upi--2020-04-27--On This Day, April 27: Popes John XXIII, John Paul II canonized

April 26 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1521 , Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives of the Philippine Islands during his attempt to be the first to circumnavigate the world .
His co-leader , Juan Sebastian de Elcano , completed the voyage in 1522 .
In 1749 , George Frideric Handel 's `` Fireworks Music '' was first performed .
In 1865 , the steamboat Sultana , heavily overloaded with an estimated 2,300 passengers , most of them Union soldiers on their way home , exploded on the Mississippi River just north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history was set at 1,450 .
In 1897 , the cornerstone was laid for Grant 's Tomb in New York City 's Riverside Park .
A holiday had been declared for the occasion and an enormous crowd turned out in honor of Ulysses S. Grant , the 18th president and Civil War general who died 12 years earlier .
In 1932 , prohibition and birth control were to be raised during the formal business meeting of the League of Women Voters in the run-up to the 1932 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social Security payment was made in the United States .
In 1978 , communist rebels overthrew and killed Afghan President Mohammed Daoud Khan , a precursor to the Soviet-Afghan War .
In 1991 , an estimated 70 tornadoes hit Kansas , Texas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Missouri , Nebraska and Iowa , killing 23 people and leaving thousands homeless .
In 1993 , Kuwait said it foiled an Iraqi plot to assassinate former President George H.W .
Bush during his visit earlier in the month .
In 1994 , Virginia executed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which DNA testing was used to obtain a conviction .
In 2008 , police said a 73-year-old Austrian man , Josef Fritzl , had been accused of fathering several children with his daughter while holding her captive in a cellar for 24 years .
Fritzl was eventually sentenced to life in prison .
In 2009 , General Motors announced it would drop the Pontiac line .
In 2011 , a record outbreak of 358 tornadoes carved a devastating path through parts of 21 states from Texas to New York and on into Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 fatalities were reported , mostly in Alabama , over a four-day period .
In 2014 , tens of thousands of people gathered at the Vatican for the canonization of two former popes , John XXIII and John Paul II .
In 2018 , North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met during a historic summit to discuss full denuclearization .
In 2019 , a shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue near San Diego left one person dead and three others injured .

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In an canonization mass, Pope Francis honors Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II by declaring them saints in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in Vatican City on April 27, 2014. File Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI | License Photo
April 26 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives of the Philippine Islands during his attempt to be the first to circumnavigate the world. His co-leader, Juan Sebastian de Elcano, completed the voyage in 1522. Advertisement
In 1749, George Frideric Handel's "Fireworks Music" was first performed.
In 1810, Ludwig van Beethoven composed "Fur Elise."
In 1865, the steamboat Sultana, heavily overloaded with an estimated 2,300 passengers, most of them Union soldiers on their way home, exploded on the Mississippi River just north of Memphis. The death toll in the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history was set at 1,450.
In 1897, the cornerstone was laid for Grant's Tomb in New York City's Riverside Park. A holiday had been declared for the occasion and an enormous crowd turned out in honor of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president and Civil War general who died 12 years earlier.
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
In 1932, prohibition and birth control were to be raised during the formal business meeting of the League of Women Voters in the run-up to the 1932 elections.
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In 1937, the first Social Security payment was made in the United States.
In 1978, communist rebels overthrew and killed Afghan President Mohammed Daoud Khan, a precursor to the Soviet-Afghan War.
In 1991, an estimated 70 tornadoes hit Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa, killing 23 people and leaving thousands homeless.
In 1993, Kuwait said it foiled an Iraqi plot to assassinate former President George H.W. Bush during his visit earlier in the month.
In 1994, Virginia executed a condemned killer in the first case in which DNA testing was used to obtain a conviction.
In 2008, police said a 73-year-old Austrian man, Josef Fritzl, had been accused of fathering several children with his daughter while holding her captive in a cellar for 24 years. Fritzl was eventually sentenced to life in prison.
In 2009, General Motors announced it would drop the Pontiac line.
File Photo by Roger Williams/UPI
In 2011, a record outbreak of 358 tornadoes carved a devastating path through parts of 21 states from Texas to New York and on into Canada, hitting southern states hardest. Nearly 300 fatalities were reported, mostly in Alabama, over a four-day period.
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In 2014, tens of thousands of people gathered at the Vatican for the canonization of two former popes, John XXIII and John Paul II.
In 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met during a historic summit to discuss full denuclearization.
In 2019, a shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue near San Diego left one person dead and three others injured.


upi--2020-04-27--Struggling rural grocery stores see welcome rise in customers

EVANSVILLE , Ind.
, April 27 ( UPI ) -- Long-struggling rural grocery stores are seeing a sudden , welcome influx of customers as the coronavirus pandemic forces residents to stay close to home .
`` We have seen more traffic , for sure , '' said Mike Graybeal , owner of Graybeal 's Foods in West Point , Neb .
`` It 's almost like when we prep for a holiday , except the holiday is never coming . ''
Stores like Graybeal 's are becoming harder to find in rural America , said Rial Carver , program manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Initiative .
Local customers tend to forgo their local shops and go instead to the larger chain stores , she said .
That was until the coronavirus pandemic arrived in the United States .
Starting around mid-March -- when governors across the country began to order restaurants to close and issued stay-at-home orders -- Americans flooded grocery stores in a panic , buying whatever staples they could get .
Chain stores quickly ran out of popular items .
At that point , rural customers turned to their independent grocers .
And those grocery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , farm and community director for the Nebraska-based Center for Rural Affairs , a nonprofit that advocates for rural communities .
Being small , many were better able to keep their shelves stocked than the larger chains , Renner said .
In Bloomfield , N.M. , for example , the Farmers Market responded to the panic-buying by reaching out to businesses that supplied restaurants and buying up their suddenly available stocks .
`` With the big chain stores , it takes corporate longer to respond to stuff like this , '' said Matthew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But because it 's just me here , I was able to just call U.S. Foods and Cisco and have them send me whatever they had .
A week later , we had a truckload arrive . ''
Like many other rural grocers , Pennington also posted regular updates on the store 's Facebook page , notifying customers what was available and when new orders would arrive .
`` It was really intense for a while -- people were scared , '' Pennington said .
`` I was on the intercom every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we were not going to run out of food .
I 'd tell them what we had ordered and when it was going to arrive . ''
The response from local customers has been overwhelmingly positive .
`` For me , it makes me want to make sure I 'm putting my money into my local grocery store , '' Renner said .
`` I do hope that other people are taking notice and will do the same , even after this is over . ''
The panic-buying phase of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , with people across the country still staying home to slow the virus ' spread , demand at local groceries remains high .
`` There has not been a down day , '' said Daric Peadro , owner of Windsor Food Center , a small grocery in Illinois .
`` The last three or four weeks has been almost a record for us , which is just unbelievable . ''
Peadro said he does not think the demand will remain as high once the pandemic passes and people return to more normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alter people 's shopping patterns , he said .
`` This is going to change the way people think , at least with this generation , for a long time , '' Pennington said .
`` I do n't know how many people we will end up gaining as customers from this , but I think it will be a lot . ''

Shoppers wait in long lines as they stock up on supplies during the coronavirus pandemic at a grocery store in San Francisco. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 27 (UPI) -- Long-struggling rural grocery stores are seeing a sudden, welcome influx of customers as the coronavirus pandemic forces residents to stay close to home. "We have seen more traffic, for sure," said Mike Graybeal, owner of Graybeal's Foods in West Point, Neb. "It's almost like when we prep for a holiday, except the holiday is never coming." Advertisement
Stores like Graybeal's are becoming harder to find in rural America, said Rial Carver, program manager at Kansas State University's Rural Grocery Initiative.
Local customers tend to forgo their local shops and go instead to the larger chain stores, she said. That was until the coronavirus pandemic arrived in the United States.
Starting around mid-March -- when governors across the country began to order restaurants to close and issued stay-at-home orders -- Americans flooded grocery stores in a panic, buying whatever staples they could get.
Advertisement
Chain stores quickly ran out of popular items. At that point, rural customers turned to their independent grocers. And those grocery stores responded quickly, said Sandra Renner, farm and community director for the Nebraska-based Center for Rural Affairs, a nonprofit that advocates for rural communities.
Being small, many were better able to keep their shelves stocked than the larger chains, Renner said.
In Bloomfield, N.M., for example, the Farmers Market responded to the panic-buying by reaching out to businesses that supplied restaurants and buying up their suddenly available stocks.
"With the big chain stores, it takes corporate longer to respond to stuff like this," said Matthew Pennington, the Farmers Market owner. "But because it's just me here, I was able to just call U.S. Foods and Cisco and have them send me whatever they had. A week later, we had a truckload arrive."
Like many other rural grocers, Pennington also posted regular updates on the store's Facebook page, notifying customers what was available and when new orders would arrive.
"It was really intense for a while -- people were scared," Pennington said. "I was on the intercom every 15 minutes or so just reassuring people that we were not going to run out of food. I'd tell them what we had ordered and when it was going to arrive."
Advertisement
The response from local customers has been overwhelmingly positive.
"For me, it makes me want to make sure I'm putting my money into my local grocery store," Renner said. "I do hope that other people are taking notice and will do the same, even after this is over."
The panic-buying phase of the pandemic has largely ended, grocers say. But, with people across the country still staying home to slow the virus' spread, demand at local groceries remains high.
"There has not been a down day," said Daric Peadro, owner of Windsor Food Center, a small grocery in Illinois. "The last three or four weeks has been almost a record for us, which is just unbelievable."
Peadro said he does not think the demand will remain as high once the pandemic passes and people return to more normal lives.
But this period may forever alter people's shopping patterns, he said.
"This is going to change the way people think, at least with this generation, for a long time," Pennington said. "I don't know how many people we will end up gaining as customers from this, but I think it will be a lot."


upi--2020-04-27--Famous birthdays for April 27: Lizzo, Dutch King Willem-Alexander

April 27 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .
-- Ulysses @ @ @ @ @ of the United States/Civil War general , in 1822

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Lizzo arrives for the 62nd annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 26. The rapper turns 32 on April 27. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- English historian Edward Gibbon in 1737
-- Philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft in 1759
-- Samuel F.B. Morse, American artist/inventor of magnetic telegraphy, in 1791
-- Ulysses S. Grant, 18th president of the United States/Civil War general, in 1822
-- Wallace Carothers, inventor of nylon in 1896
-- Cartoonist Walter Lantz in 1899
-- English poet C. Day-Lewis in 1904
-- Actor Jack Klugman in 1922
-- Coretta Scott King, wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., in 1927
UPI File Photo
-- Radio/TV host Casey Kasem in 1932
-- Actor Sandy Dennis in 1937
-- Playwright August Wilson in 1945
-- Rock musician Ace Frehley in 1951 (age 69)
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member George Gervin in 1952 (age 68)
-- Pop singer Sheena Easton in 1959 (age 61)
-- Dutch King Willem-Alexander in 1967 (age 53)
File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI
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-- Political journalist Dana Milbank in 1968 (age 52)
-- Rock singer Patrick Stump in 1984 (age 36)
-- Actor Jenna Coleman in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor William Moseley in 1987 (age 33)
-- Rapper Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, in 1988 (age 32)


upi--2020-04-27--Northrop says it's on schedule with next-generation OmegA rocket

ORLANDO , Fla. , April 27 ( UPI ) -- Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. is on schedule for testing of its next-generation rocket , the OmegA , despite the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic , a company executive said .
Northrop 's OmegA program is the company 's entry in a four-way competition with SpaceX , Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance to provide new launch services for military satellites .
`` We 're fortunate to be in a position where we can keep working , despite some problems with obtaining materials from our supply chain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and general manager of propulsion systems , said in an interview last week .
Northrop employees in Utah are assembling the rocket while wearing protective gear .
They also have built mock-ups of the rocket 's components to test shipment and reception of the hardware at Kennedy Space Center in Florida .
In Florida , Northrop workers modified part of NASA 's huge Vehicle Assembly Building to accommodate the new rocket .
They also renovated one of NASA 's three mobile launch platforms to fit the OmegA rocket while rolling to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone home that can work from home -- all those who work with computer software and systems , '' Precourt said .
`` Those who have to operate the heavy equipment on-site are taking precautions . ''
Northrop Grumman reported in March that an employee in Florida tested positive for COVID-19 , but that was at its office campus in Melbourne , about 40 miles south of the space center .
The company did not answer questions about virus tests among the OmegA team .
Development of the rocket must continue if Northrop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch date for the rocket 's first mission .
selected the OmegA to launch up to two satellites on the rocket 's inaugural flight from Kennedy Space Center 's Launch Complex 39B , Northrop announced in December .
OmegA 's first stage consists of solid rocket boosters , which Northrop says draw on decades of similar technology used on the space shuttle and Minuteman missiles .
United Launch Alliance is developing the Vulcan rocket , while Blue Origin builds the New Glenn .
SpaceX already has launched military satellites with its Falcon 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are required because Congress has outlawed the future use of Russian-made engines on rockets for military missions , and many such missions launched on United Launch Alliance 's Atlas rockets that use Russian engines .
The OmegA is designed to carry military satellites , and to be flexible in terms of power and size , depending on the demands of the mission .
The height of the rocket would vary from 210 feet tall in standard or intermediate configuration to 310 feet for the OmegA Heavy -- which would have an additional first-stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide additional power .
The first launch is expected during spring 2021 in the intermediate configuration , according to Northrop .
The intermediate rocket would produce 2.7 million pounds of thrust , weigh 1.45 million pounds and carry a payload volume equivalent to 10 large pickup trucks .
By comparison , a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket produces 1.7 million pounds of thrust at takeoff , and the Falcon Heavy tops out at just over 5.1 million pounds of thrust .
Northrop said using existing facilities in its Utah manufacturing plant and at Kennedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Precourt said Northrop workers continue to modify one of NASA 's three mobile launch platforms to accommodate the OmegA system .
NASA employees usually based at the space center in Florida are working from home , except for essential workers , during the pandemic .
Workers who remain at the center , including those with Northrop , are taking precautions , Precourt said .
`` It turns out where we 're at a point in the program , in Florida , that did n't require any NASA personnel for the actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they provide , '' Precourt said .
`` The work is mostly on very large-scale cranes and hardware , where people are naturally distanced .
They are also wearing masks and gloves whenever possible , '' he said .
In NASA 's firing control room , which oversees launches , Northrop workers continue to fine-tune software , and some of that is done remotely , Precourt said .
`` Some access will be required when we get closer to test launches , but hopefully we 'll be emerging from the pandemic conditions by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're still looking at being done by the fall , so we can start rehearsals . ''
Northrop is prepared to ship mock-ups of the rocket 's stages to the space center from Utah in May , Precourt said .
Crews will use those so-called pathfinder models to rehearse processing rocket components for a rapid turnaround to launch .
According to Northrop , OmegA would be capable of 10 launches per year , but the program could remain financially viable with as few as three per year .
The Air Force ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Systems Center announced in 2019 that it would accept only two of the four rocket systems under development , at some point in 2020 .
Northrop received $ 792 million to continue the development of OmegA .
That was part of $ 2.3 billion in rocket development contracts in 2018 that also went to Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance .
SpaceX , which already has certified rockets and contracts for such launches , did n't get money during that award .
The OmegA program is part of an industry-wide retirement and replacement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pivovarova , space analyst with Northern Sky Research in New York City .
Pivovarova noted that Northrop has dealt with cost overruns in recent programs , such as the James Webb Space Telescope .
Northrop is the main contractor on the telescope , which has seen project costs increase by 95 percent since 2009 , according to a report from the watchdog Government Accountability Office .
`` Northrop Grumman is working toward addressing the [ historically ] high price tag of its launchers , '' Pivovarova said .
`` To remain competitive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to reduce costs . ''
Pivovarova said the entire space industry is suffering supply chain problems during the pandemic , but she did n't have immediate insight into the OmegA rocket development schedule .
In response to questions about OmegA 's costs and budget , the company provided a statement that said , `` Since we are in the middle of a competition , we are n't able to share competitive cost information . ''
The solid rocket boosters on OmegA , as opposed to the more common liquid propellant , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Chris Quilty , a space industry analyst with Quilty Analytics , based in St. Petersburg , Fla. That 's because keeping solid rocket technology and supply chains strong is important to the Department of Defense , since that is what many missile systems also rely on , he said .
`` ULA has a long tradition of launching for the military and a strong lobbying effort , '' Quilty said of Northrop 's competition .
`` The solid rocket booster industry ... is important for the maintenance of our missile defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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Northrop Grumman's OmegA rocket is under development for a first launch in spring of 2021. Image courtesy of Northrop Grumman
ORLANDO, Fla., April 27 (UPI) -- Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. is on schedule for testing of its next-generation rocket, the OmegA, despite the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, a company executive said. Northrop's OmegA program is the company's entry in a four-way competition with SpaceX, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance to provide new launch services for military satellites. Advertisement
"We're fortunate to be in a position where we can keep working, despite some problems with obtaining materials from our supply chain," Charlie Precourt, Northrop's vice president and general manager of propulsion systems, said in an interview last week.
Northrop employees in Utah are assembling the rocket while wearing protective gear. They also have built mock-ups of the rocket's components to test shipment and reception of the hardware at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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Northrop workers modified part of NASA's huge Vehicle Assembly Building to accommodate the new rocket. They also renovated one of NASA's three mobile launch platforms to fit the OmegA rocket while rolling to the launch pad.
"We have sent everyone home that can work from home -- all those who work with computer software and systems," Precourt said. "Those who have to operate the heavy equipment on-site are taking precautions."
Northrop Grumman reported in March that an employee in Florida tested positive for COVID-19, but that was at its office campus in Melbourne, about 40 miles south of the space center. The company did not answer questions about virus tests among the OmegA team.
Spring launch planned
Development of the rocket must continue if Northrop is going to make a spring 2021 launch date for the rocket's first mission.
Colorado-based Saturn Satellite Networks
selected the OmegA to launch up to two satellites on the rocket's inaugural flight from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B, Northrop announced in December.
OmegA's first stage consists of solid rocket boosters, which Northrop says draw on decades of similar technology used on the space shuttle and Minuteman missiles.
United Launch Alliance is developing the Vulcan rocket, while Blue Origin builds the New Glenn. SpaceX has launched military satellites with its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.
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New rocket systems are required because Congress has outlawed the future use of Russian-made engines on rockets for military missions, and many such missions launched on ULA's Atlas rockets use Russian engines.
Power, size can vary
The OmegA is designed to carry military satellites and to be flexible in terms of power and size, depending on the demands of the mission.
The height of the rocket would vary from 210 feet tall in standard or intermediate configuration to 310 feet for the OmegA Heavy -- which would have an additional first-stage solid booster. Strap-on solid boosters could provide additional power.
The first launch is expected during spring 2021 in the intermediate configuration, according to Northrop. The intermediate rocket would produce 2.7 million pounds of thrust, weigh 1.45 million pounds and carry a payload volume equivalent to 10 large pickup trucks.
By comparison, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket produces 1.7 million pounds of thrust at takeoff, and the Falcon Heavy tops out at just over 5.1 million pounds of thrust.
Northrop said using existing facilities in its Utah manufacturing plant and at Kennedy Space Center in Florida help keep costs down.
Precourt said Northrop workers continue to modify one of NASA's three mobile launch platforms to accommodate the OmegA system.
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Working from home
NASA employees usually based at the space center in Florida are working from home, except for essential workers, during the pandemic. Workers who remain at the center, including those with Northrop, are taking precautions, Precourt said.
"It turns out where we're at a point in the program, in Florida, that didn't require any NASA personnel for the actual work -- only for the usual security they provide," Precourt said.
"The work is mostly on very large-scale cranes and hardware, where people are naturally distanced. They are also wearing masks and gloves whenever possible," he said.
In NASA's firing control room, which oversees launches, Northrop workers continue to fine-tune software, and some of that is done remotely, Precourt said.
"Some access will be required when we get closer to test launches, but hopefully we'll be emerging from the pandemic conditions by then," he said. "We're still looking at being done by the fall, so we can start rehearsals."
Northrop is prepared to ship mock-ups of the rocket's stages to the space center from Utah in May, Precourt said. Crews will use those so-called pathfinder models to rehearse processing rocket components for a rapid turnaround to launch.
According to Northrop, OmegA would be capable of 10 launches per year, but the program could remain financially viable with as few as three per year.
Advertisement
Two systems will win
The Air Force (now Space Force) Space and Missile Systems Center announced in 2019 that it would accept only two of the four rocket systems under development, at some point in 2020.
Northrop received $792 million to continue the development of OmegA. That was part of $2.3 billion in rocket development contracts in 2018 that also went to Blue Origin and ULA. SpaceX, which has certified rockets and contracts for such launches, didn't get money during that award.
The OmegA program is part of an industry-wide retirement and replacement of veteran launch vehicles, said Leena Pivovarova, space analyst with Northern Sky Research in New York City.
Pivovarova noted that Northrop has dealt with cost overruns in recent programs, such as the James Webb Space Telescope. Northrop is the main contractor on the telescope, which has seen project costs increase by 95 percent since 2009, according to a report from the watchdog Government Accountability Office.
"Northrop Grumman is working toward addressing the [historically] high price tag of its launchers," Pivovarova said. "To remain competitive in this changing market, all players are looking to reduce costs."
Supply chain woes
Pivovarova said the entire space industry is suffering supply chain problems during the pandemic, but she didn't have immediate insight into the OmegA rocket development schedule.
Advertisement
In response to questions about OmegA's costs and budget, the company provided a statement that said, "Since we are in the middle of a competition, we aren't able to share competitive cost information."
The solid rocket boosters on OmegA, as opposed to the more common liquid propellant, are a selling point in Northrop's plan, said Chris Quilty, a space industry analyst with Quilty Analytics, based in St. Petersburg, Fla.
That's because keeping solid rocket technology and supply chains strong is important to the Department of Defense, since that is what many missile systems also rely on, he said.
"ULA has a long tradition of launching for the military and a strong lobbying effort," Quilty said of Northrop's competition. "The solid rocket booster industry ... is important for the maintenance of our missile defense systems that also use solid rocket boosters."


upi--2020-04-27--Saudi Arabia ends capital punishment for crimes committed by minors

April 27 ( UPI ) -- Saudi Arabia will no longer execute individuals convicted of crimes committed when they were minors , the U.N. Human Rights Commission said .
Citing a royal decree signed by King Salman , Human Rights Commission President Awwad Alawwad announced the decision Sunday , saying it will help modernize the Middle Eastern country 's penal code .
`` The decree means that any individuals who received a death sentence for crimes committed while he or she is a minor can no longer face execution , '' Alawwad said in a statement .
`` Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of no longer than 10 years in a juvenile detention facility . ''
Such use of capital punishment is against the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child , which Saudi Arabia has ratified .
The decree was announced nearly a week after Amnesty International released its 2019 global review of the death penalty detailing that Saudi Arabia executed 184 people last year , putting the Kingdom among the top five countries that administer executions as punishment .
The report said the majority of Saudi Arabia 's executions were for drug and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights organization said it had documented an increase of the punishment being used against religious minority dissidents .
It was unclear when the decree was issued or when it would take effect but it was announced days after Saudi Arabia ended flogging as punishment in disciplinary cases .
Alawwad said the two decisions are examples of how Saudi Arabia is reforming its human rights record and reflects the nation 's commitment to Prince Mohammed bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz 's Vision 2030 plan that aims to reduce the country 's economic dependence on oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social reforms , including increasing the presence of women in the workplace .
`` More reforms will be coming , '' Alawwad said .

The Saudi flag is seen during a session of the consultative council in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sunday's decree was announced nearly a week after Amnesty International said in its 2019 review Saudi Arabia executed 184 people last year. File Photo by Mike Nelson/EPA
April 27 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia will no longer execute individuals convicted of crimes committed when they were minors, the U.N. Human Rights Commission said. Citing a royal decree signed by King Salman, Human Rights Commission President Awwad Alawwad announced the decision Sunday, saying it will help modernize the Middle Eastern country's penal code. Advertisement
"The decree means that any individuals who received a death sentence for crimes committed while he or she is a minor can no longer face execution," Alawwad said in a statement. "Instead, the individuals will receive a prison sentence of no longer than 10 years in a juvenile detention facility."
Such use of capital punishment is against the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Saudi Arabia has ratified.
The decree was announced nearly a week after Amnesty International released its 2019 global review of the death penalty detailing that Saudi Arabia executed 184 people last year, putting the Kingdom among the top five countries that administer executions as punishment.
The report said the majority of Saudi Arabia's executions were for drug and murder convictions, though the international human rights organization said it had documented an increase of the punishment being used against religious minority dissidents.
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It was unclear when the decree was issued or when it would take effect but it was announced days after Saudi Arabia ended flogging as punishment in disciplinary cases.
Alawwad said the two decisions are examples of how Saudi Arabia is reforming its human rights record and reflects the nation's commitment to Prince Mohammed bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz's Vision 2030 plan that aims to reduce the country's economic dependence on oil. The plan calls for several progressive social reforms, including increasing the presence of women in the workplace.
"More reforms will be coming," Alawwad said.


upi--2020-04-27--2020 NFL Draft recap: SEC dominates record-setting virtual event

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The Southeastern Conference continued its draft dominance with 63 total picks in the virtual 2020 NFL Draft , which set all-time viewership records over the weekend .
The Cincinnati Bengals started the run by selecting LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No .
1 overall pick .
In total , 40 SEC players were drafted in the first three rounds of this year 's draft , the most in history from a single conference .
The SEC finished with 63 selections across all seven rounds , falling just one pick short of its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft .
The Big Ten finished second among conferences with 48 picks , followed by the Pac-12 ( 32 ) , ACC ( 27 ) and Big 12 ( 21 ) , according to NFL Media .
LSU led all teams with 14 draft picks , breaking the SEC record for most by a single school and tying Ohio State 's 2004 draft class for the most by any program in a single draft .
Michigan and Ohio State each had 10 players selected , followed by Alabama ( nine ) , Clemson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Georgia ( seven ) and Utah ( seven ) .
The annual player selection event , which was conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic , reached a record 55 million viewers over three days on ABC , ESPN , NFL Network , ESPN Deportes and other digital channels , according to the league .
In a statement released Sunday , the NFL said each day of this year 's draft set records .
According to the league , an average audience of about 15.6 million viewers tuned in to Round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 8.2 million for Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and 4.2 million viewers for Rounds 4-7 on Saturday .
Each day had at least a 30 percent increase in viewership over 2019 .
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced draft picks from a studio in his basement because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
The virtual event featured more than 600 camera feeds in the homes of draft prospects , NFL head coaches , general managers , fans and college football coaches .
`` I could n't be more proud of the efforts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and our partners to conduct an efficient draft and share an unforgettable experience with millions of fans during these uncertain times , '' Goodell said in a statement .
`` This draft is the latest chapter in the NFL 's storied history of lifting the spirit of America and unifying people .
In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of so many talented young men , we were pleased that this unique draft helped shine a light on today 's true heroes -- the healthcare workers , first responders , and countless others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against COVID-19 . ''
Below are the round-by-round results from this year 's NFL Draft :

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- The Southeastern Conference continued its draft dominance with 63 total picks in the virtual 2020 NFL Draft, which set all-time viewership records over the weekend. The Cincinnati Bengals started the run by selecting LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. In total, 40 SEC players were drafted in the first three rounds of this year's draft, the most in history from a single conference. Advertisement
The SEC finished with 63 selections across all seven rounds, falling just one pick short of its own record of 64 draftees in the 2019 draft. The Big Ten finished second among conferences with 48 picks, followed by the Pac-12 (32), ACC (27) and Big 12 (21), according to NFL Media.
LSU led all teams with 14 draft picks, breaking the SEC record for most by a single school and tying Ohio State's 2004 draft class for the most by any program in a single draft. Michigan and Ohio State each had 10 players selected, followed by Alabama (nine), Clemson (seven), Florida (seven), Georgia (seven) and Utah (seven).
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The annual player selection event, which was conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, reached a record 55 million viewers over three days on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes and other digital channels, according to the league.
In a statement released Sunday, the NFL said each day of this year's draft set records. According to the league, an average audience of about 15.6 million viewers tuned in to Round 1 on Thursday, followed by more than 8.2 million for Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and 4.2 million viewers for Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. Each day had at least a 30 percent increase in viewership over 2019.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced draft picks from a studio in his basement because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The virtual event featured more than 600 camera feeds in the homes of draft prospects, NFL head coaches, general managers, fans and college football coaches.
"I couldn't be more proud of the efforts and collaboration of our clubs, league personnel, and our partners to conduct an efficient draft and share an unforgettable experience with millions of fans during these uncertain times," Goodell said in a statement.
"This draft is the latest chapter in the NFL's storied history of lifting the spirit of America and unifying people. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of so many talented young men, we were pleased that this unique draft helped shine a light on today's true heroes -- the healthcare workers, first responders, and countless others on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19."
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Below are the round-by-round results from this year's NFL Draft:
2020 NFL Draft Round 1 results:
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4. New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
8. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
10. Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
11. New York Jets: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
14. San Francisco 49ers: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
15. Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
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17. Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
18. Miami Dolphins: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
19. Las Vegas Raiders: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
22. Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
24. New Orleans Saints: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
25. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
26. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
27. Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
28. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
29. Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
30. Miami Dolphins: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
31. Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Round 2:
33. Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
34. Indianapolis Colts: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
35. Detroit Lions: D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
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36. New York Giants: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
37. New England Patriots: Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
38. Carolina Panthers: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
39. Miami Dolphins: Robert Hunt, OG, Louisiana
40. Houston Texans: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
41. Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
42. Jacksonville Jaguars: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
43. Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
44. Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
46. Denver Broncos: K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
47. Atlanta Falcons: Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
48. Seattle Seahawks: Darrell Taylor, DE, Tennessee
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
50. Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
51. Dallas Cowboys: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
52. Los Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
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54. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
55. Baltimore Ravens: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
56. Miami Dolphins: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
57. Los Angeles Rams: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
58. Minnesota Vikings: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
59. New York Jets: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
60. New England Patriots: Josh Uche, DE, Michigan
61. Tennessee Titans: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
62. Green Bay Packers: A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
64. Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Round 3:
65. Cincinnati Bengals: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
66. Washington Redskins: Antonio Gibson, WR, Memphis
67. Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara, LB, Notre Dame
68. New York Jets: Ashtyn Davis, S, California
69. Seattle Seahawks: Damien Lewis, OG, LSU
70. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Jones, S, Texas
71. Baltimore Ravens: Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
72. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
73. Jacksonville Jaguars: Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
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74. New Orleans Saints: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
75. Detroit Lions: Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
77. Denver Broncos: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
78. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
79. New York Jets: Jabari Zuniga, DE, Florida
80. Las Vegas Raiders: Lynn Bowden Jr., WR, Kentucky
81. Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
82. Dallas Cowboys: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
83. Denver Broncos: Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, LSU
84. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
85. Indianapolis Colts: Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
86. Buffalo Bills: Zack Moss, RB, Utah
87. New England Patriots: Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
88. Cleveland Browns: Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
89. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
90. Houston Texans: Jonathan Greenard, LB, Florida
91. New England Patriots: Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
92. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
93. Tennessee Titans: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
94. Green Bay Packers: Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
95. Denver Broncos: McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas
96. Kansas City Chiefs: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
97. Cleveland Browns: Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
98. Baltimore Ravens: Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
99. New York Giants: Matt Peart, OT, UConn
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100. Las Vegas Raiders: Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
101. New England Patriots: Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
102. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith, LB, Charlotte
103. Philadelphia Eagles: Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
104. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
105. New Orleans Saints: Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
106. Baltimore Ravens: Tyre Phillips, OL, Mississippi State
Round 4:
107. Cincinnati Bengals: Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
108. Washington Redskins: Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
109. Las Vegas Raiders: John Simpson, OG, Clemson
110. New York Giants: Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
111. Miami Dolphins: Solomon Kindley, OG, Georgia
112. Los Angeles Chargers: Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA
113. Carolina Panthers: Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
114. Arizona Cardinals: Leki Fotu, DT, Utah
115. Cleveland Browns: Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
116. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ben Bartch, OT, St. John's (Minn.)
117. Minnesota Vikings: D.J. Wonnum, DE, South Carolina
118. Denver Broncos: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
119. Atlanta Falcons: Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State
120. New York Jets: La'Mical Perine, RB, Florida
121. Detroit Lions: Logan Stenberg, OG, Kentucky
122. Indianapolis Colts: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
123. Dallas Cowboys: Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa
124. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Maryland
125. New York Jets: James Morgan, QB, Florida International
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126. Houston Texans: Charlie Heck, OT, North Carolina
127. Philadelphia Eagles: K'Von Wallace, S, Clemson
128. Buffalo Bills: Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
129. New York Jets: Cameron Clark, OT, Charlotte
130. Minnesota Vikings: James Lynch, DT, Baylor
131. Arizona Cardinals: Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU
132. Minnesota Vikings: Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
133. Seattle Seahawks: Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
134. Atlanta Falcons: Jaylinn Hawkins, S, California
135. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Dotson, OG, Louisiana
136. Los Angeles Rams: Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
137. Jacksonville Jaguars: Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State
138. Kansas City Chiefs: L'Jarius Sneed, S, Louisiana Tech
139. Las Vegas Raiders: Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
140. Jacksonville Jaguars: Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami
141. Houston Texans: John Reid, CB, Penn State
142. Washington Redskins: Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
143. Baltimore Ravens: Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan
144. Seattle Seahawks: DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami
145. Philadelphia Eagles: Jack Driscoll, OG, Auburn
146. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
Round 5:
147. Cincinnati Bengals: Khalid Kareem, DE, Notre Dame
148. Seattle Seahawks: Alton Robinson, DE, Syracuse
149. Indianapolis Colts: Danny Pinter, OG, Ball State
150. New York Giants: Shane Lemieux, OG, Oregon
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151. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Reed, WR, Virginia
152. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Robinson, S, West Virginia
153. San Francisco 49ers: Colton McKivitz, OT, West Virginia
154. Miami Dolphins: Jason Strowbridge, DE, North Carolina
155. Chicago Bears: Trevis Gipson, LB, Tulsa
156. Washington Redskins: Keith Ismael, C, San Diego State
157. Jacksonville Jaguars: Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn
158. New York Jets: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
159. New England Patriots: Justin Rohrwasser, K, Marshall
160. Cleveland Browns: Nick Harris, C, Washington
161. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
162. Washington Redskins: Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan
163. Chicago Bears: Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern
164. Miami Dolphins: Curtis Weaver: DE, Boise State
165. Jacksonville Jaguars: Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
166. Detroit Lions: Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
167. Buffalo Bills: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
168. Philadelphia Eagles: John Hightower, WR, Boise State
169. Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
170. Baltimore Ravens: Broderick Washington Jr., DT, Texas Tech
171. Houston Texans: Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
172. Detroit Lions: Jason Huntley, RB, New Mexico State
173. Chicago Bears: Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
174. Tennessee Titans: Larrell Murchison, DT, NC State
175. Green Bay Packers: Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota
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176. Minnesota Vikings: K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami
177. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Danna, DE, Michigan
178. Denver Broncos: Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
179. Dallas Cowboys: Bradlee Anae, DE, Utah
Round 6:
180. Cincinnati Bengals: Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas
181. Denver Broncos: Netane Muti, OG, Fresno State
182. New England Patriots: Michael Onwenu, OG, Michigan
183. New York Giants: Cam Brown, LB, Penn State
184. Carolina Panthers: Bravvion Roy, DT, Baylor
185. Miami Dolphins: Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU
186. Los Angeles Chargers: Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame
187. Cleveland Browns: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
188. Buffalo Bills: Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern
189. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
190. San Francisco 49ers: Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia
191. New York Jets: Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
192. Green Bay Packers: Jon Runyan, OG, Michigan
193. Indianapolis Colts: Robert Windsor, DT, Penn State
194. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Khalil Davis, DT, Nebraska
195. New England Patriots: Justin Herron, OT, Wake Forest
196. Philadelphia Eagles: Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple
197. Detroit Lions: John Penisini, DT, Utah
198. Pittsburgh Steelers: Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland
199. Los Angeles Rams: Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
200. Philadelphia Eagles: Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Mississippi
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201. Baltimore Ravens: James Proche, WR, SMU
202. Arizona Cardinals: Evan Weaver, LB, California
203. Minnesota Vikings: Blake Brandel, OT, Oregon State
204. New England Patriots: Cassh Maluia, LB, Wyoming
205. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
206. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech
207. Buffalo Bills: Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
208. Green Bay Packers: Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
209. Green Bay Packers: Simon Stepaniak, OT, Indiana
210. Philadelphia Eagles: Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
211. Indianapolis Colts: Isaiah Rodgers, CB, UMass
212. Indianapolis Colts: Dezmon Patmon, WR, Washington State
213. Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Glasgow, LB, Michigan
214. Seattle Seahawks: Freddie Swain, WR, Florida
Round 7:
215. Cincinnati Bengals: Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue
216. Washington Redskins: Kamren Curl, S, Arkansas
217. San Francisco 49ers: Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee
218. New York Giants: Carter Coughlin, LB, Minnesota
219. Baltimore Ravens: Geno Stone, S, Iowa
220. Los Angeles Chargers: K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
221. Carolina Panthers: Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, CB, Florida International
222. Arizona Cardinals: Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
223. Jacksonville Jaguars: Chris Claybrooks, CB, Memphis
224. Tennessee Titans: Cole McDonald, QB, Hawai'i
225. Minnesota Vikings: Kenny Willekes, DE, Michigan State
226. Chicago Bears: Arlington Hambright, OT, Colorado
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227. Chicago Bears: Lachavious Simmons, OG, Tennessee State
228. Atlanta Falcons: Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse
229. Washington Redskins: James Smith-Williams, DE, NC State
230. New England Patriots: Dustin Woodard, C, Memphis
231. Dallas Cowboys: Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison
232. Pittsburgh Steelers: Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska
233. Philadelphia Eagles: Casey Toohill, DE, Stanford
234. Los Angeles Rams: Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor
235. Detroit Lions: Jashon Cornell, DE, Ohio State
236. Green Bay Packers: Vernon Scott, S, TCU
237. Kansas City Chiefs: Thakarius Keyes, CB, Tulane
238. New York Giants: T.J. Brunson, LB, South Carolina
239. Buffalo Bills: Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh
240. New Orleans Saints: Tommy Stevens, QB, Mississippi State
241. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple
242. Green Bay Packers: Jonathan Garvin, DE, Miami
243. Tennessee Titans: Chris Jackson, S, Marshall
244. Minnesota Vikings: Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
245. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana
246. Miami Dolphins: Malcolm Perry, WR, Navy
247. New York Giants: Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota
248. Los Angeles Rams: Sam Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio)
249. Minnesota Vikings: Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
250. Los Angeles Rams: Tremayne Anchrum, OG, Clemson
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251. Seattle Seahawks: Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU
252. Denver Broncos: Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
253. Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Hinton, OG, Washburn
254. Denver Broncos: Derrek Tuszka, LB, North Dakota State
255. New York Giants: Tae Crowder, LB, Georgia


upi--2020-04-26--Police: Officer killed, second injured after Baton Rouge shooting

April 26 ( UPI ) -- A gunman opened fire on police in Louisiana on Sunday , killing one officer and critically injuring another before igniting an hourslong standoff with police that ended with him surrendering following negotiations with SWAT team members , authorities said .
Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Murphy Paul said the officers were responding to a tip that Ronnie Kato , a suspect in an earlier homicide case , was at a Baton Rouge residence Sunday morning when they were fired upon .
Paul said two officers were struck by gunfire -- a 21-year veteran of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting and a seven-year veteran who was `` fighting for his life '' at a local hospital .
`` Our officers , we talk about being public servants and the responsibility that goes on with being a law enforcement officer , and this is the call no chief wants to get , no police officer wants to hear -- an officer dying , '' he told reporters during a press conference .
`` But not only were these police officers public servants : they 're fathers , husbands , loved by their family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken into police custody `` without incident '' following a four-hour standoff with police during which both sides exchanged gunfire , Paul said , adding , Kato surrendered following negotiations with SWAT members of the Baton Rouge Police Department .
Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome described Sunday as `` a tragic day '' for her city .
`` As we mourn this tragedy , let us reinforce that violence in our community , and particularly violence against law enforcement , is unacceptable , '' she said in a statement .
`` During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community and across the globe , it is imperative that we join together now more than ever . ''

April 26 (UPI) -- A gunman opened fire on police in Louisiana on Sunday, killing one officer and critically injuring another before igniting an hourslong standoff with police that ended with him surrendering following negotiations with SWAT team members, authorities said.
Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Murphy Paul said the officers were responding to a tip that Ronnie Kato, a suspect in an earlier homicide case, was at a Baton Rouge residence Sunday morning when they were fired upon.
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Paul said two officers were struck by gunfire -- a 21-year veteran of the force who was killed during the shooting and a seven-year veteran who was "fighting for his life" at a local hospital.
"Our officers, we talk about being public servants and the responsibility that goes on with being a law enforcement officer, and this is the call no chief wants to get, no police officer wants to hear -- an officer dying," he told reporters during a press conference. "But not only were these police officers public servants: they're fathers, husbands, loved by their family."
Kato, 36, was taken into police custody "without incident" following a four-hour standoff with police during which both sides exchanged gunfire, Paul said, adding, Kato surrendered following negotiations with SWAT members of the Baton Rouge Police Department.
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Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome described Sunday as "a tragic day" for her city.
"As we mourn this tragedy, let us reinforce that violence in our community, and particularly violence against law enforcement, is unacceptable," she said in a statement. "During this stressful time, both in our community and across the globe, it is imperative that we join together now more than ever."


upi--2020-04-26--El Paso Walmart shooting victim dies, raising death toll to 23

April 26 ( UPI ) -- Another victim of the El Paso Walmart shooting has died , a hospital official said Sunday , increasing the death toll for one of the United States ' deadliest mass shootings to 23 .
David Shimp , chief executive officer of the Del Sol Medical Center , confirmed in a statement Sunday , that Guillermo `` Memo '' Garcia died of injuries sustained during the August attack .
`` His courage , his strength and his story have touched many lives , including those of our caregivers , who tirelessly fought with him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Shimp said .
`` We are grieving with his family and with our community . ''
Garcia and his wife , Jessica Garcia , were at the El Paso Walmart on Aug. 3 when a gunman opened fire , striking some 40 people .
Twenty people were initially killed in the attack and 26 others , including the married pair , were injured .
The Garcias were hospitalized at the Del Sol Medical Center , and Memo was its last patient from the shooting , Shimp said .
Jessica , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier discharged .
In a statement to FOX14 , she said her husband died at 11:22 p.m. Saturday .
`` We lost a warrior but gained an angel , '' she said .
`` He fought long and hard , with the help of all his troops he won many battles but lost the war . ''
She said once social distancing orders are withdrawn , `` a proper memorial '' and mass will be held .
Patrick Crusius , 21 , has been indicted on 90 federal charges , including 22 counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the shooting .
According to court documents , Crusius allegedly uploaded a document to the Internet the day of the attack stating it was `` a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas . ''

1/2
A memorial lies outside of a Walmart where a mass shooting took place in El Paso, Texas, on Aug. 3, 2019. Twenty people were killed and dozens wounded when a gunman opened fire in the crowded store. Photo by Justin Hamel/UPI | License Photo
April 26 (UPI) -- Another victim of the El Paso Walmart shooting has died, a hospital official said Sunday, increasing the death toll for one of the United States' deadliest mass shootings to 23. David Shimp, chief executive officer of the Del Sol Medical Center, confirmed in a statement Sunday, that Guillermo "Memo" Garcia died of injuries sustained during the August attack. Advertisement
"His courage, his strength and his story have touched many lives, including those of our caregivers, who tirelessly fought with him and for him every step of the way," Shimp said. "We are grieving with his family and with our community."
Garcia and his wife, Jessica Garcia, were at the El Paso Walmart on Aug. 3 when a gunman opened fire, striking some 40 people. Twenty people were initially killed in the attack and 26 others, including the married pair, were injured.
The Garcias were hospitalized at the Del Sol Medical Center, and Memo was its last patient from the shooting, Shimp said. Jessica, who was shot in the leg, was earlier discharged.
In a statement to FOX14, she said her husband died at 11:22 p.m. Saturday.
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"We lost a warrior but gained an angel," she said. "He fought long and hard, with the help of all his troops he won many battles but lost the war."
She said once social distancing orders are withdrawn, "a proper memorial" and mass will be held.
Patrick Crusius, 21, has been indicted on 90 federal charges, including 22 counts of hate crimes resulting in death, for the shooting. According to court documents, Crusius allegedly uploaded a document to the Internet the day of the attack stating it was "a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas."


upi--2020-04-26--Ryan Newman ready to resume racing when NASCAR returns: 'I am healthy'

April 26 ( UPI ) -- Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Newman said Sunday he will be ready to return to the track when NASCAR resumes its season , which could be as early as May 17 .
Newman sustained a head injury after a fiery crash in NASCAR 's season-opening race on Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway .
He spent less than 48 hours in the hospital before walking out with his two daughters .
Before Sunday 's eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series event , Newman told FOX Sports that he is completely healthy and will be ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's the absolute plan , for sure .
I am healthy , '' Newman said .
`` I have been blessed with another layer of this [ coronavirus ] situation giving me more time to heal , and I look forward to being back in the seat , for sure . ''
Newman , 42 , was the race leader on the final lap of the Daytona 500 when he was bumped by Ryan Blaney just before the finish line , sending him into the outside wall and into an airborne spin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flipped several times and was sliding on its side when Corey LaJoie , traveling at full speed , slammed into it .
His car crossed the finish line on its roof before coming to a stop .
Newman was removed from the car and taken to the hospital by an ambulance with injuries that were described as serious but not life-threatening .
In an interview on NBC 's TODAY Show in March , Newman said he was diagnosed with a bruised brain and briefly lost consciousness after the wreck .
NASCAR said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be cleared by the series to return .
`` We share Ryan 's enthusiasm in his return to the track , '' the statement said .
`` We look forward to Ryan returning to racing as soon as he is medically cleared to race . ''
Ross Chastain drove the No .
6 Ford in place of Newman for three races before the NASCAR season was temporarily suspended on March 13 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
NASCAR is hoping to resume its season without spectators as early as May 17 .

Ryan Newman (6) suffered a head injury after a fiery crash in NASCAR's season-opening race on Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. File Photo by Edwin Locke/UPI | License Photo
April 26 (UPI) -- Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Newman said Sunday he will be ready to return to the track when NASCAR resumes its season, which could be as early as May 17. Newman sustained a head injury after a fiery crash in NASCAR's season-opening race on Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. He spent less than 48 hours in the hospital before walking out with his two daughters. Advertisement
Before Sunday's eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series event, Newman told FOX Sports that he is completely healthy and will be ready to race when competition resumes.
"That's the absolute plan, for sure. I am healthy," Newman said. "I have been blessed with another layer of this [coronavirus] situation giving me more time to heal, and I look forward to being back in the seat, for sure."
When we go back racing, @RyanJNewman will be back behind the wheel of the No. 6 machine! pic.twitter.com/NVtTSklvnI— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 26, 2020
Newman, 42, was the race leader on the final lap of the Daytona 500 when he was bumped by Ryan Blaney just before the finish line, sending him into the outside wall and into an airborne spin while upside down.
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Newman's car flipped several times and was sliding on its side when Corey LaJoie, traveling at full speed, slammed into it. His car crossed the finish line on its roof before coming to a stop.
Newman was removed from the car and taken to the hospital by an ambulance with injuries that were described as serious but not life-threatening. In an interview on NBC's TODAY Show in March, Newman said he was diagnosed with a bruised brain and briefly lost consciousness after the wreck.
NASCAR said in a statement that Newman has yet to be cleared by the series to return.
"We share Ryan's enthusiasm in his return to the track," the statement said. "We look forward to Ryan returning to racing as soon as he is medically cleared to race."
Ross Chastain drove the No. 6 Ford in place of Newman for three races before the NASCAR season was temporarily suspended on March 13 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
NASCAR is hoping to resume its season without spectators as early as May 17.


upi--2020-04-27--NBA pushes back plan to reopen team facilities by at least one week

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The NBA pushed back by at least a week its initial plan to allow players to re-enter team facilities in select cities for voluntary workouts , the league announced Monday .
The league had planned to reopen facilities Friday , including the Atlanta Hawks ' practice site in Georgia , which was among the first states to relax stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Instead , the NBA advised teams that it is targeting no earlier than May 8 to allow player workouts at facilities .
The league said it can push back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` The NBA informed its teams today that , as numerous state and local governments have announced modifications of stay-at-home orders and other restrictions on non-essential business activity beginning this week , the league is planning to modify its guidance regarding the use of team practice facilities and player training , '' the statement said .
`` The purpose of these changes is to allow for safe and controlled environments for players to train in states that allow them to do so , and to create a process for identifying safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Before the NBA 's announcement Monday , the Hawks opted to wait on reopening its facilities until the franchise had a better idea of how the lessened stay-at-home orders were impacting the region .
`` We are going to wait and see what happens in the state over the couple of weeks , '' Hawks president of basketball operations and general manager Travis Schlenk told ESPN .
`` If there 's a positive response , we 'll slowly open up .
If it 's a negative response , we 'll make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In the NBA 's memo , the league detailed to teams the requirements of reopening facilities , including no more than four players being permitted in a facility at one time and having only one staff member supervising .
No head coaches or assistants are allowed to participate , and group activities remain prohibited , including practices and scrimmages .
The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 .
During the NBA 's temporary shutdown , the league has barred players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The league 's decision to reopen select facilities is n't considered reflective of a new timetable for a return to play this season , according to ESPN .
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and team owners believe they need additional time and information before deciding when or how the season can be completed .

The NBA suspended its season March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- The NBA pushed back by at least a week its initial plan to allow players to re-enter team facilities in select cities for voluntary workouts, the league announced Monday. The league had planned to reopen facilities Friday, including the Atlanta Hawks' practice site in Georgia, which was among the first states to relax stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
Instead, the NBA advised teams that it is targeting no earlier than May 8 to allow player workouts at facilities. The league said it can push back that date again "if developments warrant."
"The NBA informed its teams today that, as numerous state and local governments have announced modifications of stay-at-home orders and other restrictions on non-essential business activity beginning this week, the league is planning to modify its guidance regarding the use of team practice facilities and player training," the statement said.
"The purpose of these changes is to allow for safe and controlled environments for players to train in states that allow them to do so, and to create a process for identifying safe training options for players in other states."
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Before the NBA's announcement Monday, the Hawks opted to wait on reopening its facilities until the franchise had a better idea of how the lessened stay-at-home orders were impacting the region.
"We are going to wait and see what happens in the state over the couple of weeks," Hawks president of basketball operations and general manager Travis Schlenk told ESPN. "If there's a positive response, we'll slowly open up. If it's a negative response, we'll make sure our staff and players remain healthy."
In the NBA's memo, the league detailed to teams the requirements of reopening facilities, including no more than four players being permitted in a facility at one time and having only one staff member supervising. No head coaches or assistants are allowed to participate, and group activities remain prohibited, including practices and scrimmages.
The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. During the NBA's temporary shutdown, the league has barred players from using public gyms or training facilities.
The league's decision to reopen select facilities isn't considered reflective of a new timetable for a return to play this season, according to ESPN. NBA commissioner Adam Silver and team owners believe they need additional time and information before deciding when or how the season can be completed.


upi--2020-04-27--Colorado, Nevada join Pacific states in reopening pact

April 27 ( UPI ) -- Governors in Colorado and Nevada on Monday joined California , Oregon and Washington in a regional pact that will coordinate reopening of state economies going forward from statewide safer-at-home orders .
`` There 's no silver bullet that will solve this pandemic until there is a cure , so we must have a multifaceted and bold approach in order to slow the spread of the virus , to keep our people safe and help our economy rebound , '' Democratic Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis , said in a statement on Monday .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 206 deaths reported .
Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak , also a Democrat , said joining the regional pact would help Nevada residents , as well as the many tourists who visit the state .
`` [ T ] he sharing of critical information and best practices on how to mitigate the spread , protect the health and safety of our residents and reopening responsibly will be invaluable as we chart paths forward , '' said Sisolak , in a statement .
`` COVID-19 does n't follow state or national boundaries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , working together to get the upper hand on this virus , '' California 's Gov .
Newsom , a Democrat , said Monday .
The Western States Pact was crafted last week by Newsom and Democrats Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown and Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee to roll out regional plans to reopen economies .
While each state has agreed they would develop their own plans , the cooperating state governments approved a framework that said residents ' health came first .
The other tenets of the agreement include that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes and science -- not politics '' and states will be most effective by working together .
California and Washington had the earliest reported U.S. cases of COVID-19 , but immediately enacted lockdown stay-at-home procedures that appear to have blunted the spread of the virus .
California had 43,464 confirmed cases as of Monday with 1,755 deaths statewide , according to the state health department .
Washington reported 13,686 cases Monday , with 765 deaths statewide , the state health department said .
Seven midwestern governors and seven northeastern states are also working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lists to reopen the regions include sustained rates of infections and hospitalizations , adequate testing and tracking of the virus , adequate hospital capacity for a resurgence of the virus and social distancing rules for the workplace .

Gondola Square is almost empty at the base of Steamboat Springs Ski Resort, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Governors in Colorado and Nevada on Monday joined California, Oregon and Washington in a regional pact to reopen their states. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- Governors in Colorado and Nevada on Monday joined California, Oregon and Washington in a regional pact that will coordinate reopening of state economies going forward from statewide safer-at-home orders. "There's no silver bullet that will solve this pandemic until there is a cure, so we must have a multifaceted and bold approach in order to slow the spread of the virus, to keep our people safe and help our economy rebound," Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement on Monday. Advertisement
Colorado reported 13,879 confirmed cases Monday, with 706 deaths.
In Nevada, there were 4,786 confirmed cases with 206 deaths reported.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, also a Democrat, said joining the regional pact would help Nevada residents, as well as the many tourists who visit the state.
"[T]he sharing of critical information and best practices on how to mitigate the spread, protect the health and safety of our residents and reopening responsibly will be invaluable as we chart paths forward," said Sisolak, in a statement.
"COVID-19 doesn't follow state or national boundaries, and it will take every level of government, working together to get the upper hand on this virus," California's Gov. Newsom, a Democrat, said Monday.
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The Western States Pact was crafted last week by Newsom and Democrats Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to roll out regional plans to reopen economies.
While each state has agreed they would develop their own plans, the cooperating state governments approved a framework that said residents' health came first.
The other tenets of the agreement include that decisions will be informed by "health outcomes and science -- not politics" and states will be most effective by working together.
California and Washington had the earliest reported U.S. cases of COVID-19, but immediately enacted lockdown stay-at-home procedures that appear to have blunted the spread of the virus.
California had 43,464 confirmed cases as of Monday with 1,755 deaths statewide, according to the state health department. Washington reported 13,686 cases Monday, with 765 deaths statewide, the state health department said.
Seven midwestern governors and seven northeastern states are also working together to craft regional plans.
To-do lists to reopen the regions include sustained rates of infections and hospitalizations, adequate testing and tracking of the virus, adequate hospital capacity for a resurgence of the virus and social distancing rules for the workplace.


upi--2020-04-27--White House Coronavirus Task Force presents new guidelines for reopening

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The White House Coronavirus Task Force presented additional guidelines for states to reopen their economies and conduct increased testing on Monday .
White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx and Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir introduced the eight-part plan at a briefing on Monday and said the parts are grouped into three phases of which the United States has completed two .
`` The blueprint lays out the roles and responsibilities to enhance our partnership between the private sector and the public sector , bringing together state and local governments with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can accomplish and achieve our core principles and objectives , '' said Birx .
The first phase of the plan focused primarily on testing , including unlocking each state 's full testing capacity as well as increasing the number of platforms for testing , the ability to collect samples and testing and laboratory supplies .
It also included plans to implement an active monitoring program to diagnose the symptomatic and work with individuals at higher risk .
`` We 've worked with states to look at where the outbreaks have occurred when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've seen that it occurs very often in places of closed settings among our Native Americans and among our long-term care facilities , '' said Birx .
Vice President Mike Pence said the United States has conducted more than 5 million tests .
Finally , the first phase requires the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work with state and local governments to ensure that they can quickly track and trace every symptomatic and asymptomatic case in order to control and predict outbreaks before they expand .
The second phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and private-sector testing infrastructure and strengthening the testing supply chain .
Ultimately phase three would involve the federal government working with governors to support testing plans and rapid-response programs to allow states to reopen businesses , schools and other services .
The governors of Colorado and Nevada on Monday agreed to join a pact of Pacific states including California , Oregon and Washington to coordinate the reopening of their states .
President Donald Trump said during the briefing he would advise states to open as quickly and safely as possible .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend that they do it as quickly as possible but safely , we want everyone to be safe , '' said Trump .

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President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the COVID-19 pandemic during the Coronavirus Task Force briefing in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Monday. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- The White House Coronavirus Task Force presented additional guidelines for states to reopen their economies and conduct increased testing on Monday. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx and Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir introduced the eight-part plan at a briefing on Monday and said the parts are grouped into three phases of which the United States has completed two. Advertisement
"The blueprint lays out the roles and responsibilities to enhance our partnership between the private sector and the public sector, bringing together state and local governments with the federal government to ensure that we can accomplish and achieve our core principles and objectives," said Birx.
The first phase of the plan focused primarily on testing, including unlocking each state's full testing capacity as well as increasing the number of platforms for testing, the ability to collect samples and testing and laboratory supplies.
It also included plans to implement an active monitoring program to diagnose the symptomatic and work with individuals at higher risk.
"We've worked with states to look at where the outbreaks have occurred when they're not in the large metros and we've seen that it occurs very often in places of closed settings among our Native Americans and among our long-term care facilities," said Birx.
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Vice President Mike Pence said the United States has conducted more than 5 million tests.
Finally, the first phase requires the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work with state and local governments to ensure that they can quickly track and trace every symptomatic and asymptomatic case in order to control and predict outbreaks before they expand.
The second phase included expanding the scale of the public- and private-sector testing infrastructure and strengthening the testing supply chain.
Ultimately phase three would involve the federal government working with governors to support testing plans and rapid-response programs to allow states to reopen businesses, schools and other services.
The governors of Colorado and Nevada on Monday agreed to join a pact of Pacific states including California, Oregon and Washington to coordinate the reopening of their states.
President Donald Trump said during the briefing he would advise states to open as quickly and safely as possible.
"We want them to do it, we recommend that they do it as quickly as possible but safely, we want everyone to be safe," said Trump.


upi--2020-04-27--Los Angeles Lakers return $4.6 million from federal loan program

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The Los Angeles Lakers returned about $ 4.6 million from a federal government program intended to help small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic after learning the program had been depleted .
The Lakers , one of the NBA 's most valuable and profitable franchises , applied for the loan through the Small Business Administration 's Paycheck Protection Program , a part of the federal government 's $ 2.2 trillion stimulus package .
The team was among the companies and non-profit organizations granted loans during the first round of distributions .
But after reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while smaller businesses were shut out due to the program running out of money , the Lakers said they have returned the loan .
`` The Lakers qualified for and received a loan under the Payroll Protection Program , '' the team said Monday in a statement to ESPN and the Los Angeles Times .
`` Once we found out the funds from the program had been depleted , we repaid the loan so that financial support would be directed to those most in need .
`` The Lakers remain completely committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Paycheck Protection Program , which was established as part of the $ 2.2 trillion CARES Act and launched on April 3 , allows small businesses to apply for and receive loans to cover employee salaries and various expenses .
The Lakers , with about 300 employees , were eligible for a loan from the program .
The program ran out of money after less than two weeks , leaving many small businesses without financial assistance .
Forbes estimated the Lakers were worth about $ 4.4 billion before the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Knicks ( $ 4.6 billion ) as the league 's most valuable franchise .
The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 .
The Lakers previously pledged not to furlough or fire any team employees during the pandemic .
Earlier this month , the Lakers ' top executives agreed to defer 20 percent of their salaries until later this year or next season .

The Los Angeles Lakers' value was estimated to be more than $4 billion before the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Lakers returned about $4.6 million from a federal government program intended to help small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic after learning the program had been depleted. The Lakers, one of the NBA's most valuable and profitable franchises, applied for the loan through the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, a part of the federal government's $2.2 trillion stimulus package. Advertisement
The team was among the companies and non-profit organizations granted loans during the first round of distributions. But after reports that multiple wealthier businesses were securing aid, while smaller businesses were shut out due to the program running out of money, the Lakers said they have returned the loan.
"The Lakers qualified for and received a loan under the Payroll Protection Program," the team said Monday in a statement to ESPN and the Los Angeles Times. "Once we found out the funds from the program had been depleted, we repaid the loan so that financial support would be directed to those most in need.
"The Lakers remain completely committed to supporting both our employees and our community."
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The Paycheck Protection Program, which was established as part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act and launched on April 3, allows small businesses to apply for and receive loans to cover employee salaries and various expenses. The Lakers, with about 300 employees, were eligible for a loan from the program.
The program ran out of money after less than two weeks, leaving many small businesses without financial assistance.
Forbes estimated the Lakers were worth about $4.4 billion before the COVID-19 outbreak, with Los Angeles trailing only the New York Knicks ($4.6 billion) as the league's most valuable franchise.
The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The Lakers previously pledged not to furlough or fire any team employees during the pandemic.
Earlier this month, the Lakers' top executives agreed to defer 20 percent of their salaries until later this year or next season.


upi--2020-04-27--Boeing forecast: Air travel may not bounce back for years; aircraft demand falling

April 27 ( UPI ) -- Air travel may not resume to pre-pandemic levels for years , and demand for jets will continue to lag , Boeing 's CEO said in a shareholder call Monday .
Stock prices dropped after a $ 4.2 billion Brazilian partnership deal fell apart .
`` We are in an unpredictable and fast-changing environment , and it is difficult to estimate when the situation will stabilize , '' David Calhoun , Boeing CEO , said in a virtual annual shareholder meeting .
`` When it does , the commercial market will be smaller , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It may take two-to-three years for airlines to build international flight traffic again , Calhoun added .
Chicago-based aircraft giant Boeing suffers from an added financial crunch after the global withdrawal of the company 's 737 Max 8 and grounding of 737NG airliners last year for safety flaws .
Demand for U.S. air travel dropped by 95 percent during the international pandemic , Calhoun said .
About two-thirds of the aircraft around the world are grounded because of COVID-19 travel restrictions .
Meanwhile , Calhoun said demand for new airliners has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which means the U.S. company must cut costs .
The company in March reported that customers had canceled 150 orders for 737 jetliners .
The company also planned to halve the number of 787 Dreamliners in production and announce cuts in the workforce , Bloomberg reported last week .
The company offered an April buyout to some of its 161,000 employees who agreed to leave voluntarily with a benefits package , Boeing shares dropped 2.3 percent Monday in early trading after a $ 4.2 billion two-year deal with Brazil 's Embraer fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muilenburg , who was ousted in December in a leadership shakeup , after trouble with a space mission and ongoing problems with the company 's 737 Max .

Pandemic air travel cuts mean demand has dropped for jetliners like the Boeing 767, displayed here at the Las Vegas Sands Convention Center, CEO David Calhoun said Monday. File photo by James Atoa/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- Air travel may not resume to pre-pandemic levels for years, and demand for jets will continue to lag, Boeing's CEO said in a shareholder call Monday. Stock prices dropped after a $4.2 billion Brazilian partnership deal fell apart. "We are in an unpredictable and fast-changing environment, and it is difficult to estimate when the situation will stabilize," David Calhoun, Boeing CEO, said in a virtual annual shareholder meeting. "When it does, the commercial market will be smaller, and our customers' needs will be different." Advertisement
It may take two-to-three years for airlines to build international flight traffic again, Calhoun added.
Chicago-based aircraft giant Boeing suffers from an added financial crunch after the global withdrawal of the company's 737 Max 8 and grounding of 737NG airliners last year for safety flaws.
Demand for U.S. air travel dropped by 95 percent during the international pandemic, Calhoun said. About two-thirds of the aircraft around the world are grounded because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Meanwhile, Calhoun said demand for new airliners has dropped for Boeing and European competitor Airbus, which means the U.S. company must cut costs.
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The company in March reported that customers had canceled 150 orders for 737 jetliners. The company also planned to halve the number of 787 Dreamliners in production and announce cuts in the workforce, Bloomberg reported last week.
The company offered an April buyout to some of its 161,000 employees who agreed to leave voluntarily with a benefits package,
Boeing shares dropped 2.3 percent Monday in early trading after a $4.2 billion two-year deal with Brazil's Embraer fell apart Saturday.
Calhoun replaced CEO Dennis Muilenburg, who was ousted in December in a leadership shakeup, after trouble with a space mission and ongoing problems with the company's 737 Max.


upi--2020-04-27--CDC lists 6 new symptoms associated with COVID-19

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention released an expanded list of COVID-19 symptoms Monday , including the loss of a sense of smell .
Health officials said research into the highly contagious coronavirus showed that certain symptoms showed up in most patients between 2 -14 days after exposure to the virus .
New symptoms included chills , repeated shaking with chills , muscle pain , headache , sore throat and a new loss of taste or smell .
Formerly , the health officials had listed only three confirmed symptoms : fever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency also listed emergency warning signs for COVID-19 .
Patients should get immediate medical attention if they had trouble breathing , persistent pain or pressure in the chest ; new confusion or were not able to be aroused , or a bluish lips or face , the agency said .
Although at first understood as a disease of the respiratory system , the disease is presenting in different ways , researchers have discovered .
The coronavirus has also been been associated with strokes , neurological symptoms and diarrhea in some patients .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also asks patients if they have had recent contact with a COVID-19 patient for work in a nursing home or medical facility .

Health officials added six new symptoms to the official diagnosis of the COVID-19 coronavirus Monday, expanding the list to nine. Illustration courtesy of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
April 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention released an expanded list of COVID-19 symptoms Monday, including the loss of a sense of smell. Health officials said research into the highly contagious coronavirus showed that certain symptoms showed up in most patients between 2 -14 days after exposure to the virus. Advertisement
New symptoms included chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a new loss of taste or smell.
Formerly, the health officials had listed only three confirmed symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath.
The agency also listed emergency warning signs for COVID-19.
Patients should get immediate medical attention if they had trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion or were not able to be aroused, or a bluish lips or face, the agency said.
Although at first understood as a disease of the respiratory system, the disease is presenting in different ways, researchers have discovered.
The coronavirus has also been been associated with strokes, neurological symptoms and diarrhea in some patients.
The CDC website features a coronavirus self-checker that also asks patients if they have had recent contact with a COVID-19 patient for work in a nursing home or medical facility.


upi--2020-04-27--New York election board cancels Democratic presidential primary due to pandemic

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The State of New York Board of Elections has canceled the Democratic presidential primary this year , due to coronavirus concerns .
The primary was initially scheduled for Tuesday , but was pushed ahead for eight weeks to June 23 because of stay-at-home restrictions because of COVID-19 .
State party officials removed all other Democratic candidates from the ballot , leaving only Vice President Joseph Biden in the slot for the race for president , effectively canceling the election .
`` We should minimize the number of people on the ballot , minimize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Andy Spano said .
Other local elections will still take place in June , but the state will save money by not printing a ballot page for every registered voter in New York .
About 20 counties with no scheduled local elections will not have to open polls , officials said .
The state 's election authorities will also have more time to implement mail-in voting schemes for upcoming local and statewide elections .
The presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders petitioned the state to remain on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to continue accumulating delegates to influence the August convention .
Sanders suspended his campaign on April 8 .
But election officials called Sanders 's request `` unnecessary and frivolous '' during a major health crisis .
`` What the Sanders supporters want is essentially a beauty contest , '' Doug Kellner , commissioner for the Democratic Board of Elections said .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on Monday said his `` pause '' stay-at-home order for non-essential businesses to remain closed beyond May 15 will be extended in some parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than17,000 people have died since the start of the outbreak , according to the state health department .
As the winner of the Democratic presidential primary has become a foregone conclusion , multiple other states are still mulling how to deal with elections in the midst of a pandemic .
Many states have postponed their contests , and others nixed in-person voting and extended absentee ballot deadlines .
Fifteen other states and Puerto Rico have pushed back their primary dates or extended vote-by mail deadlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia , Hawaii , Indiana , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maryland , New Jersey , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , West Virginia and Wyoming .

New York election officials cancelled the statewide presidential primary because only one viable candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, remains on the ballot. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- The State of New York Board of Elections has canceled the Democratic presidential primary this year, due to coronavirus concerns. The primary was initially scheduled for Tuesday, but was pushed ahead for eight weeks to June 23 because of stay-at-home restrictions because of COVID-19. Advertisement
State party officials removed all other Democratic candidates from the ballot, leaving only Vice President Joseph Biden in the slot for the race for president, effectively canceling the election.
"We should minimize the number of people on the ballot, minimize the election for the protection of everybody," Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Andy Spano said.
Other local elections will still take place in June, but the state will save money by not printing a ballot page for every registered voter in New York. About 20 counties with no scheduled local elections will not have to open polls, officials said.
The state's election authorities will also have more time to implement mail-in voting schemes for upcoming local and statewide elections.
The presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders petitioned the state to remain on the ballot, to give voters the chance to continue accumulating delegates to influence the August convention. Sanders suspended his campaign on April 8.
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But election officials called Sanders's request "unnecessary and frivolous" during a major health crisis.
"What the Sanders supporters want is essentially a beauty contest," Doug Kellner, commissioner for the Democratic Board of Elections said.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday said his "pause" stay-at-home order for non-essential businesses to remain closed beyond May 15 will be extended in some parts of the state.
Almost 290,000 New York residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than17,000 people have died since the start of the outbreak, according to the state health department.
As the winner of the Democratic presidential primary has become a foregone conclusion, multiple other states are still mulling how to deal with elections in the midst of a pandemic. Many states have postponed their contests, and others nixed in-person voting and extended absentee ballot deadlines.
Fifteen other states and Puerto Rico have pushed back their primary dates or extended vote-by mail deadlines: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Wyoming.