upi--2020-08-11--Big Ten, Pac-12 postpone football, fall sports due to COVID-19

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences on Tuesday postponed fall sports -- including football -- for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The Big Ten became the first among the Power-Five conferences to announce a postponement of fall sports due to COVID-19 .
Later Tuesday , the Pac-12 followed suit and voted to cancel its fall sports season through the end of the year , a decision that will also halt basketball .
The ACC , SEC and Big 12 are expected to announce fall plans later this week .
Men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field hockey , men 's and women 's soccer , and women 's volleyball are the other fall sports that Big Ten and Pac-12 schools will postpone .
Those Big Ten schools are Ohio State , Michigan , Wisconsin , Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Maryland , Michigan State , Minnesota , Nebraska , Northwestern , Penn State , Purdue and Rutgers .
The Pac-12 institutions are Arizona , Arizona State , California , Colorado , Oregon , Oregon State , Stanford , UCLA , USC , Utah , Washington and Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they will evaluate other options for the sports , which include potential spring seasons , if conditions related to the coronavirus improve .
The conferences are evaluating a timeline for winter and spring sports seasons .
`` The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the center of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward , '' Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren said in a news release .
`` As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ten Sports Medicine Committee , it became abundantly clear that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete this fall . ''
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Tuesday that many factors went into his conference 's decision , including the high number of cases in many locations around Pac-12 schools .
`` The health , safety and well-being of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports has been our number one priority since the start of this current crisis , '' Pac-12 commissioner Larry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our student-athletes , fans , staff and all those who love college sports would like to have seen the season played this calendar year as originally planned , and we know how disappointing this is . ''
The Big Ten and Pac-12 previously announced conference-only fall football schedules , but said issuing the schedules did n't guarantee that competition will take place .
The Big Ten said it engaged in `` extensive research '' and worked with federal , state and local government agencies , and professional and international sports organizations to better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to postpone fall sports .
`` We know how significant the student-athlete experience can be in shaping the future of the talented young women and men who compete in the Big Ten Conference , '' Warren said .
`` Although that knowledge made this a painstaking decision , it did not make it difficult .
`` While I know our decision today will be disappointing in many ways for our thousands of student-athletes and their families , I am heartened and inspired by their resilience , their insightful and discerning thoughts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point .
`` Everyone associated with the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions is committed to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it is safe to do so . ''
NCAA Division II and Division III fall sports were canceled last week due to the pandemic .
That move impacted college athletes who participate in football , soccer , women 's volleyball , cross country , field hockey and men 's water polo in those divisions .
The University of Connecticut on Wednesday became the first Football Bowl Subdivision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus .
Some conferences have decided to play conference-only football schedules this fall while others have postponed fall sports until the spring .
The Mid-American Conference announced Saturday that it intends to play its fall sports schedule in the spring .
On Monday , the Mountain West became the second FBS conference to postpone football and other fall sports due to the pandemic .
The Big 12 , ACC , SEC and Pac-12 joined the Big Ten in previously announced plans to play mostly in-conference opponents to limit travel due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for its teams to play nine conference games and one non-conference game this fall .
The SEC plans for member schools to play 10 conference games .
The ACC plans for its teams to play 10 conference games and one non-conference game in 2020 .
Some of college football 's best players -- including Clemson 's Trevor Lawrence -- have spoken out on social media about their desire to play football this fall as the outlook continues to crumble .
`` People are at just as much , if not more risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lawrence tweeted Sunday .
`` Players will all be sent home to their own communities where social distancing is highly unlikely and medical care and expenses will be placed on the families if they were to contract COVID-19 . ''
The Clemson quarterback and Heisman Trophy favorite joined Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields , Alabama running back Najee Harris and other stars with a unified message of `` we want to play '' Monday morning on social media .
The top players ' Power-Five schools posted the same graphic , which called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures and protocols '' to protect college athletes against COVID-19 among all conferences in the NCAA .
The players also requested the opportunity to opt out of the season and for schools to guarantee eligibility regardless if a player chooses to play or not .
Lawrence , Fields and the other star football players also called to establish a college football players association .
President Donald Trump retweeted the graphic and supported the players ' request and desire to play .
`` The student-athletes have been working too hard for their season to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields might not play until the spring -- if at all -- after the Big Ten postponed fall sports Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences on Tuesday postponed fall sports -- including football -- for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Big Ten became the first among the Power-Five conferences to announce a postponement of fall sports due to COVID-19. Advertisement
Later Tuesday, the Pac-12 followed suit and voted to cancel its fall sports season through the end of the year, a decision that will also halt basketball.
The ACC, SEC and Big 12 are expected to announce fall plans later this week.
Men's and women's cross country, field hockey, men's and women's soccer, and women's volleyball are the other fall sports that Big Ten and Pac-12 schools will postpone.
Those Big Ten schools are Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue and Rutgers.
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The Pac-12 institutions are Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah, Washington and Washington State.
Big Ten and Pac-12 officials said they will evaluate other options for the sports, which include potential spring seasons, if conditions related to the coronavirus improve. The conferences are evaluating a timeline for winter and spring sports seasons.
"The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the center of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward," Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren said in a news release.
"As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee, it became abundantly clear that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete this fall."
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Tuesday that many factors went into his conference's decision, including the high number of cases in many locations around Pac-12 schools.
"The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports has been our number one priority since the start of this current crisis," Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement.
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"Our student-athletes, fans, staff and all those who love college sports would like to have seen the season played this calendar year as originally planned, and we know how disappointing this is."
The Big Ten and Pac-12 previously announced conference-only fall football schedules, but said issuing the schedules didn't guarantee that competition will take place.
The Big Ten said it engaged in "extensive research" and worked with federal, state and local government agencies, and professional and international sports organizations to better understand the pandemic before it reached the decision to postpone fall sports.
"We know how significant the student-athlete experience can be in shaping the future of the talented young women and men who compete in the Big Ten Conference," Warren said. "Although that knowledge made this a painstaking decision, it did not make it difficult.
"While I know our decision today will be disappointing in many ways for our thousands of student-athletes and their families, I am heartened and inspired by their resilience, their insightful and discerning thoughts, and their participation through our conversations to this point.
"Everyone associated with the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions is committed to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it is safe to do so."
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Postponed, canceled seasons
NCAA Division II and Division III fall sports were canceled last week due to the pandemic. That move impacted college athletes who participate in football, soccer, women's volleyball, cross country, field hockey and men's water polo in those divisions.
The University of Connecticut on Wednesday became the first Football Bowl Subdivision school to cancel its 2020 football season due to the coronavirus. Some conferences have decided to play conference-only football schedules this fall while others have postponed fall sports until the spring.
The Mid-American Conference announced Saturday that it intends to play its fall sports schedule in the spring. On Monday, the Mountain West became the second FBS conference to postpone football and other fall sports due to the pandemic.
The Big 12, ACC, SEC and Pac-12 joined the Big Ten in previously announced plans to play mostly in-conference opponents to limit travel due to the pandemic.
The Big 12 plans for its teams to play nine conference games and one non-conference game this fall. The SEC plans for member schools to play 10 conference games. The ACC plans for its teams to play 10 conference games and one non-conference game in 2020.
Players, Trump want play
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Some of college football's best players -- including Clemson's Trevor Lawrence -- have spoken out on social media about their desire to play football this fall as the outlook continues to crumble.
"People are at just as much, if not more risk, if we don't play," Lawrence tweeted Sunday. "Players will all be sent home to their own communities where social distancing is highly unlikely and medical care and expenses will be placed on the families if they were to contract COVID-19."
The Clemson quarterback and Heisman Trophy favorite joined Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, Alabama running back Najee Harris and other stars with a unified message of "we want to play" Monday morning on social media.
The top players' Power-Five schools posted the same graphic, which called for "universal mandated health and safety procedures and protocols" to protect college athletes against COVID-19 among all conferences in the NCAA.
The players also requested the opportunity to opt out of the season and for schools to guarantee eligibility regardless if a player chooses to play or not. Lawrence, Fields and the other star football players also called to establish a college football players association.
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President Donald Trump retweeted the graphic and supported the players' request and desire to play.
"The student-athletes have been working too hard for their season to be canceled," Trump said.


upi--2020-08-11--Mauritian prime minister seeks compensation for oil spill

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth told Parliament he expects compensation from a Japanese shipping company behind an oil spill off the coast of the Indian Ocean island nation .
The MV Wakashio ran aground near Pointe d'Esny on July 25 and began leaking oil into the island 's previously pristine , turquoise water .
An estimated 2,500 tons of oil turned the waters black , threatening protected coral reefs and lagoons .
The spill has prompted scores of volunteers to race to the region to build sugarcane booms and clean up oil along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship has widened , threatening to spill even more oil into the ocean .
Last week , Jugnauth said his country was in an `` environmental crisis . ''
On Tuesday , he told Parliament he 'll `` ensure that the insurance company of MV Wakashio compensates the state and any other entity or person affected by the calamity . ''
The ship is owned by Nagashiki Shipping , which said Sunday that it was working with Mauritian authorities to clean up the spill .
Because of the crack , the 984-foot-long ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power , so a tug boat was being deployed to the scene .
`` We deeply apologize to everyone in Mauritius and do our best to protect the environment and minimize the effects of pollution , '' the company said in a statement .
Jugnauth defended himself against criticism that the government was too slow to work to remove oil still stored on the ship .
`` Mauritius has no such expertise and required resources , '' he said .
The `` government has done its level best to prevent the situation from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seas due to bad weather conditions . ''

The oil leak from the MV Wakashio leaves streaks of black across the previously pristine turquoise waters of the island nation. Photo courtesy of the French General Staff Army/EPA-EFE
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth told Parliament he expects compensation from a Japanese shipping company behind an oil spill off the coast of the Indian Ocean island nation. The MV Wakashio ran aground near Pointe d'Esny on July 25 and began leaking oil into the island's previously pristine, turquoise water. An estimated 2,500 tons of oil turned the waters black, threatening protected coral reefs and lagoons. Advertisement
The spill has prompted scores of volunteers to race to the region to build sugarcane booms and clean up oil along the coast. A crack in the ship has widened, threatening to spill even more oil into the ocean.
Last week, Jugnauth said his country was in an "environmental crisis."
On Tuesday, he told Parliament he'll "ensure that the insurance company of MV Wakashio compensates the state and any other entity or person affected by the calamity."
The ship is owned by Nagashiki Shipping, which said Sunday that it was working with Mauritian authorities to clean up the spill. Because of the crack, the 984-foot-long ship can no longer navigate under its own power, so a tug boat was being deployed to the scene.
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"We deeply apologize to everyone in Mauritius and do our best to protect the environment and minimize the effects of pollution," the company said in a statement.
Jugnauth defended himself against criticism that the government was too slow to work to remove oil still stored on the ship.
"Mauritius has no such expertise and required resources," he said. The "government has done its level best to prevent the situation from worsening in the face of very rough seas due to bad weather conditions."


upi--2020-08-11--Moderna, U.S. government reach deal for 100M doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- Biotechnology company Moderna reached a deal with the U.S. government on Tuesday to deliver 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate .
Moderna said the deal for its mRNA-1273 vaccine candidate is worth $ 1.525 billion and includes the option for the United States to purchase up to 400 million doses of the potential vaccine .
The United States has invested $ 2.48 billion in Moderna 's vaccine candidate , after having previously invested $ 955 million in the development of a vaccine .
`` We appreciate the confidence of the U.S. government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued support , '' Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said .
Last week , Moderna priced the vaccine at $ 32- $ 37 per dose after beginning a late-stage trial for the candidate .
The company said it expects results as early as October .
The United States has also reached agreements with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson for their vaccine candidates .
`` We are investing in the development and manufacture of the top six vaccine candidates to ensure rapid delivery , '' Trump said during a briefing at the White House Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go , they 're ready to deliver a vaccine to Americans as soon as one is fully approved by the FDA and we 're very close to that approval . ''

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. government has reached a deal with Moderna to deliver 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. File Photo by CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Biotechnology company Moderna reached a deal with the U.S. government on Tuesday to deliver 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Moderna said the deal for its mRNA-1273 vaccine candidate is worth $1.525 billion and includes the option for the United States to purchase up to 400 million doses of the potential vaccine. Advertisement
The United States has invested $2.48 billion in Moderna's vaccine candidate, after having previously invested $955 million in the development of a vaccine.
"We appreciate the confidence of the U.S. government in our mRNA vaccine platform and the continued support," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said.
Last week, Moderna priced the vaccine at $32-$37 per dose after beginning a late-stage trial for the candidate. The company said it expects results as early as October.
The United States has also reached agreements with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson for their vaccine candidates.
"We are investing in the development and manufacture of the top six vaccine candidates to ensure rapid delivery," Trump said during a briefing at the White House Tuesday. "The military is ready to go, they're ready to deliver a vaccine to Americans as soon as one is fully approved by the FDA and we're very close to that approval."


upi--2020-08-11--Carney, Churchill guided-missile destroyers headed to Florida for repairs, upgrades

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- BAE Systems announced Tuesday that two guided-missile destroyers will head to its Jacksonville , Fla. , shipyard for modernization work .
Under an $ 83.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy , the USS Carney and the USS Winston S Churchill will head to Jacksonville in September 2020 and June 2021 respectively .
The 23-year-old Carney just returned from a five-year deployment in Rota , Spain , part of an operational period that lasted six years .
It 's set to undergo repair and upgrade work that will take more than a year to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes drydocking , maintenance of the underwater hull , renovation of crew habitability spaces and upgrades to shipboard systems -- with an expected completion date of November 2021 .
The 18-year-old Churchill 's 390-day maintenance period will begin in June 2021 and include drydocking , replacement of steel structures onboard and support of the electronic systems upgrades .
The work has an expected completion date of July 2022 .
`` The modernization work aboard the Carney and Winston S. Churchill are significant for our Jacksonville maritime team and important for the service lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Tim Spratto , general manager of BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair .
`` The back-to-back sequencing of work is efficient and beneficial for our employees , our subcontractors and our Navy customer . ''
BAE said it expects to hire workers in a number of trades for the maintenance work , including welders , pipefitters , electricians and painters over the next two years .
Its contract with the Navy includes options that , if exercised , would bring the cumulative value to $ 211.6 million .

The USS Carney, along with the USS Winston S Churchill, are scheduled to head to Jacksonville, Fla., for repair and upgrade work. Photo courtesy of BAE Systems
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- BAE Systems announced Tuesday that two guided-missile destroyers will head to its Jacksonville, Fla., shipyard for modernization work. Under an $83.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy, the USS Carney and the USS Winston S Churchill will head to Jacksonville in September 2020 and June 2021 respectively. Advertisement
The 23-year-old Carney just returned from a five-year deployment in Rota, Spain, part of an operational period that lasted six years.
It's set to undergo repair and upgrade work that will take more than a year to complete, according to BAE.
That includes drydocking, maintenance of the underwater hull, renovation of crew habitability spaces and upgrades to shipboard systems -- with an expected completion date of November 2021.
The 18-year-old Churchill's 390-day maintenance period will begin in June 2021 and include drydocking, replacement of steel structures onboard and support of the electronic systems upgrades. The work has an expected completion date of July 2022.
"The modernization work aboard the Carney and Winston S. Churchill are significant for our Jacksonville maritime team and important for the service lives and mission capability of these combatants," said Tim Spratto, general manager of BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair. "The back-to-back sequencing of work is efficient and beneficial for our employees, our subcontractors and our Navy customer."
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BAE said it expects to hire workers in a number of trades for the maintenance work, including welders, pipefitters, electricians and painters over the next two years.
Its contract with the Navy includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $211.6 million.


upi--2020-08-11--Supreme Court blocks Oregon group's efforts to redraw congressional map

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a lower court ruling easing a signature threshold for an Oregon group seeking to place a redistricting reform measure on the November ballot .
The high court granted a stay against injunctions issued by the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals requested by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to block the change to signature requirements for an amendment to overhaul the process for drawing congressional and legislative maps in the state .
Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the ruling .
In July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politicians proposed the amendment seeking a ballot measure that would create a citizens ' redistricting commission to draw congressional lines .
The group said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic , it was unable to collect the in-person signatures necessary to place the measure on the November ballot .
U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane ruled that the group should face a lower threshold and Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno lowered the threshold from 150,000 to 59,000 .
Rosenblum appealed the ruling , stating that it `` encroaches on the state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process by which its own Constitution can be amended . ''
`` Changing the rules for initiatives by judicial fiat , this late in the election cycle only for one privileged measure , is legally unsupportable and fundamentally unfair , '' Rosenblum said .

The Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a ruling granting an Oregon group a lower threshold of in-person signatures to place a redistricting reform measure on the November ballot. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a lower court ruling easing a signature threshold for an Oregon group seeking to place a redistricting reform measure on the November ballot. The high court granted a stay against injunctions issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals requested by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to block the change to signature requirements for an amendment to overhaul the process for drawing congressional and legislative maps in the state. Advertisement
Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the ruling.
In July, a group known as People Not Politicians proposed the amendment seeking a ballot measure that would create a citizens' redistricting commission to draw congressional lines.
The group said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unable to collect the in-person signatures necessary to place the measure on the November ballot.
U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane ruled that the group should face a lower threshold and Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno lowered the threshold from 150,000 to 59,000.
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Rosenblum appealed the ruling, stating that it "encroaches on the state's sovereign authority to determine for itself the process by which its own Constitution can be amended."
"Changing the rules for initiatives by judicial fiat, this late in the election cycle only for one privileged measure, is legally unsupportable and fundamentally unfair," Rosenblum said.


upi--2020-08-11--USS Pinckney crews seize $4.5M worth of cocaine in Caribbean

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- Crews on the USS Pinckney seized more than 120 kilograms of suspected cocaine -- @ @ @ @ @ at the end of July , according to the Navy .
In a Tuesday press @ @ @ @ @ a helicopter on routine patrol encountered a vessel 200 nautical miles southwest of Jamaica and @ @ @ @ @ crew members working in conjunction with Colombia 's government and Navy searched the vessel and @ @ @ @ @ drug smuggling .
According to the Navy , the mariners are now in Colombian custody @ @ @ @ @ assistance and was medically evacuated from the vessel for treatment .
The Pinckney is deployed @ @ @ @ @ area of operations conducting what the Navy describes as enhanced counter drug operations missions in @ @ @ @ @ .
Announced in April , the operation had seized more than $ 1 billion worth @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition to counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean , the operation has included an @ @ @ @ @ and an Army deployment to Colombia .

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) steams beside U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northland during a Division Tactics exercise in this April 26 photo. At the end of July crews on the ship seized 120 kilograms of suspected cocaine. Photo by Erick A. Parsons/U.S. Navy
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Crews on the USS Pinckney seized more than 120 kilograms of suspected cocaine -- worth $4.5 million -- at the end of July, according to the Navy. In a Tuesday press release, the Navy said a helicopter on routine patrol encountered a vessel 200 nautical miles southwest of Jamaica and summoned the Pinckney. Advertisement
U.S. crew members working in conjunction with Colombia's government and Navy searched the vessel and detained six people suspected of drug smuggling.
According to the Navy, the mariners are now in Colombian custody, though one required medical assistance and was medically evacuated from the vessel for treatment.
The Pinckney is deployed to the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations conducting what the Navy describes as enhanced counter drug operations missions in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Announced in April, the operation had seized more than $1 billion worth of narcotics by early July.
In addition to counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean, the operation has included an Air Force deployment to Curacao and an Army deployment to Colombia.


upi--2020-08-11--Study: Obesity increases risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 patients

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- Adults with severe obesity are more than three times as likely to be hospitalized with severe COVID-19 than those who maintain a healthy weight , according to a study published Tuesday by the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .
Risk for hospitalization following infection with the new coronavirus increases by more than 338 % for severely obese and 70 % for mildly obese adults , and by nearly 39 % for those who are overweight , the researchers said .
Elevated risk was apparent even among those study participants who showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a professor of sport and exercise medicine at University College London , told UPI .
Given that up to two-thirds of all adults in `` Westernized society '' are overweight or obese , this places a large segment of the population at increased risk for severe illness during the pandemic , he said .
It 's possible that the increased risk for severe COVID-19 among those who are overweight or obese is related to their body 's inability to efficiently process fats and sugars in the bloodstream , which results in increased inflammation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are based on an analysis of health data for 334,329 adults in England , of whom 640 , or 0.2 % , were hospitalized with COVID-19 .
Nearly 67 % of all study participants were overweight or obese and almost 5 % had diabetes , the researchers said .
Participants were classified based on their body-mass index , or BMI , a measurement of weight compared to height that is used to determine obesity .
To calculate BMI , a person 's weight is divided by the square of their height .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers said overweight was defined as a BMI between 25 and 30 , while a BMI of 30 to 35 was considered stage I or less severe obesity .
A BMI of 35 or above was defined as stage II or severe obesity .
Risk for COVID-19 hospitalization increased by between 20 % and 30 % for every five-point increase in BMI , which would be a sign of weight again .
`` Regular exercise may boost immune function and reduce other risk factors , such as diabetes and [ heart ] disease @ @ @ @ @

Being overweight or obese raises risk for hospitalization in people with COVID-19, a new study has found. Photo by TeroVesalainen/Pixabay
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Adults with severe obesity are more than three times as likely to be hospitalized with severe COVID-19 than those who maintain a healthy weight, according to a study published Tuesday by the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Risk for hospitalization following infection with the new coronavirus increases by more than 338% for severely obese and 70% for mildly obese adults, and by nearly 39% for those who are overweight, the researchers said. Advertisement
Elevated risk was apparent even among those study participants who showed modest weight gain, Mark Hamer, a professor of sport and exercise medicine at University College London, told UPI.
Given that up to two-thirds of all adults in "Westernized society" are overweight or obese, this places a large segment of the population at increased risk for severe illness during the pandemic, he said.
It's possible that the increased risk for severe COVID-19 among those who are overweight or obese is related to their body's inability to efficiently process fats and sugars in the bloodstream, which results in increased inflammation, the researchers said.
The findings are based on an analysis of health data for 334,329 adults in England, of whom 640, or 0.2%, were hospitalized with COVID-19.
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Nearly 67% of all study participants were overweight or obese and almost 5% had diabetes, the researchers said.
Participants were classified based on their body-mass index, or BMI, a measurement of weight compared to height that is used to determine obesity. To calculate BMI, a person's weight is divided by the square of their height.
For the purposes of the study, the researchers said overweight was defined as a BMI between 25 and 30, while a BMI of 30 to 35 was considered stage I or less severe obesity. A BMI of 35 or above was defined as stage II or severe obesity.
Risk for COVID-19 hospitalization increased by between 20% and 30% for every five-point increase in BMI, which would be a sign of weight again.
"Regular exercise may boost immune function and reduce other risk factors, such as diabetes and [heart] disease," Hamer said.


upi--2020-08-11--Joe Biden chooses Sen. Kamala Harris as running mate

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate , making good on his months-long promise to choose a woman to be the vice presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket .
`` I have the great honor to announce that I 've picked @ KamalaHarris -- a fearless fighter for the little guy , and one of the country 's finest public servants -- as my running mate , '' Biden tweeted Tuesday .
`` Back when Kamala was Attorney General , she worked closely with Beau .
I watched as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifted up working people , and protected women and kids from abuse .
I was proud then , and I 'm proud now to have her as my partner in this campaign . ''
Harris , D-Calif. , was Biden 's competitor in the Democratic primary , but dropped out of the race in December .
She endorsed the former vice president in March and offered her commitment to his campaign again Tuesday .
`` @ JoeBiden can unify the American people because he 's spent his life fighting for us .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America that lives up to our ideals , '' she tweeted .
`` I 'm honored to join him as our party 's nominee for Vice President , and do what it takes to make him our Commander-in-Chief . ''
During a March Democratic primary debate , Biden committed to picking a woman to be his vice presidential candidate .
With the announcement , Harris became the third woman to run as vice president on a major party 's ticket .
Then-Alaska Gov .
Sarah Palin was the late Sen. John McCain 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Walter Mondale in 1984 .
Several other women have run for vice president on third-party tickets in the Green , Libertarian , Reform , New Alliance , Progressive and Citizens parties .
If Biden wins the Nov. 3 election , Harris would be the first woman in history to serve as vice president of the United States .
She would also the first Black and first Asian woman to be second-in-command .
Harris , 55 , served as California 's attorney general until 2016 , when she won the race to replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She serves on the homeland security and governmental affairs ; intelligence ; judiciary and budget committees .
She grew up in Oakland and Berkeley , Calif. , the daughter of a breast cancer scientist from India , Shyamala Gopalan , and a Stanford University professor from Jamaica , Donald Harris .
Kamala Harris graduated from Howard University with degrees in political science and economics , and earned her law degree from the University of California , Hastings College of the Law .
She began her law career in the Alameda County District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district attorney for the city and county of San Francisco .
She was elected California attorney general in 2010 .
Harris is married to Douglas Emhoff , an attorney , and is stepmother to his two children from a previous marriage -- Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff .
Douglas Emhoff posted a photo of Harris and Biden in response to Tuesday 's announcement , tweeting , `` America , let 's do this ! ''
Former President Barack Obama said Biden `` nailed this decision . ''
Harris `` is more than prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake .
Her own life story is one that I and so many others can see ourselves in : a story that says that no matter where you come from , what you look like , how you worship , or who you love , there 's a place for you here , '' Obama said .
`` It 's a fundamentally American perspective , one that 's led us out of the hardest times before .
And it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now . ''
Biden 's selection came after an intense vetting process that at one point included more than a dozen candidates , including Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth , Reps. Karen Bass and Val Demings , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , former national security adviser Susan Rice and New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan .
In recent elections , presumptive presidential nominees usually announced their chosen running mate ahead of their party 's convention .
The Democratic National Convention , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , is scheduled for Monday through Aug. 20 .
Biden is slated to give his acceptance speech Aug. 20 from his Delaware home , and it 's likely Harris also will make an appearance in some capacity .
Biden 's campaign began the vetting process for potential running mates in May , led by a committee including Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester , D-Del.
, former Sen. Chris Dodd , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti , and attorney and adviser Cynthia Hogan .

1/5
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., is the third woman to be a vice presidential candidate on a major party ticket. File Photo by Tami Chappell/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate, making good on his months-long promise to choose a woman to be the vice presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket. "I have the great honor to announce that I've picked @KamalaHarris -- a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country's finest public servants -- as my running mate," Biden tweeted Tuesday. Advertisement
"Back when Kamala was Attorney General, she worked closely with Beau. I watched as they took on the big banks, lifted up working people, and protected women and kids from abuse. I was proud then, and I'm proud now to have her as my partner in this campaign."
Harris, D-Calif., was Biden's competitor in the Democratic primary, but dropped out of the race in December. She endorsed the former vice president in March and offered her commitment to his campaign again Tuesday.
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"@JoeBiden can unify the American people because he's spent his life fighting for us. And as president, he'll build an America that lives up to our ideals," she tweeted. "I'm honored to join him as our party's nominee for Vice President, and do what it takes to make him our Commander-in-Chief."
During a March Democratic primary debate, Biden committed to picking a woman to be his vice presidential candidate. With the announcement, Harris became the third woman to run as vice president on a major party's ticket.
Then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was the late Sen. John McCain's pick in 2008 and Geraldine Ferraro ran with Walter Mondale in 1984. Several other women have run for vice president on third-party tickets in the Green, Libertarian, Reform, New Alliance, Progressive and Citizens parties.
If Biden wins the Nov. 3 election, Harris would be the first woman in history to serve as vice president of the United States. She would also the first Black and first Asian woman to be second-in-command.
Harris, 55, served as California's attorney general until 2016, when she won the race to replace longtime Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2016. She serves on the homeland security and governmental affairs; intelligence; judiciary and budget committees.
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She grew up in Oakland and Berkeley, Calif., the daughter of a breast cancer scientist from India, Shyamala Gopalan, and a Stanford University professor from Jamaica, Donald Harris.
Kamala Harris graduated from Howard University with degrees in political science and economics, and earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
She began her law career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and in 2003 became district attorney for the city and county of San Francisco. She was elected California attorney general in 2010.
Harris is married to Douglas Emhoff, an attorney, and is stepmother to his two children from a previous marriage -- Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff.
Douglas Emhoff posted a photo of Harris and Biden in response to Tuesday's announcement, tweeting, "America, let's do this!"
Former President Barack Obama said Biden "nailed this decision."
Harris "is more than prepared for the job. She's spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake. Her own life story is one that I and so many others can see ourselves in: a story that says that no matter where you come from, what you look like, how you worship, or who you love, there's a place for you here," Obama said.
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"It's a fundamentally American perspective, one that's led us out of the hardest times before. And it's a perspective we can all rally behind right now."
Biden's selection came after an intense vetting process that at one point included more than a dozen candidates, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, Reps. Karen Bass and Val Demings, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, former national security adviser Susan Rice and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan.
In recent elections, presumptive presidential nominees usually announced their chosen running mate ahead of their party's convention. The Democratic National Convention, which will be held remotely this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled for Monday through Aug. 20. Biden is slated to give his acceptance speech Aug. 20 from his Delaware home, and it's likely Harris also will make an appearance in some capacity.
Biden's campaign began the vetting process for potential running mates in May, led by a committee including Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., former Sen. Chris Dodd, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and attorney and adviser Cynthia Hogan.


upi--2020-08-11--Study: Seniors can handle receiving Alzheimer's disease risk test results

As researchers hone in on ways to detect whether someone has a high risk of developing Alzheimer 's disease before they have any symptoms , mental health professionals have worried what the psychological fallout of that knowledge might be .
But new research suggests that people can handle the truth .
In the study , seniors who did n't have any Alzheimer 's symptoms underwent a special type of imaging scan to see if they had amyloid plaque deposits in their brains .
The presence of these plaques means someone has a much higher risk of developing the memory-robbing condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they had these deposits , the seniors in the study who got the bad news appeared to be handling the information well .
`` The study was an observational study to see if telling people whether they had elevated amyloid in the brain was a safe process , '' explained study author Joshua Grill , director of the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at the University of California , Irvine .
`` In the short term , telling people that they have higher amyloid levels did n't cause depression or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to find ways to detect Alzheimer 's well before people show symptoms .
This will hopefully lead to new avenues for treatment and prevention of the disease , according to background information in the study .
The research included more than 1,700 people aged 65 to 85 who were participating in a study to detect elevated levels of amyloid plaques before anyone had symptoms of Alzheimer 's disease .
When these plaques clump together , they may interfere with communication between brains cells , according to the Alzheimer 's Association .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will develop Alzheimer 's disease , Grill said .
All participants underwent positron emission scanning , or PET scans .
They were then told what their results were -- almost 1,200 had elevated amyloid , more than 500 did not .
Grill said it 's important that the information come from people who are trained to deliver this type of news .
`` We have to share this information in a safe way , explaining what we understand and what we do n't yet know about elevated amyloid and the increased risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or two after getting their results , the study volunteers came back to complete a number of psychological tests .
There were no significant increases in depression , anxiety or suicidal thinking between the groups with and without extra amyloid .
Grill said further research needs to be done to see if younger or more diverse populations would have similar results .
The average age in this study was nearly 72 , and 95 % were white .
Keith Fargo , director of scientific programs and outreach for the Alzheimer 's Association , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Alzheimer 's risk will be increasingly important for research , diagnosis and medical treatment of Alzheimer 's disease .
`` However , with the rise of new biomarker tools , there comes an ethical obligation to ensure that testing does not cause harm .
For example , there is the possibility that revealing the results of biomarker testing to individuals in research and clinical settings may cause serious distress , '' he noted .
`` Fortunately , it seems from this and similar studies that Alzheimer 's testing results that match with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not necessarily provoke unexpectedly high levels of anxiety or depression .
In fact , the largest effects were consistent with a feeling of relief in those who tested negative , '' Fargo said .
`` However , as the study authors note , we still need research that tracks representative study populations who receive these test results over the long term , '' he added .
Both experts said it 's important for people to discuss thoroughly any test that predicts an increased risk of Alzheimer 's disease with their health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 in the journal JAMA Neurology .
Learn more about getting an Alzheimer 's diagnosis from the U.S. National Institute on Aging .

As researchers hone in on ways to detect whether someone has a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease before they have any symptoms, mental health professionals have worried what the psychological fallout of that knowledge might be.
But new research suggests that people can handle the truth.
Advertisement
In the study, seniors who didn't have any Alzheimer's symptoms underwent a special type of imaging scan to see if they had amyloid plaque deposits in their brains. The presence of these plaques means someone has a much higher risk of developing the memory-robbing condition.
A month or two after learning that they had these deposits, the seniors in the study who got the bad news appeared to be handling the information well.
"The study was an observational study to see if telling people whether they had elevated amyloid in the brain was a safe process," explained study author Joshua Grill, director of the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at the University of California, Irvine.
Advertisement
"In the short term, telling people that they have higher amyloid levels didn't cause depression or suicidality," Grill noted.
Researchers are trying to find ways to detect Alzheimer's well before people show symptoms. This will hopefully lead to new avenues for treatment and prevention of the disease, according to background information in the study.
The research included more than 1,700 people aged 65 to 85 who were participating in a study to detect elevated levels of amyloid plaques before anyone had symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. When these plaques clump together, they may interfere with communication between brains cells, according to the Alzheimer's Association. But not everyone with amyloid plaque deposits will develop Alzheimer's disease, Grill said.
All participants underwent positron emission scanning, or PET scans. They were then told what their results were -- almost 1,200 had elevated amyloid, more than 500 did not.
Grill said it's important that the information come from people who are trained to deliver this type of news. "We have to share this information in a safe way, explaining what we understand and what we don't yet know about elevated amyloid and the increased risk of the coming years."
A month or two after getting their results, the study volunteers came back to complete a number of psychological tests.
Advertisement
There were no significant increases in depression, anxiety or suicidal thinking between the groups with and without extra amyloid.
Grill said further research needs to be done to see if younger or more diverse populations would have similar results. The average age in this study was nearly 72, and 95% were white.
Keith Fargo, director of scientific programs and outreach for the Alzheimer's Association, said that tests looking for early signs of Alzheimer's risk will be increasingly important for research, diagnosis and medical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
"However, with the rise of new biomarker tools, there comes an ethical obligation to ensure that testing does not cause harm. For example, there is the possibility that revealing the results of biomarker testing to individuals in research and clinical settings may cause serious distress," he noted.
"Fortunately, it seems from this and similar studies that Alzheimer's testing results that match with people's expectations and day-to-day health realities may not necessarily provoke unexpectedly high levels of anxiety or depression. In fact, the largest effects were consistent with a feeling of relief in those who tested negative," Fargo said.
"However, as the study authors note, we still need research that tracks representative study populations who receive these test results over the long term," he added.
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Both experts said it's important for people to discuss thoroughly any test that predicts an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease with their health care provider.
The findings were published Aug. 10 in the journal JAMA Neurology.
More information
Learn more about getting an Alzheimer's diagnosis from the U.S. National Institute on Aging.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-08-11--S&P 500 falls short of record high as tech stocks drag markets down

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- The S & P 500 neared record territory Tuesday , but ended the day with modest losses as tech stocks dragged the market down .
The S & P 500 was up 15 points to 3,377 by 12:30 p.m. , less than 20 points off the all-time high ( 3,393.52 ) it set in February , but ended the day down 26.78 points , or 0.8 % .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day down 104.53 points , or 0.38 % and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.69 % .
Since its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the COVID-19 pandemic , the S & P has been steadily rising in response to unprecedented levels of fiscal and monetary stimulus and varying degrees of economic reopening .
Analysts said the S & P 500 's momentum on Tuesday was partly fueled by Russian President Vladimir Putin 's announcement that Moscow registered the world 's first COVID-19 vaccine .
Despite questions about the vaccine 's safety and effectiveness -- particularly considering it was developed in a diplomatically isolated nation like Russia -- the U.S. markets responded positively .
`` Every time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and now we 've got a potential vaccine coming from Russia -- it 's skeptical at best , but nevertheless , the market is embracing it at this point , '' Belpointe strategist David Nelson told Yahoo .
The index was also fueled by President Donald Trump saying Monday he 's considering a capital gains tax cut .
Despite the early gains , tech stocks fell for a second consecutive day dragging all three major indexes down .

The S&P 500 closed the day down 26.78 points after nearing a record high earlier in the day, as tech stocks dragged markets down to close the day. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The S&P 500 neared record territory Tuesday, but ended the day with modest losses as tech stocks dragged the market down. The S&P 500 was up 15 points to 3,377 by 12:30 p.m., less than 20 points off the all-time high (3,393.52) it set in February, but ended the day down 26.78 points, or 0.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day down 104.53 points, or 0.38% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.69%. Advertisement
Since its plunge in March, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the S&P has been steadily rising in response to unprecedented levels of fiscal and monetary stimulus and varying degrees of economic reopening.
Analysts said the S&P 500's momentum on Tuesday was partly fueled by Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that Moscow registered the world's first COVID-19 vaccine.
Despite questions about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness -- particularly considering it was developed in a diplomatically isolated nation like Russia -- the U.S. markets responded positively.
"Every time you get some good news on COVID, and now we've got a potential vaccine coming from Russia -- it's skeptical at best, but nevertheless, the market is embracing it at this point," Belpointe strategist David Nelson told Yahoo.
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The index was also fueled by President Donald Trump saying Monday he's considering a capital gains tax cut.
Despite the early gains, tech stocks fell for a second consecutive day dragging all three major indexes down.
Netflix stock plunged 3.40%, Apple stock fell 2.97%, Facebook stock dropped 2.61%, Amazon stock declined 2.14% and Google's parent company Alphabet declined 1.09%.


upi--2020-08-11--World's last Blockbuster video store listed on Airbnb

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- The world 's last Blockbuster video store in Oregon is being listed on Airbnb @ @ @ @ @ movie sleepover parties .
Sandi Harding , who has been store manager at the 20-year-old @ @ @ @ @ the Blockbuster in Bend on the accommodation-finding site for up to four people to stay @ @ @ @ @ September .
Harding had a living room set up inside the store , complete with @ @ @ @ @ a VCR and a plethora of tapes .
`` It 's our 20th year as @ @ @ @ @ hoping to celebrate that this year , but with Covid throwing a wrench into everybody @ @ @ @ @ really excited to be able to pull this off , '' Harding told CNN .
@ @ @ @ @ is a way to give back to the community that has kept the video store @ @ @ @ @ the other Blockbusters have gone bust .
`` It 's only $ 4 for the @ @ @ @ @ than what you would spend for a new release , '' Harding said .

The last Blockbuster video store in the world, located in Bend, Ore., is being listed on Airbnb for a series of 90s-themed "sleepovers." Photo courtesy of Airbnb
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The world's last Blockbuster video store in Oregon is being listed on Airbnb for a series of 1990s-themed movie sleepover parties. Sandi Harding, who has been store manager at the 20-year-old store since 2004, listed the Blockbuster in Bend on the accommodation-finding site for up to four people to stay on three available dates in September. Advertisement
Harding had a living room set up inside the store, complete with a large 1990s-era TV, a VCR and a plethora of tapes.
"It's our 20th year as a Blockbuster, we were hoping to celebrate that this year, but with Covid throwing a wrench into everybody's plans, we were really excited to be able to pull this off," Harding told CNN.
She said the Airbnb listing is a way to give back to the community that has kept the video store in business while all of the other Blockbusters have gone bust.
"It's only $4 for the night, a penny more than what you would spend for a new release," Harding said.


upi--2020-08-11--World COVID-19 cases top 20M; WHO expects deaths at 750K this week

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- Global coronavirus cases surpassed 20 million infections as the head of the World Health Organization warned the death toll would reach 750,000 by week 's end .
Cases of COVID-19 have been growing exponentially since the first infections were diagnosed in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in early December , when it began its global spread .
The virus hit the 1-million mark within three months of the WHO declaring COVID-19 a global health emergency and it reached 10 million infections three months after that .
However , since late June , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers at Johns Hopkins University early Tuesday counted 20,092,855 cases of COVID-19 with a death toll of 736,254 .
After 102 consecutive days without a local COVID-19 case , New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that Auckland , the country 's most populous city , would reinstate level three coronavirus restrictions for three days beginning Wednesday after four cases were found within one household in the city .
`` In line with our precautionary approach we will be asking Aucklanders to take swift actions with us , as of 12 noon tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be moving Auckland to level three restrictions , '' said Ardern .
The restrictions will close businesses such as restaurants , bars and non-essential shops , bar gatherings of more than 10 people and require people to only leave their homes to conduct essential activities such as grocery shopping .
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Monday the death toll would hit 750,000 this week but said the situation can still be righted .
`` I want to be clear : there are green shoots of hope and no matter where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city or town is , it 's never too late to turn the outbreak around , '' he said .
To cause the turnaround , Tedros said leaders must take action and citizens must embrace new measures , pointing to New Zealand , Rwanda and other countries that suppressed the virus early through testing , treating and isolating those infected as models to follow .
`` Getting the basics right provides a clear picture of where the virus is and the necessary targeted actions to suppress transmission and save lives , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
He also praised the nations of France , Germany , South Korea and others that had major outbreaks they were able to contain and suppress , saying that other countries are now utilizing their techniques to squelch infections .
`` Chains of transmission have been broken by combination of rapid case identification , comprehensive , contact tracing adequate clinical care for patients , physical distancing , mask wearing , regular cleaning of hands and coughing away from others , '' he said .
`` If we suppress the virus effectively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
The United States continues to be the country worst affected by the virus at more than 5 million infections and 163,000 deaths , followed by Brazil at 3 million infections and 101,000 deaths and India with 2.26 million cases causing 45,250 deaths .

A man, a woman and a child walk through the entrance to terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport wearing full-body plastic suits, face masks and goggles to prevent catching COVID-19 on Monday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Global coronavirus cases surpassed 20 million infections as the head of the World Health Organization warned the death toll would reach 750,000 by week's end. Cases of COVID-19 have been growing exponentially since the first infections were diagnosed in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in early December, when it began its global spread. Advertisement
The virus hit the 1-million mark within three months of the WHO declaring COVID-19 a global health emergency and it reached 10 million infections three months after that.
However, since late June, the number of infections has doubled, and researchers at Johns Hopkins University early Tuesday counted 20,092,855 cases of COVID-19 with a death toll of 736,254.
After 102 consecutive days without a local COVID-19 case, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that Auckland, the country's most populous city, would reinstate level three coronavirus restrictions for three days beginning Wednesday after four cases were found within one household in the city.
"In line with our precautionary approach we will be asking Aucklanders to take swift actions with us, as of 12 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 12, we will be moving Auckland to level three restrictions," said Ardern.
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The restrictions will close businesses such as restaurants, bars and non-essential shops, bar gatherings of more than 10 people and require people to only leave their homes to conduct essential activities such as grocery shopping.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Monday the death toll would hit 750,000 this week but said the situation can still be righted.
"I want to be clear: there are green shoots of hope and no matter where a country, a region, a city or town is, it's never too late to turn the outbreak around," he said.
To cause the turnaround, Tedros said leaders must take action and citizens must embrace new measures, pointing to New Zealand, Rwanda and other countries that suppressed the virus early through testing, treating and isolating those infected as models to follow.
"Getting the basics right provides a clear picture of where the virus is and the necessary targeted actions to suppress transmission and save lives," he said in unusually positive remarks to the media.
He also praised the nations of France, Germany, South Korea and others that had major outbreaks they were able to contain and suppress, saying that other countries are now utilizing their techniques to squelch infections.
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"Chains of transmission have been broken by combination of rapid case identification, comprehensive, contact tracing adequate clinical care for patients, physical distancing, mask wearing, regular cleaning of hands and coughing away from others," he said.
"If we suppress the virus effectively, we can safely open up societies," he added.
The United States continues to be the country worst affected by the virus at more than 5 million infections and 163,000 deaths, followed by Brazil at 3 million infections and 101,000 deaths and India with 2.26 million cases causing 45,250 deaths.


upi--2020-08-11--Man wins $200,000 while waiting for mom at the store

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- A Virginia man said waiting for his mother to finish her shopping at a @ @ @ @ @ winning a $ 200,000 lottery jackpot .
Herbert Scruggs told Virginia Lottery officials he was @ @ @ @ @ the Food Lion store in Richmond when he decided to pass the time by purchasing @ @ @ @ @ ticket .
Scruggs said he scratched the ticket off after arriving home and had to @ @ @ @ @ mother to confirm what he was seeing .
`` She got all excited , '' @ @ @ @ @ said I won ! ''
The ticket was a $ 200,000 top-prize winner .
Scruggs @ @ @ @ @ know what he will do with the money .
`` It feels sort of surreal @ @ @ @ @ `` It still has n't hit me yet . ''

A Virginia man said he decided to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket while waiting for his mother at a grocery store and ended up winning $200,000. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A Virginia man said waiting for his mother to finish her shopping at a grocery store led to his winning a $200,000 lottery jackpot. Herbert Scruggs told Virginia Lottery officials he was waiting for his mother at the Food Lion store in Richmond when he decided to pass the time by purchasing a Winning Hand scratch-off lottery ticket. Advertisement
Scruggs said he scratched the ticket off after arriving home and had to hand it over to his mother to confirm what he was seeing.
"She got all excited," Scruggs recalled. "She said I won!"
The ticket was a $200,000 top-prize winner. Scruggs said he doesn't yet know what he will do with the money.
"It feels sort of surreal," he said. "It still hasn't hit me yet."


upi--2020-08-11--Class ring from 1930s found in car about to be crushed

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- A class ring from the 1930s was found inside a car that was about to be crushed at an Oklahoma scrap yard , and the item was returned to its original owner 's family .
Lovetta Phipps said her ex-husband was going through a car about to be crushed at a scrap yard when he found the 1933 Clinton High School class ring inside the vehicle .
Phipps posted photos of the ring on Facebook in the hopes of getting some help tracking down the owner .
The ring was presented Monday to Diana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's original owner .
Willey said she did n't realize her mother , who died in 1984 , had ever owned a class ring .
`` We have several children and grandchildren so this is something we can keep and treasure and give to our kids and grandkids , '' Willey told KOTV .
`` We were very pleased . ''
Phipps said Carolyn Horn from Clinton West Elementary , the Tulsa school that used to be Clinton High School , helped her research the ring and track down Willey 's contact information @

A class ring from the 1930s was found inside a car about to be crushed in Utah and was returned to the original owner's family. Photo by violey/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A class ring from the 1930s was found inside a car that was about to be crushed at an Oklahoma scrap yard, and the item was returned to its original owner's family. Lovetta Phipps said her ex-husband was going through a car about to be crushed at a scrap yard when he found the 1933 Clinton High School class ring inside the vehicle. Advertisement
Phipps posted photos of the ring on Facebook in the hopes of getting some help tracking down the owner.
The ring was presented Monday to Diana Willey, whose mother was the ring's original owner. Willey said she didn't realize her mother, who died in 1984, had ever owned a class ring.
"We have several children and grandchildren so this is something we can keep and treasure and give to our kids and grandkids," Willey told KOTV. "We were very pleased."
Phipps said Carolyn Horn from Clinton West Elementary, the Tulsa school that used to be Clinton High School, helped her research the ring and track down Willey's contact information.


upi--2020-08-11--Monkey escapes enclosure at Irish zoo

Monkey escapes enclosure at Irish zoo

Aug. 11 ( UPI ) -- A monkey escaped its enclosure at a zoo in Ireland and led zookeepers riding @ @ @ @ @ through the facility before being recaptured .
Visitors to the Fota Wildlife Park in Cork @ @ @ @ @ on temporary lockdown Tuesday when a monkey escaped from its closure and ran through crowds @ @ @ @ @ by zookeepers in golf carts .
A zoo spokesman confirmed the exits were blocked while @ @ @ @ @ a male roloway monkey named Valentino .
`` Valentino was continually under observation by the @ @ @ @ @ coaxed into a secure holding pen and returned safely to his island habitat .
At @ @ @ @ @ danger , or a threat to any visitors or members of the public , '' @ @ @ @ @ The zoo did not disclose how Valentino managed to get out of his enclosure .

One of the Fota Wildlife Park's roloway monkeys escaped from its enclosure Tuesday and led zookeepers on a chase through the facility before being safely recaptured. Photo courtesy of the Fota Wildlife Park
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A monkey escaped its enclosure at a zoo in Ireland and led zookeepers riding golf carts on a chase through the facility before being recaptured. Visitors to the Fota Wildlife Park in Cork said the zoo was put on temporary lockdown Tuesday when a monkey escaped from its closure and ran through crowds of onlookers while being pursued by zookeepers in golf carts. Advertisement
A zoo spokesman confirmed the exits were blocked while staff pursued the primate, a male roloway monkey named Valentino.
"Valentino was continually under observation by the animal rangers and was quickly coaxed into a secure holding pen and returned safely to his island habitat. At no time was he in danger, or a threat to any visitors or members of the public," the spokesman told CorkBeo.com.
The zoo did not disclose how Valentino managed to get out of his enclosure.


upi--2020-08-12--Dean Dillon, Hank Williams Jr. to be  inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame

Aug. 12 ( UPI ) -- Country music icons Dean Dillon , Marty Stuart and Hank Williams are to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame .
`` New members , elected annually by a panel of industry executives chosen by the Country Music Association , are inducted formally during the Medallion Ceremony , part of the annual reunion of Country Music Hall of Fame members hosted by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum , '' the hall of fame 's website said .
`` On that celebrated and private occasion , members of that august @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , friends , and business associates to welcome the new class of honorees into their midst . ''
Dillon , 65 , is being recognized in the `` songwriter '' category , while Stuart , 61 , will be honored as a `` modern era artist '' and Williams , 71 , is being enshrined in the `` veterans era artist '' category .
`` It 's a bright spot during a difficult year , '' Williams , whose 27-year-old daughter Katherine Williams-Dunning died in a car crash in June , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ induction on Wednesday .
`` I have been making Top 10 records for 56 years , '' the artist added .
`` I fell off a mountain and tried to reinvent myself as a truly individual artist and one who stepped out of the shadows of a very famous man ... one of the greatest .
I 've got to thank all those rowdy friends who , year after year , still show up for me .
It 's an honor to carry on this family tradition . ''
Williams Jr. is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was among the hall of fame 's first group of inductees in 1961 .
He died in 1953 at age 29 .

1/2
Dean Dillon (L) and Susie Dillon attend the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas in 2017. Dean Dillon will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Country music icons Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart and Hank Williams are to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. "New members, elected annually by a panel of industry executives chosen by the Country Music Association, are inducted formally during the Medallion Ceremony, part of the annual reunion of Country Music Hall of Fame members hosted by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum," the hall of fame's website said. Advertisement
"On that celebrated and private occasion, members of that august body join the members-elect, their families, friends, and business associates to welcome the new class of honorees into their midst."
Dillon, 65, is being recognized in the "songwriter" category, while Stuart, 61, will be honored as a "modern era artist" and Williams, 71, is being enshrined in the "veterans era artist" category.
"It's a bright spot during a difficult year," Williams, whose 27-year-old daughter Katherine Williams-Dunning died in a car crash in June, said in a statement about his Hall of Fame induction on Wednesday.
"I have been making Top 10 records for 56 years," the artist added. "I fell off a mountain and tried to reinvent myself as a truly individual artist and one who stepped out of the shadows of a very famous man... one of the greatest. I've got to thank all those rowdy friends who, year after year, still show up for me. It's an honor to carry on this family tradition."
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Williams Jr. is the son of the late Hank Williams, who was among the hall of fame's first group of inductees in 1961. He died in 1953 at age 29.


upi--2020-08-12--Blackpink, Selena Gomez to release single Aug. 28

Aug. 12 ( UPI ) -- South Korean girl group Blackpink is teaming up with Selena Gomez on a new single .
The K-pop stars confirmed Tuesday that their new song with feature the 28-year-old American singer and actress .
The song will be released Aug. 28 .
Blackpink shared a poster for the single on Twitter that appears to show chocolate dripping over a striped pink background .
Gomez posted the same teaser on her own account .
`` So SO excited to announce @ ygofficialblink and I have a new song coming out August 28th ! ''
Gomez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second single to debut from Blackpink 's forthcoming first full-length album , Blackpink : The Album .
The group released the single `` How You Like That '' in June .
Blackpink became the highest-charting K-pop group on Spotify 's main chart following the release of `` How You Like That . ''
Blackpink shared a teaser poster and release date , Oct. 2 , for Blackpink : The Album in July .
The group last released the EP Kill This Love in April 2019 .
Blackpink consists of Jisoo , Jennie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is known for the singles `` Whistle , '' `` Playing with Fire , '' `` As If It 's Your Last '' and `` Ddu-Du Ddu-Du . ''
Gomez released her third studio album , Rare , in January .
She will star in the new HBO Max cooking show Selena + Chef , which she recently discussed at a Television Critics Association Zoom panel .

Aug. 12 (UPI) -- South Korean girl group Blackpink is teaming up with Selena Gomez on a new single.
The K-pop stars confirmed Tuesday that their new song with feature the 28-year-old American singer and actress. The song will be released Aug. 28.
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Blackpink shared a poster for the single on Twitter that appears to show chocolate dripping over a striped pink background. Gomez posted the same teaser on her own account.
"So SO excited to announce @ygofficialblink and I have a new song coming out August 28th!" Gomez wrote.
The new song will be the second single to debut from Blackpink's forthcoming first full-length album, Blackpink: The Album. The group released the single "How You Like That" in June.
Blackpink became the highest-charting K-pop group on Spotify's main chart following the release of "How You Like That."
Blackpink shared a teaser poster and release date, Oct. 2, for Blackpink: The Album in July. The group last released the EP Kill This Love in April 2019.
Blackpink consists of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa. The group is known for the singles "Whistle," "Playing with Fire," "As If It's Your Last" and "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du."
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Gomez released her third studio album, Rare, in January. She will star in the new HBO Max cooking show Selena + Chef, which she recently discussed at a Television Critics Association Zoom panel.
Selena Gomez turns 30: a look back


upi--2020-08-12--Daily low-dose aspirin may speed cancer progression in seniors

Taking a daily low-dose aspirin may speed the progression of cancer in the elderly , a new clinical trial shows .
Daily aspirin doubled the risk that a person 70 or older would die from a stage 3 cancer , and increased the death risk associated with stage 4 cancers by nearly a third , according to data from more than 19,000 older people in the United States and Australia .
Older patients taking daily aspirin also had a roughly 20 % increased risk of their cancer spreading to other parts of their body either before or after diagnosis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier clinical trials had shown that daily aspirin taken by middle-aged folks could reduce the risk of cancer , particularly colon cancer , researchers said in background notes .
But in this new trial , the investigators found that elderly people who presented with later-stage cancers `` tended to do worse if they were on aspirin , '' said senior researcher Dr. Andrew Chan , director of epidemiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center , in Boston .
`` It does suggest there is a potential difference in the effect of aspirin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Based on these new findings , older people should have a serious discussion with their doctor before starting a course of low-dose daily aspirin , said Dr. Frank Sinicrope , a gastrointestinal cancer specialist with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minn. '' This study certainly raises concern over the use of low-dose aspirin in people over the age of 70 .
It raises concern about the potential for more advanced cancers to develop in these older patients , '' Sinicrope said .
`` I think it 's something they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see what the risk/benefit would be . ''
For the clinical trial , the researchers randomly assigned people aged 70 or older to take 100 milligrams a day of either aspirin or a placebo for an average of nearly five years .
The vast majority of study participants did not take daily aspirin before age 70 .
Out of just over 19,000 participants , 981 taking aspirin and 952 taking a placebo developed cancer during the follow-up period .
Analysis revealed that low-dose aspirin was not associated with a higher risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it did appear to be linked to more aggressive cancer .
`` Scientists have assumed aspirin works the same in all individuals , but the effect may be different in older adults , '' Chan said .
There are two theories why this difference between middle-aged and elderly aspirin users exists , he noted .
One is that aspirin 's anti-cancer benefit might only work if people start taking aspirin at an earlier age .
`` When you start taking it when you 're older , it may be too late , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that cancers in older people are somehow different than those in younger people .
`` Those cancer mechanisms may be different and may be less sensitive to aspirin than cancers that dwell in younger adults , '' Chan suggested .
These results were a `` huge surprise '' to Peter Campbell , scientific director of epidemiology research for the American Cancer Society .
Larger studies involving more clinical trial data are needed to further clarify this odd difference between younger and older folks , he said .
`` These results conflict with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no harm or a net benefit with aspirin , '' Campbell said .
The study was published Aug. 10 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute .
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about aspirin and cancer risk .

While younger people may see cancer risk go down with daily aspirin, new research suggests it increases cancer progression risk in older people. Photo by stevepb/Pixabay
Taking a daily low-dose aspirin may speed the progression of cancer in the elderly, a new clinical trial shows. Daily aspirin doubled the risk that a person 70 or older would die from a stage 3 cancer, and increased the death risk associated with stage 4 cancers by nearly a third, according to data from more than 19,000 older people in the United States and Australia. Advertisement
Older patients taking daily aspirin also had a roughly 20% increased risk of their cancer spreading to other parts of their body either before or after diagnosis, the researchers found.
Compelling evidence from earlier clinical trials had shown that daily aspirin taken by middle-aged folks could reduce the risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer, researchers said in background notes.
But in this new trial, the investigators found that elderly people who presented with later-stage cancers "tended to do worse if they were on aspirin," said senior researcher Dr. Andrew Chan, director of epidemiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, in Boston. "It does suggest there is a potential difference in the effect of aspirin on older adults compared with younger adults."
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Based on these new findings, older people should have a serious discussion with their doctor before starting a course of low-dose daily aspirin, said Dr. Frank Sinicrope, a gastrointestinal cancer specialist with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
"This study certainly raises concern over the use of low-dose aspirin in people over the age of 70. It raises concern about the potential for more advanced cancers to develop in these older patients," Sinicrope said. "I think it's something they would need to discuss with their doctors, to see what the risk/benefit would be."
For the clinical trial, the researchers randomly assigned people aged 70 or older to take 100 milligrams a day of either aspirin or a placebo for an average of nearly five years. The vast majority of study participants did not take daily aspirin before age 70.
Out of just over 19,000 participants, 981 taking aspirin and 952 taking a placebo developed cancer during the follow-up period.
Analysis revealed that low-dose aspirin was not associated with a higher risk of developing cancer, Chan said, but that it did appear to be linked to more aggressive cancer.
"Scientists have assumed aspirin works the same in all individuals, but the effect may be different in older adults," Chan said.
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There are two theories why this difference between middle-aged and elderly aspirin users exists, he noted.
One is that aspirin's anti-cancer benefit might only work if people start taking aspirin at an earlier age. "When you start taking it when you're older, it may be too late," Chan explained.
The other theory is that cancers in older people are somehow different than those in younger people.
"Those cancer mechanisms may be different and may be less sensitive to aspirin than cancers that dwell in younger adults," Chan suggested.
These results were a "huge surprise" to Peter Campbell, scientific director of epidemiology research for the American Cancer Society.
Larger studies involving more clinical trial data are needed to further clarify this odd difference between younger and older folks, he said.
"These results conflict with a lot of larger studies showing either no harm or a net benefit with aspirin," Campbell said.
The study was published Aug. 10 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
More information
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about aspirin and cancer risk.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-08-12--Watch: Luke Bryan weighs in on 'aftermath' of Lady A name change

Aug. 12 ( UPI ) -- Luke Bryan says the `` aftermath '' of Lady A 's name change has been a `` mess . ''
The 44-year-old country music singer appeared on Tuesday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live , where he weighed in on Lady Antebellum changing its name to Lady A and subsequently suing singer Anita White over the name .
`` I do n't think they were anticipating the aftermath of being called Lady A , '' Bryan said .
Lady Antebellum changed its name to Lady A in June following George Floyd 's death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In July , the group sued White , a Black blues singer , who has performed as Lady A for more than 20 years .
Bryan said he referred to Lady Antebellum as Lady A before the band 's name change .
`` I can say that for years , everyone in the country music community has really referred to them as Lady A , '' he said .
`` I would call and say , 'Hey , get the Lady A guys on the phone . '
'' Bryan thinks Lady A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lady Antebellum to choose but said the situation has gotten `` tricky '' with the lawsuit .
`` Who knows what they 'll have to figure out , but god , what a mess in the aftermath of removing antebellum , '' he said .
Country music group The Chicks , which changed its name from The Dixie Chicks to The Chicks in June , said on WWHL in July that the Lady A lawsuit goes against the point of the name change .
The Chicks ' Natalie Maines said she was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trademarked the name .
`` I think it 's very awkward and uncomfortable to have this whole lawsuit .
It 's kind of going against the point of changing their name .
Unfortunate , '' Maines said .
On Tuesday 's WWHL , Bryan also named the favorite concert he 's attended -- Metallica .
Bryan released his seventh studio album , Born Here Live Here Die Here , last week .
He discussed his mom 's cameo in his `` One Margarita '' music video Monday on Late Night with Seth Meyers @

Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Luke Bryan says the "aftermath" of Lady A's name change has been a "mess."
The 44-year-old country music singer appeared on Tuesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live, where he weighed in on Lady Antebellum changing its name to Lady A and subsequently suing singer Anita White over the name.
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"I don't think they were anticipating the aftermath of being called Lady A," Bryan said.
Lady Antebellum changed its name to Lady A in June following George Floyd's death and nationwide conversations about racial injustice. In July, the group sued White, a Black blues singer, who has performed as Lady A for more than 20 years.
Bryan said he referred to Lady Antebellum as Lady A before the band's name change.
"I can say that for years, everyone in the country music community has really referred to them as Lady A," he said. "I would call and say, 'Hey, get the Lady A guys on the phone.'"
Bryan thinks Lady A was a "great option" for Lady Antebellum to choose but said the situation has gotten "tricky" with the lawsuit.
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"Who knows what they'll have to figure out, but god, what a mess in the aftermath of removing antebellum," he said.
Country music group The Chicks, which changed its name from The Dixie Chicks to The Chicks in June, said on WWHL in July that the Lady A lawsuit goes against the point of the name change. The Chicks' Natalie Maines said she wasn't aware the band Lady A had previously trademarked the name.
"I think it's very awkward and uncomfortable to have this whole lawsuit. It's kind of going against the point of changing their name. Unfortunate," Maines said.
On Tuesday's WWHL, Bryan also named the favorite concert he's attended -- Metallica.
Bryan released his seventh studio album, Born Here Live Here Die Here, last week. He discussed his mom's cameo in his "One Margarita" music video Monday on Late Night with Seth Meyers.


upi--2020-08-12--Joe Biden's choice of Kamala Harris as VP hailed in political, economic circles

Aug. 12 ( UPI ) -- The selection of California Sen. Kamala Harris as Joe Biden 's running mate on the Democratic ticket has been met largely with praise in many political and economic circles .
Biden made his long-awaited announcement on Tuesday , saying Harris will run on the ticket as his vice presidential candidate .
Harris , the former attorney general of California , was long believed to be a top contender for the slot , along with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , California Rep. Karen Bass and former ambassador Susan Rice , all of whom reacted enthusiastically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursuit of justice and relentless advocacy for the people is what is needed right now , '' Bass tweeted .
`` Now all Americans will benefit from her work as vice president .
I will do everything I can to help her and Joe Biden win in November . ''
`` Senator Harris is a tenacious and trailblazing leader who will make a great partner on the campaign trail , '' Rice said in a statement .
`` I will do my utmost to assist Joe Biden to become the next president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ govern successfully . ''
`` I 've known Kamala Harris for a long time , '' Warren said .
`` She will be a great partner ... in making our government a force for good in the fight for social , racial and economic justice . ''
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , who lost to President Donald Trump four years ago , said she 's `` thrilled to welcome '' the 55-year-old Harris to the ticket .
`` She 's already proven herself to be an incredible public servant and leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who competed for the Democratic presidential nomination , called Harris `` a good friend and incredibly strong public servant . ''
`` Sometimes campaigns can tear friendships apart but we grew closer -- and I know she has what it takes to lead side-by-side with Joe Biden , '' she added .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , who at one point in the spring appeared to be the eventual Democratic nominee , lauded Biden 's selection and urged his followers to support the party in November .
`` [ Harris ] will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he tweeted .
`` She understands what it takes to stand up for working people , fight for health care for all , and take down the most corrupt administration in history .
Let 's get to work and win . ''
Harris ' inclusion on the ticket also spurred some excitement on Wall Street -- which , until March , represented one of Trump 's strongest arguments for re-election .
`` I think it 's great , '' said Marc Lasry , CEO of investment firm Avenue Capital Group and part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She 's going to help Joe immensely .
He picked the perfect partner . ''
`` Vice President Biden 's first decision is the perfect one and demonstrates his excellent judgement , '' Jon Henes , a partner at Kirkland & Ellis and former finance chairman of Harris ' campaign , told CNBC .
`` Kamala 's supporters will follow her lead and work non-stop to help Biden and Harris win this historic and critical election . ''
A daughter of Jamaican and Indian parents , Harris succeeded longtime California Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the homeland security , intelligence , judiciary and budget committees .
Biden 's choice has been less well-received among Republicans .
Trump , as he 's done with just about all of his political enemies , whipped up a derogatory nickname for her -- `` Phony Kamala . ''
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said Harris , as California attorney general , `` used her office 's prosecutorial powers for political purposes . ''
`` She led assaults against conservative non-profits , energy companies , and parents , but not violent gang members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Now , she wants to turn America into San Francisco . ''
`` Joe Biden failed his first major test as a presidential candidate by picking extreme leftist Kamala Harris , who embraces the radical defund police movement , and actually wants to slash funding for our men and women in uniform , as his running mate , '' House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise , R-La.
, said in statement .

1/2
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his selection for vice president, Kamala Harris, appeared together in public for the first time Wednesday as they criticized the Trump administration's coronavirus response. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris on Wednesday appeared together in public for the first time since the ticket was completed, criticized the Trump administration's handling of COVID-19 and vowed a "comprehensive" response if they're elected. The former vice president and senator from California noted that the United States leads the world with more than 5 million cases and more than 165,000 deaths as a result of President Donald Trump's "failure to take it seriously from the start." Advertisement
"His refusal to get testing up and running, his flip-flopping on social distancing and wearing masks. His delusional belief that he knows better than the experts. All of that is ... the reason that an American dies of COVID-19 every 80 seconds," Harris said.
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Harris also praised Biden for his response to the Ebola outbreak while he served alongside former President Barack Obama. Biden said he would "lead and take responsibility" in his plans for virus response if elected.
"The Joe Biden and Kamala Harris administration will have a comprehensive plan to meet the challenge of COVID-19 and turn the corner on this pandemic, masking, clear science-based guidance, dramatically scaling up testing, getting states and local governments the resources they need to pen the schools and businesses safely. We can do this," Biden said.
Harris also released a campaign ad Wednesday showing the moment she accepted former Biden's request for her to be his running mate.
The video shows Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, announcing the news to Harris via video chat.
After offering her the job, Biden asks, "First of all, is the answer yes?"
"The answer is absolutely yes, Joe, and I am ready to work," Harris can be heard replying. "I am ready to do this with you, for you. I am just deeply honored and I'm very excited."
The video includes photos and clips from Harris' childhood and her career as California attorney general and senator. She narrates the video, speaking of her mother and her own record.
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"Right now America needs action," she says. "America is in a crisis and I know Joe Biden will lead us out of it.
"As Joe says, we're in a battle for the soul of this nation, but together it's a battle we can win. We just have to take action."
We are in a battle for the soul of this nation. But together, it's a battle we can win.@JoeBiden-I'm ready to get to work. pic.twitter.com/3PJcUTYBGU— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 12, 2020
Biden's selection of Harris as his running mate Tuesday has been met largely with praise in many political and economic circles.
Harris was long believed to be a top contender for the slot, along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., and former Ambassador Susan Rice, all of whom reacted enthusiastically to the announcement.
"Her tenacious pursuit of justice and relentless advocacy for the people is what is needed right now," Bass tweeted. "Now all Americans will benefit from her work as vice president. I will do everything I can to help her and Joe Biden win in November."
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"Senator Harris is a tenacious and trailblazing leader who will make a great partner on the campaign trail," Rice said in a statement. "I will do my utmost to assist Joe Biden to become the next president of the United States and to help him govern successfully."
"I've known Kamala Harris for a long time," Warren said. "She will be a great partner ... in making our government a force for good in the fight for social, racial and economic justice."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who lost to President Donald Trump four years ago, said she's "thrilled to welcome" the 55-year-old Harris to the ticket.
"She's already proven herself to be an incredible public servant and leader."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who competed for the Democratic presidential nomination, called Harris "a good friend and incredibly strong public servant."
"Sometimes campaigns can tear friendships apart but we grew closer -- and I know she has what it takes to lead side-by-side with Joe Biden," she added.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who at one point in the spring appeared to be the eventual Democratic nominee, lauded Biden's selection and urged his followers to support the party in November.
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"[Harris] will make history as our next vice president," he tweeted. "She understands what it takes to stand up for working people, fight for health care for all, and take down the most corrupt administration in history. Let's get to work and win."
Harris' inclusion on the ticket also spurred some excitement on Wall Street -- which, until March, represented one of Trump's strongest arguments for re-election.
"I think it's great," said Marc Lasry, CEO of investment firm Avenue Capital Group and part owner of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. "She's going to help Joe immensely. He picked the perfect partner."
"Vice President Biden's first decision is the perfect one and demonstrates his excellent judgment," Jon Henes, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis and former finance chairman of Harris' campaign, told CNBC. "Kamala's supporters will follow her lead and work non-stop to help Biden and Harris win this historic and critical election."
A daughter of Jamaican and Indian parents, Harris succeeded longtime Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2016 and serves on the homeland security, intelligence, judiciary and budget committees.
Biden's choice has been less well-received among Republicans. Trump, as he's done with just about all of his political enemies, whipped up a derogatory nickname for her -- "Phony Kamala."
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House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said Harris, as California attorney general, "used her office's prosecutorial powers for political purposes."
"She led assaults against conservative non-profits, energy companies, and parents, but not violent gang members or criminal illegal aliens," he said.
"Now, she wants to turn America into San Francisco."
"Joe Biden failed his first major test as a presidential candidate by picking extreme leftist Kamala Harris, who embraces the radical defund police movement, and actually wants to slash funding for our men and women in uniform, as his running mate," House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., said in statement.