upi--2020-04-21--Russia interfered in 2016 to help elect Trump, Senate Intelligence Committee says

April 21 ( UPI ) -- A Senate Intelligence Committee report confirmed Tuesday the U.S. intelligence finding that Russia interfered in the 2016 election with the goal to help Donald Trump become president .
Sen. Richard Burr , R-N.C. , chairs the bipartisan committee , undercutting Trump 's claims that the U.S. intelligence findings were a `` hoax '' led by Democrats .
The January 2017 U.S. intelligence report provided `` specific intelligence reporting to support the assessment that [ Russian President Vladimir ] Putin and the Russian government demonstrated a preference for candidate Trump , '' the Senate Intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The committee also found that `` specific intelligence '' along with other assessments supported the finding that Putin `` approved and directed aspects '' of the Russian government 's interference efforts .
The 158-page report was heavily redacted , but it was clear that it supported the reasoning behind the intelligence committee 's findings .
`` The committee found no reason to dispute the intelligence community 's conclusions , '' Burr said in a statement , adding that the intelligence community 's findings showed `` sound analytical reasoning . ''
There was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' success in 2016 is leading them to try again in 2020 , '' Senator Mark Warner , D-Va. , the committee 's vice chairman , warned .
Warner also praised the agencies reviewing the matter for their `` unbiased and professional work . ''
Sen. Ron Wyden , D-Ore. , added that the report also negated `` false assertions '' that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 elections .
`` The report also provides additional evidence against Donald Trump 's false assertions regarding Ukraine , '' by delving further into Russia 's inference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The committee confirmed the U.S. intelligence community 's findings , which are `` fundamentally incompatible with Trump 's conspiracy theories about Ukrainian involvement . ''
The report is the fourth of five committee reports on the Russian government 's interference in the 2016 presidential election campaign .
`` Russia 's goals were to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process , denigrate Secretary [ Hillary ] Clinton , and harm her electability and potential presidency , '' the January 2017 assessment found .
The fifth and final report will address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian operatives .
Former special counsel Robert Mueller said last year that he did not find collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign before the 2016 election , but there were several `` episodes '' where Trump may have obstructed justice with attempts to disrupt the investigation .
Former British spy Christopher Steele 's unverified claims about Trump 's ties to Russia are also expected to be addressed in the fifth and final report .
A release date for the final report has not been set yet .

The Senate Intelligence Committee's report Tuesday confirmed Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election with the goal to help elect Donald Trump. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
April 21 (UPI) -- A Senate Intelligence Committee report confirmed Tuesday the U.S. intelligence finding that Russia interfered in the 2016 election with the goal to help Donald Trump become president. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., chairs the bipartisan committee, undercutting Trump's claims that the U.S. intelligence findings were a "hoax" led by Democrats. Advertisement
The January 2017 U.S. intelligence report provided "specific intelligence reporting to support the assessment that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and the Russian government demonstrated a preference for candidate Trump," the Senate Intelligence Committee found in its report Tuesday.
The committee also found that "specific intelligence" along with other assessments supported the finding that Putin "approved and directed aspects" of the Russian government's interference efforts.
The 158-page report was heavily redacted, but it was clear that it supported the reasoning behind the intelligence committee's findings.
"The committee found no reason to dispute the intelligence community's conclusions," Burr said in a statement, adding that the intelligence community's findings showed "sound analytical reasoning."
There was "no reason to doubt that the Russians' success in 2016 is leading them to try again in 2020," Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., the committee's vice chairman, warned.
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Warner also praised the agencies reviewing the matter for their "unbiased and professional work."
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., added that the report also negated "false assertions" that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 elections.
"The report also provides additional evidence against Donald Trump's false assertions regarding Ukraine," by delving further into Russia's inference in Democratic National Committee networks, Wyden said. The committee confirmed the U.S. intelligence community's findings, which are "fundamentally incompatible with Trump's conspiracy theories about Ukrainian involvement."
The report is the fourth of five committee reports on the Russian government's interference in the 2016 presidential election campaign.
"Russia's goals were to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrate Secretary [Hillary] Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency," the January 2017 assessment found.
The fifth and final report will address allegations that Trump campaign officials coordinated with Russian operatives.
Former special counsel Robert Mueller said last year that he did not find collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign before the 2016 election, but there were several "episodes" where Trump may have obstructed justice with attempts to disrupt the investigation.
Former British spy Christopher Steele's unverified claims about Trump's ties to Russia are also expected to be addressed in the fifth and final report.
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A release date for the final report has not been set yet.


upi--2020-04-21--Lyrid meteor shower to peak overnight

Lyrid meteor shower to peak overnight

April 21 ( UPI ) -- The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak overnight as Tuesday becomes Wednesday , with the best viewing occurring between midnight and dawn .
At their peak , the meteor shower will produce between 15 and 20 meteors per hour -- an admittedly modest show , but a show nonetheless .
To catch them , look toward the constellation Lyra the Harp , not far from an especially bright star known as Vega .
Luckily , tonight 's meteor shower wo n't be spoiled by lunar light , as the moon is nearly brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of crescents .
According to Universe Today , the Lyrids are one of the oldest documented meteor showers .
As early as 687 BC , Chinese historians noted that during the fourth month of the year , the `` stars fell like rain . ''
Meteor showers are caused by the intersection of Earth 's orbit with the trail of debris left by the comets and asteroids .
When the bits of rock , ice and dust left behind by a larger object collide with Earth 's atmosphere , they burn up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The pieces of space debris that interact with our atmosphere to create the Lyrids originate from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher , '' according to NASA .
`` Comet Thatcher was discovered on 5 April 1861 by A. E .
Thatcher . ''
Every few decades , the Lyrids surprise with peaks of between 100 and 250 meteors per hour .
Astronomers estimate the Earth collides with these denser pockets of comet fragments every 60 years or so .
This year 's shower is expected to be modest .
What the meteors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with appearance .
Many Lyrid meteors leave glowing wake of ionized gas .
These trails sometimes glimmer for several seconds after the meteor has disappeared .
For would-be sky watchers thwarted by clouds -- or stay-at-home orders as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic -- a live stream will be offered by ComsoSapiens beginning at midnight tonight .

Meteor showers like the Lyrids look a bit different from the vantage of the International Space Station. Photo by NASA
April 21 (UPI) -- The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak overnight as Tuesday becomes Wednesday, with the best viewing occurring between midnight and dawn. At their peak, the meteor shower will produce between 15 and 20 meteors per hour -- an admittedly modest show, but a show nonetheless. To catch them, look toward the constellation Lyra the Harp, not far from an especially bright star known as Vega. Advertisement
Luckily, tonight's meteor shower won't be spoiled by lunar light, as the moon is nearly brand new, appearing only as the slimmest of crescents.
According to Universe Today, the Lyrids are one of the oldest documented meteor showers. As early as 687 BC, Chinese historians noted that during the fourth month of the year, the "stars fell like rain."
Meteor showers are caused by the intersection of Earth's orbit with the trail of debris left by the comets and asteroids. When the bits of rock, ice and dust left behind by a larger object collide with Earth's atmosphere, they burn up, creating bright streaks across the night sky.
"The pieces of space debris that interact with our atmosphere to create the Lyrids originate from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher," according to NASA. "Comet Thatcher was discovered on 5 April 1861 by A. E. Thatcher."
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Every few decades, the Lyrids surprise with peaks of between 100 and 250 meteors per hour. Astronomers estimate the Earth collides with these denser pockets of comet fragments every 60 years or so. This year's shower is expected to be modest.
What the meteors lack in abundance they make up for with appearance. Many Lyrid meteors leave glowing wake of ionized gas. These trails sometimes glimmer for several seconds after the meteor has disappeared.
For would-be sky watchers thwarted by clouds -- or stay-at-home orders as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic -- a live stream will be offered by ComsoSapiens beginning at midnight tonight.


upi--2020-04-21--Ohio brewery planning world's largest virtual toast

April 21 ( UPI ) -- An Ohio brewery is inviting beverage fans of all ages to participate in a @ @ @ @ @ 's largest virtual toast .
The Jolly Scholar in Cleveland said people can participate from @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus lockdown by going to the brewery 's Facebook page at 7 p.m. May 1 @ @ @ @ @ to go live with a video starring Les `` The Beer Guy '' Flake , @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland Indians games , and Flake will lead the toast after an introduction .
Jolly @ @ @ @ @ people of all ages are invited to participate .
`` People can be involved with @ @ @ @ @ whatever , '' Vann told Cleveland.com .
Participants are encouraged to film themselves during the @ @ @ @ @ be submitted to website RecordSetter.com , which will then issue certificates to the participants .

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April 21 (UPI) -- An Ohio brewery is inviting beverage fans of all ages to participate in a record attempt for the world's largest virtual toast.
The Jolly Scholar in Cleveland said people can participate from their own homes during the coronavirus lockdown by going to the brewery's Facebook page at 7 p.m. May 1.
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The brewery is planning to go live with a video starring Les "The Beer Guy" Flake, a popular beer vendor at Cleveland Indians games, and Flake will lead the toast after an introduction.
Jolly Scholar owner Matt Vann said people of all ages are invited to participate.
"People can be involved with bottled water, juice, whatever," Vann told Cleveland.com.
Participants are encouraged to film themselves during the toast so the evidence can be submitted to website RecordSetter.com, which will then issue certificates to the participants.


upi--2020-04-21--Ravens' Lamar Jackson to be 'Madden 21' cover star

April 21 ( UPI ) -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be the cover athlete for Madden 21 .
The 2019-2020 NFL MVP announced the honor Tuesday during a conference call .
Jackson , 23 , passed for 3,127 yards , 36 scores and six interceptions last season .
He also ran for 1,206 yards and seven scores , setting the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback .
Jackson said he is n't worried about the rumored Madden curse from previous years .
Several players were injured in the season after which they appeared on the cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had such bad luck .
Madden 20 cover star Patrick Mahomes earned the honor after he won the 2018-2019 MVP award .
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback sustained a knee injury this year , but recovered to win the Super Bowl .
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was on the cover of Madden 18 and led his team to a Super Bowl appearance .
`` Yeah , [ EA Sports ] talked to me , I will be on the cover of Madden , '' Jackson said .
`` I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on the front ... so I want that curse . ''
EA Sports -- the producer of the Madden series -- has not announced a release date for the football video game .
Previous versions of Madden have been released in August .
`` It 's always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid , since I first started playing Madden , '' Jackson said .
`` It 's dope .
I 've had every Madden , ' so for me to be on the front , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis was the last Ravens player to appear on the cover , in 2005 .
The Ravens will join the Tennessee Titans , Pittsburgh Steelers , Detroit Lions and New England Patriots as the only franchises to have players on the cover more than once .
Former NFL coach and commentator John Madden was on the cover for the first 11 editions .
Titans running back Eddie George was the first athlete to be appear on the cover for Madden 2001 .

Madden 21, which will likely be released in August. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be on the cover forwhich will likely be released in August. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
April 21 (UPI) -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be the cover athlete for Madden 21. The 2019-2020 NFL MVP announced the honor Tuesday during a conference call. Jackson, 23, passed for 3,127 yards, 36 scores and six interceptions last season. He also ran for 1,206 yards and seven scores, setting the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Advertisement
Jackson said he isn't worried about the rumored Madden curse from previous years. Several players were injured in the season after which they appeared on the cover. The latest cover stars haven't had such bad luck.
Madden 20 cover star Patrick Mahomes earned the honor after he won the 2018-2019 MVP award. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback sustained a knee injury this year, but recovered to win the Super Bowl. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was on the cover of Madden 18 and led his team to a Super Bowl appearance.
"Yeah, [EA Sports] talked to me, I will be on the cover of Madden," Jackson said. "I'm not worried about a curse. Patrick Mahomes was on the front ... so I want that curse."
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EA Sports -- the producer of the Madden series -- has not announced a release date for the football video game. Previous versions of Madden have been released in August.
"It's always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, since I first started playing Madden," Jackson said. "It's dope. I've had every Madden,' so for me to be on the front, it's a dream come true."
Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis was the last Ravens player to appear on the cover, in 2005. The Ravens will join the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots as the only franchises to have players on the cover more than once.
Former NFL coach and commentator John Madden was on the cover for the first 11 editions. Titans running back Eddie George was the first athlete to be appear on the cover for Madden 2001.


upi--2020-04-21--Dutch Supreme Court expands euthanasia law for severe dementia patients

April 21 ( UPI ) -- The Netherlands ' Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Dutch doctors may euthanize patients with severe dementia if at any time they gave written consent to do so .
Previously , doctors were required by law to have patients reconfirm their wish to be euthanized .
The Dutch court 's ruling stemmed from the case of a nursing home doctor who was acquitted of murder in a lower court , for euthanizing a 74-year-old woman in 2016 based on a written directive she gave previously while still lucid .
The woman said she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and wanted doctors to euthanize her when it was the `` right time . ''
Public prosecutors charged the doctor , saying there were signs the woman changed her mind and did n't want to die .
`` The court was of the opinion that the doctor acted carefully and was therefore not punishable , '' the high court said Tuesday , adding that `` the court made no mistakes in its assessment . ''
The Dutch legislature passed legislation in 2001 making euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide legal .
The law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applies to patients at least 12 years old who endure unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement .
There were more than 6,000 cases of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in 2016 , according to the Dutch Regional Euthanasia Review Committees .

April 21 (UPI) -- The Netherlands' Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Dutch doctors may euthanize patients with severe dementia if at any time they gave written consent to do so.
Previously, doctors were required by law to have patients reconfirm their wish to be euthanized.
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The Dutch court's ruling stemmed from the case of a nursing home doctor who was acquitted of murder in a lower court, for euthanizing a 74-year-old woman in 2016 based on a written directive she gave previously while still lucid.
The woman said she didn't want to be in a nursing home and wanted doctors to euthanize her when it was the "right time."
Public prosecutors charged the doctor, saying there were signs the woman changed her mind and didn't want to die.
"The court was of the opinion that the doctor acted carefully and was therefore not punishable," the high court said Tuesday, adding that "the court made no mistakes in its assessment."
The Dutch legislature passed legislation in 2001 making euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide legal. The law, which took effect the following year, applies to patients at least 12 years old who endure unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement.
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There were more than 6,000 cases of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in 2016, according to the Dutch Regional Euthanasia Review Committees.


upi--2020-04-21--Watch: Police rescue red-tailed hawk from highway median in New York

April 21 ( UPI ) -- Police in New York came to the rescue of a red-tailed hawk that ended @ @ @ @ @ median with an injured wing .
The New York Police Department tweeted video Monday showing @ @ @ @ @ carefully grab the hawk and place it into an animal carrier in the middle of @ @ @ @ @ took the raptor to the Wild Bird Fund , where officials said it is being @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Rex is a juvenile red-tailed hawk who got into trouble and fractured a @ @ @ @ @ .
Our rehabbers not only splinted his wing , but they thoughtfully gave him a @ @ @ @ @ '' the organization tweeted .

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April 21 (UPI) -- Police in New York came to the rescue of a red-tailed hawk that ended up stranded on a highway median with an injured wing.
The New York Police Department tweeted video Monday showing a masked officer working to carefully grab the hawk and place it into an animal carrier in the middle of a busy highway.
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Police took the raptor to the Wild Bird Fund, where officials said it is being treated for a fractured wing.
"Rex is a juvenile red-tailed hawk who got into trouble and fractured a bone in his left wing. Our rehabbers not only splinted his wing, but they thoughtfully gave him a stylish matching splint wrap," the organization tweeted.


upi--2020-04-22--'Venom' sequel delayed until June 2021

'Venom' sequel delayed until June 2021

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Sony Pictures has announced that Venom 2 , now titled Venom : Let There Be Carnage , has been delayed until June 25 , 2021 .
The sequel to 2018 's Venom was originally set to hit theaters on Oct. 2 , 2020 .
Tom Hardy is returning as the title character , along with Michelle Williams as Anne Weying .
Woody Harrelson joins the series as fellow Spider-Man villain Cletus Kasady , aka Carnage .
The new title references Carnage 's arrival after Harrelson appeared in the end credits scene of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title and release date on Twitter Tuesday , alongside a video showing off the film 's updated logo .
Andy Serkis is directing the sequel after Ruben Fleischer helmed the first entry .
Naomie Harris and Reid Scott also star .
Sony Pictures has delayed a number of its films due to the COVID-19 pandemic as movie theaters are closed around the world and productions have shut down .
Ghostbusters : Afterlife has been moved from July 10 to March 5 , 2021 and Morbius , another Spider-Man spinoff film starring Jared Leto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved from July 31 to March 19 , 2021 .

April 22 (UPI) -- Sony Pictures has announced that Venom 2, now titled Venom: Let There Be Carnage, has been delayed until June 25, 2021.
The sequel to 2018's Venom was originally set to hit theaters on Oct. 2, 2020. Tom Hardy is returning as the title character, along with Michelle Williams as Anne Weying.
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Woody Harrelson joins the series as fellow Spider-Man villain Cletus Kasady, aka Carnage. The new title references Carnage's arrival after Harrelson appeared in the end credits scene of the first film.
Sony Pictures announced the new title and release date on Twitter Tuesday, alongside a video showing off the film's updated logo.
Andy Serkis is directing the sequel after Ruben Fleischer helmed the first entry. Naomie Harris and Reid Scott also star.
Sony Pictures has delayed a number of its films due to the COVID-19 pandemic as movie theaters are closed around the world and productions have shut down.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife has been moved from July 10 to March 5, 2021 and Morbius, another Spider-Man spinoff film starring Jared Leto in the title role, has been moved from July 31 to March 19, 2021.


upi--2020-04-22--NFL Draft: Bruce Smith wants to mentor Chase Young for Washington Redskins

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith wants to mentor former Ohio State star Chase Young if the Washington Redskins select him with the No .
2 overall pick in Thursday 's NFL Draft .
Smith made the comment during an interview with TMZ Sports .
The Redskins are widely expected to select Young Thursday in the first round of what 's being called a `` virtual '' draft , due to the coronavirus restrictions .
Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be the No .
1 overall pick by the Cincinnati @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young 's uncle , Bernard Joseph , at Virginia Tech and that he recalls Joseph praising the star Buckeyes linebacker several years ago .
Smith said Young has `` all of the tangibles necessary '' to be an elite player in the NFL and said he 's `` arguably '' the best player in the 2020 draft class .
`` I think Chase will end up in the hands of the Washington Redskins , '' he said .
Smith has considered a discussion with Redskins owner Dan Snyder about how he could help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've given that some thought , '' the 11-time Pro Bowl selection said .
`` Giving Dan Snyder a call and telling Dan that I can probably help this young man out to becoming that impact player they would like for him to become , a lot sooner rather than three or four years down the line . ''
Smith has previously worked with other star NFL players , including Denver Broncos defender Von Miller .
The 2009 Hall of Fame inductee spent four seasons with the Redskins between 2000 and 2003 after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bills .
Smith 's 200 career sacks are the most in NFL history .
The 1990 and 1996 Defensive Player of the Year appeared in 279 games after being taken as the No .
1 overall pick out of Virginia Tech in the 1985 NFL Draft .

Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith said the Washington Redskins want former Ohio State Buckeyes star Chase Young (2) to become an "impact player" for their franchise. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith wants to mentor former Ohio State star Chase Young if the Washington Redskins select him with the No. 2 overall pick in Thursday's NFL Draft. Smith made the comment during an interview with TMZ Sports. Advertisement
The Redskins are widely expected to select Young Thursday in the first round of what's being called a "virtual" draft, due to the coronavirus restrictions. Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Smith said he played with Young's uncle, Bernard Joseph, at Virginia Tech and that he recalls Joseph praising the star Buckeyes linebacker several years ago.
Smith said Young has "all of the tangibles necessary" to be an elite player in the NFL and said he's "arguably" the best player in the 2020 draft class.
"I think Chase will end up in the hands of the Washington Redskins," he said.
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Smith has considered a discussion with Redskins owner Dan Snyder about how he could help Young develop more quickly.
"I've given that some thought," the 11-time Pro Bowl selection said. "Giving Dan Snyder a call and telling Dan that I can probably help this young man out to becoming that impact player they would like for him to become, a lot sooner rather than three or four years down the line."
Smith has previously worked with other star NFL players, including Denver Broncos defender Von Miller. The 2009 Hall of Fame inductee spent four seasons with the Redskins between 2000 and 2003 after playing his first 15 for the Buffalo Bills. Smith's 200 career sacks are the most in NFL history. The 1990 and 1996 Defensive Player of the Year appeared in 279 games after being taken as the No. 1 overall pick out of Virginia Tech in the 1985 NFL Draft.


upi--2020-04-22--In photos: COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City

New York City swiftly became the U.S. epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic , with cases perhaps starting to peak around @ @ @ @ @ The city is virtually shut down except for essential businesses .
Hospitals are overloaded and @ @ @ @ @ help .
Here 's a collection of scenes from UPI photographer John Angelillo .

A woman wears a face mask while looking at clothing at Diane Von Furstenberg in New York City on September 8. The CFDA announced in June that New York Fashion Week shows will run for only three days in September due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-04-22--In photos: California life in the COVID-19 pandemic

The state of California has enacted a shelter-in-place order in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus , urging @ @ @ @ @ homes except for essential travel and closing non-essential businesses .
Red carpet events have been @ @ @ @ @ many films and TV shows has been suspended .
Here 's a look at how @ @ @ @ @ life .

A pedestrian walks past a bar established in 1933 after Los Angeles County officials closed it for the second time following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles on August 10. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-04-22--Watch: 'Spider-Man' star Tom Holland surprises Jimmy Kimmel's son

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Tom Holland surprised Jimmy Kimmel 's Spider-Man obsessed son , Billy , for his third birthday on Jimmy Kimmel Live Tuesday .
Holland donned a Spider-Man outfit he wore in 2017 's Spider-Man : Homecoming and also spoke with Kimmel 's 5-year-old daughter Jane .
The Spider-Man star also told Kimmel about the gift he received from fellow Marvel actor Ryan Reynolds on Jimmy Kimmel Live .
Holland is practicing social distancing in London with his brother , Harry Holland , and two friends .
The 23-year-old said on Tuesday he tries to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PlayStation , watching movies and drinking .
`` I actually said this weekend that I was gon na stop drinking for a week .
I was gon na have a week off and then literally Monday morning Ryan Reynolds sent me a case of gin , '' Holland said while displaying a bottle of Reynolds ' gin brand Aviation .
`` It says here on the box , 'Some friendly neighborhood spider gin , love Ryan , ' '' Holland said about the note that Reynolds penned .
Holland has also spent time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he said was recently sent out to producers .
`` We sent that out yesterday to the first bunch of producers which is actually more nerve-wracking than anything I 've ever done in my career , '' he said .
`` I 'm worried they 're going to actually find out that I 'm really stupid and I ca n't spell anything , '' he continued .

April 22 (UPI) -- Tom Holland surprised Jimmy Kimmel's Spider-Man obsessed son, Billy, for his third birthday on Jimmy Kimmel Live Tuesday. Holland donned a Spider-Man outfit he wore in 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming and also spoke with Kimmel's 5-year-old daughter Jane.
The Spider-Man star also told Kimmel about the gift he received from fellow Marvel actor Ryan Reynolds on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
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Holland is practicing social distancing in London with his brother, Harry Holland, and two friends. The 23-year-old said on Tuesday he tries to stay productive, but is also enjoying his PlayStation, watching movies and drinking.
"I actually said this weekend that I was gonna stop drinking for a week. I was gonna have a week off and then literally Monday morning Ryan Reynolds sent me a case of gin," Holland said while displaying a bottle of Reynolds' gin brand Aviation.
"It says here on the box, 'Some friendly neighborhood spider gin, love Ryan,'" Holland said about the note that Reynolds penned.
Holland has also spent time working on a script with his brother, which he said was recently sent out to producers.
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"We sent that out yesterday to the first bunch of producers which is actually more nerve-wracking than anything I've ever done in my career," he said.
"I'm worried they're going to actually find out that I'm really stupid and I can't spell anything," he continued.


upi--2020-04-22--U.N. head Antonio Guterres on 50th Earth Day: Climate change a 'deeper' crisis than coronavirus

Pope Francis , isolated in front of an empty square from the sagrato of St. Peter 's Basilica in St. @ @ @ @ @ City , offers an extraordinary moment of prayer in time of pandemic , the adoration @ @ @ @ @ on March 27 .
The `` Salus Populi Romani '' icon and the crucifix of @ @ @ @ @ in front of the central door of the basilica .
Vatican media broadcast the ceremony @ @ @ @ @ it could also be followed in several languages on Facebook and YouTube .
Photo by @ @ @

1/2
President Donald Trump (R) and first lady Melania Trump walk outside the West Wing to participate in a tree planting ceremony to commemorate Earth Day and Arbor Day, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. on April 22. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres linked the global coronavirus recovery to the climate change crisis on Wednesday in a sharply worded message marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In a video address, Guterres urged nations to take advantage of the deep economic disruptions caused by the pandemic "to do things right for the future" by viewing it as a chance to move away from fossil fuels. Advertisement
Calling the health crisis "an unprecedented wake-up call," the U.N. chief warned "there is another deep emergency -- the planet's unfolding environmental crisis."
Citing a decline in biodiversity, Guterres said climate disruption "is approaching a point of no return."
"We must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and the existential threat of climate disruption," he said.
Guterres called for an end to fossil fuel subsidies and urged governments to instead funnel recovery money to "sustainable sectors and projects that help the environment and the climate."
His proposals put him at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump, who pledged Tuesday to bail out the U.S. oil industry, which has been hindered by historically low prices due to a decline in demand and disagreements this month between Russia and OPEC.
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"We pay tribute to our nation's long history of environmental stewardship and conservation, and we reaffirm our commitment to protecting our natural treasures for the benefit and enjoyment of all Americans," Trump said in an Earth Day message Wednesday. "My administration remains dedicated to ensuring that our nation remains a global leader in environmental stewardship.
"We are working hard to remove trash from our oceans, accelerate cleanups at Superfund sites, and revitalize communities."
In his address, Guterres also surged governments to use economic rescue funds "to invest in the future, not the past," and called for the creation of new jobs and businesses "through a clean, green transition" and a "shift from the grey to green economy" in which societies could be made to be more resilient.
Environmental groups on Wednesday issued similar calls for a green coronavirus recovery to commemorate Earth Day.
"We won't get another shot at this: Only a global green recovery can sustain a safe and healthy future for all," said Jeni Miller, executive director of the U.S.-based Global Climate and Health Alliance.
Miller warned that pandemics and other health crises are likely to happen again "unless we fundamentally change the way we travel, trade, power our communities and produce food and goods."
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Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-04-22--Clemson football loses top junior prospect Korey Foreman

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Defensive end Korey Foreman -- one of the top junior prospects -- has decommitted from the Clemson football program .
Foreman informed TigerNet.com of his decision Tuesday .
The five-star prospect from Centennial High School in Corona , Calif. , committed to the Tigers in January .
Foreman said he had an issue with the way Clemson conducts recruit visits .
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has a policy that prohibits committed recruits from visits to other schools before they can sign with Clemson .
`` I 've talked to the [ Clemson ] coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel about it , '' Foreman said .
`` They let me know what would happen if I did take a visit [ to another school ] . ''
Foreman said Swinney was `` 100 percent '' supportive of his decision .
Tigers coaches told Foreman they are now on the lookout for a replacement signing .
Foreman still considers Clemson an option as long as his offer stands to join the program .
The 6-foot-4 , 265-pound defensive lineman has also been linked to USC , Alabama , Ohio State and Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect in the ESPN Junior 300 .
Clemson has a commitment from No .
6 junior prospect Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from St. Joseph 's Prep School in Philadelphia .
The Tigers also have commitments from the Nos .
64 , 70 , 77 , 112 , 127 , 136 , 231 and 300 prospects in the class .
Top junior prospect Jack Sawyer -- a defensive end from Pickerington , Ohio -- is committed to Ohio State .
Foreman is the No .
2 junior recruit , according to 247 Sports .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rivals 250 prospect ranking .
`` Everybody wants to become a 5 star [ recruit ] , until you become one , '' Foreman tweeted Saturday .
`` Then you got ta be the heartbreak kid when it 's all said and done . ''
Clemson has 16 players signed in the 2020 ESPN 300 .
The Tigers are scheduled to begin the regular season against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta .

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (C) has signed 16 players ranked in the 2020 ESPN 300. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Defensive end Korey Foreman -- one of the top junior prospects -- has decommitted from the Clemson football program. Foreman informed TigerNet.com of his decision Tuesday. The five-star prospect from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif., committed to the Tigers in January. Foreman said he had an issue with the way Clemson conducts recruit visits. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has a policy that prohibits committed recruits from visits to other schools before they can sign with Clemson. Advertisement
"I've talked to the [Clemson] coaches, and they have explained how they feel about it," Foreman said. "They let me know what would happen if I did take a visit [to another school]."
Foreman said Swinney was "100 percent" supportive of his decision. Tigers coaches told Foreman they are now on the lookout for a replacement signing. Foreman still considers Clemson an option as long as his offer stands to join the program.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive lineman has also been linked to USC, Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia.
Foreman is the No. 3 prospect in the ESPN Junior 300. Clemson has a commitment from No. 6 junior prospect Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from St. Joseph's Prep School in Philadelphia. The Tigers also have commitments from the Nos. 64, 70, 77, 112, 127, 136, 231 and 300 prospects in the class. Top junior prospect Jack Sawyer -- a defensive end from Pickerington, Ohio -- is committed to Ohio State.
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Foreman is the No. 2 junior recruit, according to 247 Sports. He is the top recruit for 2021 in the Rivals 250 prospect ranking.
"Everybody wants to become a 5 star [recruit], until you become one," Foreman tweeted Saturday. "Then you gotta be the heartbreak kid when it's all said and done."
Clemson has 16 players signed in the 2020 ESPN 300. The Tigers are scheduled to begin the regular season against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.


upi--2020-04-22--49ers GM John Lynch: Team favored 'long term' Jimmy Garoppolo over Tom Brady

April 22 ( UPI ) -- San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch says the team held internal talks about signing Tom Brady this off-season but chose to keep Jimmy Garoppolo because of their long-term belief in the quarterback .
Lynch spoke of the in-house discussions during an appearance Tuesday on The Rich Eisen Show .
The 49ers were one of several teams linked to Brady this off-season before he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
Brady was born and raised in the Bay Area before he played at Michigan and with the New England Patriots .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the Buccaneers .
Lynch said 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan and Garoppolo knew about the team 's interest in Brady .
`` When you 're talking about one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time with Tom Brady , of course you 're going to have some internal discussion , '' Lynch said .
`` And then you hear rumors that hey , he 'd like to come home , that kind of thing .
`` So of course Kyle [ Shanahan ] and I have discussions .
We 're always into getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything , especially a situation like that .
But within a day or two , Kyle and I looked at each other and said , 'You know what , we really like what we have in Jimmy . '
We love everything that he brings and we really believe it 's a long-term answer .
I would tell you we 're more convinced than ever about who our quarterback is in Jimmy Garoppolo . ''
Garoppolo , who backed up Brady for four years in New England , started all 16 games last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 69.1 percent of his throws for 3,978 yards , 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions .
Though San Francisco was largely dependent on their run game in the playoffs , Garoppolo completed 63.7 percent of his throws for 427 yards , two touchdowns and three interceptions in three post-season games .
Brady -- the most decorated quarterback in history -- completed 60.8 percent of his throws for 4,057 yards , 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 starts last season .
He failed to throw a touchdown and threw an interception in the Patriots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The six-time Super Bowl champion has a 30-11 playoff record .
`` If you start chasing every rumor out there and making a statement on it , then you are doing that all the time , '' Lynch said of the Brady rumors .
`` Yes , this was a bigger one , but the important thing was we had talked to Jimmy and told him exactly what I told you . ''
Lynch said the 49ers have told Garoppolo how he can improve his game , and the second-round draft pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're as convicted as ever about him being our quarterback and leading this organization into the future , '' he added .
The 49ers have pick Nos .
13 and 31 in the first round of Thursday 's NFL Draft .
Lynch said the team is considering player and pick trades .

San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch said the team kept Jimmy Garoppolo (10) "in the loop" as it had internal discussions about free agent quarterback Tom Brady. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch says the team held internal talks about signing Tom Brady this off-season but chose to keep Jimmy Garoppolo because of their long-term belief in the quarterback. Lynch spoke of the in-house discussions during an appearance Tuesday on The Rich Eisen Show. The 49ers were one of several teams linked to Brady this off-season before he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Advertisement
Brady was born and raised in the Bay Area before he played at Michigan and with the New England Patriots. He also considered the Los Angeles Chargers before he joined the Buccaneers.
Lynch said 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan and Garoppolo knew about the team's interest in Brady.
"When you're talking about one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time with Tom Brady, of course you're going to have some internal discussion," Lynch said. "And then you hear rumors that hey, he'd like to come home, that kind of thing.
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"So of course Kyle [Shanahan] and I have discussions. We're always into getting better, so you always look at everything, especially a situation like that. But within a day or two, Kyle and I looked at each other and said, 'You know what, we really like what we have in Jimmy.' We love everything that he brings and we really believe it's a long-term answer. I would tell you we're more convinced than ever about who our quarterback is in Jimmy Garoppolo."
Garoppolo, who backed up Brady for four years in New England, started all 16 games last season for the 49ers. He completed 69.1 percent of his throws for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Though San Francisco was largely dependent on their run game in the playoffs, Garoppolo completed 63.7 percent of his throws for 427 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in three post-season games.
Brady -- the most decorated quarterback in history -- completed 60.8 percent of his throws for 4,057 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 starts last season. He failed to throw a touchdown and threw an interception in the Patriots' post-season loss to the Tennessee Titans. The six-time Super Bowl champion has a 30-11 playoff record.
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"If you start chasing every rumor out there and making a statement on it, then you are doing that all the time," Lynch said of the Brady rumors. "Yes, this was a bigger one, but the important thing was we had talked to Jimmy and told him exactly what I told you."
Lynch said the 49ers have told Garoppolo how he can improve his game, and the second-round draft pick in 2014 embraced the challenge.
"We're as convicted as ever about him being our quarterback and leading this organization into the future," he added.
The 49ers have pick Nos. 13 and 31 in the first round of Thursday's NFL Draft. Lynch said the team is considering player and pick trades.


upi--2020-04-22--Watch: 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' update to add new seasonal events, art merchant

April 22 ( UPI ) -- A free update coming to Animal Crossing : New Horizons Thursday will add seasonal events and new merchants to the Nintendo Switch game .
Players can take part in the Nature Day event starting Thursday until May 4 .
The event contains Nook Miles challenges that can be completed by planting trees and watering flowers .
The nature-loving Leif will be visiting islands to sell a vast assortment of shrubs and flower seeds around the plaza area .
Jolly Redd , an art dealer , will also visit islands occasionally to sell items from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to double check that the art they purchase from Jolly Redd are genuine and not fake .
Purchasing art pieces and donating them to the museum will expand the building to include an art gallery .
Nintendo has also announced three more seasonal events that are coming to New Horizons .
The May Day Tour will be taking place from May 1 to 7 and will include a special airplane ticket that can be used to explore a new mystery island .
The International Museum Day event will run from May 18 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can be completed by visiting each area of the museum .
Completing the card will give players an in-game reward .
The Wedding Season event will run from June 1 to 30 and involves helping out a married couple take photos at Harvey 's island .
Players can earn wedding-themed items and take their own wedding-themed photos .

April 22 (UPI) -- A free update coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons Thursday will add seasonal events and new merchants to the Nintendo Switch game.
Players can take part in the Nature Day event starting Thursday until May 4. The event contains Nook Miles challenges that can be completed by planting trees and watering flowers.
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The nature-loving Leif will be visiting islands to sell a vast assortment of shrubs and flower seeds around the plaza area.
Jolly Redd, an art dealer, will also visit islands occasionally to sell items from his Treasure Trawler boat. Players need to double check that the art they purchase from Jolly Redd are genuine and not fake.
Purchasing art pieces and donating them to the museum will expand the building to include an art gallery.
Nintendo has also announced three more seasonal events that are coming to New Horizons. The May Day Tour will be taking place from May 1 to 7 and will include a special airplane ticket that can be used to explore a new mystery island.
The International Museum Day event will run from May 18 to 31 and will present a stamp card that can be completed by visiting each area of the museum. Completing the card will give players an in-game reward.
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The Wedding Season event will run from June 1 to 30 and involves helping out a married couple take photos at Harvey's island. Players can earn wedding-themed items and take their own wedding-themed photos.


upi--2020-04-22--Iran launches first military satellite into space

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Iran successfully launched its first military satellite into space on Wednesday , authorities in @ @ @ @ @ the Nour-1 satellite was put into orbit 255 miles above the surface of the Earth @ @ @ @ @ Dasht-e Kavir desert .
Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei congratulated the military on @ @ @ @ @ on the anniversary of the founding of Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1979 @ @ @ @ @ Azari-Jahromi called the satellite launch a `` great national achievement , '' and said he @ @ @ @ @ solid-propellant launcher and the satellite .
Tehran has not detailed the satellite or its capabilities @

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps launches Iran's first military satellite on Wednesday from an undisclosed location in the Dasht-e Kavir desert. Photo by Sepan News/EPA-EFE
April 22 (UPI) -- Iran successfully launched its first military satellite into space on Wednesday, authorities in Tehran said, spurring warnings from Washington and heightening tensions between the two countries. Officials said the Nour-1 satellite was put into orbit 255 miles above the surface of the Earth after it departed Iran's Dasht-e Kavir desert. Advertisement
Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei congratulated the military on the launch, which occurred on the anniversary of the founding of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1979.
Communication minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi called the satellite launch a "great national achievement," and said he visited the development of both the solid-propellant launcher and the satellite.
Tehran has not detailed the satellite or its capabilities.
Following the launch, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran "needs to be held accountable for what they've done."
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The Middle Eastern nation has long claimed such launches were in the name of commercial interests, but this launch by the elite arm of the Iranian military, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, is proof that is not the case, he told reporters during a press availability in Washington, D.C.
"The IRGC, a designated terrorist organization, launched a missile today. And I'll leave it to the Department of Defense to talk about the details about that," he said.
The launch occurred as the United States has been criticized for maintaining sanctions against Tehran despite its arguments that the diplomatic pressure is preventing it from receiving medical supplies to fight the coronavirus pandemic -- accusations the State Department has repeatedly denied saying the sanctions do not affect such materials.
In late March, United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urged governments to re-evaluate broad sectoral sanctions imposed against countries fighting COVID-19 outbreaks, including Iran.
Pompeo on Wednesday said the Iranian regime should prioritize its resources on its people instead of using them to continue "their global terror campaign."
President Donald Trump also tweeted on Wednesday that he has instructed the U.S. Navy to "shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea."
Advertisement States are safely coming back. Our Country is starting to OPEN FOR BUSINESS again. Special care is, and always will be, given to our beloved seniors (except me!). Their lives will be better than ever...WE LOVE YOU ALL!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2020
Last week, 11 IRGC navy boats disrupted five U.S. naval vessels conducting a routine exercise with repeated high-speed "harassing approaches" coming as close as 10 yards to the American vessels, the State Department said in a statement.
Senior defense officials said during a press briefing later Wednesday that while Trump's comment is not a change in policy concerning rules of engagement, it is a warning Iran should take seriously.
"He's providing a warning: If you want to come down that path, we will come and we will come large, so don't come down that path," said U.S. Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten.


upi--2020-04-22--Israel demolishes several buildings near West Bank settlements

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Israeli soldiers , police and civil authorities on Wednesday demolished several buildings they say @ @ @ @ @ West Bank , drawing condemnations from settlement leaders .
Israeli Defense Forces razed six buildings @ @ @ @ @ Areas `` B '' and `` C , '' officials said .
Two of the @ @ @ @ @ Kumi Uri outpost near the Yitzhar settlement in Area B .
Four other buildings were @ @ @ @ @ of Kippa Sruga and Tukuma in Area C. Illegal structures were demolished at the one @ @ @ @ @ , and quickly rebuilt .
Area B , under the civil jurisdiction of the Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ not allow any settlement expansion there .
Area C , which covers about 60 percent @ @ @ @ @ is under both the security and civil control of the Israeli military .
Yitzhar community @ @ @ @ @ criticized the government for allowing them to proceed during the coronavirus pandemic .

An Israeli bulldozer demolishes a house in the West bank area of Masafer on November 21, 2019. Israel on a regular basis demolishes Palestinian homes in the West Bank citing missing building permits for Area C. File Photo by Abed al Hashlamoun/EPA-EFE
April 22 (UPI) -- Israeli soldiers, police and civil authorities on Wednesday demolished several buildings they say were illegally erected in the West Bank, drawing condemnations from settlement leaders. Israeli Defense Forces razed six buildings in what are known as Areas "B" and "C," officials said. Advertisement
Two of the structures were built at the Kumi Uri outpost near the Yitzhar settlement in Area B. Four other buildings were torn down at the outposts of Kippa Sruga and Tukuma in Area C.
Illegal structures were demolished at the one of the locations in January, and quickly rebuilt.
Area B, under the civil jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority and Israel, does not allow any settlement expansion there. Area C, which covers about 60 percent of the West Bank, is under both the security and civil control of the Israeli military.
Yitzhar community leaders condemned the demolitions and criticized the government for allowing them to proceed during the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-04-22--Google celebrates Earth Day with interactive Doodle

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Google is celebrating Earth Day with an interactive Doodle allowing users to play an @ @ @ @ @ .
Google 's homepage features a bee flying nearing the company 's logo next to @ @ @ @ @ the game .
The game , made in collaboration with The Honeybee Conservancy in New @ @ @ @ @ guiding a bee towards flowers that can be pollinated .
Pollinating flowers unlocks facts about @ @ @ @ @ important to the planet .
`` Pollination by bees makes two-thirds of our world 's @ @ @ @ @ 85 % of the world 's flowering plants , '' Google says as the game @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Google presented an interactive slideshow with information about six unique organisms that can @ @ @ @ @ .

Google is celebrating Earth Day 2020 by presenting an educational and interactive game. Image courtesy of Google
April 22 (UPI) -- Google is celebrating Earth Day with an interactive Doodle allowing users to play an educational video game about bees. Google's homepage features a bee flying nearing the company's logo next to a play button that starts the game. Advertisement
The game, made in collaboration with The Honeybee Conservancy in New York, tasks users with guiding a bee towards flowers that can be pollinated.
Pollinating flowers unlocks facts about bees and how they are important to the planet.
"Pollination by bees makes two-thirds of our world's crop possible as well as 85% of the world's flowering plants," Google says as the game starts.
For Earth Day 2019, Google presented an interactive slideshow with information about six unique organisms that can be found around the globe.


upi--2020-04-22--'Something is wrong with our bloody ships today'

April 22 ( UPI ) -- At the Battle of Jutland on May 31 , 1916 as his cruisers were exploding around him , then-Royal Navy Vice Adm. David Beatty lamented , `` Something is wrong with our bloody ships today . ''
Fortunately for the Royal Navy , the battle kept the German High Seas Fleet at bay for the rest of the war .
Yet Beatty , who went on to be the Royal Navy 's first sea lord , could have been talking about major problems confronting the U.S. Navy today .
Something is wrong .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some extend throughout the Department of Defense .
As the USS Theodore Roosevelt saga -- whose outbreak of COVID-19 led to the dismissal of its captain -- winds down , the incentive to get back to `` business as usual '' builds .
Were that to happen , it would be a colossal error .
The incident comes in the wake of too many seeming errors , mistakes and scandals that have befallen the Navy .
These demand that crucial questions be addressed about the overall condition of the Navy that have led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the secretary of defense -- believe is a service that is badly adrift .
Fortunately , the relatively new chief of naval operations , Adm. Mike Gilday , has not been tainted by any of the scandals or problems and therefore is the right person at the right time to dig more deeply into resolving these symptoms of naval ill health .
While this is not Gilday 's direct responsibility , how the Department of Defense is responding to the coronavirus pandemic , both in protecting the force AND ensuring that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , requires answers and sooner rather than later .
So far , the Pentagon has been sporadic in keeping the public , as well as those who wish us ill , informed .
A cyclical nature to crises leaves none of the services unscarred .
The Navy 's current spate of problems dates back to someone called Fat Leonard nearly a decade ago .
The purveyor of logistics for naval ships in the Pacific , Fat Leonard won many of his high-priced contracts with bribes , fancy dinners and women he supplied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this tawdry affair , so many senior officers were professionally damaged that much of the Navy 's experienced leadership was depleted .
Worse , the moral and ethical naval compasses were called into question .
The USS McCain , Fitzgerald and other collisions and mishaps at sea raised profound questions about the Navy 's professional as well as enterprise competence .
USS Gerald Ford and the F-35 and ballistic and attack nuclear submarine procurement programs have been crippled with huge cost overruns , delays and systems that have not worked .
The Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to how it would achieve the legally mandated 355 ships .
The CNO-designate , confirmed by the Senate last year , was forced to resign .
The president of the Naval War College , after being extended for a year because of superior performance , was relieved over allegations without due process .
A SEAL convicted of war crimes was exonerated by the president , who then fired his secretary of the Navy .
And now the acting Navy secretary , who believed that the naval chain of command was not supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ship and a disastrous talk to the crew .
In terms of designing future naval forces , the secretary of defense has taken that responsibility away from the Navy and put it under his personal supervision .
Whether that is a good idea , it is a stunning criticism of the Navy Department , even though the Pentagon has not been able to define what it takes to deter and if war comes , defeat China or Russia or another adversary , the centerpieces of the National Defense Strategy .
Failures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the services since George Washington 's day .
What is new is the number and frequency of occurrence .
That alone requires examination .
And the causes stretch across factors that are institutional , bureaucratic , cultural , ethical and moral and how the Navy operates at sea and ashore .
Until a new Navy secretary is confirmed , no matter the competence of the acting replacement James McPherson , little will happen .
McPherson has a strong background and excellent qualifications , including serving as the Navy Judge Advocate General .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Based on these many examples of substandard naval performance , a stem to stern review of the Navy is needed now .
It must be thorough and unrestricted and include a separate panel of outside experts .
And it needs to consider the post-coronavirus environment that is likely to have profound geostrategic and operational differences from today , including the prospect of substantially less defense spending given the huge increases in the nation 's financial debt and deficits .
Gilday is the person to make that happen .
After the ship collisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNO and highly seasoned civilian to investigate and analyze what happened .
The striking conclusion of the report was a failure of the naval chain of command to ensure the service was prepared as required by the law `` to conduct sustained operations incident to combat as sea . ''
But that critique extended beyond the Navy .
More than a century later , Beatty 's lament is correct .
Something is wrong with our Navy .
But will we take this warning seriously and determine what is not right and then fix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the pandemic , it is uncertain when any investigation by the Hill would start or finish .
The first order of business is confirming the new secretary of the Navy , probably in May .
But no matter how able that person may be , it will take time to learn the job .
These are Navy problems and the Navy can solve them .
Adm. Gilday , I hope you are listening .
And I hope you will act .
Harlan Ullman is a former naval person , having served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in command , including over 150 missions and operations in Swift boats in Vietnam .
He is senior adviser at the Atlantic Council .
His latest book is `` Anatomy of Failure : Why America Loses The Wars It Starts . ''

U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt listen as Vice Adm. William Merz (C) commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, answers questions during a visit to the ship on April 7 in Guam. Photo by MC1 Kaylianna Genier/U.S. Navy | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- At the Battle of Jutland on May 31, 1916 as his cruisers were exploding around him, then-Royal Navy Vice Adm. David Beatty lamented, "Something is wrong with our bloody ships today." Fortunately for the Royal Navy, the battle kept the German High Seas Fleet at bay for the rest of the war. Yet Beatty, who went on to be the Royal Navy's first sea lord, could have been talking about major problems confronting the U.S. Navy today. Something is wrong. And the problems are not only naval. Some extend throughout the Department of Defense. Advertisement
As the USS Theodore Roosevelt saga -- whose outbreak of COVID-19 led to the dismissal of its captain -- winds down, the incentive to get back to "business as usual" builds. Were that to happen, it would be a colossal error. The incident comes in the wake of too many seeming errors, mistakes and scandals that have befallen the Navy. These demand that crucial questions be addressed about the overall condition of the Navy that have led to what some -- including the president and the secretary of defense -- believe is a service that is badly adrift.
Advertisement
Fortunately, the relatively new chief of naval operations, Adm. Mike Gilday, has not been tainted by any of the scandals or problems and therefore is the right person at the right time to dig more deeply into resolving these symptoms of naval ill health.
While this is not Gilday's direct responsibility, how the Department of Defense is responding to the coronavirus pandemic, both in protecting the force AND ensuring that it is still ready to conduct its missions, requires answers and sooner rather than later. So far, the Pentagon has been sporadic in keeping the public, as well as those who wish us ill, informed.
A cyclical nature to crises leaves none of the services unscarred. The Navy's current spate of problems dates back to someone called Fat Leonard nearly a decade ago. The purveyor of logistics for naval ships in the Pacific, Fat Leonard won many of his high-priced contracts with bribes, fancy dinners and women he supplied to naval officers. In the aftermath of this tawdry affair, so many senior officers were professionally damaged that much of the Navy's experienced leadership was depleted. Worse, the moral and ethical naval compasses were called into question.
The USS McCain, Fitzgerald and other collisions and mishaps at sea raised profound questions about the Navy's professional as well as enterprise competence. USS Gerald Ford and the F-35 and ballistic and attack nuclear submarine procurement programs have been crippled with huge cost overruns, delays and systems that have not worked.
Advertisement
The Navy was incapable of producing a credible plan as to how it would achieve the legally mandated 355 ships.
The CNO-designate, confirmed by the Senate last year, was forced to resign. The president of the Naval War College, after being extended for a year because of superior performance, was relieved over allegations without due process.
A SEAL convicted of war crimes was exonerated by the president, who then fired his secretary of the Navy. And now the acting Navy secretary, who believed that the naval chain of command was not supporting the TR has resigned after a visit to the ship and a disastrous talk to the crew.
In terms of designing future naval forces, the secretary of defense has taken that responsibility away from the Navy and put it under his personal supervision. Whether that is a good idea, it is a stunning criticism of the Navy Department, even though the Pentagon has not been able to define what it takes to deter and if war comes, defeat China or Russia or another adversary, the centerpieces of the National Defense Strategy.
Failures and incidents like these have plagued all the services since George Washington's day. What is new is the number and frequency of occurrence. That alone requires examination. And the causes stretch across factors that are institutional, bureaucratic, cultural, ethical and moral and how the Navy operates at sea and ashore.
Advertisement
Until a new Navy secretary is confirmed, no matter the competence of the acting replacement James McPherson, little will happen. McPherson has a strong background and excellent qualifications, including serving as the Navy Judge Advocate General. However, this is probably an interim appointment.
Based on these many examples of substandard naval performance, a stem to stern review of the Navy is needed now. It must be thorough and unrestricted and include a separate panel of outside experts. And it needs to consider the post-coronavirus environment that is likely to have profound geostrategic and operational differences from today, including the prospect of substantially less defense spending given the huge increases in the nation's financial debt and deficits. Gilday is the person to make that happen.
After the ship collisions, the then-Navy Secretary appointed a retired CNO and highly seasoned civilian to investigate and analyze what happened. The striking conclusion of the report was a failure of the naval chain of command to ensure the service was prepared as required by the law "to conduct sustained operations incident to combat as sea." But that critique extended beyond the Navy.
More than a century later, Beatty's lament is correct. Something is wrong with our Navy. But will we take this warning seriously and determine what is not right and then fix it? With Congress out of session because of the pandemic, it is uncertain when any investigation by the Hill would start or finish. The first order of business is confirming the new secretary of the Navy, probably in May. But no matter how able that person may be, it will take time to learn the job.
Advertisement
These are Navy problems and the Navy can solve them. Adm. Gilday, I hope you are listening. And I hope you will act.
Harlan Ullman is a former naval person, having served in the U.S. and Royal Navies and in command, including over 150 missions and operations in Swift boats in Vietnam. He is senior adviser at the Atlantic Council. His latest book is "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Loses The Wars It Starts."


upi--2020-04-22--Facebook invests $5.7B in Indian tech company Jio Platforms

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Facebook has announced it 's investing $ 5.7 billion into Jio Platforms , an Indian technology company .
The social media giant said Tuesday the deal makes it Jio 's largest minority shareholder with a 9.99 percent equity stake .
Jio Platforms is a firm that encompasses several services , including Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited , a telecommunications company it says has more than 380 million subscribers .
`` This investment underscores our commitment to India and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country , '' Facebook Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vice president and managing director for India , said in a statement .
The pair said Jio has brought more than 388 million people in India online in under four years , and Facebook plans to collaborate on connecting the country 's growing Internet users with more than 60 million small businesses .
They said India is in the midst of one of the `` most dynamic social and economic transformations '' the world has ever seen due to the rapid adoption of digital technologies , and plan to create ways for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital economy .
`` We are excited about furthering our investment in India 's vibrant digital economy , '' they said .
`` Our efforts with Jio will be focused on opening new doors and fueling India 's economic growth and the prosperity of its people . ''
In a separate statement , Jio said the deal , pending regulatory and customary approvals , is the largest investment for a minority stake by a technology company .
Mukesh Ambani , chairman and managing director of Jio parent company Reliance Industries Limited , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook as a long-term partner to `` transform the digital ecosystem of India for the benefit of all Indians . ''
Jio said its goal is to create new opportunities , especially for small businesses , to create `` digital ecosystems that will empower , enrich and uplift the lives of all 1.3 billion Indians . ''

Facebook plans to collaborate on connecting India's growing Internet users with more than 60 million small businesses. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Facebook has announced it's investing $5.7 billion into Jio Platforms, an Indian technology company. The social media giant said Tuesday the deal makes it Jio's largest minority shareholder with a 9.99 percent equity stake. Advertisement
Jio Platforms is a firm that encompasses several services, including Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, a telecommunications company it says has more than 380 million subscribers.
"This investment underscores our commitment to India and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country," Facebook Chief Revenue Officer David Fischer and Ajit Mohan, vice president and managing director for India, said in a statement.
The pair said Jio has brought more than 388 million people in India online in under four years, and Facebook plans to collaborate on connecting the country's growing Internet users with more than 60 million small businesses.
They said India is in the midst of one of the "most dynamic social and economic transformations" the world has ever seen due to the rapid adoption of digital technologies, and plan to create ways for business and people to operate in the digital economy.
"We are excited about furthering our investment in India's vibrant digital economy," they said. "Our efforts with Jio will be focused on opening new doors and fueling India's economic growth and the prosperity of its people."
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In a separate statement, Jio said the deal, pending regulatory and customary approvals, is the largest investment for a minority stake by a technology company.
Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Jio parent company Reliance Industries Limited, said he's "humbled" to welcome Facebook as a long-term partner to "transform the digital ecosystem of India for the benefit of all Indians."
Jio said its goal is to create new opportunities, especially for small businesses, to create "digital ecosystems that will empower, enrich and uplift the lives of all 1.3 billion Indians."


upi--2020-04-22--Coronavirus concerns keep asthma, emphysema patients from ER

Doctors are increasingly worried that people are mistaking stay-at-home orders to mean they should avoid emergency medical care -- including for serious lung diseases .
People with chronic lung conditions , such as emphysema and moderate to severe asthma , are among those at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 .
And medical experts have been urging them to be vigilant about protecting themselves .
But now a new concern is surfacing : Are people being scared away from needed medical care ?
`` We 've been noticing it anecdotally in our practice , '' said Dr. Koushik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore .
He shared the example of one patient , a woman with emphysema , who on a recent morning woke with shortness of breath .
She used her `` rescue '' inhaler medication -- a standard way to manage a symptom exacerbation -- but it did n't help .
Still , fears over COVID-19 kept her from seeking emergency medical attention .
Eventually , her sister did call 911 .
But by the time she reached the hospital her condition had worsened to the point that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern is definitely there , '' said Dr. Albert Rizzo , chief medical officer of the American Lung Association .
`` Some people might think twice about going to the hospital , rely on their rescue medications , and try to tough it out . ''
It is , of course , understandable that people would fear exposure to the coronavirus , or hesitate to add to the influx of patients into hospitals , Kasanagottu said .
But delaying needed medical care is clearly dangerous -- as the case of his patient shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones worried that their patients ' care could suffer during the pandemic .
Cardiologists believe that people are hesitating to act on symptoms of heart attack or stroke -- possibly leading to fatal delays in care .
Last week , the American College of Cardiology 's CardioSmart.org website launched an education campaign urging the public not to `` ignore '' heart attack or stroke warning signs .
That came on the heels of a study looking at nine large U.S. hospitals .
At each hospital , the number of patients being treated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 1 .
The reasons are not clear , but the researchers speculated that fear of the ER could be keeping people from calling 911 .
For people with lung disease , the symptoms of an exacerbation -- shortness of breath , coughing -- can be similar to those of COVID-19 , Kasanagottu said .
But either way , he added , they need attention .
If the symptoms are not severe , patients can call their primary care doctor to talk about the next step , Kasanagottu said .
But if breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worsening , he said , call 911 .
The `` threshold '' for calling 911 , though , will differ from person to person , according to Rizzo .
Someone who lives alone may need help sooner than someone who has a `` trusted caregiver , '' he said .
It 's also critical that people with lung disease , or any chronic medical condition , continue to receive routine care , Kasanagottu said .
If that falls by the wayside , more people may suffer exacerbations and end up in the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telemedicine visits have become widely available for routine care , Kasanagottu said .
He added , however , that it 's not enough .
While many hospitals have been overrun , primary care clinics are also feeling the surge -- fielding concerns about COVID-19 along with trying to keep up routine care for patients ' chronic conditions .
Meanwhile , some medical centers have pulled resources , including staff , from those outpatient clinics to help deal with the COVID-19 surge .
`` Hospitals should be careful that they 're not too aggressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinics , '' Kasanagottu said .
For now , Rizzo recommended that people with lung disease review their `` action plan '' with their doctor -- that is , what they should do if their symptoms flare .
They should also have a couple months ' worth of medication on hand , he said .
Some patients , according to Rizzo , have wondered whether their steroid medications -- used to control airway inflammation -- could put them at greater risk of COVID-19 by dampening their immune system .
But there is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventive medications could allow the lung disease to worsen , Rizzo stressed .
`` In general , people should maintain their normal medications to keep their disease stable , '' he said .
The American Lung Association has more on COVID-19 .

Healthcare workers wait for patients to arrive to be tested for coronavirus in Yonkers, N.Y., on Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Doctors are increasingly worried that people are mistaking stay-at-home orders to mean they should avoid emergency medical care -- including for serious lung diseases. People with chronic lung conditions, such as emphysema and moderate to severe asthma, are among those at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. And medical experts have been urging them to be vigilant about protecting themselves. Advertisement
But now a new concern is surfacing: Are people being scared away from needed medical care?
"We've been noticing it anecdotally in our practice," said Dr. Koushik Kasanagottu, an internal medicine resident at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore.
He shared the example of one patient, a woman with emphysema, who on a recent morning woke with shortness of breath. She used her "rescue" inhaler medication -- a standard way to manage a symptom exacerbation -- but it didn't help.
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Still, fears over COVID-19 kept her from seeking emergency medical attention. Eventually, her sister did call 911. But by the time she reached the hospital her condition had worsened to the point that she needed a ventilator.
"The concern is definitely there," said Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. "Some people might think twice about going to the hospital, rely on their rescue medications, and try to tough it out."
It is, of course, understandable that people would fear exposure to the coronavirus, or hesitate to add to the influx of patients into hospitals, Kasanagottu said. But delaying needed medical care is clearly dangerous -- as the case of his patient shows.
Lung specialists are not the only ones worried that their patients' care could suffer during the pandemic. Cardiologists believe that people are hesitating to act on symptoms of heart attack or stroke -- possibly leading to fatal delays in care.
Last week, the American College of Cardiology's CardioSmart.org website launched an education campaign urging the public not to "ignore" heart attack or stroke warning signs.
That came on the heels of a study looking at nine large U.S. hospitals. At each hospital, the number of patients being treated for a heart attack had dropped significantly since March 1. The reasons are not clear, but the researchers speculated that fear of the ER could be keeping people from calling 911.
Advertisement
For people with lung disease, the symptoms of an exacerbation -- shortness of breath, coughing -- can be similar to those of COVID-19, Kasanagottu said.
But either way, he added, they need attention. If the symptoms are not severe, patients can call their primary care doctor to talk about the next step, Kasanagottu said. But if breathing is difficult, or the symptoms are worsening, he said, call 911.
The "threshold" for calling 911, though, will differ from person to person, according to Rizzo. Someone who lives alone may need help sooner than someone who has a "trusted caregiver," he said.
It's also critical that people with lung disease, or any chronic medical condition, continue to receive routine care, Kasanagottu said. If that falls by the wayside, more people may suffer exacerbations and end up in the hospital -- which everyone wants to avoid.
Telemedicine visits have become widely available for routine care, Kasanagottu said. He added, however, that it's not enough. While many hospitals have been overrun, primary care clinics are also feeling the surge -- fielding concerns about COVID-19 along with trying to keep up routine care for patients' chronic conditions.
Meanwhile, some medical centers have pulled resources, including staff, from those outpatient clinics to help deal with the COVID-19 surge.
Advertisement
"Hospitals should be careful that they're not too aggressive in diverting resources away from primary care clinics," Kasanagottu said.
For now, Rizzo recommended that people with lung disease review their "action plan" with their doctor -- that is, what they should do if their symptoms flare. They should also have a couple months' worth of medication on hand, he said.
Some patients, according to Rizzo, have wondered whether their steroid medications -- used to control airway inflammation -- could put them at greater risk of COVID-19 by dampening their immune system.
But there is currently no evidence of that, and stopping preventive medications could allow the lung disease to worsen, Rizzo stressed.
"In general, people should maintain their normal medications to keep their disease stable," he said.
More information
The American Lung Association has more on COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-22--Chipotle agrees to record $25M fine for illness outbreaks

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Chipotle Mexican Grill has agreed to pay a $ 25 million fine to resolve criminal charges accusing the fast-food chain of sickening more than 1,100 customers between 2015 and 2018 .
The Justice Department announced the agreement Tuesday , noting it 's the largest fine ever for a food safety case .
As part of the three-year deferred prosecution deal , the company has also agreed to comply with an improved food safety program .
Chipotle was charged with two counts of violating the Federal Food , Drug and Cosmetic Act for producing products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prosecutors said .
`` This settlement represents an acknowledgment of how seriously Chipotle takes food safety every day and is an opportunity to definitively turn the page on past events and focus on serving our customers real food made with real ingredients that they can enjoy with confidence , '' Chipotle Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said in a statement .
According to the agreement , Chipotle admits to at least five food-borne illness outbreaks over the three-year period in Los Angeles , Boston , Virginia and Ohio in which workers failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna said hundreds of customers fell ill because Chipotle failed to ensure employees knew and complied with safety protocols .
Tuesday 's `` steep penalty '' should not only result in greater protections , he added , but remind others in the industry to `` review and improve their own health and safety practices . ''
More than 230 people became sick at a Simi Valley , Calif. , location in 2015 because the restaurant failed to pass along information about an ill employee .
More than 140 customers became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ norovirus outbreak .
`` This case highlights why it is important for restaurants and members of the food service industry to ensure that managers and employees consistently follow food-safety policies , '' said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt .

April 22 (UPI) -- Chipotle Mexican Grill has agreed to pay a $25 million fine to resolve criminal charges accusing the fast-food chain of sickening more than 1,100 customers between 2015 and 2018.
The Justice Department announced the agreement Tuesday, noting it's the largest fine ever for a food safety case.
Advertisement
As part of the three-year deferred prosecution deal, the company has also agreed to comply with an improved food safety program.
Chipotle was charged with two counts of violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for producing products that led to several food-borne illness outbreaks, prosecutors said.
"This settlement represents an acknowledgment of how seriously Chipotle takes food safety every day and is an opportunity to definitively turn the page on past events and focus on serving our customers real food made with real ingredients that they can enjoy with confidence," Chipotle Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said in a statement.
According to the agreement, Chipotle admits to at least five food-borne illness outbreaks over the three-year period in Los Angeles, Boston, Virginia and Ohio in which workers failed to comply with food safety protocols.
U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna said hundreds of customers fell ill because Chipotle failed to ensure employees knew and complied with safety protocols. Tuesday's "steep penalty" should not only result in greater protections, he added, but remind others in the industry to "review and improve their own health and safety practices."
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More than 230 people became sick at a Simi Valley, Calif., location in 2015 because the restaurant failed to pass along information about an ill employee. More than 140 customers became sick at a Boston location following a norovirus outbreak.
"This case highlights why it is important for restaurants and members of the food service industry to ensure that managers and employees consistently follow food-safety policies," said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt.


upi--2020-04-22--Navajo Nation extends shelter-in-place order for COVID-19 outbreak

April 22 ( UPI ) -- The Navajo Nation has extended a shelter-in-place order until mid-May to try to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus , which has swept through the reservation .
The reservation remains a hot spot for the pandemic , measuring 10 times the number of confirmed cases per capita as the state of Arizona , according to state 's health department figures .
As of Monday , the reservation , which encompasses 27,000 square miles across Arizona , New Mexico and Utah , tallied 45 deaths and 1,321 confirmed cases -- an increase of 124 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Nez announced Tuesday that a shelter-in-place executive order would be extended until May 17 , when some health officials predict the virus will peak .
Residents have been asked not to leave home except to work at jobs considered essential services or to buy groceries or gas .
A weekend curfew also has been extended for another three weeks , Nez said Tuesday .
`` There appears to be a flattening of the Navajo Nation epicurve , and we have to not let that down , '' Nez said in a live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to have our Navajo Nation people continue to stay home . ''
At least 15 public safety personnel have tested positive with the virus , said Jared Touchin , the Navajo Nation 's executive branch director of communications .
A non-profit foundation set up by the tribal government received $ 500,000 within 24-hours , Nez said Tuesday .
The foundation delivers personal protective equipment to hospitals , as well as groceries , drinking water , firewood and livestock feed to residents .
Other non-profits are helping on the reservation , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the union address that the fund had received donations from celebrities Mark Ruffalo and Paul Rudd .
He said he also received a call from New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , who offered to help with supplies .
Meanwhile , about 40 Abbott Laboratories ID rapid-response testing machines have been distributed to Indian Health Service locations across the reservation , a report from the health service said Monday .
Precisely why the reservation is a hotbed for the virus is not clear .
`` We do n't know why there are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyal , editor of the Window Rock , Ariz. , -based , Navajo Times .
The large number could be because of widespread testing , with almost 6,000 tests administered , Beyal said .
Or the virus could be taking advantage of the underlying poor health conditions like diabetes , heart disease , asthma and cancer of reservation residents .
`` The other theory is the cultural aspect of how the Navajos live their lives each day , shaking hands , being communal and talking to each other , '' Beyal said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that is a recipe for disaster . ''
With population spread in rural areas , Internet service on the reservation is patchy , which can be dangerous during a pandemic , officials said .
On Friday , the U.S. Federal Communications Commission expanded broadband on the reservation by granting temporary access and use to an unassigned radio spectrum .
`` Everyone has a little phone , and they use those to click onto the Internet , '' Beyal said .
Online readership of the newspaper has never been higher , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really comes in handy . ''
Navajo Nation members got a glimpse of what the virus is like when a tribal member posted his own recovery video on social media .
`` It was just pure pain , '' said Lewis Joe , a resident of Kayenta , Ariz. , a virus hot spot.
`` It happened fast , but it was n't quick .
It was about the worst four days of my life .
`` I 've got kicked and I 've been bucked off a horse and run over by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of feeling that is nothing compared to what I went through with COVID-19 , '' he said .
Meanwhile the Navajo Department of Health has required that masks be worn in public and that grocery store and other retail employees also wear masks .
`` Let 's keep working together and praying together , '' Myron Lizer , the tribal vice president , said in a statement Tuesday .
`` Through combined efforts and through our faith , the Navajo people will beat the virus eventually , but it 's been a challenging @ @ @ @ @

Shelter-in-place restrictions have been extended for the Navajo Nation reservation, where residents are asked not to leave their homes except to buy groceries or gas because of COVID-19. Photo courtesy of the Navajo Nation
April 22 (UPI) -- The Navajo Nation has extended a shelter-in-place order until mid-May to try to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which has swept through the reservation. The reservation remains a hot spot for the pandemic, measuring 10 times the number of confirmed cases per capita as the state of Arizona, according to state's health department figures. Advertisement
As of Monday, the reservation, which encompasses 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, tallied 45 deaths and 1,321 confirmed cases -- an increase of 124 cases since Saturday.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced Tuesday that a shelter-in-place executive order would be extended until May 17, when some health officials predict the virus will peak.
Residents have been asked not to leave home except to work at jobs considered essential services or to buy groceries or gas.
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A weekend curfew also has been extended for another three weeks, Nez said Tuesday.
"There appears to be a flattening of the Navajo Nation epicurve, and we have to not let that down," Nez said in a live video town hall address. "We have to have our Navajo Nation people continue to stay home."
At least 15 public safety personnel have tested positive with the virus, said Jared Touchin, the Navajo Nation's executive branch director of communications.
A non-profit foundation set up by the tribal government received $500,000 within 24-hours, Nez said Tuesday. The foundation delivers personal protective equipment to hospitals, as well as groceries, drinking water, firewood and livestock feed to residents. Other non-profits are helping on the reservation, too.
Nez said Monday during a state of the union address that the fund had received donations from celebrities Mark Ruffalo and Paul Rudd. He said he also received a call from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who offered to help with supplies.
Meanwhile, about 40 Abbott Laboratories ID rapid-response testing machines have been distributed to Indian Health Service locations across the reservation, a report from the health service said Monday.
Advertisement
Precisely why the reservation is a hotbed for the virus is not clear.
"We don't know why there are so many cases here," said Duane Beyal, editor of the Window Rock, Ariz.,-based, Navajo Times.
The large number could be because of widespread testing, with almost 6,000 tests administered, Beyal said. Or the virus could be taking advantage of the underlying poor health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma and cancer of reservation residents.
"The other theory is the cultural aspect of how the Navajos live their lives each day, shaking hands, being communal and talking to each other," Beyal said. "Those are no-nos now. All of that is a recipe for disaster."
With population spread in rural areas, Internet service on the reservation is patchy, which can be dangerous during a pandemic, officials said.
On Friday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission expanded broadband on the reservation by granting temporary access and use to an unassigned radio spectrum.
"Everyone has a little phone, and they use those to click onto the Internet," Beyal said. Online readership of the newspaper has never been higher, he said. "[Expanded Internet access] really comes in handy."
Navajo Nation members got a glimpse of what the virus is like when a tribal member posted his own recovery video on social media.
Advertisement
"It was just pure pain," said Lewis Joe, a resident of Kayenta, Ariz., a virus hot spot. " It happened fast, but it wasn't quick. It was about the worst four days of my life.
"I've got kicked and I've been bucked off a horse and run over by horse and by cattle. The pain of feeling that is nothing compared to what I went through with COVID-19," he said.
Meanwhile the Navajo Department of Health has required that masks be worn in public and that grocery store and other retail employees also wear masks.
"Let's keep working together and praying together," Myron Lizer, the tribal vice president, said in a statement Tuesday. "Through combined efforts and through our faith, the Navajo people will beat the virus eventually, but it's been a challenging road so far."