.m. EDT Saturday at Angel Stadium.


upi--2020-07-31--Ghislaine Maxwell: Judge unseals records that detail sex abuse claims

July 31 ( UPI ) -- Court documents unsealed late Thursday say Ghislaine Maxwell , a former associate of Jeffrey Epstein who faces criminal charges in New York City , trained underage girls for sexual abuse .
The hundreds of pages of documents and transcripts , unsealed by U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska , were part of Maxwell 's now settled 2015 civil defamation lawsuit brought by Virginia Roberts Giuffre , who 'd accused both Maxwell and Epstein of recruiting her when she was 15 .
Maxwell has been accused of helping Epstein operate a sex trafficking ring that recruited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rich and powerful .
One of the prominent figures included in the claims is Britain 's Prince Andrew , who has denied accusations of misconduct .
In one document , Giuffre said Maxwell `` trained me as a sex slave . ''
According to others , Giuffre said abuse often took place at Epstein 's private estate in the U.S. Virgin Islands and his homes in New York and Florida .
`` I 'm trying to tell you that they both did , Ghislaine and Jeffrey both directed me , '' Giuffre said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They both paid me and they both directed me . ''
Maxwell , a British socialite , is in a New York prison facing sexual misconduct charges .
Her attorneys had asked for the records to remain sealed , concerned that their release could prejudice her case .
Maxwell pleaded not guilty this month to eight charges that include of conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts , enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts , conspiracy to transport minors with intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and perjury .
Although Giuffre 's civil case is settled , she continues to argue that its records should be made public .
Giuffre says she became involved with Maxwell and Epstein about 20 years ago when she worked at Mar-a-Lago , the luxury Palm Beach , Fla. , resort owned by President Donald Trump .
She said she was recruited by Maxwell to give Epstein a massage and was subsequently exploited for sexual purposes in the years that followed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage in sexual activity with some of Epstein 's friends , Giuffre said .
Epstein was arrested by federal agents on sex trafficking charges last year , but killed himself while in a Manhattan jail before he could face trial .

1/2
Ghislaine Maxwell is seen during a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York City in 2013. File Photo by Rick Bajornas/EPA-EFE
July 31 (UPI) -- Court documents unsealed late Thursday say Ghislaine Maxwell, a former associate of Jeffrey Epstein who faces criminal charges in New York City, trained underage girls for sexual abuse. The hundreds of pages of documents and transcripts, unsealed by U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska, were part of Maxwell's now settled 2015 civil defamation lawsuit brought by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who'd accused both Maxwell and Epstein of recruiting her when she was 15. Advertisement
Maxwell has been accused of helping Epstein operate a sex trafficking ring that recruited underage girls for sexual purposes with the rich and powerful. One of the prominent figures included in the claims is Britain's Prince Andrew, who has denied accusations of misconduct.
In one document, Giuffre said Maxwell "trained me as a sex slave." According to others, Giuffre said abuse often took place at Epstein's private estate in the U.S. Virgin Islands and his homes in New York and Florida.
"I'm trying to tell you that they both did, Ghislaine and Jeffrey both directed me," Giuffre said, according to the unsealed records. "They both paid me and they both directed me."
Advertisement
Maxwell, a British socialite, is in a New York prison facing sexual misconduct charges. Her attorneys had asked for the records to remain sealed, concerned that their release could prejudice her case.
Maxwell pleaded not guilty this month to eight charges that include of conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts, conspiracy to transport minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and perjury.
Although Giuffre's civil case is settled, she continues to argue that its records should be made public.
Giuffre says she became involved with Maxwell and Epstein about 20 years ago when she worked at Mar-a-Lago, the luxury Palm Beach, Fla., resort owned by President Donald Trump. She said she was recruited by Maxwell to give Epstein a massage and was subsequently exploited for sexual purposes in the years that followed. At one point, she was directed to engage in sexual activity with some of Epstein's friends, Giuffre said.
Epstein was arrested by federal agents on sex trafficking charges last year, but killed himself while in a Manhattan jail before he could face trial.


upi--2020-07-31--Google Doodle honors artist, activist Pacita Abad

July 31 ( UPI ) -- Google celebrated the life and work of Philippine mixed-media artist Pacita Abad with a @ @ @ @ @ .
The image is a portrait of Abad , smiling and holding a paintbrush , @ @ @ @ @ .
On this date 36 years ago , the feminist and activist became the first @ @ @ @ @ the Philippines ' coveted Ten Outstanding Young Men award .
Abad traveled the world and @ @ @ @ @ , societal issues .
She frequently used culturally significant materials such as fabric and shells @ @ @ @ @ artist is also known for developing a technique dubbed trapunto , which includes stuffing painting @ @ @ @ @ look .
She died in 2004 at age 58 , leaving behind more than 5,000 @ @

Google celebrated the life and work of Philippine artist Pacita Abad with a colorful new Doodle on Friday. Image courtesy of Google
July 31 (UPI) -- Google celebrated the life and work of Philippine mixed-media artist Pacita Abad with a colorful new Doodle on Friday. The image is a portrait of Abad, smiling and holding a paintbrush, against a vibrantly hued background. Advertisement
On this date 36 years ago, the feminist and activist became the first woman to be presented with the Philippines' coveted Ten Outstanding Young Men award.
Abad traveled the world and created art that reflected global, societal issues. She frequently used culturally significant materials such as fabric and shells in her work.
The artist is also known for developing a technique dubbed trapunto, which includes stuffing painting canvases to achieve a sculptural look.
She died in 2004 at age 58, leaving behind more than 5,000 pieces.


upi--2020-07-31--Anthony Davis, LeBron James hold off Kawhi Leonard, Clippers

July 31 ( UPI ) -- Anthony Davis scored a game-high 34-points and LeBron James made a go-ahead layup late to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a dramatic win against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second game of the NBA restart in Orlando , Fla .
The Lakers held on for the 103-101 win despite 30 points from the Clippers ' Paul George and 28 points from Kawhi Leonard .
The game at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort was the first for the Lakers and Clippers since the NBA season was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` It feels like we have a long way to go to reach the habits and disciplines we were playing with when we entered the hiatus , '' Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters .
`` We did enough to get the win , but we have a lot of work to do . ''
Both teams were without several key players due to opt-outs tied to the pandemic , quaratines or injuries .
Still , the game stayed close until the final seconds , when James drove the Lakers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defense .
The Lakers had a six-point lead with 2:29 remaining .
George responded with a personal 5-0 run to cut the lead to one point before James answered with a layup with 1:26 remaining .
Danny Green attempted to distance the Lakers , but missed a 3-pointer with 43 seconds remaining .
George responded with a game-tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds left on the clock .
James then took control on the other end of the floor .
The four-time NBA MVP dribbled the ball near half court before he drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frame to fight through the opposition and threw up a right-handed shot , which hit the rim .
James followed the shot and got his own rebound , despite being surrounded by all five Clippers players .
He made the follow-up attempt with just 12.8 seconds left in the game .
Leonard and George worked to give the Clippers a victory on the game 's final possession , but James used strong defense to prevent both Clippers stars from clear shot attempts .
George hit the back of the rim with a heave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having the ball in my hands late in the game , a tie game , being down or being up , '' James said .
Davis had 14 points in the first quarter to lead the Lakers to a 35-23 edge in the frame .
Leonard responded with 14 points in the second quarter to help the Clippers cut the lead to 54-52 at halftime .
Davis scored 10 points in the third quarter , but the Clippers used an 8-0 run in the frame to gain control of the contest .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered the fourth quarter .
The Lakers responded in the fourth quarter with a 12-0 run , which included 3-pointers from Dion Waiters , Kyle Kuzma , James and Danny Green .
The barrage of drained downtown attempts gave the Lakers a 91-80 edge with 7:57 remaining .
George then put together his late run before James hit the go-ahead shot and used lock-down defense to secure the victory .
`` We are still trying to figure it out , '' Leonard said .
`` It was a good game .
We still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great to be back on the floor . ''
James had 16 points , 11 rebounds and seven assists in the win .
Kuzma scored 16 points and had seven rebounds off the bench for the Lakers .
Patrick Beverley scored 12 points off the bench for the Clippers .
No fans were allowed to watch the clash between the top seeds from the Western Conference due to coronavirus safety precautions , but the game still had playoff intensity .
`` Intensity was going to be there regardless , '' George said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other very well .
It is important for us to start off this stretch [ strong ] just as it is for them .
At the end , we know what we have .
But it 's a marathon .
`` We will learn from the mistakes we had . ''
The Lakers battle the Toronto Raptors in their second of eight seeding games at 8:30 p.m. EDT Saturday in Orlando .
The Clippers face the New Orleans Pelicans at 6 p.m. EDT Saturday in Orlando .

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) had 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and pushed his team to a late victory against the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE
July 31 (UPI) -- Anthony Davis scored a game-high 34-points and LeBron James made a go-ahead layup late to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a dramatic win against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second game of the NBA restart in Orlando, Fla. The Lakers held on for the 103-101 win despite 30 points from the Clippers' Paul George and 28 points from Kawhi Leonard. The game at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort was the first for the Lakers and Clippers since the NBA season was suspended in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
"It feels like we have a long way to go to reach the habits and disciplines we were playing with when we entered the hiatus," Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters.
Advertisement
"We did enough to get the win, but we have a lot of work to do."
Both teams were without several key players due to opt-outs tied to the pandemic, quaratines or injuries. Still, the game stayed close until the final seconds, when James drove the Lakers to a win with strong effort on offense and defense.
The Lakers had a six-point lead with 2:29 remaining. George responded with a personal 5-0 run to cut the lead to one point before James answered with a layup with 1:26 remaining.
Danny Green attempted to distance the Lakers, but missed a 3-pointer with 43 seconds remaining. George responded with a game-tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds left on the clock.
James then took control on the other end of the floor. The four-time NBA MVP dribbled the ball near half court before he drew two defenders. James used his large frame to fight through the opposition and threw up a right-handed shot, which hit the rim.
James followed the shot and got his own rebound, despite being surrounded by all five Clippers players. He made the follow-up attempt with just 12.8 seconds left in the game.
Advertisement
Leonard and George worked to give the Clippers a victory on the game's final possession, but James used strong defense to prevent both Clippers stars from clear shot attempts. George hit the back of the rim with a heave at the buzzer.
"I love having the ball in my hands late in the game, a tie game, being down or being up," James said.
Davis had 14 points in the first quarter to lead the Lakers to a 35-23 edge in the frame. Leonard responded with 14 points in the second quarter to help the Clippers cut the lead to 54-52 at halftime.
Davis scored 10 points in the third quarter, but the Clippers used an 8-0 run in the frame to gain control of the contest. The Clippers held a 77-76 edge as they entered the fourth quarter.
The Lakers responded in the fourth quarter with a 12-0 run, which included 3-pointers from Dion Waiters, Kyle Kuzma, James and Danny Green. The barrage of drained downtown attempts gave the Lakers a 91-80 edge with 7:57 remaining.
George then put together his late run before James hit the go-ahead shot and used lock-down defense to secure the victory.
Advertisement
"We are still trying to figure it out," Leonard said. "It was a good game. We still had fun out there. It was great to be back on the floor."
James had 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the win. Kuzma scored 16 points and had seven rebounds off the bench for the Lakers. Patrick Beverley scored 12 points off the bench for the Clippers.
No fans were allowed to watch the clash between the top seeds from the Western Conference due to coronavirus safety precautions, but the game still had playoff intensity.
"Intensity was going to be there regardless," George said. "You have two teams that know each other very well. It is important for us to start off this stretch [strong] just as it is for them. At the end, we know what we have. But it's a marathon.
"We will learn from the mistakes we had."
The Lakers battle the Toronto Raptors in their second of eight seeding games at 8:30 p.m. EDT Saturday in Orlando. The Clippers face the New Orleans Pelicans at 6 p.m. EDT Saturday in Orlando.


upi--2020-07-31--Watch live: Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield, Dr. Brett Giroir testify on COVID-19

July 31 ( UPI ) -- Dr. Anthony Fauci , the United States ' top expert on infectious diseases , and CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield will testify in Congress Friday on the federal strategy for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic .
Adm. Brett Giroir , assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services , will also appear before the House oversight committee 's coronavirus subcommittee .
All three health officials testified in the Senate a month ago , during which Fauci told lawmakers that the federal government is `` not in total control '' of the outbreak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day .
The `` hybrid hearing , '' titled , `` The Urgent Need For A National Plan To Contain The Coronavirus , '' begins at 9 a.m. EDT .
Fauci , Redfield and Giroir are all members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , which has been coordinating the federal government 's response to the pandemic .
Friday 's hearing `` will examine the urgent need for a national comprehensive plan to address the coronavirus pandemic with three key officials leading the response , '' Democratic panel members said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,000 Americans died from the coronavirus yesterday , the highest number of daily coronavirus deaths in more than a month , as the number of new cases continues to rise , '' they said .
The hearing was originally scheduled for July 21 but was postponed after Trump administration officials declined to make Fauci and several other potential witnesses available , subcommittee chairman Rep. James Clyburn , D-S.C. , said in a letter this month to Vice President Mike Pence and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar .
Clyburn unsuccessfully sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , contact tracing and other pandemic countermeasures after President Donald Trump said last month that increased testing is a `` double-edged sword '' and said he 'd asked his `` people '' to slow COVID-19 testing .
The South Carolina Democrat said he was told by the White House that Azar was `` unavailable to testify '' earlier because he was `` busy on the ground '' addressing the pandemic .
Azar has n't testified in Congress since February -- about a month before Trump declared a national health emergency .

1/5
Dr. Anthony Fauci told lawmakers last month that the federal government is "not in total control" of the coronavirus outbreak. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 31 (UPI) -- Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States' top expert on infectious diseases, expressed "cautious" optimism in Congress Friday that a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 will available this fall or early winter. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, testified in the House that a vaccine could be developed by the end of the year. Advertisement
Fauci cited a 30,000-patient clinical trial by Moderna that began Monday.
"We are cautiously optimistic that this will be successful," he said of Moderna's mRNA-1273 candidate.
Fauci said his optimism is based on results from earlier phases of the Moderna trial that "clearly showed that individuals who were vaccinated mounted a neutralizing antibody response that was at least comparable, and in many respects, than what we see in convalescent [blood] serum."
Advertisement
Fauci said earlier this week that parts of the United States can't afford another surge of cases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director and Dr. Robert Redfield and Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, also appeared Friday before the House oversight committee's coronavirus subcommittee.
The hearing is titled, "The Urgent Need For A National Plan To Contain The Coronavirus."
All three health officials testified in the Senate a month ago, during which Fauci told lawmakers that the federal government is "not in total control" of the outbreak and warned U.S. cases could ultimately reach 100,000 per day.
Fauci told lawmakers Friday that any new coronavirus vaccine may not be available to all Americans immediately, but instead could be rolled out in phases.
"That's the reason why we have the committees to do the prioritization of who should get it first," he said. "But ultimately, within a reasonable period of time, the plans now allow for any American who needs a vaccine to get it within the year 2021."
Redfield, meanwhile, urged that schools be reopened for in-person classes this fall, saying a return to face-to-face learning is in the best interests of children's health.
Advertisement
"There's really very significant public health consequences of the school closure," he said, citing student access to mental health services and nutritional support.
Under questioning from Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., Redfield testified that he was not told in advance of a new rule requiring hospitals to shift reporting their daily data on COVID-19 hospitalizations directly to the Trump administration, rather than to the CDC.
This month's move sparked concerns among state governors and healthcare providers and led some Democrats to fear the White House could politicize or withhold the data -- an accusation denied by the administration.
"We weren't directly involved in the final decision," Redfield said, adding that while he was told the decision was made by HHS Secretary Alex Azar, he did not directly speak to him or to Vice President Mike Pence about the move.
He did testify, however, that the CDC "worked in cooperation" with others in the administration to make the change, which HHS officials asserted was necessary to speed up the reporting process.
The hearing was originally scheduled for July 21 but was postponed after Trump administration officials declined to make Fauci and several other potential witnesses available, subcommittee chairman Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., said in a letter this month to Pence and Azar.
Advertisement
Clyburn unsuccessfully sought documents detailing demand and supply for testing, contact tracing and other pandemic countermeasures after President Donald Trump said last month that increased testing is a "double-edged sword" and said he'd asked his "people" to slow COVID-19 testing.
The South Carolina Democrat said he was told by the White House that Azar was "unavailable to testify" earlier because he was "busy on the ground" addressing the pandemic. Azar hasn't testified in Congress since February -- about a month before Trump declared a national health emergency.
Earlier Friday, Sanofi and GSK announced that they will receive as much as $2.1 billion in U.S. funding to develop their vaccine candidate.


upi--2020-07-31--Most women unaware cancer can develop near breast implants

There 's a low level of awareness among American women about a form of lymphoma that can occur around breast implants , a new study finds .
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma , or BIA-ALCL , is an immune system cancer .
It 's estimated to occur in between 1 in 3,000 and 1 in 12,000 women with textured breast implants .
Smooth-surfaced implants are associated with a lower rate .
More than 620 cases and at least 17 deaths from BIA-ALCL have been reported worldwide .
Of 500 U.S. women surveyed , about 1 in 7 said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the 12 % of respondents who had implants , slightly more than half were aware of it .
After receiving information about BIA-ALCL risk , about 58 % of respondents said they 'd still be willing to get a reconstructive breast implant , and 46 % would willing to get cosmetic breast implants .
But 36 % said they 'd be less likely to get an implant .
Two-thirds of the women with implants `` expressed some degree of concern '' regarding BIA-ALCL , and 35 % said they were `` strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no current recommendation to remove breast implants in women with no implant-related symptoms .
Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include swelling , a mass or pain in the area of the implant , according to the study published in the July issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery .
Dr. Justin Sacks , chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Washington University in St. Louis , led the study .
`` Our findings can help surgeons navigate the risks of BIA-ALCL with current and prospective patients and can guide future public education efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a journal news release .
The study also found that most women who 'd heard of BIA-ALCL got their information through the media and health care blogs .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more on BIA-ALCL .

There's a low level of awareness among American women about a form of lymphoma that can occur around breast implants, a new study finds.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, is an immune system cancer. It's estimated to occur in between 1 in 3,000 and 1 in 12,000 women with textured breast implants. Smooth-surfaced implants are associated with a lower rate.
Advertisement
More than 620 cases and at least 17 deaths from BIA-ALCL have been reported worldwide.
Of 500 U.S. women surveyed, about 1 in 7 said they had heard of BIA-ALCL. However, among the 12% of respondents who had implants, slightly more than half were aware of it.
After receiving information about BIA-ALCL risk, about 58% of respondents said they'd still be willing to get a reconstructive breast implant, and 46% would willing to get cosmetic breast implants. But 36% said they'd be less likely to get an implant.
Two-thirds of the women with implants "expressed some degree of concern" regarding BIA-ALCL, and 35% said they were "strongly considering removing their implants."
There is no current recommendation to remove breast implants in women with no implant-related symptoms. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include swelling, a mass or pain in the area of the implant, according to the study published in the July issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Advertisement
Dr. Justin Sacks, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, led the study.
"Our findings can help surgeons navigate the risks of BIA-ALCL with current and prospective patients and can guide future public education efforts on BIA-ALCL," Sacks and colleagues said in a journal news release.
The study also found that most women who'd heard of BIA-ALCL got their information through the media and health care blogs.
More information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more on BIA-ALCL.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-31--Vinnie Jones: Making 'The Big Ugly' was 'a Cinderella story'

LOS ANGELES , July 31 ( UPI ) -- The Big Ugly is the first movie actor Vinnie Jones produced .
He personally raised the film 's $ 6 million budget from investors Greg Williams and Michael Angelo .
`` This movie is a Cinderella story , '' Jones told UPI in a recent phone interview .
`` It 's what makes our industry so fantastic that these little acorns can become an oak tree . ''
In The Big Ugly , Jones plays Neelyn , an enforcer for British mobster Harris ( Malcolm McDowell ) .
He joins Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with oilman Preston ( Ron Perlman ) .
Harris plans to launder his money through Preston 's oil company .
Things go south when Preston 's son , Junior ( Brandon Sklenar ) , kills Neelyn 's girlfriend , Fiona ( Lenora Crichlow ) .
Neelyn wants revenge on Junior , but that would sabotage Harris 's deal with Preston .
The former English Football League player became an actor when Guy Ritchie cast him in his debut film , Lock , Stock and Two Smoking Barrels .
Jones now has 100 acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his work .
`` You go and do some movies and you get let down by either the producers or the script or the director or the writer , '' Jones said .
`` In this case , I was in control of it all . ''
A big studio movie like X-Men : The Last Stand is an example of Jones ' disappointments .
He signed on to play comic book character Juggernaut when his Lock , Stock and Snatch producer Matthew Vaughn was going to direct .
Vaughn dropped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added so many other comic book characters , it effectively reduced Juggernaut to a bit part .
`` The fans , rightly so , were disappointed , '' Jones said .
`` It was n't my fault .
I was upset for the fans , as well . ''
Jones ' behind-the-scenes passion for The Big Ugly attracted cast members like McDowell .
McDowell , often typecast himself as a villain since he starred in Stanley Kubrick 's A Clockwork Orange , and admired Jones for taking control of his career .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' McDowell told UPI by phone .
`` I was really happy that he would get a chance to show a little of what he really can do . ''
McDowell said he took a producer credit on the film in return for reducing his usual acting fee .
However , McDowell said he is a producer in name only .
Jones ' producing skills impressed him .
`` Vinnie 's no slouch , '' McDowell said .
`` It 's not just in name like it is with me .
Vinnie actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he saw layers in writer-director Scott Wiper 's script that allowed him more range than many of his previous roles .
While seeking justice for Fiona , Neelyn comes to know locals Kara ( Leven Rambin ) and Will ( Nicholas Braun ) .
Neelyn hopes he can help Kara and Will escape the web of Preston , Junior and Harris .
`` When he just about found love with Fiona , he let her down , '' Jones said .
`` She ended up dead .
That 's why he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Kara is a local bartender who meets the men engaged in the oil industry when they come in for a drink .
Will is an oil worker bullied by Junior .
Kara was n't planning to leave her life in West Virginia , but when Will stands up to Junior , she has to choose between running with Will or staying behind .
`` This love has to be the one , has to be so real and so deep that she 's willing to give up [ her life ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This love has to be really , really deep and meaningful in order for her to sacrifice what she 's built for herself . ''
Rambin also said Jones would call her `` Blondie '' on the set .
Jones confirmed it was a term of endearment , but also a bit of a test for his co-star .
`` I think some actors and actresses , you have to bring down a peg or two before Day 1 , '' Jones said .
`` Otherwise , they can become higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she admired Jones ' bravado , and caught him letting his guard down briefly .
`` I know he would take a bullet for me , '' Rambin said .
`` I think he literally told me that under his breath and I was like wait , what was that ?
He 's like , 'Nothing , Blondie .
Get back to work . '
'' Where Neelyn sees a future for the next generation , Harris sees Neelyn as a child who needs to be brought back into line .
McDowell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he 's only annoyed his pseudo-son could ruin his business deal .
`` Of course , he gets pissed with him because he is like a son , '' McDowell said .
`` Fathers and sons often fight , then they get back together .
Of course , he 's very critical of Neelyn . ''
It also was important to Jones that he be able to show as much emotion in moments of silence as he did through dialogue .
Scenes between Neelyn and Harris , between Neelyn and Junior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pauses and quiet contemplation .
`` The great actors -- Lee Marvin , Charles Bronson , Clint Eastwood , De Niro -- they take their time , '' Jones said .
`` They 're not blurting out lines for the sake of it .
They 're thinking the scene through . ''
After bringing The Big Ugly to the screen , Jones is producing two more movies and developing a TV series .
Jones and Wiper started the company 4G vision , with $ 100 million in capital from Williams and Angelo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leak , '' Jones said .
`` This has been planned .
I love getting everything together . ''
Among the projects Jones is developing are an adaptation of the Jack Noble comic books , and an action film .
The action movie would have a $ 25 million budget .
That 's quite a step up from the $ 6 million of The Big Ugly but still modest by Hollywood studio standards .
`` I do n't have to make movies for $ 50 million and $ 60 million just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval from Hollywood , '' Jones said .
`` We want to walk before we can run .
We 're not in a hurry to spend all this money . ''
The Big Ugly premieres on video on demand Friday .

1/3
Vinnie Jones produced and stars in "The Big Ugly." Photo courtesy of Vertical Entertainment
LOS ANGELES, July 31 (UPI) -- The Big Ugly is the first movie actor Vinnie Jones produced. He personally raised the film's $6 million budget from investors. "This movie is a Cinderella story," Jones told UPI in a recent phone interview. "It's what makes our industry so fantastic that these little acorns can become an oak tree." Advertisement
In The Big Ugly, Jones plays Neelyn, an enforcer for British mobster Harris (Malcolm McDowell). He joins Harris in West Virginia to make a deal with oilman Preston (Ron Perlman).
Harris plans to launder his money through Preston's oil company. Things go south when Preston's son, Junior (Brandon Sklenar), kills Neelyn's girlfriend, Fiona (Lenora Crichlow). Neelyn wants revenge on Junior, but that would sabotage Harris's deal with Preston.
The former English Football League player became an actor when Guy Ritchie cast him in his debut film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Jones now has 100 acting credits, but wanted to take control of his work.
Advertisement
"You go and do some movies and you get let down by either the producers or the script or the director or the writer," Jones said. "In this case, I was in control of it all."
A big studio movie like X-Men: The Last Stand is an example of Jones' disappointments. He signed on to play comic book character Juggernaut when his Lock, Stock and Snatch producer Matthew Vaughn was going to direct.
Vaughn dropped out and Brett Ratner replaced him. Ratner added so many other comic book characters, it effectively reduced Juggernaut to a bit part.
"The fans, rightly so, were disappointed," Jones said. "It wasn't my fault. I was upset for the fans, as well."
Jones' behind-the-scenes passion for The Big Ugly attracted cast members like McDowell.
McDowell, often typecast himself as a villain since he starred in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, and admired Jones for taking control of his career.
"It starts and ends with Vinnie," McDowell told UPI by phone. "I was really happy that he would get a chance to show a little of what he really can do."
McDowell said he took a producer credit on the film in return for reducing his usual acting fee. However, McDowell said he is a producer in name only. Jones' producing skills impressed him.
Advertisement
"Vinnie's no slouch," McDowell said. "It's not just in name like it is with me. Vinnie actually produced the movie."
Jones said he saw layers in writer-director Scott Wiper's script that allowed him more range than many of his previous roles. While seeking justice for Fiona, Neelyn comes to know locals Kara (Leven Rambin) and Will (Nicholas Braun). Neelyn hopes he can help Kara and Will escape the web of Preston, Junior and Harris.
"When he just about found love with Fiona, he let her down," Jones said. "She ended up dead. That's why he wanted to sacrifice himself for the two young lovers."
Kara is a local bartender who meets the men engaged in the oil industry when they come in for a drink. Will is an oil worker bullied by Junior. Kara wasn't planning to leave her life in West Virginia, but when Will stands up to Junior, she has to choose between running with Will or staying behind.
"This love has to be the one, has to be so real and so deep that she's willing to give up [her life]," Rambin told UPI by phone. "This love has to be really, really deep and meaningful in order for her to sacrifice what she's built for herself."
Advertisement
Rambin also said Jones would call her "Blondie" on the set. Jones confirmed it was a term of endearment, but also a bit of a test for his co-star.
"I think some actors and actresses, you have to bring down a peg or two before Day 1," Jones said. "Otherwise, they can become higher maintenance than the others."
Rambin said she admired Jones' bravado, and caught him letting his guard down briefly.
"I know he would take a bullet for me," Rambin said. "I think he literally told me that under his breath and I was like wait, what was that? He's like, 'Nothing, Blondie. Get back to work.'"
Where Neelyn sees a future for the next generation, Harris sees Neelyn as a child who needs to be brought back into line. McDowell said Harris sees Neelyn as a son, and he's only annoyed his pseudo-son could ruin his business deal.
"Of course, he gets pissed with him because he is like a son," McDowell said. "Fathers and sons often fight, then they get back together. Of course, he's very critical of Neelyn."
It also was important to Jones that he be able to show as much emotion in moments of silence as he did through dialogue. Scenes between Neelyn and Harris, between Neelyn and Junior, and between other characters incorporated dramatic pauses and quiet contemplation.
Advertisement
"The great actors -- Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Clint Eastwood, De Niro -- they take their time," Jones said. "They're not blurting out lines for the sake of it. They're thinking the scene through."
After bringing The Big Ugly to the screen, Jones is producing two more movies and developing a TV series. Jones and Wiper started the company 4G vision, with $100 million in capital from Greg Williams and Michael Angelo.
"This hasn't just sprung like a leak," Jones said. "This has been planned. I love getting everything together."
Among the projects Jones is developing are an adaptation of the Jack Noble comic books, and an action film. The action movie would have a $25 million budget. That's quite a step up from the $6 million of The Big Ugly but still modest by Hollywood studio standards.
"I don't have to make movies for $50 million and $60 million just to get the [expletive] stamp of approval from Hollywood," Jones said. "We want to walk before we can run. We're not in a hurry to spend all this money."
The Big Ugly premieres on video on demand Friday.