upi--2020-05-04--Nicolas Cage cast as 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic

May 4 ( UPI ) -- Nicolas Cage has been cast as Joe Exotic in a TV series based on the Tiger King subject , Variety reported .
The series is based on a Texas Monthly article by Leif Reigstad titled `` Joe Exotic : A Dark Journey Into the World of a Man Gone Wild . ''
Showrunner and producer Dan Lagana optioned the story in June 2019 .
The Netflix docuseries Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness premiered March 20 , and The Hollywood Reporter added that Cage has been in talks for the role since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Joe Schreibvogel , built a zoo in Oklahoma in which he bred tigers .
The Tiger King docuseries followed his controversial practice of rapidly breeding tigers to maintain a steady flow of baby cubs for visitors to pet .
The documentary crew ended up telling the story of Exotic 's relationships and conviction for hiring a hitman to kill rival zookeeper Carole Baskin .
Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios are producing Lagana 's series .
Universal Content Productions also is producing a Joe Exotic series that has cast Kate McKinnon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presents suspicion that Baskin killed her ex-husband and fed him to her tigers .
Cage never has done series television in his nearly 40-year acting career .
He appeared in a 1982 TV movie Best of Times and a David Lynch TV special after he appeared in Lynch 's film Wild at Heart .
The actor won an Oscar for 1995 's Leaving Las Vegas and enjoyed success in action movies The Rock , Face/Off and National Treasure .

Nicolas Cage will play Joe Exotic in a TV series based on an article published for the "Tiger King" on Netflix. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 4 (UPI) -- Nicolas Cage has been cast as Joe Exotic in a TV series based on the Tiger King subject, Variety reported. The series is based on a Texas Monthly article by Leif Reigstad titled "Joe Exotic: A Dark Journey Into the World of a Man Gone Wild." Showrunner and producer Dan Lagana optioned the story in June 2019. The Netflix docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness premiered March 20, and The Hollywood Reporter added that Cage has been in talks for the role since April. Advertisement
Exotic, whose real name is Joe Schreibvogel, built a zoo in Oklahoma in which he bred tigers. The Tiger King docuseries followed his controversial practice of rapidly breeding tigers to maintain a steady flow of baby cubs for visitors to pet.
The documentary crew ended up telling the story of Exotic's relationships and conviction for hiring a hitman to kill rival zookeeper Carole Baskin.
Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios are producing Lagana's series. Universal Content Productions also is producing a Joe Exotic series that has cast Kate McKinnon as Baskin. The Netflix series also presents suspicion that Baskin killed her ex-husband and fed him to her tigers.
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Cage never has done series television in his nearly 40-year acting career. He appeared in a 1982 TV movie Best of Times and a David Lynch TV special after he appeared in Lynch's film Wild at Heart.
The actor won an Oscar for 1995's Leaving Las Vegas and enjoyed success in action movies The Rock, Face/Off and National Treasure.


upi--2020-05-04--British researchers evaluate asthma, COPD drug for COVID-19

May 4 ( UPI ) -- Interferon beta , a drug used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , or COPD , is being explored as a possible cure for severe lung infections caused by COVID-19 .
Clinical trials of the drug , manufactured by the biotech firm Synairgen , are already underway at 10 hospitals , with some 75 patients enrolled .
All 10 hospitals participating are in Britain , and results are expected by the end of next month .
`` In an ideal world we would see a significant improvement in the health of the patients receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requiring intensive care and ventilation , '' Dr. Tom Wilkinson , a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Southampton , told the BBC .
`` But it is early days to understand that and we will know more when we have the results . ''
Other forms of interferon beta , a naturally occurring protein that 's involved in the human body 's immune response , have been used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis for years .
However , earlier research suggested interferon beta deficiency in the lungs could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lung disease during respiratory viral infections than others , Synairgen said in a press release .
The Synairgen version of the drug , called SNG001 , is delivered directly to the lungs with a nebulizer , a device commonly used by those with asthma and COPD .
Trials of the drug in people with these conditions have found it to be safe , with few serious side effects .
Researchers said that previous studies have shown coronaviruses often suppress production of the protein , giving them hope synthetic versions could help patients with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing the COVID-19 pandemic .
Synairgen , a respiratory drug discovery and development company founded by University of Southampton faculty , has already demonstrated that the drug stimulates immune response people with COPD , asthma and other chronic lung conditions .
Lab experiments have also revealed the drug can protect cells from infections caused by other coronaviruses , including MERS-CoV , which causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome , and SARS-CoV , the virus behind Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome .

British researchers are testing interferon beta, a drug developed to treat asthma and delivered via nebulizer, in managing severe lung infection caused by COVID-19. Photo by fernandozhiminaicela /Pixabay
May 4 (UPI) -- Interferon beta, a drug used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is being explored as a possible cure for severe lung infections caused by COVID-19. Clinical trials of the drug, manufactured by the biotech firm Synairgen, are already underway at 10 hospitals, with some 75 patients enrolled. All 10 hospitals participating are in Britain, and results are expected by the end of next month. Advertisement
"In an ideal world we would see a significant improvement in the health of the patients receiving the drug, a reduction in those requiring intensive care and ventilation," Dr. Tom Wilkinson, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Southampton, told the BBC. "But it is early days to understand that and we will know more when we have the results."
Other forms of interferon beta, a naturally occurring protein that's involved in the human body's immune response, have been used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis for years.
However, earlier research suggested interferon beta deficiency in the lungs could be why some are more prone to severe lung disease during respiratory viral infections than others, Synairgen said in a press release.
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The Synairgen version of the drug, called SNG001, is delivered directly to the lungs with a nebulizer, a device commonly used by those with asthma and COPD. Trials of the drug in people with these conditions have found it to be safe, with few serious side effects.
Researchers said that previous studies have shown coronaviruses often suppress production of the protein, giving them hope synthetic versions could help patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Synairgen, a respiratory drug discovery and development company founded by University of Southampton faculty, has already demonstrated that the drug stimulates immune response people with COPD, asthma and other chronic lung conditions.
Lab experiments have also revealed the drug can protect cells from infections caused by other coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV, which causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and SARS-CoV, the virus behind Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome.


upi--2020-05-04--Last Supermoon of 2020 will wash out asteroid showers

May 4 ( UPI ) -- The last supermoon of 2020 , May 's so-called `` Flower Moon , '' will be visible in the night skies this week , and its brightness will likely obscure the yearly Eta Aquarids meteor showers , according to NASA .
The Flower Moon , named after blooming May flowers , reaches its closest point to Earth 's orbit at 6:45 a.m. EDT Thursday , but will be best viewed Wednesday evening when it rises at 7:10 p.m. EDT , according to the National Weather Service .
The moon 's elliptical orbit is closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 221,500 miles away .
When perigee happens during a full moon phase , a supermoon occurs , called by astrologists `` perigee-syzygy , '' according to the Old Farmer 's Almanac .
The supermoon 's proximity to the Earth makes it appear 30 percent brighter and about 15 percent larger than a normal full moon .
The next supermoon wo n't take place until May , 2021 , astronomers say .
Several supermoons usually occur in consecutive months .
This year the sky was lit up by March 's `` Worm Moon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now the `` Flower Moon , '' according to Native American names for full moons .
The overlapping Eta Aquarid meteor shower takes place every spring when the Earth passes through the debris trail from Halley 's Comet , according to NASA .
About 40-60 meteors per hour are visible on a good year .
But full moons usually wash out the view when the two celestial events happen simultaneously .
The Farmer 's Almanac also lists other Native American and colonial traditional names for May 's full moon , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Frog Moon and Milk Moon .

A May supermoon occurs this week when the moon's elliptical orbit is closest to the earth, making the moon appear larger and closer. File photo courtesy of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
May 4 (UPI) -- The last supermoon of 2020, May's so-called "Flower Moon," will be visible in the night skies this week, and its brightness will likely obscure the yearly Eta Aquarids meteor showers, according to NASA. The Flower Moon, named after blooming May flowers, reaches its closest point to Earth's orbit at 6:45 a.m. EDT Thursday, but will be best viewed Wednesday evening when it rises at 7:10 p.m. EDT, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement
The moon's elliptical orbit is closest to Earth when it reaches perigee, 221,500 miles away. When perigee happens during a full moon phase, a supermoon occurs, called by astrologists "perigee-syzygy," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
The supermoon's proximity to the Earth makes it appear 30 percent brighter and about 15 percent larger than a normal full moon.
The next supermoon won't take place until May, 2021, astronomers say.
Several supermoons usually occur in consecutive months. This year the sky was lit up by March's "Worm Moon," April's "Pink Moon" and now the "Flower Moon," according to Native American names for full moons.
The overlapping Eta Aquarid meteor shower takes place every spring when the Earth passes through the debris trail from Halley's Comet, according to NASA. About 40-60 meteors per hour are visible on a good year.
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But full moons usually wash out the view when the two celestial events happen simultaneously.
The Farmer's Almanac also lists other Native American and colonial traditional names for May's full moon, including the Corn Planting Moon, Mother's Moon, Frog Moon and Milk Moon.


upi--2020-05-04--B1-B bombers deployed to Guam

B1-B bombers deployed to Guam

May 4 ( UPI ) -- Four B1-B Lancer bombers and 200 airmen were deployed to Andersen Air Force Base , Guam , from Texas for training operations , the U.S. Air Force announced on Monday .
Three Lancers flew to Guam while one flew `` east of Japan to conduct training with U.S. Navy assets operating in the region before heading to Andersen AFB , '' an Air Force statement said .
The aircraft and personnel are part of the 9th Bomb Squad , 7th Bomb Wing of Dyess Air Force Base in Texas .
The length of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rotating bomber missions through Guam for six-month deployments ended two weeks ago , in favor of a less predictable schedule of deploying the aircraft at bases throughout the world .
The Guam-based missions involved patrols over the East and South China Seas to project U.S. air power to North Korea , China and Russia .
B-1s , which can carry a larger missile payload than B-52 bombers , were last deployed to the Indo-Pacific region in 2017 .
`` Deployments like this allow our airmen to enhance the readiness and training necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge across the globe , '' Col. Ed Sumangil , 7th Bomber Wing commander , said in the statement .
`` It also provides a valuable opportunity to better integrate with our allies and partners through joint and combined operations and exercises . ''
The aircraft arrived in Guam on Friday , the day after the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command confirmed that two B-1Bs carried out a 32-hour flight over the South China Sea from Ellsworth AFB , S.D .
The region has been active with flight patrols , including surveillance planes , since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Jung Un were reported .
Another South Dakota-based B-1B Lancer integrated with the Japan Air Self Defense Force to conduct bilateral and theater familiarization training near Japan last week , the Air Force announced .
Its 29-hour round trip included teaming with six U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons , seven JASDF F-2s and eight JASDF F-15s over the Draughon Range as part of the joint mission between U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Strategic Command Bomber Task Force .

A B1-B Lancer bomber prepares to leave Dyess AFB, Texas, and travel to Andersen AFB, Guam, on April 30. Photo by Senior Airman Mercedes Porter/U.S. Air Force
May 4 (UPI) -- Four B1-B Lancer bombers and 200 airmen were deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from Texas for training operations, the U.S. Air Force announced on Monday. Three Lancers flew to Guam while one flew "east of Japan to conduct training with U.S. Navy assets operating in the region before heading to Andersen AFB," an Air Force statement said. Advertisement
The aircraft and personnel are part of the 9th Bomb Squad, 7th Bomb Wing of Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. The length of the deployment was not announced.
The practice of rotating bomber missions through Guam for six-month deployments ended two weeks ago, in favor of a less predictable schedule of deploying the aircraft at bases throughout the world. The Guam-based missions involved patrols over the East and South China Seas to project U.S. air power to North Korea, China and Russia.
B-1s, which can carry a larger missile payload than B-52 bombers, were last deployed to the Indo-Pacific region in 2017.
"Deployments like this allow our airmen to enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe," Col. Ed Sumangil, 7th Bomber Wing commander, said in the statement. "It also provides a valuable opportunity to better integrate with our allies and partners through joint and combined operations and exercises."
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The aircraft arrived in Guam on Friday, the day after the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command confirmed that two B-1Bs carried out a 32-hour flight over the South China Sea from Ellsworth AFB, S.D. The region has been active with flight patrols, including surveillance planes, since possible health problems of North Korean leader Kim Jung Un were reported.
Another South Dakota-based B-1B Lancer integrated with the Japan Air Self Defense Force to conduct bilateral and theater familiarization training near Japan last week, the Air Force announced. Its 29-hour round trip included teaming with six U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons, seven JASDF F-2s and eight JASDF F-15s over the Draughon Range as part of the joint mission between U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Strategic Command Bomber Task Force.


upi--2020-05-04--After 150 years, rare brown bear captured on video in Spain

May 4 ( UPI ) -- A film crew in Spain announced Monday the release of video of a rare brown bear filmed in a national park -- the first time the species has been seen in the area for more than a century , wildlife officials said .
`` The bear , a male aged between 3 and 5 , is the first to be filmed in the area and probably the first to have crossed through the region in the past 150 years , '' Zeitun Films said in a statement .
The bear was filmed by remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrared camera at night , eating grubs under a rock in the park , wandering in the rain and scratching its back on a tree .
The bear was spotted in the Invernadeiro national park in northwest Spain in Galicia 's Ourense province , where the crew was shooting a film called Montaña ou Morte ( Mountain or Death ) .
The bear will make a cameo appearance in the film , the company said .
Cantabrian brown bears , native to Europe , have been a protected species in Spain since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brown bears in all of Spain , with about 30 bears living in the Pyrenees mountains of Spain and France , according to the European Wilderness Society .
Filmmakers credited luck and the involvement of two wildlife agents for the chance to capture images of the bear , which likely spent the winter in the national park .
`` Years of conservation work in the Invernadeiro national park have allowed it to become a suitable habitat for the brown bear , '' the film crew said in a statement .
Last year a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought to have wandered across the border from northern Spain , the Portuguese Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests said .
The bears had been extinct in Portugal since the end of the 19th Century .

A rare brown bear was captured on video by filmmakers in northwestern Spain, after the species had not been seen in the area for about 150 years. File photo courtesy of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Spain
May 4 (UPI) -- A film crew in Spain announced Monday the release of video of a rare brown bear filmed in a national park -- the first time the species has been seen in the area for more than a century, wildlife officials said. "The bear, a male aged between 3 and 5, is the first to be filmed in the area and probably the first to have crossed through the region in the past 150 years," Zeitun Films said in a statement. Advertisement
The bear was filmed by remote cameras during the day and captured by infrared camera at night, eating grubs under a rock in the park, wandering in the rain and scratching its back on a tree.
The bear was spotted in the Invernadeiro national park in northwest Spain in Galicia's Ourense province, where the crew was shooting a film called Montaña ou Morte (Mountain or Death). The bear will make a cameo appearance in the film, the company said.
Cantabrian brown bears, native to Europe, have been a protected species in Spain since the 1970s. There might be around 350 brown bears in all of Spain, with about 30 bears living in the Pyrenees mountains of Spain and France, according to the European Wilderness Society.
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Filmmakers credited luck and the involvement of two wildlife agents for the chance to capture images of the bear, which likely spent the winter in the national park.
"Years of conservation work in the Invernadeiro national park have allowed it to become a suitable habitat for the brown bear," the film crew said in a statement.
Last year a brown bear was sighted in Portugal, thought to have wandered across the border from northern Spain, the Portuguese Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests said. The bears had been extinct in Portugal since the end of the 19th Century.


upi--2020-05-04--Israel Defense Ministry buys small exploding drones

May 4 ( UPI ) -- The Israel 's Ministry of Defense ordered 6.6-pound drones for its ground forces working in urban areas , maker Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. said Monday .
The Spike Firefly is a `` loitering munition , '' also known as a kamikaze drone or suicide drone , a category in which the single-use munition loiters airborne in a target area , searches for targets , and attacks once one is located , exploding on contact .
The munition weighs about 6.6 pounds .
It fills a niche between cruise missiles and unmanned combat aerial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IDF is notably small and transportable by a single soldier .
Controlled by a tablet computer , it requires no special training to use and can function in or out of an operator 's line of sight , the manufacturer said .
Its munitions are powered by twin electric motors which can loiter for a maximum of 15 minutes at a maximum altitude of 1,640 feet in urban terrain and nearly 5,000 feet in open areas .
No details regarding the cost or number to be produced were announced .
Rafael , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major defense contractor for the IDF .
`` We are very proud of this contract , and we believe the procurement of Firefly by the IDF will dramatically revolutionize the infantry doctrines in urban close-combat , enabling precision engagement for the lower tactical echelons beyond-line-of-sight , '' said Ran Gozali of Rafael in a statement on Monday .
`` This will give IDF soldiers a tactical edge in close combat .
We see the Firefly as a building block in future potential applications for a large variety of battle arenas , '' Gozali @ @

The Israel Defense Force purchased a 6.6-pound 'loitering munition" for use in urban combat environments, manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. announced on Monday. Photo courtesy of Rafael
May 4 (UPI) -- The Israel's Ministry of Defense ordered 6.6-pound drones for its ground forces working in urban areas, maker Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. said Monday. The Spike Firefly is a "loitering munition," also known as a kamikaze drone or suicide drone, a category in which the single-use munition loiters airborne in a target area, searches for targets, and attacks once one is located, exploding on contact. The munition weighs about 6.6 pounds. Advertisement
It fills a niche between cruise missiles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles, although the system chosen by the IDF is notably small and transportable by a single soldier.
Controlled by a tablet computer, it requires no special training to use and can function in or out of an operator's line of sight, the manufacturer said. Its munitions are powered by twin electric motors which can loiter for a maximum of 15 minutes at a maximum altitude of 1,640 feet in urban terrain and nearly 5,000 feet in open areas.
No details regarding the cost or number to be produced were announced. Rafael, headquartered in Tel Aviv, is a major defense contractor for the IDF.
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"We are very proud of this contract, and we believe the procurement of Firefly by the IDF will dramatically revolutionize the infantry doctrines in urban close-combat, enabling precision engagement for the lower tactical echelons beyond-line-of-sight," said Ran Gozali of Rafael in a statement on Monday.
"This will give IDF soldiers a tactical edge in close combat. We see the Firefly as a building block in future potential applications for a large variety of battle arenas," Gozali said.


upi--2020-05-04--Patient portals need proxy options for better privacy protection, study finds

May 4 ( UPI ) -- More patient portals and electronic health records should enable users to create `` proxy '' accounts for nurses and home aids to prevent unintentional sharing of personal health details , researchers said Monday .
While the systems allow patients and caregivers to access information from outside a medical facility , blanket access to patient information can pose a risk to privacy and security -- making specific logins and permissions helpful -- according to an analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine .
Yet , in their assessment of more than 100 hospitals across all 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manitoba , University of North Carolina and Wake Forest University found that just 68 percent of systems offer a proxy account option .
These options -- which include a separate username and password for caregivers -- only provide access to only select , and necessary , information , the researchers say .
`` Sharing your own password to your patient portal account , even with close family members , is a really bad idea , '' study co-author Celine Latulipe , an associate professor of computer science at the University of Manitoba , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give them access to everything in your medical history , including past diagnoses of stigmatized illnesses such as sexually transmitted diseases or mental illnesses , substance abuse issues , reproductive health decisions , '' Latulipe added .
`` Sharing your password could also inadvertently give your caregiver access to your bank account , email or social media accounts , if you used the same or a similar password there . ''
More than 95 percent of U.S. hospitals have an online interface consumers can use to access health information and communicate with providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An estimated 40 million Americans serve as caregivers , either in a paid capacity or as a volunteer , family member or friend .
A 2014 survey published by JAMA suggested that nearly 80 percent of those who rely on these caregivers prefer to give them access to their patient portals as a resource in their care .
For the new analysis , Latulipe and her colleagues surveyed a total of 102 hospitals -- 51 health system-affiliated facilities and 51 independents -- across all 50 states and Washington , D.C .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not provide proxy accounts for caregivers of adult patients and 7 percent of the surveyed personnel did not know whether such accounts were available at their institutions .
Among the 94 hospitals asked about password-sharing between patients and caregivers , personnel in 45 percent endorsed the practice .
In addition , of the hospitals that do offer proxy accounts , only 19 percent have controls in place that enable patients to restrict the types of information their caregivers can see .
`` If you are an older patient and you need your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your patient portal , find out if you can set up a proxy account on the patient portal for that caregiver so they get their own username and password , '' Latulipe advised , adding that staff should be trained `` so that they never encourage password sharing for patient portals . ''

May 4 (UPI) -- More patient portals and electronic health records should enable users to create "proxy" accounts for nurses and home aids to prevent unintentional sharing of personal health details, researchers said Monday.
While the systems allow patients and caregivers to access information from outside a medical facility, blanket access to patient information can pose a risk to privacy and security -- making specific logins and permissions helpful -- according to an analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Yet, in their assessment of more than 100 hospitals across all 50 states, researchers at the University of Manitoba, University of North Carolina and Wake Forest University found that just 68 percent of systems offer a proxy account option.
These options -- which include a separate username and password for caregivers -- only provide access to only select, and necessary, information, the researchers say.
"Sharing your own password to your patient portal account, even with close family members, is a really bad idea," study co-author Celine Latulipe, an associate professor of computer science at the University of Manitoba, told UPI.
"That would typically give them access to everything in your medical history, including past diagnoses of stigmatized illnesses such as sexually transmitted diseases or mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, reproductive health decisions," Latulipe added. "Sharing your password could also inadvertently give your caregiver access to your bank account, email or social media accounts, if you used the same or a similar password there."
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More than 95 percent of U.S. hospitals have an online interface consumers can use to access health information and communicate with providers, according to the American Hospital Association.
An estimated 40 million Americans serve as caregivers, either in a paid capacity or as a volunteer, family member or friend. A 2014 survey published by JAMA suggested that nearly 80 percent of those who rely on these caregivers prefer to give them access to their patient portals as a resource in their care.
For the new analysis, Latulipe and her colleagues surveyed a total of 102 hospitals -- 51 health system-affiliated facilities and 51 independents -- across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
They found that 25 percent of hospitals did not provide proxy accounts for caregivers of adult patients and 7 percent of the surveyed personnel did not know whether such accounts were available at their institutions. Among the 94 hospitals asked about password-sharing between patients and caregivers, personnel in 45 percent endorsed the practice.
In addition, of the hospitals that do offer proxy accounts, only 19 percent have controls in place that enable patients to restrict the types of information their caregivers can see.
"If you are an older patient and you need your family or friend caregiver to help you with your patient portal, find out if you can set up a proxy account on the patient portal for that caregiver so they get their own username and password," Latulipe advised, adding that staff should be trained "so that they never encourage password sharing for patient portals."


upi--2020-05-04--Watch: Man bounces five ping pong balls into glasses in 2.03 seconds

May 4 ( UPI ) -- An Idaho man retook a Guinness World Record by bouncing five ping pong balls @ @ @ @ @ only 2.03 seconds .
David Rush , who has broken more than 100 Guinness records @ @ @ @ @ formerly held the record in 2018 , when he managed the feat in 3.51 seconds @ @ @ @ @ taken in 2019 by Italian Silvio Sabba , who bounced the balls into the glasses @ @ @ @ @ said he was careful ahead of time to make sure his balls , glasses and @ @ @ @ @ Guinness rules .
He shared a video showing he was able to bounce the balls @ @ @ @ @ seconds , retaking the record .

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May 4 (UPI) -- An Idaho man retook a Guinness World Record by bouncing five ping pong balls into five pint glasses in only 2.03 seconds.
David Rush, who has broken more than 100 Guinness records to promote STEM education, formerly held the record in 2018, when he managed the feat in 3.51 seconds, but the record was taken in 2019 by Italian Silvio Sabba, who bounced the balls into the glasses in 2.81 seconds.
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Rush said he was careful ahead of time to make sure his balls, glasses and the bouncing surface complied with Guinness rules.
He shared a video showing he was able to bounce the balls into the glasses in 2.03 seconds, retaking the record.


upi--2020-05-04--NFL cancels international games for 2020 season

May 4 ( UPI ) -- The NFL on Monday canceled games outside the United States this year as the first alteration to its game schedule .
The league has scheduled four games in London and one in Mexico City as part of the 2020 international series .
The Miami Dolphins , Arizona Cardinals , Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars were to have been the hosts .
Those teams now will host those matchups at their home stadiums .
`` After considerable analysis , we believe the decision to play all our games domestically this season is the right one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all our fans in the U.S. , Mexico and U.K. , '' NFL executive vice president , chief strategy and growth officer Christopher Halpin said .
`` We greatly appreciate the support of our governmental and stadium partners in Mexico and the United Kingdom , who all agree with this decision , and we look forward to returning for games in both countries in the 2021 season , '' Halpin said .
He added : `` We also thank our incredible fans in those territories for their passionate support of the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through our outstanding media partners and by being active supporters of both grassroots football and COVID-19 relief efforts in Mexico and the U.K. '' The cancellation ends the NFL 's streak of 13 consecutive years of games played at Wembley Stadium in London .

The NFL had played games at London's Wembley Stadium for 13 consecutive seasons before the league canceled international games for the 2020 season on Monday. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
May 4 (UPI) -- The NFL on Monday canceled games outside the United States this year as the first alteration to its game schedule. The league has scheduled four games in London and one in Mexico City as part of the 2020 international series. The Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars were to have been the hosts. Those teams now will host those matchups at their home stadiums. Advertisement
"After considerable analysis, we believe the decision to play all our games domestically this season is the right one for our players, our clubs, and all our fans in the U.S., Mexico and U.K.," NFL executive vice president, chief strategy and growth officer Christopher Halpin said.
"We greatly appreciate the support of our governmental and stadium partners in Mexico and the United Kingdom, who all agree with this decision, and we look forward to returning for games in both countries in the 2021 season," Halpin said.
He added: "We also thank our incredible fans in those territories for their passionate support of the NFL. We will continue to serve them through our outstanding media partners and by being active supporters of both grassroots football and COVID-19 relief efforts in Mexico and the U.K."
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The cancellation ends the NFL's streak of 13 consecutive years of games played at Wembley Stadium in London.


upi--2020-05-04--ESPN to air live baseball in Asia with American commentators

May 4 ( UPI ) -- ESPN will air live baseball games from South Korea as the game resumes there amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The network on Monday announced an exclusive broadcast agreement with Eclat Media Group .
Elsewhere in Asia , live games in Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan are being streamed on social media Baseball-starved American fans have been attracted to the Taiwanese broadcasts as Major League Baseball remains suspended indefinitely due to the pandemic .
ESPN 's KBO broadcasts will start with the opening day game between the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions at 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ televise six regular-season games per week .
The games will air Tuesday through Sunday , generally on ESPN2 and on the ESPN app .
Tuesday through Friday broadcasts will air at 5:30 a.m. EDT .
Saturday broadcasts will air at 4 a.m. Sunday broadcasts will air at 1 a.m. ESPN 's Karl Ravech , Eduardo Perez , Jon Sciambi , Kyle Peterson and Jessica Mendoza will work as commentators , working remotely from ESPN 's home studio .
The Lions and Dinos will battle on ESPN Tuesday after SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group includes the post-season and the Korea Series best-of-seven championship .
`` We 're thrilled to become the exclusive English-language home to the KBO League and to showcase its compelling action and high-level of competition , '' said Burke Magnus , ESPN executive vice president of programming .
`` We have a longstanding history of documenting the game of baseball .
and we 're excited to deliver these live events to sports fans . ''
The KBO features 10 teams with rosters sprinkled with the names of former MLB and Minor League Baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 144-game regular season .
KBO games can only last up to 12 innings before they result in a tie .
The games are usually high-scoring , feature quirky celebrations and an array of mascots .
Baseball bats came alive as Chinese Professional Baseball League hitters combined for 19 home runs and 110 runs scored in two three-game series played without fans over the weekend in Taiwan .
The weekend series included clashes between the Rakuten Monkeys and Chinatrust Brothers and a trio of games between the Fubon Guardians and the Uni-Lions .
Rakuten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2-1 .
Five players hit multiple home runs in the two series .
Friday 's series opener between the Brothers and Monkeys featured a matchup of former Seattle Mariners pitcher Ariel Miranda ( Brothers ) and ex-Cincinnati Reds pitcher Lisalverto Bonilla ( Monkeys ) .
The Monkeys took a 3-2 lead into the seventh inning before the Brothers came alive with a four-run spark .
The Brothers plated two more runs in the ninth inning before the Monkeys posted five runs in the bottom of the frame to force extra innings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 12th inning to earn the 10-8 victory .
Su Wei-Ta hit a home run in the third inning for the Brothers .
The Brothers first baseman went 2 for 6 with three RBIs in the win .
The Uni-Lions did n't need extra innings to decide their series opener .
They pounced to a 12-0 lead before the Guardians plated four runs in the sixth frame .
The Uni-Lions increased their lead to 15-4 with three runs in the bottom of the inning .
The Guardians scored two runs over the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap .
Chen Pin-Chieh and Hu Chin-Lung each homered for the Guardians .
Chen Chieh-Hsien and Lin An-Ko homered for the Uni-Lions in the 15-6 win .
The Uni-Lions roughed up former Houston Astros pitcher Henry Sosa , who allowed 11 hits and 10 runs in two innings before he was removed from the game .
Saturday 's skirmish between the Brothers and Monkeys featured a combined 37 hits and 27 runs .
The Monkeys evened the series with a 16-11 win .
Former New York Yankees pitcher Esmil Rogers started the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he allowed nine hits and eight runs in 2.2 innings .
The Brothers entered the bottom of the third inning with a 5-1 lead before things unraveled for Rogers .
The right-handed pitcher surrendered seven runs in the half inning and gave an 8-5 lead to the Monkeys .
The Monkeys added another run in the fourth frame before a six-run sixth inning .
They took a 16-6 lead into the final frame before the Brothers plated five runs in the top of the ninth inning .
Wu Tung-Jung and Chang Chih-Hao homered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs for the Monkeys .
The Guardians crushed the Uni-Lions 11-2 in the second game of their series .
Fubon took a 9-0 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning before the Uni-Lions plated their first run .
Fubon scored two more runs in the final frame to add some insurance in the win .
Lin Yi-Chuan went 2 for 5 with two home runs and 5 RBIs for the Guardians .
Kao Kuo-Lin also homered in the win .
Kuo Fu-Lin homered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitcher Ryan Feierabend allowed seven hits and four runs in his start for the Uni-Lions .
The Monkeys and Brothers played a close series finale on Sunday before the Monkeys caught fire in the fourth inning of a 9-3 triumph .
Monkeys left fielder Lan Yin-Lun sparked the rally with two home runs .
Chu Yu-Hsien also homered for the Monkeys .
Yueh Tung-Hua homered for the Brothers .
Former Yankees pitcher Jose De Paula allowed 12 hits and eight runs in five innings in his start for the Brothers .
The Uni-Lions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Guardians on Sunday before Fubon posted a four-run fourth inning .
Chiang Chih-Hsien and Hu Chin-Lung homered for the Guardians .
Uni-Lions designated hitter Kuo Fu-Lin hit his second home run of the series in the loss .
The Brothers and Uni-Lions have a two-game series that starts on Tuesday .
The first game will stream at 6:35 a.m. EDT Tuesday on Twitter at Twitter.com/ElevenSportsTW .
The Monkeys and Guardians face off at 6:35 a.m. EDT Thursday .
The Monkeys play the Brothers in a three-game series that begins at 6:35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uni-Lions also face off in a three game series that starts at 6:35 a.m. Friday .
NC Dinos vs. Samsung Lions : 1 a.m. EDT Tuesday on ESPN ; 5:30 a.m. EDT Thursday on ESPN2 Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins : 5:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday on ESPN2 KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions : 5:30 a.m. EDT Friday on ESPN2 LG Twins vs. NC Dinos : 4 a.m. EDT Saturday on ESPN2 ; 1 a.m. EDT Sunday on ESPN2

May 4 (UPI) -- ESPN will air live baseball games from South Korea as the game resumes there amid the coronavirus pandemic. The network on Monday announced an exclusive broadcast agreement with Eclat Media Group.
Elsewhere in Asia, live games in Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan are being streamed on social media
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Baseball-starved American fans have been attracted to the Taiwanese broadcasts as Major League Baseball remains suspended indefinitely due to the pandemic.
ESPN's KBO broadcasts will start with the opening day game between the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions at 1 a.m. EDT Tuesday. The network will televise six regular-season games per week.
The games will air Tuesday through Sunday, generally on ESPN2 and on the ESPN app. Tuesday through Friday broadcasts will air at 5:30 a.m. EDT. Saturday broadcasts will air at 4 a.m. Sunday broadcasts will air at 1 a.m.
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ESPN's Karl Ravech, Eduardo Perez, Jon Sciambi, Kyle Peterson and Jessica Mendoza will work as commentators, working remotely from ESPN's home studio.
The Lions and Dinos will battle on ESPN Tuesday after SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt. ESPN's agreement with Eclat Media Group includes the post-season and the Korea Series best-of-seven championship.
"We're thrilled to become the exclusive English-language home to the KBO League and to showcase its compelling action and high-level of competition," said Burke Magnus, ESPN executive vice president of programming.
"We have a longstanding history of documenting the game of baseball. and we're excited to deliver these live events to sports fans."
The KBO features 10 teams with rosters sprinkled with the names of former MLB and Minor League Baseball players.
Each team will plays a 144-game regular season. KBO games can only last up to 12 innings before they result in a tie. The games are usually high-scoring, feature quirky celebrations and an array of mascots.
Weekend in Taiwan featured 19 homers, 110 runs
Baseball bats came alive as Chinese Professional Baseball League hitters combined for 19 home runs and 110 runs scored in two three-game series played without fans over the weekend in Taiwan.
Advertisement
The weekend series included clashes between the Rakuten Monkeys and Chinatrust Brothers and a trio of games between the Fubon Guardians and the Uni-Lions. Rakuten and the Uni-Lions won their respective series, 2-1.
Five players hit multiple home runs in the two series.
Friday's series opener between the Brothers and Monkeys featured a matchup of former Seattle Mariners pitcher Ariel Miranda (Brothers) and ex-Cincinnati Reds pitcher Lisalverto Bonilla (Monkeys).
The Monkeys took a 3-2 lead into the seventh inning before the Brothers came alive with a four-run spark. The Brothers plated two more runs in the ninth inning before the Monkeys posted five runs in the bottom of the frame to force extra innings. The Brothers plated two more runs in the 12th inning to earn the 10-8 victory.
Su Wei-Ta hit a home run in the third inning for the Brothers. The Brothers first baseman went 2 for 6 with three RBIs in the win.
The Uni-Lions didn't need extra innings to decide their series opener. They pounced to a 12-0 lead before the Guardians plated four runs in the sixth frame. The Uni-Lions increased their lead to 15-4 with three runs in the bottom of the inning. The Guardians scored two runs over the final three innings but couldn't close the gap.
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Chen Pin-Chieh and Hu Chin-Lung each homered for the Guardians. Chen Chieh-Hsien and Lin An-Ko homered for the Uni-Lions in the 15-6 win. The Uni-Lions roughed up former Houston Astros pitcher Henry Sosa, who allowed 11 hits and 10 runs in two innings before he was removed from the game.
Saturday's skirmish between the Brothers and Monkeys featured a combined 37 hits and 27 runs. The Monkeys evened the series with a 16-11 win.
Former New York Yankees pitcher Esmil Rogers started the game for the Brothers but was removed after he allowed nine hits and eight runs in 2.2 innings.
The Brothers entered the bottom of the third inning with a 5-1 lead before things unraveled for Rogers. The right-handed pitcher surrendered seven runs in the half inning and gave an 8-5 lead to the Monkeys.
The Monkeys added another run in the fourth frame before a six-run sixth inning. They took a 16-6 lead into the final frame before the Brothers plated five runs in the top of the ninth inning. Wu Tung-Jung and Chang Chih-Hao homered for the Brothers. Chu Yu-Hsien went 4 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs for the Monkeys.
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The Guardians crushed the Uni-Lions 11-2 in the second game of their series. Fubon took a 9-0 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning before the Uni-Lions plated their first run.
Fubon scored two more runs in the final frame to add some insurance in the win. Lin Yi-Chuan went 2 for 5 with two home runs and 5 RBIs for the Guardians. Kao Kuo-Lin also homered in the win. Kuo Fu-Lin homered for the Uni-Lions.
Former Texas Rangers pitcher Ryan Feierabend allowed seven hits and four runs in his start for the Uni-Lions.
The Monkeys and Brothers played a close series finale on Sunday before the Monkeys caught fire in the fourth inning of a 9-3 triumph. Monkeys left fielder Lan Yin-Lun sparked the rally with two home runs. Chu Yu-Hsien also homered for the Monkeys. Yueh Tung-Hua homered for the Brothers.
Former Yankees pitcher Jose De Paula allowed 12 hits and eight runs in five innings in his start for the Brothers.
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The Uni-Lions appeared to have their game in hand against the Guardians on Sunday before Fubon posted a four-run fourth inning. Chiang Chih-Hsien and Hu Chin-Lung homered for the Guardians. Uni-Lions designated hitter Kuo Fu-Lin hit his second home run of the series in the loss.
Games on deck
CPBL
The Brothers and Uni-Lions have a two-game series that starts on Tuesday. The first game will stream at 6:35 a.m. EDT Tuesday on Twitter at Twitter.com/ElevenSportsTW. The Monkeys and Guardians face off at 6:35 a.m. EDT Thursday.
The Monkeys play the Brothers in a three-game series that begins at 6:35 a.m. EDT Friday. The Guardians and Uni-Lions also face off in a three game series that starts at 6:35 a.m. Friday.
KBO
NC Dinos vs. Samsung Lions: 1 a.m. EDT Tuesday on ESPN; 5:30 a.m. EDT Thursday on ESPN2
Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins: 5:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday on ESPN2
KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions: 5:30 a.m. EDT Friday on ESPN2
LG Twins vs. NC Dinos: 4 a.m. EDT Saturday on ESPN2; 1 a.m. EDT Sunday on ESPN2


upi--2020-05-04--Look: IU teases 'Eight' video featuring BTS' Suga

May 4 ( UPI ) -- South Korean singer IU is giving a glimpse of her new music video .
@ @ @ @ @ a preview Monday of her video for `` Eight , '' a new song produced @ @ @ @ @ Suga .
The futuristic video shows IU entering a chamber , where she lies down @ @ @ @ @ A metal device can be seen on her right ear .
IU will release `` @ @ @ @ @ She previously shared a `` moving teaser '' for the song that shows recording equipment @ @ @ @ @ their remaining 2020 tour dates last week due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The boy @ @ @ @ @ the virtual Nickelodeon Kids ' Choice Awards .

May 4 (UPI) -- South Korean singer IU is giving a glimpse of her new music video.
The 26-year-old K-pop star shared a preview Monday of her video for "Eight," a new song produced by and featuring BTS member Suga.
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The futuristic video shows IU entering a chamber, where she lies down on an examination table. A metal device can be seen on her right ear.
IU will release "Eight" on Wednesday. She previously shared a "moving teaser" for the song that shows recording equipment.
IU released the EP Love Poem in November.
Suga and BTS postponed their remaining 2020 tour dates last week due to the coronavirus pandemic. The boy band won big Sunday at the virtual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.


upi--2020-05-04--Man collects $20,000 jackpot after lottery T-shirt saved his life

May 4 ( UPI ) -- A Nebraska man who collected a $ 20,000 lottery jackpot said the win came just a few years after his life was saved by a Nebraska Lottery T-shirt .
Jimmy Brezina visited Nebraska Lottery headquarters in late April to collect his $ 20,000 prize from a Golden Cherry Multiplier scratch-off ticket , and he told officials the lottery had previously brought him luck in the form of a T-shirt he was wearing Oct. 13 , 2012 .
Brezina said he was wearing a Nebraska Lottery T-shirt under his corduroy shirt while working as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machine shop .
He said he heard a hissing sound followed by the explosion of a moisture accumulator just a few feet away from where he was standing .
The worker said multiple pieces of PVC shrapnel pierced his body and when his shirt was cut open at a local hospital they discovered a shard that had been headed for his viral organs had snagged on the T-shirt .
`` That old t-shirt saved my life , '' he said .
Lottery officials said winners each receive a T-shirt when they collect their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him an extra two shirts .

A Nebraska man who won a $20,000 jackpot from a scratch-off lottery ticket said his life was saved by a Nebraska Lottery T-shirt a few years earlier. Photo courtesy of the Nebraska Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe May 4 (UPI) -- A Nebraska man who collected a $20,000 lottery jackpot said the win came just a few years after his life was saved by a Nebraska Lottery T-shirt. Jimmy Brezina visited Nebraska Lottery headquarters in late April to collect his $20,000 prize from a Golden Cherry Multiplier scratch-off ticket, and he told officials the lottery had previously brought him luck in the form of a T-shirt he was wearing Oct. 13, 2012. Advertisement
Brezina said he was wearing a Nebraska Lottery T-shirt under his corduroy shirt while working as a mold and pattern maker at a Lincoln machine shop. He said he heard a hissing sound followed by the explosion of a moisture accumulator just a few feet away from where he was standing.
The worker said multiple pieces of PVC shrapnel pierced his body and when his shirt was cut open at a local hospital they discovered a shard that had been headed for his viral organs had snagged on the T-shirt.
"That old t-shirt saved my life," he said.
Lottery officials said winners each receive a T-shirt when they collect their prizes, but Brezina's story earned him an extra two shirts.


upi--2020-05-05--Pro baseball gets underway in South Korea -- no crowds, no spitting

SEOUL , May 5 ( UPI ) -- Baseball fans in South Korea got their first taste of live action on Tuesday as the Korean Baseball Organization kicked off its 2020 season and sports-starved audiences around the world are going along for the ride .
With South Korea successfully bending the curve of new COVID-19 cases , the country decided to carry on with a full 144-game KBO season , which was originally scheduled to begin March 28 .
All 10 KBO teams were in action on Tuesday 's opening day , but health precautions were in place .
Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some seats carrying banners or pictures of fans , while umpires and first- and third-base coaches wore protective masks .
The players went without face coverings , but fist- and elbow bumps were the norm instead of high-fives .
Chewing tobacco and spitting are not permitted , nor is signing autographs .
One staple of live Korean baseball was still in place , however : the cheerleaders , who performed choreographed routines to K-pop songs or team anthems alongside costumed mascots .
Foreign broadcasters , including ESPN , carried the action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which inked a contract to televise KBO games on the eve of the new season , broadcast the game between the Samsung Lions and NC Dinos at 1 a.m. EDT .
For local fans , the season could n't have come soon enough .
`` I 've been counting down the days for the opening game , '' said Lee Seul , a 23-year-old fan of the Kia Tigers .
`` I felt so empty during the offseason because I could n't watch any games .
I am very thrilled the KBO games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejuvenate daily life .
People are tired of only going back and forth between work and home because of social distancing and the coronavirus . ''
However , Lee acknowledged it was a bit strange seeing a game televised from an empty stadium , especially because fan participation is a major element of Korean baseball games .
Along with cheerleaders , fan-led rally songs and choreographed chants are part of the high-energy , high-tech atmosphere , while the game is played with a flair that includes some of the world 's most spectacular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems strange , '' Lee said .
`` I 'm worried that the morale will go down for the players because they 're used to the enthusiastic cheers of KBO fans . ''
It has not been announced when stadiums will start admitting crowds .
South Koreans are not the only ones excited for the return of baseball .
An international spotlight is shining on the KBO as one of the only major professional sports leagues in action , with global news coverage and social media engagement buzzing about the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fielder Mookie Betts took to Twitter with a video welcoming the start of the KBO season and introducing several of the league 's star players , such as Dinos catcher Yang Eui-ji and shortstop Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes .
Oh Joo-seung , who works in the analytics department of the Samsung Lions , a team based in the southeastern city of Daegu , said the global interest was slightly surreal .
`` Everyone is quite surprised and amazed '' at the attention ] , Oh said .
`` The topic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mookie Betts was introducing the KBO .
The whole team almost thought it was some type of prank . ''
Oh said that he felt international fans would enjoy the overall South Korean baseball experience .
`` About the baseball culture , such as the bat flips and the cheers , I think many will find it surprising and interesting , '' he said .
In Daegu , which was the city hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea , the opening pitch was thrown out by Lee Seong-gu , head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video tributes from players and celebrities thanked doctors , nurses and medical staff .
Other games on opening day included a matchup between the defending champion Doosan Bears and the LG Twins , both Seoul-based teams , while in nearby Incheon the SK Wyverns played the Hanwha Eagles .
Rounding out the action were the Kia Tigers facing the Kiwoom Heroes and the Lotte Giants battling the KT Wiz .
The live games were a testament to South Korea 's adroit response to the COVID-19 outbreak .
It was the first country after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus but officials managed to dramatically flatten the curve of new cases through early and aggressive testing and tracing .
On Tuesday the country announced no new local infections for the second day in a row .
The government is beginning a new phase of relaxed social distancing rules this week and will be reopening schools next week .
South Korea 's professional soccer league will start on Friday , also without an audience .
American sports fans will be able to catch one KBO game per day on ESPN , generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a network press release .
Live start times range from 1 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. EDT and the network will feature game highlights on its news and information programs .
KBO games will also be broadcast by Japan 's SPOZONE , the league announced .
KBO commissioner Chung Un-chan said he hoped the games would bring comfort to fans and help set a standard for other sports leagues to follow in opening up .
`` During this unprecedented and difficult time , I hope the KBO League can bring consolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world of sports , '' Chung said in the ESPN press release .
`` I am pleased that the KBO League can be introduced globally and hope this can be an opportunity for the development of our league and the sport . ''

1/4
Lee Seong-gu, head of the Daegu Medical Association, throws out the first pitch at the Opening Day KBO game between the Samsung Lions and the NC Dinos on Tuesday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Samsung Lions
SEOUL, May 5 (UPI) -- Baseball fans in South Korea got their first taste of live action on Tuesday as the Korean Baseball Organization kicked off its 2020 season and sports-starved audiences around the world are going along for the ride. With South Korea successfully bending the curve of new COVID-19 cases, the country decided to carry on with a full 144-game KBO season, which was originally scheduled to begin March 28. Advertisement
All 10 KBO teams were in action on Tuesday's opening day, but health precautions were in place. Games were played in front of empty stands, with some seats carrying banners or pictures of fans, while umpires and first- and third-base coaches wore protective masks.
The players went without face coverings, but fist- and elbow bumps were the norm instead of high-fives. Chewing tobacco and spitting are not permitted, nor is signing autographs. One staple of live Korean baseball was still in place, however: the cheerleaders, who performed choreographed routines to K-pop songs or team anthems alongside costumed mascots.
Advertisement
Foreign broadcasters, including ESPN, carried the action live. The U.S. sports network, which inked a contract to televise KBO games on the eve of the new season, broadcast the game between the Samsung Lions and NC Dinos at 1 a.m. EDT.
For local fans, the season couldn't have come soon enough.
"I've been counting down the days for the opening game," said Lee Seul, a 23-year-old fan of the Kia Tigers. "I felt so empty during the offseason because I couldn't watch any games. I am very thrilled the KBO games have started because I think it will rejuvenate daily life. People are tired of only going back and forth between work and home because of social distancing and the coronavirus."
However, Lee acknowledged it was a bit strange seeing a game televised from an empty stadium, especially because fan participation is a major element of Korean baseball games. Along with cheerleaders, fan-led rally songs and choreographed chants are part of the high-energy, high-tech atmosphere, while the game is played with a flair that includes some of the world's most spectacular bat flips.
"A quiet stadium seems strange," Lee said. "I'm worried that the morale will go down for the players because they're used to the enthusiastic cheers of KBO fans."
Advertisement
It has not been announced when stadiums will start admitting crowds.
South Koreans are not the only ones excited for the return of baseball. An international spotlight is shining on the KBO as one of the only major professional sports leagues in action, with global news coverage and social media engagement buzzing about the start of the season.
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar right fielder Mookie Betts took to Twitter with a video welcoming the start of the KBO season and introducing several of the league's star players, such as Dinos catcher Yang Eui-ji and shortstop Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes.
Oh Joo-seung, who works in the analytics department of the Samsung Lions, a team based in the southeastern city of Daegu, said the global interest was slightly surreal.
"Everyone is quite surprised and amazed" at the attention], Oh said. "The topic of the day was the video clip where Mookie Betts was introducing the KBO. The whole team almost thought it was some type of prank."
Advertisement
Oh said that he felt international fans would enjoy the overall South Korean baseball experience.
"About the baseball culture, such as the bat flips and the cheers, I think many will find it surprising and interesting," he said.
In Daegu, which was the city hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea, the opening pitch was thrown out by Lee Seong-gu, head of the Daegu Medical Association, and video tributes from players and celebrities thanked doctors, nurses and medical staff.
Other games on opening day included a matchup between the defending champion Doosan Bears and the LG Twins, both Seoul-based teams, while in nearby Incheon the SK Wyverns played the Hanwha Eagles. Rounding out the action were the Kia Tigers facing the Kiwoom Heroes and the Lotte Giants battling the KT Wiz.
The live games were a testament to South Korea's adroit response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It was the first country after China to see widespread local transmission of the coronavirus but officials managed to dramatically flatten the curve of new cases through early and aggressive testing and tracing.
On Tuesday the country announced no new local infections for the second day in a row. The government is beginning a new phase of relaxed social distancing rules this week and will be reopening schools next week. South Korea's professional soccer league will start on Friday, also without an audience.
Advertisement
American sports fans will be able to catch one KBO game per day on ESPN, generally on ESPN2 and on the ESPN App, according to a network press release. Live start times range from 1 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. EDT and the network will feature game highlights on its news and information programs.
KBO games will also be broadcast by Japan's SPOZONE, the league announced.
KBO commissioner Chung Un-chan said he hoped the games would bring comfort to fans and help set a standard for other sports leagues to follow in opening up.
"During this unprecedented and difficult time, I hope the KBO League can bring consolation to the communities and provide guidelines to the world of sports," Chung said in the ESPN press release. "I am pleased that the KBO League can be introduced globally and hope this can be an opportunity for the development of our league and the sport."


upi--2020-05-05--Watch: Evan Rachel Wood on 'Westworld' Season 3 finale: 'Certain things are final'

May 5 ( UPI ) -- Evan Rachel Wood appeared on The Tonight Show and discussed the Season 3 finale @ @ @ @ @ the season 's conclusion on Monday which featured the apparent demise of her character Dolores @ @ @ @ @ lot of things are still unknown given how the finale ended , '' the actress @ @ @ @ @ `` I think obviously it 's been proven , you know , it 's quite @ @ @ @ @ characters , but I do think certain things are final , '' she continued .
@ @ @ @ @ is homeschooling her 6-year-old son Jack due to COVID-19 and described how he was able @ @ @ @ @ 's chair on the set of Westworld .
`` He got to direct a scene @ @ @ @ @ episode seven , Helen Shaver brought him behind the monitor and had him deliver me @ @ @ @ @ , '' Wood said .

May 5 (UPI) -- Evan Rachel Wood appeared on The Tonight Show and discussed the Season 3 finale of Westworld.
[Spoiler alert!]
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Wood discussed the season's conclusion on Monday which featured the apparent demise of her character Dolores.
"I think a lot of things are still unknown given how the finale ended," the actress said from her home.
"I think obviously it's been proven, you know, it's quite hard to get rid of characters, but I do think certain things are final," she continued.
HBO renewed Westworld for a fourth season in April.
Wood also discussed how she is homeschooling her 6-year-old son Jack due to COVID-19 and described how he was able to sit in the director's chair on the set of Westworld.
"He got to direct a scene this season. It was episode seven, Helen Shaver brought him behind the monitor and had him deliver me and Aaron Paul's directions," Wood said.


upi--2020-05-05--Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler to play live golf for charity

May 5 ( UPI ) -- PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy , Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler will give golf fans their first live-action entertainment since league play was suspended due to the coronavirus when they clash in a May 17 charity match .
Fowler , McIlroy , Johnson and Matthew Wolff will battle in the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins competition at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach , Fla .
The televised fundraiser will aid coronavirus relief efforts .
Play will air from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT May 17 on NBC and Sky Sports .
It will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are excited about the safe and responsible return of live golf and the opportunity to raise significant funds for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic through the TaylorMade Driving Relief event , '' PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a news release .
`` With four of the PGA Tour 's top stars in Rory , Rickie , Dustin and Matthew of Team TaylorMade participating and UnitedHealth Group serving as the foundation of charitable giving , and Farmers Insurance providing an additional bonus pool , golf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a unique , interactive and entertaining event that will help those in need . ''
McIlroy and Johnson will play on behalf of the American Nurses Foundation .
They will take on Fowler and Wolff , who will play for the CDC Foundation .
UnitedHealth Group has also pledged $ 3 million in charity skins , cash prizes provided to the winner of a hole .
Farmers Insurance pledged $ 1 million for a birdies and eagles pool .
Those funds will go toward Off Their Plate , an initiative that helps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to use text messages to donate and make online donations on a GoFundMe account during the competition .
`` The competition will follow strict [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] social distancing guidelines , local mandates and will utilize appropriate testing measures to help protect the health and safety of the golfers , production crew and others on site , '' the PGA Tour said .
No fans will be allowed to attend the event .
NBC Sports ' Mike Tirico will provide commentary from his home in Michigan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lerner will provide commentary from an off-site production facility .
Reporters Jerry Foltz and Steve Sands will attend the competition .
The PGA Tour has been suspended since March 13 but plans to return in mid-June .
The first four tournaments planned will be closed to the public .
`` It 's been difficult to witness what so many are enduring over the last several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic , '' McIlroy said .
`` I 'm excited and thankful to TaylorMade and UnitedHealth Group for making this event possible and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our support of those on the frontlines .
`` I hope that we can provide some respite and entertainment for those tuning in across the globe .
Dustin and I will have a lot of fun together and our games will fit well as we push to raise funds and awareness on May 17 . ''

Rory McIlroy (L) and Dustin Johnson (R) will be partners at the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins competition on May 17 at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler will give golf fans their first live-action entertainment since league play was suspended due to the coronavirus when they clash in a May 17 charity match. Fowler, McIlroy, Johnson and Matthew Wolff will battle in the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins competition at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla. The televised fundraiser will aid coronavirus relief efforts. Play will air from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT May 17 on NBC and Sky Sports. It will also be available to stream for free. Advertisement
"We are excited about the safe and responsible return of live golf and the opportunity to raise significant funds for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic through the TaylorMade Driving Relief event," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a news release.
"With four of the PGA Tour's top stars in Rory, Rickie, Dustin and Matthew of Team TaylorMade participating and UnitedHealth Group serving as the foundation of charitable giving, and Farmers Insurance providing an additional bonus pool, golf fans around the world can look forward to a unique, interactive and entertaining event that will help those in need."
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McIlroy and Johnson will play on behalf of the American Nurses Foundation. They will take on Fowler and Wolff, who will play for the CDC Foundation. UnitedHealth Group has also pledged $3 million in charity skins, cash prizes provided to the winner of a hole.
Farmers Insurance pledged $1 million for a birdies and eagles pool. Those funds will go toward Off Their Plate, an initiative that helps healthcare workers. Viewers will also be able to use text messages to donate and make online donations on a GoFundMe account during the competition.
"The competition will follow strict [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] social distancing guidelines, local mandates and will utilize appropriate testing measures to help protect the health and safety of the golfers, production crew and others on site," the PGA Tour said.
No fans will be allowed to attend the event. NBC Sports' Mike Tirico will provide commentary from his home in Michigan. Paul Azinger, Gary Koch and Rich Lerner will provide commentary from an off-site production facility. Reporters Jerry Foltz and Steve Sands will attend the competition.
The PGA Tour has been suspended since March 13 but plans to return in mid-June. The first four tournaments planned will be closed to the public.
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"It's been difficult to witness what so many are enduring over the last several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic," McIlroy said. "I'm excited and thankful to TaylorMade and UnitedHealth Group for making this event possible and providing us with the opportunity to show our support of those on the frontlines.
"I hope that we can provide some respite and entertainment for those tuning in across the globe. Dustin and I will have a lot of fun together and our games will fit well as we push to raise funds and awareness on May 17."


upi--2020-05-05--Sudan appoints first ambassador to U.S. in 23 years

May 5 ( UPI ) -- The government of Sudan has chosen its first ambassador to the United States in more than two decades .
Khartoum made the selection of Nour Eddin Satti as the chief diplomat to Washington , D.C. , on Monday and said the U.S. government approved the appointment .
Satti , who 'd been Sudan 's ambassador to France in the 1990s , previously worked as a United Nations peacekeeper in Congo and Rwanda .
Monday 's announcement is a sign of improving relations between the United States and Sudan following decades of oppressive rule by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The United States , Britain and Norway sent congratulations last month to mark the one-year anniversary of the end of al-Bashir 's regime and the beginning of a civilian-run transition government .
Sudan 's foreign ministry said seven nations have now approved the appointment of multiple new Sudanese ambassadors .
During al-Bashir 's regime , the United States had accused Sudan of harboring terrorists , including former al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden at one time .
Sudan agreed in February to compensate U.S. families whose relatives died in the USS Cole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000 .
Al-Bashir 's government was overthrown a year ago and the former leader was tried and convicted on corruption charges .
During his rule , he was also accused by the International Criminal Court of war crimes and genocide in Darfur .

Sudanese citizens celebrate amid reports that President Omar al-Bashir has stepped down, in Khartoum, Sudan, on April 11, 2019. The new government on Monday appointed its first ambassador to the United States since 1996. File Photo by EPA-EFE
May 5 (UPI) -- The government of Sudan has chosen its first ambassador to the United States in more than two decades. Khartoum made the selection of Nour Eddin Satti as the chief diplomat to Washington, D.C., on Monday and said the U.S. government approved the appointment. Advertisement
Satti, who'd been Sudan's ambassador to France in the 1990s, previously worked as a United Nations peacekeeper in Congo and Rwanda. Monday's announcement is a sign of improving relations between the United States and Sudan following decades of oppressive rule by former President Omar al-Bashir that ended last year.
The United States, Britain and Norway sent congratulations last month to mark the one-year anniversary of the end of al-Bashir's regime and the beginning of a civilian-run transition government.
Sudan's foreign ministry said seven nations have now approved the appointment of multiple new Sudanese ambassadors.
During al-Bashir's regime, the United States had accused Sudan of harboring terrorists, including former al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden at one time. Sudan agreed in February to compensate U.S. families whose relatives died in the USS Cole bombing in Yemen's Aden Harbor in 2000.
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Al-Bashir's government was overthrown a year ago and the former leader was tried and convicted on corruption charges. During his rule, he was also accused by the International Criminal Court of war crimes and genocide in Darfur.


upi--2020-05-05--Marshawn Lynch in talks for return to Seahawks

May 5 ( UPI ) -- Veteran running back Marshawn Lynch is involved in negotiations to return to the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 .
Lynch , 34 , told ESPN Monday that his agent Doug Hendrickson has been in negotiations with the NFC West franchise .
The five-time Pro Bowl selection came out of retirement for the second time of his career in December to join the Seahawks for a playoff run .
The 12-year veteran had 12 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown in one regular season appearance in 2019 .
He had 18 carries for 33 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Seattle .
Lynch was paid about $ 60,000 -- the league minimum -- for his short-term contract last season .
`` My agent has been in talks with Seattle , so like I said , we 'll see what happens , '' Lynch said .
`` If it works out and I get back up there , it is what it is .
And if not , I 'm lookin ' good .
So I ai n't really trippin ' too much . ''
Lynch had 90 carries for 376 yards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oakland Raiders in 2018 , while limited by a groin injury .
He retired after the season .
Lynch had 1,042 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 2017 for the Raiders after he emerged from retirement for the first time .
The Seahawks had several running backs hit with injuries in 2019 , which prompted Lynch 's addition to the backfield .
Starter Chris Carson is expected to be healthy for Week 1 of the 2020 season .
Rashaad Penny -- a first-round pick in 2018 -- could miss the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery .
Seattle used a fourth-round 2020 NFL Draft pick on former Miami running back DeeJay Dallas .
They also have running backs Travis Homer , Anthony Jones and Patrick Carr on their roster .

The Seattle Seahawks are involved in talks with Marshawn Lynch's agent about a reunion with the running back for the 2020 season. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- Veteran running back Marshawn Lynch is involved in negotiations to return to the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. Lynch, 34, told ESPN Monday that his agent Doug Hendrickson has been in negotiations with the NFC West franchise. The five-time Pro Bowl selection came out of retirement for the second time of his career in December to join the Seahawks for a playoff run. Advertisement
The 12-year veteran had 12 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown in one regular season appearance in 2019. He had 18 carries for 33 yards and three scores in two post-season games for Seattle. Lynch was paid about $60,000 -- the league minimum -- for his short-term contract last season.
"My agent has been in talks with Seattle, so like I said, we'll see what happens," Lynch said. "If it works out and I get back up there, it is what it is. And if not, I'm lookin' good. So I ain't really trippin' too much."
Lynch had 90 carries for 376 yards and three touchdowns in six starts for the Oakland Raiders in 2018, while limited by a groin injury. He retired after the season. Lynch had 1,042 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 2017 for the Raiders after he emerged from retirement for the first time.
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The Seahawks had several running backs hit with injuries in 2019, which prompted Lynch's addition to the backfield. Starter Chris Carson is expected to be healthy for Week 1 of the 2020 season. Rashaad Penny -- a first-round pick in 2018 -- could miss the start of the season as he recovers from knee surgery.
Seattle used a fourth-round 2020 NFL Draft pick on former Miami running back DeeJay Dallas. They also have running backs Travis Homer, Anthony Jones and Patrick Carr on their roster.


upi--2020-05-05--WWE Raw: AJ Styles returns, Drew McIntyre faces Murphy

May 5 ( UPI ) -- AJ Styles has returned to WWE for the first time since The Undertaker buried him alive at WrestleMania 36 .
Styles made his comeback on Raw Monday by being the last competitor in a Gauntlet match to determine who will get to compete in the Men 's Money in the Bank Ladder match on Sunday at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event .
Bobby Lashley started off the Gauntlet and handily defeated Titus O'Neil , Akira Tozawa and Shelton Benjamin .
The All Mighty was then unintentionally disqualified during his bout with Humberto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against his cousin Angel Garza and then Austin Theory before Styles entered the match .
The Phenomenal One concentrated on Carrillo 's left leg and then applied his Calf Crusher submission hold which caused Carrillo to tap out .
Styles said afterwards that he will do whatever it takes to win the Money in the Bank briefcase , including throwing off another competitor from the roof of WWE headquarters .
The Men 's and Women 's Money in the Bank Ladder matches this year are taking place at WWE headquarters in Stamford .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time on the ground floor of the office space where superstars will fight and race each other to the rooftop where the Men 's and Women 's Money in the Bank briefcases are located .
A ladder is needed to retrieve the briefcases which will be hanging above a WWE ring .
The Money in the Bank briefcase guarantees a world championship match at any time the holder chooses .
Daniel Bryan , King Corbin , Otis , Aleister Black and Rey Mysterio are also competing on the Men 's side while Nia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carmella , Lacey Evans and Dana Brooke are competing on the Women 's side .
Also on Raw , WWE Champion Drew McIntyre battled Seth Rollins ' disciple Murphy .
McIntyre will be defending his title against Rollins on Sunday .
Rollins watched the bout from the entrance ramp .
Murphy fought hard but was never able to keep McIntyre down for long .
Murphy went into the corner and mocked McIntyre 's countdown to delivering the Claymore before the champ delivered the real Claymore and won the match .
Rollins attacked McIntyre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Curb Stomp but McIntyre escaped .
Rollins was then able to crawl out of the ring before another Claymore could be unleashed .
NXT Women 's Champion Charlotte Flair made an apperance and started speaking about her title match against Io Shirai on Wednesday before she was interrupted by Liv Morgan .
Morgan challenged The Queen to a match which Flair accepted .
Flair weathered Morgan 's attacks and eventually won the contest after applying the Figure Eight .
Other moments from Raw included Asuka and Baszler briefly teaming up to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MVP 's talk show The VIP Lounge ; Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink defeating Ricochet and Cedric Alexander ; and The Viking Raiders defeating Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits in a non-title match .

May 5 (UPI) -- AJ Styles has returned to WWE for the first time since The Undertaker buried him alive at WrestleMania 36.
Styles made his comeback on Raw Monday by being the last competitor in a Gauntlet match to determine who will get to compete in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match on Sunday at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event.
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Bobby Lashley started off the Gauntlet and handily defeated Titus O'Neil, Akira Tozawa and Shelton Benjamin. The All Mighty was then unintentionally disqualified during his bout with Humberto Carrillo.
Carrillo was able to survive against his cousin Angel Garza and then Austin Theory before Styles entered the match. The Phenomenal One concentrated on Carrillo's left leg and then applied his Calf Crusher submission hold which caused Carrillo to tap out.
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Styles said afterwards that he will do whatever it takes to win the Money in the Bank briefcase, including throwing off another competitor from the roof of WWE headquarters.
The Men's and Women's Money in the Bank Ladder matches this year are taking place at WWE headquarters in Stamford. The bouts will begin at the same time on the ground floor of the office space where superstars will fight and race each other to the rooftop where the Men's and Women's Money in the Bank briefcases are located. A ladder is needed to retrieve the briefcases which will be hanging above a WWE ring.
The Money in the Bank briefcase guarantees a world championship match at any time the holder chooses. Daniel Bryan, King Corbin, Otis, Aleister Black and Rey Mysterio are also competing on the Men's side while Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Carmella, Lacey Evans and Dana Brooke are competing on the Women's side.
Also on Raw, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre battled Seth Rollins' disciple Murphy. McIntyre will be defending his title against Rollins on Sunday.
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Rollins watched the bout from the entrance ramp. Murphy fought hard but was never able to keep McIntyre down for long.
Murphy went into the corner and mocked McIntyre's countdown to delivering the Claymore before the champ delivered the real Claymore and won the match. Rollins attacked McIntyre from behind afterwards and attempted to perform the Curb Stomp but McIntyre escaped. Rollins was then able to crawl out of the ring before another Claymore could be unleashed.
NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair made an apperance and started speaking about her title match against Io Shirai on Wednesday before she was interrupted by Liv Morgan.
Morgan challenged The Queen to a match which Flair accepted. Flair weathered Morgan's attacks and eventually won the contest after applying the Figure Eight.
Other moments from Raw included Asuka and Baszler briefly teaming up to take down Nia Jax while they appeared on MVP's talk show The VIP Lounge; Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink defeating Ricochet and Cedric Alexander; and The Viking Raiders defeating Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits in a non-title match.


upi--2020-05-05--Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro says 2 Americans captured as part of assassination plot

May 5 ( UPI ) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says two American mercenaries are among 13 `` terrorists ' who were captured and their plans to assassinate him were foiled .
Speaking on Venezuelan television Monday night , Maduro showed videos of the captured Americans who he identified as Airan Berry and Luke Denman and said they were employees of Florida-based security company Silvercorp USA .
Venezuelan authorities said eight of the accused `` mercenaries '' were arrested elsewhere on Sunday as part of the invasion .
In his address , Maduro said at least 25,000 troops have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other rebels operating in Venezuela .
Silvercorp 's owner , former U.S. Army Green Beret Jordan Goudreau , acknowledged that the men worked for him and were participating in `` Operation Gideon . ''
He told The Washington Post the operation included a force of about 60 men and sought an insurrection against Maduro as part of a deal with U.S.-backed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido .
Maduro said eight people were killed on a beach in the Sunday night incident , which he said was backed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guaido , the DEA and Colombian officials have denied the accusations .
The U.S. Justice Department charged Maduro in March with participating in a drug smuggling organization known as the Cartel of the Suns , which it said sought to `` flood the United States with cocaine and inflict the drug 's harmful and addictive effects on users in this country . ''
It offered a reward of up to $ 15 million for his arrest .

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is seen Monday during a meeting with members of the Armed Forces in Caracas, Venezuela. Photo by Miraflores Presidential Palace/EPA-EFE
May 5 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says two American mercenaries are among 13 "terrorists' who were captured and their plans to assassinate him were foiled. Speaking on Venezuelan television Monday night, Maduro showed videos of the captured Americans who he identified as Airan Berry and Luke Denman and said they were employees of Florida-based security company Silvercorp USA. Advertisement
Venezuelan authorities said eight of the accused "mercenaries" were arrested elsewhere on Sunday as part of the invasion.
In his address, Maduro said at least 25,000 troops have been mobilized in coastal areas to hunt for other rebels operating in Venezuela.
Silvercorp's owner, former U.S. Army Green Beret Jordan Goudreau, acknowledged that the men worked for him and were participating in "Operation Gideon." He told The Washington Post the operation included a force of about 60 men and sought an insurrection against Maduro as part of a deal with U.S.-backed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Maduro said eight people were killed on a beach in the Sunday night incident, which he said was backed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the government of neighboring Colombia.
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Guaido, the DEA and Colombian officials have denied the accusations.
The U.S. Justice Department charged Maduro in March with participating in a drug smuggling organization known as the Cartel of the Suns, which it said sought to "flood the United States with cocaine and inflict the drug's harmful and addictive effects on users in this country." It offered a reward of up to $15 million for his arrest.


upi--2020-05-05--Cleveland Browns' Odell Beckham Jr. expects to have one of his 'best seasons' in 2020

May 5 ( UPI ) -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. thinks 2020 will be one of the best seasons of his NFL career .
Beckham made the comment in a video posted Monday on his YouTube channel .
The star wide receiver joined the Browns in a blockbuster trade in March 2019 from the New York Giants and posted 1,035 yards and four touchdowns on 74 catches in 16 games last season .
`` Right now what I 'm trying to do is hit the reset button , '' Beckham said .
`` Being able to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , back , everything aligned , functional , moving properly , so I can begin training to be ready for the season .
`` I would honestly say this is probably going to be one of my best seasons .
Bigger , stronger , faster -- this is my time . ''
Beckham was slowed by injuries last season but the Browns also had inconsistent play from quarterback Baker Mayfield .
Beckham had surgery to address hip and groin issues on Jan. 21 .
He said he felt pain in his groin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July before he tore a piece of his abdominal at training camp .
He also had a sports hernia injury at the start of the season before he sustained more injuries .
Beckham missed four games due to injury during his 2014 rookie campaign and one in 2015 due to a suspension before he suited up for 16 starts in 2016 .
Beckham missed 12 games in 2017 and four games in 2018 .
The majority of Beckham 's injuries have been lower-body issues , including his ankle , hamstring , thigh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of the 2019 season , [ I had a ] torn adductor , torn rectus abdominis on the right , '' Beckham said .
`` So pretty much , I was just [ messed ] up the whole year .
I really did n't try and say anything about it .
Probably one of the worst surgeries I 've ever had .
Recovery 's going well .
Guess I 'm really just trying to put my body back together .
I 've been playing for 23 years , so for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it all back together in seven months . ''
Beckham has been the subject of trade rumors this off-season but the Browns have said they are committed to the star wide receiver .
The AFC North franchise has referred to Beckham as one of their core players .
Beckham , 27 , can make up to $ 14.25 million this season .
He is signed through 2023 .

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) said he dealt with multiple injuries last season but expects to come back faster and stronger in 2020. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. thinks 2020 will be one of the best seasons of his NFL career. Beckham made the comment in a video posted Monday on his YouTube channel. The star wide receiver joined the Browns in a blockbuster trade in March 2019 from the New York Giants and posted 1,035 yards and four touchdowns on 74 catches in 16 games last season. Advertisement
"Right now what I'm trying to do is hit the reset button," Beckham said. "Being able to just get everything fixed. Shoulder, arms, back, everything aligned, functional, moving properly, so I can begin training to be ready for the season.
"I would honestly say this is probably going to be one of my best seasons. Bigger, stronger, faster -- this is my time."
Beckham was slowed by injuries last season but the Browns also had inconsistent play from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Beckham had surgery to address hip and groin issues on Jan. 21. He said he felt pain in his groin and abdominals when he trained in June and July before he tore a piece of his abdominal at training camp. He also had a sports hernia injury at the start of the season before he sustained more injuries.
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Beckham missed four games due to injury during his 2014 rookie campaign and one in 2015 due to a suspension before he suited up for 16 starts in 2016. Beckham missed 12 games in 2017 and four games in 2018.
The majority of Beckham's injuries have been lower-body issues, including his ankle, hamstring, thigh, hip and quad.
"End up at the end of the 2019 season, [I had a] torn adductor, torn rectus abdominis on the right," Beckham said.
"So pretty much, I was just [messed] up the whole year. I really didn't try and say anything about it. Probably one of the worst surgeries I've ever had. Recovery's going well. Guess I'm really just trying to put my body back together. I've been playing for 23 years, so for me, I'm trying to put it all back together in seven months."
Beckham has been the subject of trade rumors this off-season but the Browns have said they are committed to the star wide receiver. The AFC North franchise has referred to Beckham as one of their core players.
Beckham, 27, can make up to $14.25 million this season. He is signed through 2023.


upi--2020-05-05--Google re-releases Loteria card game in latest Doodle

May 5 ( UPI ) -- Google has brought back its Loteria card game from 2019 in the latest Doodle @ @ @ @ @ the letter `` G '' in the company 's logo playing the traditional Mexican card @ @ @ @ @ `` e. '' Loteria is a matching game , involving a board and cards .
@ @ @ @ @ and when they find a match on their board , they place a bean on @ @ @ @ @ players need to get several beans in a row .
Google has started to re-release @ @ @ @ @ stay indoors due tot he COVID-19 pandemic .
The company recently re-released its garden gnome @ @ @ @ @ As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world , people and families everywhere are @ @ @ @ @ .
In light of this , we 're launching a throwback Doodle series looking back @ @ @ @ @ interactive Google Doodle games , Google said .

Google is again featuring its Loteria card game in the latest Doodle. Image courtesy of Google
May 5 (UPI) -- Google has brought back its Loteria card game from 2019 in the latest Doodle. Google's homepage features the letter "G"in the company's logo playing the traditional Mexican card game indoors with the letter "e." Advertisement
Loteria is a matching game, involving a board and cards. Players are shown a card and when they find a match on their board, they place a bean on it. To win, players need to get several beans in a row.
Google has started to re-release old Doodle games as many stay indoors due tot he COVID-19 pandemic. The company recently re-released its garden gnome game from 2018.
"As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world, people and families everywhere are spending more time at home. In light of this, we're launching a throwback Doodle series looking back at some of our popular interactive Google Doodle games, Google said.


upi--2020-05-05--U.S., Britain to begin post-Brexit trade negotiations on Tuesday

May 5 ( UPI ) -- The United States and Britain will begin negotiations Tuesday on a post-Brexit free-trade agreement .
Britain International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is set to participate a video call with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer , alongside about 100 officials from both sides , in the first round of talks that are scheduled to last for two weeks .
Negotiators will begin the discussions by video conference due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Britain has been preparing for the discussions for months since departing the European Union at the end of January .
Britain must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement with the EU .
`` We will drive a hard bargain that benefits every part of the U.K. and works for the small businesses who are suffering most in this difficult period , '' Truss said .
`` The U.S. is our largest trading partner and increasing transatlantic trade can help our economies bounce back from the economic challenge posed by coronavirus , '' she added .
Truss said the goal of the discussions will be to open new markets for British businesses , garner new investments and create new jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies bounce back from the economic challenge posed by coronavirus , '' she said .
U.S. President Donald Trump has called the potential for a new U.S.-British trade deal `` massive . ''
Trump has led the charge to renegotiate multiple trade agreements since he took office more than three years ago , including a replacement for the 25-year-old U.S. pact with Canada and Mexico .
U.S. negotiators are also still locked in talks with China following a `` phase one '' agreement .
Transitional trade talks between Britain and the EU began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due by the end of the year , but the health crisis has postponed the deadline .
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce called on London to reach a deal with the 27-member bloc `` as quickly as possible '' to rectify a `` lack of certainty '' about how it will move forward from the separation .
`` We continue to believe it makes sense for the U.K. to reset its relationship with the E.U .
before it turns to setting the terms of its trade ties with other partners , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. chamber said both sides should consider goals that include lifting punitive tariffs on industrial goods , protecting intellectual property and facilitating in a single comprehensive agreement .

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speak at the Hotel du Palais Biarritz in Biarritz, France, during the G7 Summit on August 25. File Photo by Shealah Craighead/White House | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- The United States and Britain will begin negotiations Tuesday on a post-Brexit free-trade agreement. Britain International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is set to participate in a video call with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, alongside about 100 officials from both sides, in the first round of talks that are scheduled to last for two weeks. Advertisement
Negotiators will begin the discussions by video conference due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Britain has been preparing for the discussions for months since departing the European Union at the end of January. Britain must also stage negotiations for a new trade agreement with the EU.
"We will drive a hard bargain that benefits every part of the U.K. and works for the small businesses who are suffering most in this difficult period," Truss said.
"The U.S. is our largest trading partner and increasing transatlantic trade can help our economies bounce back from the economic challenge posed by coronavirus," she added.
Truss said the goal of the discussions will be to open new markets for British businesses, garner new investments and create new jobs.
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"Increasing transatlantic trade can help our economies bounce back from the economic challenge posed by coronavirus," she said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called the potential for a new U.S.-British trade deal "massive." Trump has led the charge to renegotiate multiple trade agreements since he took office more than three years ago, including a replacement for the 25-year-old pact with Canada and Mexico. U.S. negotiators are also still locked in talks with China following a "phase one" agreement.
Transitional trade talks between Britain and the EU began in March and an agreement was originally due by the end of the year, but the health crisis has postponed the deadline.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce called on London to reach a deal with the 27-member bloc "as quickly as possible" to rectify a "lack of certainty" about how it will move forward from the separation.
"We continue to believe it makes sense for the U.K. to reset its relationship with the E.U. before it turns to setting the terms of its trade ties with other partners," the chamber said in a statement.
The U.S. chamber said both sides should consider goals that include lifting punitive tariffs on industrial goods, protecting intellectual property and facilitating in a single comprehensive agreement.