upi--2020-05-28--As national wealth grows, so do obesity rates, study says

Fatter wallets lead to fatter people , according to a new study .
Researchers examined the link between nations ' wealth and their obesity rates .
They discovered citizens get plumper as their country gets richer .
`` As most people currently live in low- and middle-income countries with rising incomes , our findings underscore the urgent need for effective policies to break -- or at least weaken -- the relationship between income growth and obesity , '' said study co-author Debabrata Talukdar .
He 's a professor of marketing at the University at Buffalo School of Management , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of data from 147 countries .
They found that a 1 percent increase in per capita income is associated with a 1.23 percent rise in obesity among men and a 1.01 percent increase in obesity among women .
More than 2.1 billion people worldwide -- nearly 30 percent of the global population -- are overweight or obese , with economic consequences of about $ 2 trillion each year , according to the study .
The researchers also forecast future obesity trends and predicted that obesity will increase at an average yearly rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they included in the study .
`` Given the highly significant health and economic costs of obesity and the clear importance of economic development , it is vital to gain an in-depth understanding into the association between obesity prevalence and national income , '' Talukdar said in a university news release .
The challenge is to have economic growth without harming the environment or personal health and well-being , the study authors said .
Approaches to achieve that could include national nutrition plans , and food taxes and subsidies to encourage healthy eating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might involve restricting children 's exposure to marketing of unhealthy foods and public awareness programs about diet and exercise .
`` It will require a concerted , policy-driven effort on multiple aspects of the current socioeconomic system , '' Talukdar said .
The study results were published online recently in the journal PLOS ONE .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on healthy weight .

Fatter wallets lead to fatter people, according to a new study.
Researchers examined the link between nations' wealth and their obesity rates. They discovered citizens get plumper as their country gets richer.
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"As most people currently live in low- and middle-income countries with rising incomes, our findings underscore the urgent need for effective policies to break -- or at least weaken -- the relationship between income growth and obesity," said study co-author Debabrata Talukdar. He's a professor of marketing at the University at Buffalo School of Management, in New York.
His team analyzed 40 years of data from 147 countries. They found that a 1 percent increase in per capita income is associated with a 1.23 percent rise in obesity among men and a 1.01 percent increase in obesity among women.
More than 2.1 billion people worldwide -- nearly 30 percent of the global population -- are overweight or obese, with economic consequences of about $2 trillion each year, according to the study.
The researchers also forecast future obesity trends and predicted that obesity will increase at an average yearly rate of nearly 2.5 percent in the countries they included in the study.
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"Given the highly significant health and economic costs of obesity and the clear importance of economic development, it is vital to gain an in-depth understanding into the association between obesity prevalence and national income," Talukdar said in a university news release.
The challenge is to have economic growth without harming the environment or personal health and well-being, the study authors said.
Approaches to achieve that could include national nutrition plans, and food taxes and subsidies to encourage healthy eating, the team suggested. Other avenues might involve restricting children's exposure to marketing of unhealthy foods and public awareness programs about diet and exercise.
"It will require a concerted, policy-driven effort on multiple aspects of the current socioeconomic system," Talukdar said.
The study results were published online recently in the journal PLOS ONE.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on healthy weight.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-28--On This Day, May 28: Dionne quintuplets born in Canada

On this date in history : In 1798 , the U.S. Congress empowered President John Adams to recruit an American army of 10,000 volunteers .
In 1892 , the Sierra Club was founded by naturalist John Muir .
In 1934 , the Dionne sisters , Emilie , Yvonne , Cecile , Marie and Annette , first documented set of quintuplets to survive , were born near Callander , Ontario , and soon became world-famous .
Emilie died in 1954 , Marie in 1970 and Yvonne in 2001 .
In 1961 , Amnesty International was founded in London by lawyer Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peace Prize for its work supporting people imprisoned because of their race , religion or political views .
In 1977 , a flash fire swept through a nightclub in Southgate , Ky. , -- called the Beverly Hills Supper Club -- killing 162 people and injuring 30 .
In 1987 , West German Mathias Rust , 19 , flew a single-engine plane from Finland through Soviet radar and landed beside the Kremlin in Moscow .
Three days later , the Soviet defense minister and his deputy were fired .
In 1991 , Ethiopian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their control of the capital of Addis Ababa , effectively wresting power from a crumbling Marxist government that ruled their country with an iron hand for 17 years .
In 1998 , actor and comedian Phil Hartman , known for his roles on Saturday Night Live and News Radio , was killed by his wife , Brynn Hartman .
The Los Angeles County Coroner 's Office determined Brynn Hartman had cocaine , alcohol and an anti-depressant drug in her system at the time of the murder-suicide .
In 2000 , Peruvian President Alberto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide demonstrations against him continued .
He resigned in September .
In 2002 , NASA said the Mars Odyssey found evidence of ice on Mars .
`` We were hopeful that we could find evidence of ice , but what we have found is much more ice than we ever expected , '' a scientist said .
In 2008 , Nepal 's newly elected Constituent Assembly voted to dissolve the 239-year-old monarchy and form a republic , officially ending the reign of King Gyanendra .
In 2014 , author-poet-activist Maya Angelou ( I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in Winston-Salem , N.C. U.S. President Barack Obama called Angelou , who was 86 , `` one of the brightest lights of our time . ''
In 2017 , flooding from a heavy monsoon caused landslides in Sri Lanka , killing up to 224 people .

1/6
The Dionne quintuplets and their sisters arrive at Lansdowne Park in June 1947 to take part in a program of religious music during the Marian Congress. The quintuplets were born May 28, 1934. File Photo courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
On this date in history: In 1798, the U.S. Congress empowered President John Adams to recruit an American army of 10,000 volunteers. Advertisement
In 1892, the Sierra Club was founded by naturalist John Muir.
In 1934, the Dionne sisters, Emilie, Yvonne, Cecile, Marie and Annette, first documented set of quintuplets to survive, were born near Callander, Ontario, and soon became world-famous. Emilie died in 1954, Marie in 1970 and Yvonne in 2001.
In 1961, Amnesty International was founded in London by lawyer Peter Berenson. The organization won the Nobel Peace Prize for its work supporting people imprisoned because of their race, religion or political views.
File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI
In 1977, a flash fire swept through a nightclub in Southgate, Ky., -- called the Beverly Hills Supper Club -- killing 162 people and injuring 30.
In 1987, West German Mathias Rust, 19, flew a single-engine plane from Finland through Soviet radar and landed beside the Kremlin in Moscow. Three days later, the Soviet defense minister and his deputy were fired.
Advertisement
In 1991, Ethiopian rebels seized the presidential palace and tightened their control of the capital of Addis Ababa, effectively wresting power from a crumbling Marxist government that ruled their country with an iron hand for 17 years.
In 1998, actor and comedian Phil Hartman, known for his roles on Saturday Night Live and News Radio, was killed by his wife, Brynn Hartman. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office determined Brynn Hartman had cocaine, alcohol and an anti-depressant drug in her system at the time of the murder-suicide.
In 2000, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori easily won a runoff election but nationwide demonstrations against him continued. He resigned in September.
File Photo by Ricardo Watson/UPI
In 2002, NASA said the Mars Odyssey found evidence of ice on Mars. "We were hopeful that we could find evidence of ice, but what we have found is much more ice than we ever expected," a scientist said.
In 2008, Nepal's newly elected Constituent Assembly voted to dissolve the 239-year-old monarchy and form a republic, officially ending the reign of King Gyanendra.
Advertisement
In 2014, author-poet-activist Maya Angelou (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings) died in Winston-Salem, N.C. U.S. President Barack Obama called Angelou, who was 86, "one of the brightest lights of our time."
In 2017, flooding from a heavy monsoon caused landslides in Sri Lanka, killing up to 224 people.


upi--2020-05-28--Famous birthdays for May 28: Gladys Knight, Rudy Giuliani

May 28 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- Former @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani in 1944 ( age 76 )

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John Fogerty sings on stage at the half time show of the College Semifinal Championship Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 31, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The rocker turns 75 on May 28. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
May 28 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- British statesman William Pitt (the Younger) in 1759
-- All-around athlete Jim Thorpe in 1887
-- British novelist Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, in 1908
-- Blues musician Aaron Thibeaux "T-Bone" Walker in 1910
-- Biologist/politician Barry Commoner in 1917
-- Musician Papa John Creach in 1917
-- Actor Carroll Baker in 1931 (age 88)
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member Jerry West in 1938 (age 82)
File Photo by Tom Brenner/UPI
-- Author Maeve Binchy in 1939
-- Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 1944 (age 76)
-- Singer Gladys Knight in 1944 (age 76)
-- Actor Sondra Locke in 1944
-- Musician John Fogerty in 1945 (age 75)
-- Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass in 1947 (age 73)
-- Singer Kylie Minogue in 1968 (age 52)
File Photo by Rune Hellestad/ UPI
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-- Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in 1971 (age 49)
-- TV personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck in 1977 (age 43)
-- Actor Jake Johnson in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Alexa Davalos in 1982 (age 38)
-- Singer Colbie Caillat in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Carey Mulligan in 1985 (age 35)
-- Wrestler Seth Rollins, born Colby Lopez, in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Cameron Boyce in 1999


upi--2020-05-28--What to binge next: Horror TV shows

What to binge next: Horror TV shows

May 28 ( UPI ) -- One season of a TV horror show can deliver more scares than an entire series of movies -- and then there are Seasons 2 , 3 and beyond .
Here are some of the scariest TV series on television that are available to binge on streaming services .
Bruce Campbell returns to his iconic role as demon fighter Ash Williams in Starz 's sequel series to the Evil Dead trilogy .
The series on Starz is every bit as graphically bloody as the movies and shows Ash 's irreverent sense of humor , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins ( Jonathan Frid ) has his own soap opera .
Hulu and Hoopla each have a selection of seasons streaming , and more for purchase on Amazon Prime .
That 's still a fraction of his 1,200+ episodes , but you 'd have to be an immortal vampire to have time to watch them all !
Mike Flanagan adapted the Shirley Jackson book that was the basis for the Robert Wise and Jan de Bont films .
So many ghosts appear that you might have to watch it again to see them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's grief as much as their curse .
Season 2 will be The Haunting of Bly Manor .
This horror anthology features a new standalone episode every week with a brand new monster .
There were traditional monsters like zombies , vampires , trolls , witches and ghosts , but also a few surprises like an animated finger or an alien like Glim-Glim .
Now you can see all the show 's creations all at once , and they 're only half-hour episodes -- actually 21 minutes , now that the commercials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bram Stoker wrote the classic vampire novel , Count Dracula is trending again .
Season 1 of the BBC series was a hit on Netflix with Claes Bang as the count in a historical drama set in 1897 Transylvania .
Stephen King has featured the town of Castle Rock in many books .
The show combines King 's books into a new story .
Scott Glenn plays Castle Rock Sheriff Alan Pangborn , from The Dark Half and Needful Things .
Jane Levy plays Jackie Torrance , niece of The Shining 's killer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Annie Wilkes , the No .
1 fan from Misery .
They even visit Shawshank prison .
The creator of Riverdale takes Sabrina the Teenage Witch back to her horror roots for Netflix .
Kiernan Shipka plays the spunky young magician battling magic that 's as dark and sinister as Netflix allows .
Not to be confused with the Melissa Joan Hart sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch , Netflix 's Chilling Adventures live up to their name .
Based on Robert Kirkman 's long-running comic , AMC 's series has run 10 seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zombies hobble along every week , but the real horror is man 's inhumanity to man among the survivors , a rotating cast of actors who join for as long as they can survive .
Only Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride have been there since the beginning .
Every season of Ryan Murphy 's American Horror Story is a different story with a new cast .
You usually can count on some regulars such as Sarah Paulson , Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett , while your Lady Gagas and Evan Peterses pop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories , witch stories , serial killers , end of the world and pretty much anything that can terrify you .
Tales from the Crypt - To Buy on Amazon , Apple , Vudu , Google Play Based on the pulp comic books , HBO 's anthology series landed A-list casts and even bigger names directing its gory episodes .
Arnold Schwarzenegger , Michael J .
Fox and Tom Hanks each directed one .
The star , though , is The Crypt Keeper , a puppet that hosted each story with wisecracks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Surprisingly , HBO has not kept this series on its streaming service , so you 'll have to buy it .
But each season gives you your money 's worth .
True to its title , Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a horror comedy .
Few shows were funnier , but when it 's scary , it lives up to the genre .
The scariest moments for Buffy ( Sarah Michelle Gellar ) were when her boyfriend Angel ( David Boreanaz ) turned into a real monster , and when her best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , witched out .

1/5
Norman Reedus has survived 10 seasons of "The Walking Dead." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 28 (UPI) -- One season of a TV horror show can deliver more scares than an entire series of movies -- and then there are Seasons 2, 3 and beyond. Here are some of the scariest TV series on television that are available to binge on streaming services. Ash Vs. Evil Dead - Starz and Netflix Advertisement
Bruce Campbell returns to his iconic role as demon fighter Ash Williams in Starz's sequel series to the Evil Dead trilogy. The series on Starz is every bit as graphically bloody as the movies and shows Ash's irreverent sense of humor, as well as slapstick comedy.
Dark Shadows - Hulu and Hoopla
Vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) has his own soap opera. Hulu and Hoopla each have a selection of seasons streaming, and more for purchase on Amazon Prime. That's still a fraction of his 1,200+ episodes, but you'd have to be an immortal vampire to have time to watch them all!
Advertisement
The Haunting of Hill House - Netflix
Mike Flanagan adapted the Shirley Jackson book that was the basis for the Robert Wise and Jan de Bont films. So many ghosts appear that you might have to watch it again to see them all, but Flanagan explores a family's grief as much as their curse. Season 2 will be The Haunting of Bly Manor.
Monsters - Amazon Prime
This horror anthology features a new standalone episode every week with a brand new monster. There were traditional monsters like zombies, vampires, trolls, witches and ghosts, but also a few surprises like an animated finger or an alien like Glim-Glim. Now you can see all the show's creations all at once, and they're only half-hour episodes -- actually 21 minutes, now that the commercials are gone.
Dracula - Netflix
More than 120 years after Bram Stoker wrote the classic vampire novel, Count Dracula is trending again. Season 1 of the BBC series was a hit on Netflix with Claes Bang as the count in a historical drama set in 1897 Transylvania.
Advertisement
Castle Rock - Hulu
Stephen King has featured the town of Castle Rock in many books. The show combines King's books into a new story. Scott Glenn plays Castle Rock Sheriff Alan Pangborn, from The Dark Half and Needful Things. Jane Levy plays Jackie Torrance, niece of The Shining's killer dad Jack Torrance. Lizzy Caplan plays Annie Wilkes, the No. 1 fan from Misery. They even visit Shawshank prison.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - Netflix
The creator of Riverdale takes Sabrina the Teenage Witch back to her horror roots for Netflix. Kiernan Shipka plays the spunky young magician battling magic that's as dark and sinister as Netflix allows. Not to be confused with the Melissa Joan Hart sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Netflix's Chilling Adventures live up to their name.
The Walking Dead - Netflix, AMC
Based on Robert Kirkman's long-running comic, AMC's series has run 10 seasons plus more spin-off series. New graphic zombies hobble along every week, but the real horror is man's inhumanity to man among the survivors, a rotating cast of actors who join for as long as they can survive. Only Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride have been there since the beginning.
Advertisement
American Horror Story - Hulu, Netflix, Prime, FXNOW
Every season of Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story is a different story with a new cast. You usually can count on some regulars such as Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett, while your Lady Gagas and Evan Peterses pop in and out. They've done ghost stories, witch stories, serial killers, end of the world and pretty much anything that can terrify you.
Tales from the Crypt - To Buy on Amazon, Apple, Vudu, Google Play
Based on the pulp comic books, HBO's anthology series landed A-list casts and even bigger names directing its gory episodes. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael J. Fox and Tom Hanks each directed one. The star, though, is The Crypt Keeper, a puppet that hosted each story with wisecracks and horror puns, voiced by John Kassir. Surprisingly, HBO has not kept this series on its streaming service, so you'll have to buy it. But each season gives you your money's worth.
Advertisement
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer - Hulu
True to its title, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a horror comedy. Few shows were funnier, but when it's scary, it lives up to the genre. The scariest moments for Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) were when her boyfriend Angel (David Boreanaz) turned into a real monster, and when her best friend, Willow (Alyson Hannigan), witched out.


upi--2020-05-28--U.N. warns 14M in Latin America could go hungry due to pandemic

May 28 ( UPI ) -- The U.N. World Food Programme warned that some 14 million people in Latin America could go hungry this year due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The figures released late Wednesday for 11 countries in the region including the Caribbean suggest a substantial increase of some 10 million people suffering from severe food insecurity this year compared to the 3.4 million facing the same conductions last year .
Miguel Barreto , WFP regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean , said assistance is needed to prevent the `` COVID-19 pandemic from becoming a hunger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and urgent that we provide food assistance to the growing number of vulnerable people in the region , as well as those who depend on informal work , '' he said .
The forecast is calculated based on the comparison between food insecurity in 2019 for the region and analysis of economic indicators after the COVID-19 pandemic began -- and the analysis for 2020 is not encouraging , the WFP said .
According to statistics from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean , the region is expected to experience a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is forecast to further exasperate the already precarious financial position of millions of people with limited access to food .
On Tuesday , the Pan American Health Organization said the Americas had surpassed Europe to become the epicenter of the pandemic , showing particular concern over Latin countries , many of which have seen growing numbers of new cases .
Brazil has recently leaped into second in the world in terms of infections with 414,661 cases and recorded 22,301 cases on Wednesday , the most of any country during the 24-hour period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The WFP is urging countries to provide additional support to those in need and to expand their coverage to migrants and people without formal employment .
`` Working together , we can minimize the risk of food insecurity and protect the most vulnerable countries and communities from the potentially devastating effects of the pandemic , '' Barreto said .

The U.N. World Food Programme is urging countries to do more to help those in Latin American countries facing severe food insecurity. Photo courtesy of World Food Programme
May 28 (UPI) -- The U.N. World Food Programme warned that some 14 million people in Latin America could go hungry this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The figures released late Wednesday for 11 countries in the region including the Caribbean suggest a substantial increase of some 10 million people suffering from severe food insecurity this year compared to the 3.4 million facing the same conductions last year. Advertisement
Miguel Barreto, WFP regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said assistance is needed to prevent the "COVID-19 pandemic from becoming a hunger pandemic."
"It is vital and urgent that we provide food assistance to the growing number of vulnerable people in the region, as well as those who depend on informal work," he said.
The forecast is calculated based on the comparison between food insecurity in 2019 for the region and analysis of economic indicators after the COVID-19 pandemic began -- and the analysis for 2020 is not encouraging, the WFP said.
According to statistics from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the region is expected to experience a contraction of 5.3 percent in 2020, which is forecast to further exasperate the already precarious financial position of millions of people with limited access to food.
Advertisement
On Tuesday, the Pan American Health Organization said the Americas had surpassed Europe to become the epicenter of the pandemic, showing particular concern over Latin countries, many of which have seen growing numbers of new cases.
Brazil has recently leaped into second in the world in terms of infections with 414,661 cases and recorded 22,301 cases on Wednesday, the most of any country during the 24-hour period, according to data compiled by worldometers.info.
The WFP is urging countries to provide additional support to those in need and to expand their coverage to migrants and people without formal employment.
"Working together, we can minimize the risk of food insecurity and protect the most vulnerable countries and communities from the potentially devastating effects of the pandemic," Barreto said.


upi--2020-05-28--Vaping may increase risk for gum disease

E-cigarettes can damage more than your lungs : New research shows that only a few months of vaping might also trigger gum disease .
`` Vaping is such a big assault on the oral environment , and the change happens dramatically and over a short period of time , '' said study senior author Dr. Purnima Kumar , a professor of periodontology at Ohio State University .
She and her team collected plaque samples from under the gums of 123 young and healthy people who had no current signs of oral disease : 25 smokers , 25 nonsmokers , 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-cigarettes and 28 people who smoked cigarettes and vaped .
The samples from the daily e-cigarette users had high levels of infection-causing bacteria that put them at high risk for a range of oral health problems .
The bacteria populations in vapers ' mouths resembled those of people with periodontitis , a gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and , if untreated , is a risk factor for heart and lung disease , according to the researchers .
The bacterial threat to oral health in vapers was seen whether they used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the heated and pressurized liquids in e-cigarette cartridges may transform vapers ' mouths into an ideal location for a dangerous combination of bacteria , the researchers said .
Even longtime current and former cigarette smokers in the study , whose smoking would have encouraged disease-causing oral bacteria , had high-risk oral bacteria populations associated with vaping after only three to 12 months of e-cigarette use .
The findings challenge claims that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes , Kumar noted .
`` If you stop smoking and start vaping instead , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bacterial profile but shift up to the vaping profile , '' Kumar said in a university news release .
`` Knowing the vaping profile is pathogen-rich , you 're not doing yourself any favors by using vaping to quit smoking . ''
The study was published May 27 in the journal Science Advances .
The American Cancer Society has more on the health risks of e-cigarettes .

E-cigarettes can damage more than your lungs: New research shows that only a few months of vaping might also trigger gum disease.
"Vaping is such a big assault on the oral environment, and the change happens dramatically and over a short period of time," said study senior author Dr. Purnima Kumar, a professor of periodontology at Ohio State University.
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She and her team collected plaque samples from under the gums of 123 young and healthy people who had no current signs of oral disease: 25 smokers, 25 nonsmokers, 20 e-cigarette users, 25 former smokers using e-cigarettes and 28 people who smoked cigarettes and vaped.
The samples from the daily e-cigarette users had high levels of infection-causing bacteria that put them at high risk for a range of oral health problems.
The bacteria populations in vapers' mouths resembled those of people with periodontitis, a gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and, if untreated, is a risk factor for heart and lung disease, according to the researchers.
The bacterial threat to oral health in vapers was seen whether they used nicotine or nicotine-free products.
That suggests that the heated and pressurized liquids in e-cigarette cartridges may transform vapers' mouths into an ideal location for a dangerous combination of bacteria, the researchers said.
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Even longtime current and former cigarette smokers in the study, whose smoking would have encouraged disease-causing oral bacteria, had high-risk oral bacteria populations associated with vaping after only three to 12 months of e-cigarette use.
The findings challenge claims that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes, Kumar noted.
"If you stop smoking and start vaping instead, you don't move back toward a healthy bacterial profile but shift up to the vaping profile," Kumar said in a university news release. "Knowing the vaping profile is pathogen-rich, you're not doing yourself any favors by using vaping to quit smoking."
The study was published May 27 in the journal Science Advances.
More information
The American Cancer Society has more on the health risks of e-cigarettes.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-28--Police arrest UConn student linked to two killings, ending multistate manhunt

May 27 ( UPI ) -- Police said late Wednesday officers arrested Peter Manfredonia in Maryland , bringing an end to a multistate manhunt for the university senior wanted in connection to two killings in Connecticut .
Manfredonia was taken into police custody in Hagerstown , about 75 miles northwest of Baltimore , Connecticut State Police announced via Twitter .
`` No injuries to any law enforcement personnel or Manfredonia , '' CT State Police said , adding CSP Eastern District Major Crime was on the scene .
The 23-year-old university senior is accused of killing Theodore Demers , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnamed person at a Willington residence on Friday and killing an acquaintance identified as Nicholas J. Eisele , 23 , on Sunday in Derby .
Police said he allegedly abducted a second person from the Debry home and drove a stolen car to New Jersey where he left the kidnapped victim and took an Uber to Pennsylvania .
Authorities made contact with the abducted victim near the Pennsylvania border and recovered the stolen vehicle , police said .
Manfredonia then traveled by Uber to an East Stroudsburg Walmart in possession of a duffle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons stolen from the first crime scene .
Pennsylvania State Police then issued a release earlier Wednesday stating Manfredonia was spotted at a Chambersburg convenience store near where a stolen Hyundai Santa Fe he was reported to have been driving was recovered .
Manfredonia was then said to have taken an Uber car to Hagerstown , where he was later arrested .
Michael Dolan , an attorney for the suspect 's family , said in a press conference earlier this week that Manfredonia suffered from mental health issues .
More information concerning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Police said .

Peter Manfredonia, 23, was arrested Wednesday in Maryland, several states away from Connecticut where he is accused of killing two people. Photo courtesy of Connecticut State Police Department/ Twitter
May 27 (UPI) -- Police said late Wednesday officers arrested Peter Manfredonia in Maryland, bringing an end to a multistate manhunt for the university senior wanted in connection to two killings in Connecticut. Manfredonia was taken into police custody in Hagerstown, about 75 miles northwest of Baltimore, Connecticut State Police announced via Twitter. Advertisement
"No injuries to any law enforcement personnel or Manfredonia," police said.The 23-year-old university senior is accused of killing Theodore Demers, 62, and injuring a second unnamed person at a Willington residence on Friday and killing an acquaintance identified as Nicholas J. Eisele, 23, on Sunday in Derby.
Police said he abducted a second person from the Derby home and drove a stolen car to New Jersey, where he left the kidnapped victim and took an Uber to Pennsylvania.
Authorities made contact with the abducted victim near the Pennsylvania border and recovered the stolen vehicle, police said.
Manfredonia then traveled by Uber to an East Stroudsburg Walmart in possession of a duffle bag police said held a cache of weapons stolen from the first crime scene.
Pennsylvania State Police issued a release earlier Wednesday stating Manfredonia was spotted at a Chambersburg convenience store near where a stolen Hyundai Santa Fe he was reported to have been driving was recovered.
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Manfredonia was then said to have taken an Uber car to Hagerstown, where he was arrested.
Michael Dolan, an attorney for Manfredonia's family, said in a press conference earlier this week that Manfredonia suffered from mental health issues.


upi--2020-05-27--United States ends Iran nuclear deal waivers

May 27 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration announced Wednesday it was ending all sanctions waivers permitting foreign companies to work at Iran 's nuclear facilities , further severing Washington from a 2015 accord that aimed to prevent Tehran from building a nuclear weapon .
In a statement , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said companies permitted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action deal 's waivers to work at Iranian nuclear facilities have 60 days to wind down operations .
The United States ' top diplomat said Iran 's ongoing provocative acts , nuclear gamesmanship and expanding `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintaining these sanctions waivers , which were some of the final attachments the United States had to the landmark Obama-era deal signed with Iran , Russia , China , France , Russia , Britain , and Germany .
Brian Hook , special representative for Iran and senior policy advisor to Pompeo , told reporters Wednesday he would not discuss how the deal 's European signatories whose companies were permitted to conduct peaceful work at the facilities under the waivers reacted to the move but reiterated what many in the Trump administration have long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not moderate the Iranian regime 's behavior . ''
`` We have seen the deal come at the expense of peace and stability in the Middle East because it gave an incentive for nations to look the other way on Iran 's non-nuclear threats , which include ballistic missile testing , missile and rocket proliferation , regional aggression and hostage-taking , '' he said .
President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal in May 2018 , calling it `` defective , '' and has since repeatedly slapped Iran with sanctions as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign to force Tehran back to the negotiating table over a new deal .
In turn , Iran has repeatedly taken steps to distance itself from the nuclear deal , such as breaching limits set in the JCPA on the production of enriched uranium , among others .
Tensions have skyrocketed between the two countries and edged them closer to war than they have been in decades as they engaged in marine skirmishes and the United States assassinated Qassem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps ' Quds Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests in Baghdad .
Days after Soleimani 's death , Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner , killing all 176 people on board , setting then ratcheting tensions to simmer , at least momentarily .
Hook said Wednesday that the Trump administration 's pressure campaign has `` constrained and countered '' the Iranian regime , depriving its ruling class of vast amounts of revenue that has forced them to the point of either negotiating with the United States or facing economic collapse .
`` Iran 's economy is especially grim because the autocratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an economic catastrophe for the Iranian people , '' he told reporters via teleconference .
Pompeo , in his statement , also said they will not allow Iran to gain nuclear weapons capability .
`` A regime that just days ago invoked 'The Final Solution ' and which regularly threatens to wipe Israel off the map must never obtain a nuclear weapon , '' he said , in reference to a cartoon that was posted to the Twitter account of Khamenei , Iran 's spiritual leader .
Robert Malley , president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of former President Barack Obama 's team that negotiated the JCPA , remarked via Twitter that revoking the waivers may reduce foreign oversight of its nuclear development .
`` Today , in a statement ironically called 'Keeping the World Safe from Iran 's Nuclear Program , ' [ Pompeo ] did away with the waivers -- thereby potentially reducing oversight , increasing proliferation risks , loosening constraints & enabling reconstitution of worrisome sites , '' he said .
Christopher Ashley Ford , assistant secretary at the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the projects affected did n't provide added visibility .
`` What is important is the continued visibility provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency and its safeguards inspectors into what the Iranian nuclear program is doing , '' Ford told reporters .
`` And we are , of course , strongly committed to continuing to support the IAEA and make sure that the rest of the international community joins as one in voicing support for the IAEA doing its job . ''
Pompeo also announced the blacklisting of Majid Agha ' i and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weapons of mass destruction through their work at the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization .
`` Iran 's nuclear personnel need to make a choice -- work for Iranian proliferation organizations and risk being sanctioned or put their skills to work for the Iranian people in pursuits outside of the proliferation realm , '' he said .
Concerning an additional project at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant , Pompeo said he authorized a 90-day extension `` to ensure safety of operations . ''
Hook explained that international assistance at the Busher facilities predates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary retains the right to revoke or modify this waiver at any time , '' he said .

A handout file picture made available by the Iranian Presidency Office shows Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visiting the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the city of Bushehr, southern Iran, in 2015. Photo courtesy of Iranian Presidency Office/EPA-EFE
May 27 (UPI) -- The Trump administration announced Wednesday it was ending all sanctions waivers permitting foreign companies to work at Iran's nuclear facilities, further severing Washington from a 2015 accord that aimed to prevent Tehran from building a nuclear weapon. In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said companies permitted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action deal's waivers to work at Iranian nuclear facilities have 60 days to wind down operations. Advertisement
The United States' top diplomat said Iran's ongoing provocative acts, nuclear gamesmanship and expanding "proliferation-sensitive activities" prevent him from justifying maintaining these sanctions waivers, which were some of the final attachments the United States had to the landmark Obama-era deal signed with Iran, Russia, China, France, Russia, Britain, and Germany.
Brian Hook, special representative for Iran and senior policy advisor to Pompeo, told reporters Wednesday he would not discuss how the deal's European signatories whose companies were permitted to conduct peaceful work at the facilities under the waivers reacted to the move but reiterated what many in the Trump administration have long said: "the Iran nuclear deal did not moderate the Iranian regime's behavior."
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"We have seen the deal come at the expense of peace and stability in the Middle East because it gave an incentive for nations to look the other way on Iran's non-nuclear threats, which include ballistic missile testing, missile and rocket proliferation, regional aggression and hostage-taking," he said.
President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal in May 2018, calling it "defective," and has since repeatedly slapped Iran with sanctions as part of its "extreme pressure" campaign to force Tehran back to the negotiating table over a new deal.
In turn, Iran has repeatedly taken steps to distance itself from the nuclear deal, such as breaching limits set in the JCPA on the production of enriched uranium, among others.
Tensions have skyrocketed between the two countries and edged them closer to war than they have been in decades as they engaged in marine skirmishes and the United States assassinated Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, early this year in retaliation to protests in Baghdad.
Days after Soleimani's death, Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 people on board, setting then ratcheting tensions to simmer, at least momentarily.
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Hook said Wednesday that the Trump administration's pressure campaign has "constrained and countered" the Iranian regime, depriving its ruling class of vast amounts of revenue that has forced them to the point of either negotiating with the United States or facing economic collapse.
"Iran's economy is especially grim because the autocratic rule of the ayatollahs has proven to be an economic catastrophe for the Iranian people," he told reporters via teleconference.
Pompeo, in his statement, also said they will not allow Iran to gain nuclear weapons capability.
"A regime that just days ago invoked 'The Final Solution' and which regularly threatens to wipe Israel off the map must never obtain a nuclear weapon," he said, in reference to a cartoon that was posted to the Twitter account of Khamenei, Iran's spiritual leader.
Robert Malley, president and CEO of Crisis Group and a member of former President Barack Obama's team that negotiated the JCPA, remarked via Twitter that revoking the waivers may reduce foreign oversight of its nuclear development.
"Today, in a statement ironically called 'Keeping the World Safe from Iran's Nuclear Program,' [Pompeo] did away with the waivers -- thereby potentially reducing oversight, increasing proliferation risks, loosening constraints & enabling reconstitution of worrisome sites," he said.
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Christopher Ashley Ford, assistant secretary at the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the State Department, disagreed, stating the projects affected didn't provide added visibility.
"What is important is the continued visibility provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency and its safeguards inspectors into what the Iranian nuclear program is doing," Ford told reporters. "And we are, of course, strongly committed to continuing to support the IAEA and make sure that the rest of the international community joins as one in voicing support for the IAEA doing its job."
Pompeo also announced the blacklisting of Majid Agha'i and Amjad Sazgar for supporting Iran's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through their work at the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization.
"Iran's nuclear personnel need to make a choice -- work for Iranian proliferation organizations and risk being sanctioned or put their skills to work for the Iranian people in pursuits outside of the proliferation realm," he said.
Concerning an additional project at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Pompeo said he authorized a 90-day extension "to ensure safety of operations."
Hook explained that international assistance at the Busher facilities predates the 2015 nuclear deal.
"The secretary retains the right to revoke or modify this waiver at any time," he said.


upi--2020-05-27--Basketball Hall of Fame delaying 2020 enshrinement ceremony until 2021

May 27 ( UPI ) -- The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is postponing its enshrinement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Jerry Colangelo , the chairman of the board of the governors for the Hall of Fame , told ESPN on Wednesday that the original dates for enshrinement weekend ( Aug. 28-30 ) and the proposed alternate dates ( Oct. 10-12 ) are `` just not feasible . ''
He noted that the board of governors will meet June 10 to figure out potential spring dates .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's going to have to be the first quarter of next year .
We 'll meet in a couple of weeks and look at the options of how and when and where . ''
The star-studded 2020 class , which includes Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant , San Antonio Spurs great Tim Duncan and former Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett , will still have its own ceremony despite the postponement .
Colangelo stressed there will be separate ceremonies for this year 's class and the Class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be held in the same calendar year .
`` We wo n't be combining them , '' Colangelo said .
`` The Class of 2020 is a very special class and deserves its own celebration . ''
Bryant , Duncan and Garnett will be joined by 10-time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings , four-time National Coach of the Year Eddie Sutton , who died Saturday , two-time NBA champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich , five-time Division II National Coach of the Year Barbara Stevens , former FIBA and IOC executive Patrick Baumann and coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national champion at Baylor .
This year 's enshrinement ceremony was scheduled to take place Aug. 29 at Symphony Hall in Springfield , Mass .

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (24) and San Antonio Spurs great Tim Duncan (R) were among nine individuals selected for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in early April. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 27 (UPI) -- The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is postponing its enshrinement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Jerry Colangelo, the chairman of the board of the governors for the Hall of Fame, told ESPN on Wednesday that the original dates for enshrinement weekend (Aug. 28-30) and the proposed alternate dates (Oct. 10-12) are "just not feasible." He noted that the board of governors will meet June 10 to figure out potential spring dates. Advertisement
"We're definitely canceling," Colangelo said. "It's going to have to be the first quarter of next year. We'll meet in a couple of weeks and look at the options of how and when and where."
The star-studded 2020 class, which includes Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, San Antonio Spurs great Tim Duncan and former Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett, will still have its own ceremony despite the postponement.
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Colangelo stressed there will be separate ceremonies for this year's class and the Class of 2021, even though both events will be held in the same calendar year.
"We won't be combining them," Colangelo said. "The Class of 2020 is a very special class and deserves its own celebration."
Bryant, Duncan and Garnett will be joined by 10-time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings, four-time National Coach of the Year Eddie Sutton, who died Saturday, two-time NBA champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich, five-time Division II National Coach of the Year Barbara Stevens, former FIBA and IOC executive Patrick Baumann and coach Kim Mulkey, a three-time women's national champion at Baylor.
This year's enshrinement ceremony was scheduled to take place Aug. 29 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Mass.


upi--2020-05-27--House scraps vote on FISA bill; conducts first proxy floor vote in history

May 27 ( UPI ) -- The House on Wednesday scrapped a vote to reauthorize surveillance authorities under the Foreign Surveillance Act , as it carried out the first proxy votes in its history .
The move to cancel the vote came after President Donald Trump urged Republicans in the House to vote against the bill on Tuesday , before threatening to veto the measure on Wednesday .
`` If the FISA bill is passed tonight on the House floor , I will quickly VETO it , '' Trump wrote on Twitter .
`` Our country has just suffered through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The massive abuse of FISA was a big part of it ! ''
The House previously passed the reauthorizations 278-136 in March , but the measure was sent back to the chamber after the Senate adopted an amendment providing increased protections for targets for FISA warrants .
Earlier in the day , the House conducted its first proxy vote , voting 413-1 in favor of legislation calling for sanctions against Chinese officials for the detention of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region .
More than 70 House Democrats designated to have another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed the resolution earlier this month allowing lawmakers unable to travel to Washington , D.C. , to designate another representative as a proxy to cast votes on their behalf for the first time in its 200-year history .
The measure passed by a vote of 217-189 and received no support from Republican lawmakers .
The House has not returned from its coronavirus-imposed recess in March , while the Senate returned earlier this month with restrictions .
The House implemented the new policy over concerns the pandemic restrictions might severely impact its ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 House members compared to just 100 in the Senate .
Proxy voting is designed to enable lawmakers to conduct legislative business if they are unable to be physically present in Washington , D.C. , whether it be due to illness , transportation trouble or another coronavirus-related issue .
No Republican designated proxies and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and 20 other GOP lawmakers filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the proxy voting method as unconstitutional .
`` This is not simply arcane parliamentary procedure .
It is a brazen violation of the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected officials and would silence the American people 's voice during a crisis , '' McCarthy , R-Calif. , said .
`` Although I wish this matter could have been solved on a bipartisan basis , the stakes are too high to let this injustice go unaddressed . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed the lawsuit as a `` sad stunt '' and accused Republicans of trying to delay and obstruct legislation that would be helpful to Americans at a time of crisis .
`` The House made its will clear two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting by proxy and other necessary measures to ensure that Congress can continue to protect lives and livelihoods , '' she said .
`` The House 's position that remote voting by proxy during a pandemic is fully consistent with the Constitution is supported by legal analyses .
`` Further , the Supreme Court made clear over a century ago that the Constitution empowers each chamber of Congress to set its own procedural rules . ''
Proxy voting in the House is a temporary measure and must again be authorized after a 45-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed proxy voting on the chamber floor but used to permit proxy voting in committee as recently as 1995 .

The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, D.C., on May 12. The full House has yet to return to the complex to conduct in-person business. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
May 27 (UPI) -- The House on Wednesday scrapped a vote to reauthorize surveillance authorities under the Foreign Surveillance Act, as it carried out the first proxy votes in its history. The move to cancel the vote came after President Donald Trump urged Republicans in the House to vote against the bill on Tuesday, before threatening to veto the measure on Wednesday. Advertisement
"If the FISA bill is passed tonight on the House floor, I will quickly VETO it," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Our country has just suffered through the greatest political crime in its history. The massive abuse of FISA was a big part of it!"
The House previously passed the reauthorizations 278-136 in March, but the measure was sent back to the chamber after the Senate adopted an amendment providing increased protections for targets for FISA warrants.
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Earlier in the day, the House conducted its first proxy vote, voting 413-1 in favor of legislation calling for sanctions against Chinese officials for the detention of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region.
More than 70 House Democrats designated to have another lawmaker cast their vote.
The House passed the resolution earlier this month allowing lawmakers unable to travel to Washington, D.C., to designate another representative as a proxy to cast votes on their behalf for the first time in its 200-year history.
The measure passed by a vote of 217-189 and received no support from Republican lawmakers.
The House has not returned from its coronavirus-imposed recess in March, while the Senate returned earlier this month with restrictions. The House implemented the new policy over concerns the pandemic restrictions might severely impact its ability to function, as there are more than 400 House members compared to just 100 in the Senate.
Proxy voting is designed to enable lawmakers to conduct legislative business if they are unable to be physically present in Washington, D.C., whether it be due to illness, transportation trouble or another coronavirus-related issue.
No Republican designated proxies and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and 20 other GOP lawmakers filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the proxy voting method as unconstitutional.
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"This is not simply arcane parliamentary procedure. It is a brazen violation of the Constitution, a dereliction of our duty as elected officials and would silence the American people's voice during a crisis," McCarthy, R-Calif., said. "Although I wish this matter could have been solved on a bipartisan basis, the stakes are too high to let this injustice go unaddressed."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed the lawsuit as a "sad stunt" and accused Republicans of trying to delay and obstruct legislation that would be helpful to Americans at a time of crisis.
"The House made its will clear two weeks ago when it voted to implement remote voting by proxy and other necessary measures to ensure that Congress can continue to protect lives and livelihoods," she said. "The House's position that remote voting by proxy during a pandemic is fully consistent with the Constitution is supported by legal analyses.
"Further, the Supreme Court made clear over a century ago that the Constitution empowers each chamber of Congress to set its own procedural rules."
Proxy voting in the House is a temporary measure and must again be authorized after a 45-day period.
The House has never before allowed proxy voting on the chamber floor but used to permit proxy voting in committee as recently as 1995.


upi--2020-05-27--New York Knicks hire three executives, give GM Scott Perry one-year extension

May 27 ( UPI ) -- The New York Knicks added three executives and extended the contract of general manager Scott Perry as the organization continues to build around new team president Leon Rose .
The Knicks hired Brock Aller as vice president of basketball and strategic planning .
Walt Perrin was named assistant general manager for college scouting and Frank Zanin as assistant general manager for pro scouting .
`` We have assembled a diverse front office comprised of highly regarded and experienced basketball executives who have influenced some of the most successful players and organizations in the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` These additions will complement the structure we already have in place and assist us in acquiring talent and developing strategies to build a team our fans can be proud of . ''
Aller spent the past seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers , serving as senior director of basketball operations for the last three .
Perrin was with the Utah Jazz for 19 seasons , including the last 12 years as vice president of player personnel .
Zanin is a former assistant general manager for the Brooklyn Nets ( 2013-16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oklahoma City Thunder 's pro scout for three seasons .
Meanwhile , the Knicks gave Perry a one-year contract extension that will run through the 2020-21 campaign .
Financial details of the pact were n't disclosed .
Rose , who was a longtime player agent before joining the Knicks , was hired as team president in early March .

The New York Knicks hired Brock Aller, Walt Perrin and Frank Zanin to work in new team president Leon Rose's front office. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 27 (UPI) -- The New York Knicks added three executives and extended the contract of general manager Scott Perry as the organization continues to build around new team president Leon Rose. The Knicks hired Brock Aller as vice president of basketball and strategic planning. Walt Perrin was named assistant general manager for college scouting and Frank Zanin as assistant general manager for pro scouting. Advertisement
"We have assembled a diverse front office comprised of highly regarded and experienced basketball executives who have influenced some of the most successful players and organizations in the league," Rose said in a statement Wednesday.
"These additions will complement the structure we already have in place and assist us in acquiring talent and developing strategies to build a team our fans can be proud of."
Aller spent the past seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, serving as senior director of basketball operations for the last three. Perrin was with the Utah Jazz for 19 seasons, including the last 12 years as vice president of player personnel.
Zanin is a former assistant general manager for the Brooklyn Nets (2013-16) and most recently worked as the Oklahoma City Thunder's pro scout for three seasons.
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Meanwhile, the Knicks gave Perry a one-year contract extension that will run through the 2020-21 campaign. Financial details of the pact weren't disclosed.
Rose, who was a longtime player agent before joining the Knicks, was hired as team president in early March.


upi--2020-05-27--Historic swarm of locusts descends upon India, destroying crops

May 27 ( UPI ) -- India is experiencing a historic swarm of locusts as the country also deals with the COVID-19 pandemic and sweltering heat .
Swarms of desert locusts have descended upon portions of the states of Rajasthan , Gujarat , Maharashtra , Madhya , Pradesh , Punjab and Uttar Pradesh , while alerts were issued in the capital city of Delhi warning the insects could soon arrive there .
India 's Locust Warning Organization has said at least 10 swarms of up to 80 million locusts have made their way through India , destroying crops .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country has ever seen , coming before their usual migration from Pakistan between July and October and extending far beyond Rajasthan , where they have historically been centralized .
Experts say that extreme heat in the nation , which has reached highs of 122 degrees , has contributed to the uncommonly large swarm .
`` The outbreak started after warm waters in the western Indian Ocean in late 2019 fueled heavy amounts of rains over east Africa and the Arabian Peninsula , '' Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll , a senior scientist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` These warm waters were caused by the phenomenon called the Indian Ocean Dipole -- with warmer than usual waters to its west and cooler waters to its east .
Rising temperatures due to global warming amplified the dipole and made the western Indian Ocean particularly warm . ''
The swarms have destroyed about 123,500 acres of cropland in the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states .
States , including Jaipur , have deployed drones to spray locusts in order to clear the areas of locusts .
`` It has successfully contained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area and on the foothills where it was not possible for the usual tractors to make it reach .
A detailed assessment of its impact is being studied by the field officers , '' said Om Prakash , commissioner of the Jaipur state agriculture department .
The drones are attached with spray tanks that can disperse chemicals for 10 minutes before being refilled by a handler .
`` The biggest advantage of the drone is that it can fly above the flying zone of the locusts giving the flexibility to the officials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying .
Earlier , the operations were restricted to when they are resting n a tree or on a crop , '' Prakesh said .

May 27 (UPI) -- India is experiencing a historic swarm of locusts as the country also deals with the COVID-19 pandemic and sweltering heat.
Swarms of desert locusts have descended upon portions of the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya, Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, while alerts were issued in the capital city of Delhi warning the insects could soon arrive there.
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India's Locust Warning Organization has said at least 10 swarms of up to 80 million locusts have made their way through India, destroying crops.
The organization said locust infestation is the worst the country has ever seen, coming before their usual migration from Pakistan between July and October and extending far beyond Rajasthan, where they have historically been centralized.
Experts say that extreme heat in the nation, which has reached highs of 122 degrees, has contributed to the uncommonly large swarm.
"The outbreak started after warm waters in the western Indian Ocean in late 2019 fueled heavy amounts of rains over east Africa and the Arabian Peninsula," Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll, a senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, said. "These warm waters were caused by the phenomenon called the Indian Ocean Dipole -- with warmer than usual waters to its west and cooler waters to its east. Rising temperatures due to global warming amplified the dipole and made the western Indian Ocean particularly warm."
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The swarms have destroyed about 123,500 acres of cropland in the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states.
States, including Jaipur, have deployed drones to spray locusts in order to clear the areas of locusts.
"It has successfully contained the movement of locusts in an open area and on the foothills where it was not possible for the usual tractors to make it reach. A detailed assessment of its impact is being studied by the field officers," said Om Prakash, commissioner of the Jaipur state agriculture department.
The drones are attached with spray tanks that can disperse chemicals for 10 minutes before being refilled by a handler.
"The biggest advantage of the drone is that it can fly above the flying zone of the locusts giving the flexibility to the officials to carry out combat operation while they are flying. Earlier, the operations were restricted to when they are resting n a tree or on a crop," Prakesh said.


upi--2020-05-27--Former Atlanta Braves catcher Biff Pocoroba dies at 66

May 27 ( UPI ) -- Former Atlanta Braves catcher Biff Pocoroba , who was an All-Star selection with the club in 1978 , has died at the age of 66 , the team announced Wednesday .
No cause of death has been announced .
`` We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Braves catcher Biff Pocoroba , '' the Braves said in a statement .
`` We share our deepest condolences to his family and friends . ''
Pocoroba , born in Burbank , Calif. , was selected by the Braves in the 17th round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team in 1975 and spent all 10 of his major league seasons with the club .
He recorded 21 home runs with 172 RBIs and a .257 batting average in his MLB career .
Pocoroba 's best season came in 1977 , when he had a .290 average with eight homers and 44 RBIs in 113 games .
He was selected as an All-Star reserve the following year .
Former Braves teammate Dale Murphy paid tribute to Pocoroba on social media Tuesday , recalling the catcher 's defensive prowess .
`` Very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family lost another key member of our early 80s team , '' Murphy wrote on Twitter .
`` Poco once threw out 11 straight base-stealers in spring training .
With shoulder problems he became our go-to [ left-handed ] bat off the bench . ''
Pocoroba is survived by his wife , Jody Karin Raymond , four children and 15 grandchildren .
A private memorial service is scheduled for Friday .

Former Atlanta Braves catcher Biff Pocoroba played all 10 of his major league seasons with the organization. File Photo by Paul Abell/UPI | License Photo
May 27 (UPI) -- Former Atlanta Braves catcher Biff Pocoroba, who was an All-Star selection with the club in 1978, has died at the age of 66, the team announced Wednesday. No cause of death has been announced. Advertisement
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Braves catcher Biff Pocoroba," the Braves said in a statement. "We share our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Pocoroba, born in Burbank, Calif., was selected by the Braves in the 17th round of the 1971 amateur draft. He joined the team in 1975 and spent all 10 of his major league seasons with the club. He recorded 21 home runs with 172 RBIs and a .257 batting average in his MLB career.
Pocoroba's best season came in 1977, when he had a .290 average with eight homers and 44 RBIs in 113 games. He was selected as an All-Star reserve the following year.
Former Braves teammate Dale Murphy paid tribute to Pocoroba on social media Tuesday, recalling the catcher's defensive prowess.
"Very sad to hear that the @Braves family lost another key member of our early 80s team," Murphy wrote on Twitter. "Poco once threw out 11 straight base-stealers in spring training. With shoulder problems he became our go-to [left-handed] bat off the bench."
Advertisement Very sad to hear that the @Braves family lost another key member of our early 80s team. Poco once threw out 11 straight base-stealers in spring training. With shoulder problems he became our go-to LH bat off the bench. #rippoco pic.twitter.com/hgJzmTu7Zj— Dale Murphy (@DaleMurphy3) May 27, 2020
Pocoroba is survived by his wife, Jody Karin Raymond, four children and 15 grandchildren. A private memorial service is scheduled for Friday.


upi--2020-05-28--Minnesota gov. activates National Guard in response to George Floyd protests

May 28 ( UPI ) -- Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz on Thursday signed an executive order activating the National Guard in response to protests over the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Walz said he issued the order at the request of local leaders who called on the state government for National Guard resources after `` extensive damage to private property '' occurred during the protests .
`` As governor , I will always defend the right to protest , '' Walz said .
`` It is how we express pain , process tragedy and create change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our local leaders ' request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators , neighbors and small businesses in Minnesota . ''
In addition to the National Guard , approximately 200 Minnesota State Patrol troopers will be deployed along with state patrol helicopters and fixed wing aircraft to assist law enforcement officers on the ground .
Floyd died Monday after he was restrained by a Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin , who knelt on his neck .
Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a grocery store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has made investigating his death a `` top priority , '' as protests have erupted nationwide to demand justice .
Video of Floyd 's arrest , in which he is heard telling officers he ca n't breathe , spawned immediate shock and civil unrest in Minneapolis that later spread to other cities nationwide Wednesday .
Activists have said the use of force against Floyd -- an African-American man -- was racially motivated .
The U.S. Attorney 's Office in Minnesota , the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the FBI 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducting `` a robust '' criminal investigation . ''
`` The Department of Justice has made the investigation a top priority and has assigned experienced prosecutors and FBI criminal investigators to the matter , '' they said .
The New York Police Department said 40 people were arrested during a protest in Union Square during which 100 protesters lined up face-to-face with police .
Police said there was shoving between officers and protesters at around 4 p.m. and another fight broke out bout an hour later .
Two officers were injured during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of demonstrators organized by Black Lives Matter-LA marched in downtown Los Angeles and at one point blocked a freeway .
Some protesters vandalized a California Highway Patrol car by smashing its rear window .
The demonstration ultimately drew an angry crowd outside of the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice .
In Tennessee , dozens of protesters gathered outside police department headquarters in Memphis and engaged in verbal confrontations with several dozen officers and a couple counterprotesters .
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called for the arrest of Chauvin .
The Minneapolis Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other officers -- J. Alexander Kueng , Thomas Lane and Tou Thao -- who were involved .
The Minneapolis neighborhood where Floyd died was the site of more violence and looting Wednesday , with protesters throwing rocks at a local police precinct station and setting fire to buildings .
A man was shot to death during the violence .
Police said a man was in custody in connection with the incident .
A survey on Thursday morning revealed extensive damage .
A Wendy 's restaurant and an AutoZone auto parts store had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pair of apartment buildings under construction nearby .
A Target store and a grocery store had been looted while scores of other businesses in the area sustained property damage .
`` It 's like a war came through here last night , '' store owner Julie Ingebretsen told Minnesota Public Radio .
`` It 's just destruction .
And it makes me so sad , I can hardly stand it . ''
Philonise Floyd , George 's brother , called him `` a gentle giant '' who would n't hurt anybody .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my brother , '' he told CNN .
A native of Houston , Floyd , 46 , worked as a security guard at a Minneapolis bistro for five years before his death .

1/17
NYPD Police Officers arrest Black Lives Matter protesters during a demonstration over the police-involved killing of Geroge Floyd at Union Square in New York City on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 28 (UPI) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday signed an executive order activating the National Guard in response to protests over the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Walz said he issued the order at the request of local leaders who called on the state government for National Guard resources after "extensive damage to private property" occurred during the protests. Advertisement
"As governor, I will always defend the right to protest," Walz said. "It is how we express pain, process tragedy and create change. That is why I am answering our local leaders' request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators, neighbors and small businesses in Minnesota."
In addition to the National Guard, approximately 200 Minnesota State Patrol troopers will be deployed along with state patrol helicopters and fixed wing aircraft to assist law enforcement officers on the ground.
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Floyd died Monday after he was restrained by a Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck. Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a grocery store.
The U.S. Justice Department said Thursday it has made investigating his death a "top priority," as protests have erupted nationwide to demand justice.
Video of Floyd's arrest, in which he is heard telling officers he can't breathe, spawned immediate shock and civil unrest in Minneapolis that later spread to other cities nationwide Wednesday. Activists have said the use of force against Floyd -- an African-American man -- was racially motivated.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the FBI's Minneapolis Field Office said Thursday they're conducting "a robust" criminal investigation."
"The Department of Justice has made the investigation a top priority and has assigned experienced prosecutors and FBI criminal investigators to the matter," they said.
The New York Police Department said 40 people were arrested during a protest in Union Square during which 100 protesters lined up face-to-face with police.
Police said there was shoving between officers and protesters at around 4 p.m. and another fight broke out bout an hour later. Two officers were injured during the demonstrations.
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In Southern California, hundreds of demonstrators organized by Black Lives Matter-LA marched in downtown Los Angeles and at one point blocked a freeway. Some protesters vandalized a California Highway Patrol car by smashing its rear window.
The demonstration ultimately drew an angry crowd outside of the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice.
In Tennessee, dozens of protesters gathered outside police department headquarters in Memphis and engaged in verbal confrontations with several dozen officers and a couple counterprotesters.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called for the arrest of Chauvin. The Minneapolis Police Department said it fired him and three other officers -- J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao -- who were involved.
The Minneapolis neighborhood where Floyd died was the site of more violence and looting Wednesday, with protesters throwing rocks at a local police precinct station and setting fire to buildings.
A man was shot to death during the violence. Police said a man was in custody in connection with the incident.
A survey on Thursday morning revealed extensive damage. A Wendy's restaurant and an AutoZone auto parts store had been completely destroyed by fire, as had a pair of apartment buildings under construction nearby.
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A Target store and a grocery store had been looted while scores of other businesses in the area sustained property damage.
"It's like a war came through here last night," store owner Julie Ingebretsen told Minnesota Public Radio. "It's just destruction. And it makes me so sad, I can hardly stand it."
Philonise Floyd, George's brother, called him "a gentle giant" who wouldn't hurt anybody.
"Knowing my brother is to love my brother," he told CNN.
A native of Houston, Floyd, 46, worked as a security guard at a Minneapolis bistro for five years before his death.


upi--2020-05-28--Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins ranks himself ahead of Julio Jones, Michael Thomas

May 28 ( UPI ) -- New Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins believes he 's the best pass-catcher in the NFL , ranking himself ahead of Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones and New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas .
Hopkins , speaking Thursday on ESPN 's Jalen & Jacoby Show , said his numbers would be higher if he did n't endure inconsistent quarterback play in Houston .
`` I definitely think I 'm the best , '' Hopkins said .
`` I know I 'm the best .
Mike 's my boy .
I love Michael Thomas ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brees my whole career what these numbers would be .
Julio Jones knows if I had Matt Ryan my whole career .
That 's my boy .
I trained with Julio , too .
He knows what these numbers would be .
`` Those guys are definitely blessed to be in a position where , their whole career , they had a Pro Bowl quarterback -- quarterback that they spent multiple seasons with .
But I do n't complain .
I do n't make excuses .
I go out there and work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterbacks since being drafted by the Texans in 2013 .
The four-time Pro Bowl receiver enjoyed his most success with current Houston signal-caller Deshaun Watson , who was drafted in 2017 .
With Watson under center , Hopkins recorded 268 catches for 3,373 yards and 25 touchdowns in 38 games .
Hopkins ' receiving yards from Watson -- who played only seven games in 2017 because of a torn ACL -- were the eighth-most in the league during that span .
Overall , Hopkins has the third-most receiving yards since 2017 with 4,115 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins , who was traded to the Cardinals in March , ranked 11th in receiving last season with 1,165 yards .
He totaled 104 receptions and seven touchdowns in his final year with the Texans .

Former Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) caught passes from 10 different quarterbacks since being drafted by the Texans in 2013. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
May 28 (UPI) -- New Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins believes he's the best pass-catcher in the NFL, ranking himself ahead of Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones and New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas. Hopkins, speaking Thursday on ESPN's Jalen & Jacoby Show, said his numbers would be higher if he didn't endure inconsistent quarterback play in Houston. Advertisement
"I definitely think I'm the best," Hopkins said. "I know I'm the best. Mike's my boy. I love Michael Thomas ... but he knows if I had Drew Brees my whole career what these numbers would be. Julio Jones knows if I had Matt Ryan my whole career. That's my boy. I trained with Julio, too. He knows what these numbers would be.
"Those guys are definitely blessed to be in a position where, their whole career, they had a Pro Bowl quarterback -- quarterback that they spent multiple seasons with. But I don't complain. I don't make excuses. I go out there and work."
Advertisement "I definitely think I am the best, I know I am the best" DeAndre Hopkins on where he thinks he stacks up against the other WR's in the game @JalenRose @djacoby @DeAndreHopkins pic.twitter.com/PFvV0pdXgR— Jalen & Jacoby (@JalenandJacoby) May 28, 2020
Hopkins caught passes from 10 different quarterbacks since being drafted by the Texans in 2013. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver enjoyed his most success with current Houston signal-caller Deshaun Watson, who was drafted in 2017.
With Watson under center, Hopkins recorded 268 catches for 3,373 yards and 25 touchdowns in 38 games. Hopkins' receiving yards from Watson -- who played only seven games in 2017 because of a torn ACL -- were the eighth-most in the league during that span.
Overall, Hopkins has the third-most receiving yards since 2017 with 4,115, trailing only Jones and Thomas.
Hopkins, who was traded to the Cardinals in March, ranked 11th in receiving last season with 1,165 yards. He totaled 104 receptions and seven touchdowns in his final year with the Texans.


upi--2020-05-28--Ex-New Orleans Saints CB Eli Apple agrees to deal with Carolina Panthers

May 28 ( UPI ) -- The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple , the team announced Thursday .
Apple previously reached a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this off-season , but the two sides could n't finalize the agreement and he became a free agent again .
The New York Giants selected Apple in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State .
The 24-year-old cornerback has displayed both great potential and inconsistency since entering the league .
Over his four-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple has recorded three interceptions and 33 passes defensed in 55 games ( 48 starts ) .
His best season came in 2018 , when he notched career highs in total tackles ( 75 ) , interceptions ( two ) and passes defensed ( 14 ) in 15 regular-season games between the Saints and Giants .
Apple could fill a significant need for the Panthers , who are searching for a starting cornerback opposite Donte Jackson after allowing starter James Bradberry to leave in free agency this off-season .
Carolina added two cornerbacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth-rounder Troy Pride Jr. and seventh-rounder Stantley Thomas-Oliver III -- - but wanted more experience in its secondary .
Under the new collective bargaining agreement , signing Apple now wo n't factor into the compensatory draft pick formula for next year .

Former New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple (25) previously agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this off-season, but the sides couldn't finalize the agreement and he became a free agent again. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
May 28 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple, the team announced Thursday. Apple previously reached a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this off-season, but the two sides couldn't finalize the agreement and he became a free agent again. Advertisement
The New York Giants selected Apple in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. The 24-year-old cornerback has displayed both great potential and inconsistency since entering the league.
Over his four-year career with the Giants and Saints, Apple has recorded three interceptions and 33 passes defensed in 55 games (48 starts). His best season came in 2018, when he notched career highs in total tackles (75), interceptions (two) and passes defensed (14) in 15 regular-season games between the Saints and Giants.
We've agreed to terms with Eli Apple! pic.twitter.com/u4FmMgfvUJ— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 28, 2020
Apple could fill a significant need for the Panthers, who are searching for a starting cornerback opposite Donte Jackson after allowing starter James Bradberry to leave in free agency this off-season.
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Carolina added two cornerbacks in last month's NFL Draft -- fourth-rounder Troy Pride Jr. and seventh-rounder Stantley Thomas-Oliver III --- but wanted more experience in its secondary.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, signing Apple now won't factor into the compensatory draft pick formula for next year.


upi--2020-05-28--Police identify victim in 2000 Gilgo Beach killings as Valeria Mack

May 28 ( UPI ) -- Police in New York on Thursday released the identity of a woman killed during a string of slayings in Long Island 20 years ago .
Suffolk County Police identified the victim formerly known as `` Manorville Jane Doe '' or `` Jane Doe # 6 '' as Valerie Mack .
`` For two decades , Valerie Mack 's family and friends were left searching for answers and while this is not the outcome they wanted , we hope this brings some sense of peace and closure , '' Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were found near Gilgo Beach in 2011 .
She was last seen in the area of Port Republic , N.J. , in the spring or summer of 2000 .
She had been working as an escort in Philadelphia at the time and also went by the name Melissa Taylor .
Advances in DNA technology allowed police to work with the FBI to establish a genealogy profile that led to the identification of Mack as part of an investigation into the deaths of 11 people whose remains were found at Gilgo Beach .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leap forward in this investigation .
As detectives relentlessly pursue leads related to her murder , we ask members of the public , friends , family and associates of Valerie Mack to provide whatever information they have about her and the circumstances leading to her death , '' police said .

Police identified a woman whose remains were found in 2011 near Long Island's Gilgo Beach as Valerie Mack as part of an investigation into a series of killings in the area in 2000. Photo courtesy Suffolk County Police
May 28 (UPI) -- Police in New York on Thursday released the identity of a woman killed during a string of slayings in Long Island 20 years ago. Suffolk County Police identified the victim formerly known as "Manorville Jane Doe" or "Jane Doe #6" as Valerie Mack. Advertisement
"For two decades, Valerie Mack's family and friends were left searching for answers and while this is not the outcome they wanted, we hope this brings some sense of peace and closure," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said.
Remains of Mack's body were found near Gilgo Beach in 2011. She was last seen in the area of Port Republic, N.J., in the spring or summer of 2000.
She had been working as an escort in Philadelphia at the time and also went by the name Melissa Taylor.
Advances in DNA technology allowed police to work with the FBI to establish a genealogy profile that led to the identification of Mack as part of an investigation into the deaths of 11 people whose remains were found at Gilgo Beach.
"Valerie Mack's identification is a giant leap forward in this investigation. As detectives relentlessly pursue leads related to her murder, we ask members of the public, friends, family and associates of Valerie Mack to provide whatever information they have about her and the circumstances leading to her death," police said.
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upi--2020-05-28--State Department approves $425M deal for work on Kuwait's Patriot missiles

May 28 ( UPI ) -- The State Department approved a possible deal for Patriot missile support for up to $ 425 million , the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday .
According to the DCSA , the government of Kuwait requested program sustainment and technical assistance for the Patriot missile program , including C-3 Field Surveillance Program services , storage and aging , surveillance firing , stockpile reliability as well as shared and country unique Patriot PAC-3 Missile Support Center support .
The request also included transportation , organizational equipment , spare and repair parts , support equipment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and publications , personnel training and training equipment , maintenance services , U.S. government and contractor engineering and other related elements of logistical and program support .
`` The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East , '' the DSCA announcement said .
The principal contractors involved with the potential sale are Raytheon , Lockheed Martin , LEIDOS , Inc. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raytheon was awarded a $ 10.8 million contract modification for work on Kuwait 's Patriot missile system , including technical assistance , planning , training , maintenance and sustainment to Kuwait , in addition to pertinent equipment and logistics support .

Two soldiers conduct equipment services in July July 2018 in Camp Beuhring, Kuwait, during Patriot Maintenance Sustainment Program operations. Photo by Allen Cain/U.S. Army
May 28 (UPI) -- The State Department approved a possible deal for Patriot missile support for up to $425 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday. According to the DCSA, the government of Kuwait requested program sustainment and technical assistance for the Patriot missile program, including C-3 Field Surveillance Program services, storage and aging, surveillance firing, stockpile reliability as well as shared and country unique Patriot PAC-3 Missile Support Center support. Advertisement
The request also included transportation, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, maintenance services, U.S. government and contractor engineering and other related elements of logistical and program support.
"The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the DSCA announcement said.
The principal contractors involved with the potential sale are Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, LEIDOS, Inc., and KBR.
In August 2019 Raytheon was awarded a $10.8 million contract modification for work on Kuwait's Patriot missile system, including technical assistance, planning, training, maintenance and sustainment to Kuwait, in addition to pertinent equipment and logistics support.
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upi--2020-05-28--Boston Marathon canceled for first time in history due to coronavirus

May 28 ( UPI ) -- The Boston Marathon was canceled on Thursday for the first time in its history because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The race , which ran uninterrupted for 124 years , had already been postponed from April 20 to Sept. 14 .
The event will be replaced by a virtual event in which participants must run 26.2 miles ( 42.2 km ) on their own within six hours and verify that total to receive their finisher 's medal .
`` There 's no way to hold this usual race format without bringing large numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Marty Walsh said during a press conference Thursday .
`` While our goal and our hope was to make progress in containing the virus and recovering our economy , this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on Sept. 14 or any time this year . ''
According to the event 's official website , all registered participants for the race will receive a full refund of their entry fee .
The competitors also were invited to complete this year 's virtual race , which can be run any time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proof of finishing the virtual event in under six hours will receive a program , shirt , medal and runner 's bib .
`` Our top priority continues to be safeguarding the health of the community , as well as our staff , participants , volunteers , spectators , and supporters , '' Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Grilk said in a statement .
`` While we can not bring the world to Boston in September , we plan to bring Boston to the world for an historic 124th Boston Marathon . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1897 , is the longest-running annual marathon in the world .
About 30,000 people compete in the race each year , with as many as 1 million spectators lined up along the path .
Walsh said the marathon brings in more than $ 200 million to the city 's economy each year and raises about $ 36 million for charities .
Qualifying times for this year 's event will be eligible for next year 's Boston Marathon , which is scheduled for April 19 .

The Boston Marathon, which began in 1897, is the longest-running annual marathon in the world. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
May 28 (UPI) -- The Boston Marathon was canceled on Thursday for the first time in its history because of the coronavirus pandemic. The race, which ran uninterrupted for 124 years, had already been postponed from April 20 to Sept. 14. The event will be replaced by a virtual event in which participants must run 26.2 miles (42.2 km) on their own within six hours and verify that total to receive their finisher's medal. Advertisement
"There's no way to hold this usual race format without bringing large numbers of people into close proximity," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said during a press conference Thursday.
"While our goal and our hope was to make progress in containing the virus and recovering our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on Sept. 14 or any time this year."
According to the event's official website, all registered participants for the race will receive a full refund of their entry fee. The competitors also were invited to complete this year's virtual race, which can be run any time between Sept. 7-14.
Those who provide proof of finishing the virtual event in under six hours will receive a program, shirt, medal and runner's bib.
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"Our top priority continues to be safeguarding the health of the community, as well as our staff, participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters," Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Grilk said in a statement. "While we cannot bring the world to Boston in September, we plan to bring Boston to the world for an historic 124th Boston Marathon."
The @BAA has announced that the 124th Boston Marathon will be held as a virtual event, following Boston Mayor Martin Walsh's cancellation of the marathon as a mass participation road running event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/tlIdvsU9sq— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) May 28, 2020
The Boston Marathon, which began in 1897, is the longest-running annual marathon in the world. About 30,000 people compete in the race each year, with as many as 1 million spectators lined up along the path. Walsh said the marathon brings in more than $200 million to the city's economy each year and raises about $36 million for charities.
Qualifying times for this year's event will be eligible for next year's Boston Marathon, which is scheduled for April 19.


upi--2020-05-28--Sirkorsky awarded $17.9M modification for work on the H-53K

May 28 ( UPI ) -- Sikorsky was awarded a $ 17.9 million contract modification Thursday for work on the H-53K helicopter .
Under the modification Sikorsky , a division of Lockheed Martin , will provide logistics , program management , training , configuration management and sustaining engineering support for the H-53K system .
The CH-53K King Stallion , which has been in development since 2006 , is a cargo helicopter currently being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft for the United States Marine Corps to replace the aging CH-53-E Super Stallion fleet .
The new aircraft are designed to be faster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Initially expected to reach initial operational capacity by 2015 , but has been delayed in part due to defects like one addressed in December that allowed exhaust gases to get sucked back into the engine .
The modification includes pre-operational test and evaluation , maintenance and software updates and other maintenance work .
The contract can also fund procurement of support equipment and common support equipment .
More than half of work on the contract will be performed in Shelton , Conn. , with other work being performed in New River , N.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bohemia , N.Y .

Sikorsky was awarded a $17.9 million contract Thursday for work on the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter, shown here after a test flight in Florida in 2017. Photo by Molly Hampton/U.S. Marine Corps
May 28 (UPI) -- Sikorsky was awarded a $17.9 million contract modification Thursday for work on the H-53K helicopter. Under the modification Sikorsky, a division of Lockheed Martin, will provide logistics, program management, training, configuration management and sustaining engineering support for the H-53K system. Advertisement
The CH-53K King Stallion, which has been in development since 2006, is a cargo helicopter currently being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft for the United States Marine Corps to replace the aging CH-53-E Super Stallion fleet.
The new aircraft are designed to be faster and more fuel-efficient than their predecessors.
Initially expected to reach initial operational capacity by 2015, but has been delayed in part due to defects like one addressed in December that allowed exhaust gases to get sucked back into the engine.
The modification includes pre-operational test and evaluation, maintenance and software updates and other maintenance work.
The contract can also fund procurement of support equipment and common support equipment.
More than half of work on the contract will be performed in Shelton, Conn., with other work being performed in New River, N.C., Patuxent River, Md., and Bohemia, N.Y.


upi--2020-05-28--AstraZeneca strikes deal with Oxford Biomedica to make COVID-19 vaccine candidate

May 28 ( UPI ) -- AstraZeneca reached a deal with British gene and cell therapy company Oxford Biomedica on @ @ @ @ @ vaccine for COVID-19 .
Under the agreement , Oxford Biomedica announced it will give AstraZeneca @ @ @ @ @ and produce multiple batches of the vaccine candidate , known as AZD1222 , this year @ @ @ @ @ to be a part of this manufacturing consortium working with the Jenner Institute at University @ @ @ @ @ early manufacturing and scale up of this viral vector based candidate for COVID-19 , '' @ @ @ @ @ said .
Last week , the United States pledged $ 1 billion to AstraZeneca to @ @ @ @ @ AstraZeneca plans to produce at least 400 million doses of the vaccine and has lined @ @ @ @ @ billion doses with first deliveries scheduled for September .
AZD1222 began Phase I/II clinical trials @ @ @ @ @ , immunogenicity and efficacy in more than 1,000 British volunteers last month and is set @ @ @ @ @ in June .

AstraZeneca and Oxford Biomedica announced a deal Thursday to work together to manufacture a potential vaccine for COVID-19 that is set to enter advanced trials in June. File Photo by Drago Prvolovic/EPE-EFE
May 28 (UPI) -- AstraZeneca reached a deal with British gene and cell therapy company Oxford Biomedica on Thursday to produce its potential vaccine for COVID-19. Under the agreement, Oxford Biomedica announced it will give AstraZeneca access to its manufacturing center and produce multiple batches of the vaccine candidate, known as AZD1222, this year. Advertisement
"We are proud to be a part of this manufacturing consortium working with the Jenner Institute at University of Oxford, for the early manufacturing and scale up of this viral vector based candidate for COVID-19," Oxford Biomedica CEO John Dawson said.
Last week, the United States pledged $1 billion to AstraZeneca to produce the vaccine candidate.
AstraZeneca plans to produce at least 400 million doses of the vaccine and has lined up manufacturing capacity for 1 billion doses with first deliveries scheduled for September.
AZD1222 began Phase I/II clinical trials last month to assess safety, immunogenicity and efficacy in more than 1,000 British volunteers last month and is set to enter more advanced trials in June.