upi--2020-04-30--Herpes virus more complicated than thought

Herpes simplex virus -- the virus that causes cold sores -- is more complex than scientists had thought , a new study finds .
It had been believed that there were about 80 so-called open reading frames in the herpes gene , but there now appear to be 284 , researchers report .
Those are places where the DNA becomes proteins .
`` The new findings now make it possible to study the individual genes of the virus much more precisely than before , '' researcher Lars Dölken said in a news release from the Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg in Bavaria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the university .
These findings also have implications for the development of immunological therapies to treat certain tumors , such as melanoma , the researchers believe .
Herpes simplex virus 1 is known to cause cold sores and also life-threatening pneumonia in patients in intensive care units , the researchers say in background notes .
In rare cases , the virus can cause encephalitis , which can lead to permanent brain damage .
Once you 're infected with the virus , it will stay in your body 's cells for life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was published April 27 in the journal Nature Communications .
For more on Herpes simplex virus , head to the Johns Hopkins University .

Herpes simplex virus -- the virus that causes cold sores -- is more complex than scientists had thought, a new study finds.
It had been believed that there were about 80 so-called open reading frames in the herpes gene, but there now appear to be 284, researchers report. Those are places where the DNA becomes proteins.
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"The new findings now make it possible to study the individual genes of the virus much more precisely than before," researcher Lars Dölken said in a news release from the Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany. He is head of virology at the university.
These findings also have implications for the development of immunological therapies to treat certain tumors, such as melanoma, the researchers believe.
Herpes simplex virus 1 is known to cause cold sores and also life-threatening pneumonia in patients in intensive care units, the researchers say in background notes.
In rare cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage.
Once you're infected with the virus, it will stay in your body's cells for life, becoming active only occasionally.
The report was published April 27 in the journal Nature Communications.
More information
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For more on Herpes simplex virus, head to the Johns Hopkins University.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-30--Famous birthdays for April 30: Sam Heughan, Cloris Leachman

April 30 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .
-- Hungarian @ @ @ @ @ wrote the operetta `` The Merry Widow , '' in 1870

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Sam Heughan attends the 34th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on February 23, 2019. The actor turns 40 on April 30. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 30 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- Hungarian composer Franz Lehar, who wrote the operetta "The Merry Widow," in 1870
-- Actor Eve Arden in 1908
-- Dutch Queen Juliana in 1909
-- Actor Cloris Leachman in 1926 (age 94)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Actor Gary Collins in 1938
-- Actor Burt Young in 1940 (age 80)
-- Singer Bobby Vee in 1943
-- Actor Jill Clayburgh in 1944
-- Sweden's King Carl Gustaf XVI in 1946 (age 74)
-- U.S. Olympic champion swimmer Don Schollander in 1946 (age 74)
-- Actor Perry King in 1948 (age 72)
-- Film director Jane Campion in 1954 (age 66)
-- Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 1959 (age 61)
File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member Isiah Thomas in 1961 (age 59)
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-- Actor Johnny Galecki in 1975 (age 45)
-- Actor Sam Heughan in 1980 (age 40)
-- Actor Kunal Nayyar in 1981 (age 39)
-- Actor Kirsten Dunst in 1982 (age 38)
-- Actor Gal Gadot in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Dianna Agron in 1986 (age 34)
-- Rapper Travis Scott, born Jacques Webster, in 1992 (age 28)


upi--2020-04-30--Land fissures, falling earth levels feared with new Arizona water rules

DENVER , April 30 ( UPI ) -- Arizona is adopting a new regional water-use plan , and residents and geologists fear it could lead to more man-made geological changes in the landscape , including land levels falling and giant fissures splitting the earth .
As part of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan , approved by Gov .
Doug Ducey in 2019 , Arizona must curtail river water use to keep levels at Nevada 's Lake Mead from dropping to dangerous levels .
The water level at the lake , near Las Vegas , has been declining since 1983 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent full at about 1,100 feet .
If it drops to 1,075 feet , a shortage would be declared and mandatory water cuts would occur throughout the U.S. West .
Farmers , facing drought conditions , want to return to ground pumping of the state 's already-low ancient underground aquifers .
Elsewhere in the state , where water is not regulated , out-of-state agriculture operations have moved in to drain underground water supplies .
`` Arizona 's challenges to manage its groundwater have implications for all other water use across the West , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of water resources at University of New Mexico .
Arizona 's farmers have been pumping groundwater out of aquifers since 1900 , and over-pumping has caused the ground levels to fall in 3,400 square miles of the state , geological mapping shows .
Large fissures , some miles long , have opened up where land has collapsed .
Earth fissures can open overnight , usually after monsoon season in June through September , said Chris Wanamaker , assistant engineer in Pinal County , where most of the state 's fissures are found .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earth appears where the ground-level has dropped due to over-pumping , Wanamaker said .
`` A heavy rain brings water runoff into the crack , which can cause the land to erode suddenly as it collapses into the void , '' he said .
`` It 's kind of Biblical , when you think about the earth opening up , like an apocalypse or something , '' said Joseph Cook , a research scientist and fissures expert at the Arizona Geological Survey at Tucson 's University of Arizona .
For residents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage .
Queen Creek resident Joan Etzenhouser has four fissures , including one under her house , on her 3-acre property about 30 miles southeast of Phoenix .
After monsoon rainfalls , the fissures sometimes open into gaping trenches , 6 to 10 feet wide and 30 feet deep .
The moving ground under her home has broken water lines twice and cracked tiles inside , Etzenhouser said .
She 's filled the gap under her home with cement slurry .
`` It ca n't really be fixed because a fissure is impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I like where I live , but nobody 's going to buy it .
It 's a worthless house on a worthless piece of property . ''
The county now keeps maps of earth fissures , county engineer Wanamaker said .
Officials recommend that developers not build within 50 feet of them .
In other parts of the state , free , unregulated underground water has lured large agricultural operations that drill deep wells and drain the aquifers , causing the land to collapse .
In Cochise County , southeast of Tucson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much underground water that the land has deflated by more than 10 feet since 1969 .
About 42 miles of fissures have opened up , damaging a natural gas pipeline , roads , and power lines over the past decade , according to the state 's geologists .
`` The domestic wells are drying up , '' Willcox Mayor Mike Walls told UPI .
`` It 's horrible .
The big boys come in here with a lot of money and keep going after the water deeper and deeper . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the state , severe floods in Wendon , Ariz. , have been caused by land collapse from over-pumped aquifers .
Saudi Arabian growers of water-intensive alfalfa drilled deep wells and now export hay to Europe and the Middle East .
Shallow domestic wells for rural residents have run dry , Kingman , Ariz. , Republican state Rep. Regina Cobb said .
`` Whoever has the big straw is the one that is able to draw the water out , '' Cobb said .
Cobb and other lawmakers faced opposition when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws .
What 's worse , local residents and water experts worry that once Arizona 's underground water is gone , it might never come back , and the land will continue to collapse .
When too much water is taken from aquifers , pressure compacts the space between grains of sand and gravel , said Brian Conway , geophysics surveying unit supervisor for the Arizona Department of Water Resources .
`` If you put a straw in there and suck all the milk out , the Rice Krispies are going to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That 's what 's happening in the subsurface .
It 's hard for that to ever hold water again . ''

With more agricultural over pumping of underground aquifers predicted in Arizona, man-made earth fissures and collapsing land levels could increase, residents and geologists worry. Photo courtesy of the Arizona Geological Survey
DENVER, April 30 (UPI) -- Arizona is adopting a new regional water-use plan, and residents and geologists fear it could lead to more man-made geological changes in the landscape, including land levels falling and giant fissures splitting the earth. As part of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan, approved by Gov. Doug Ducey in 2019, Arizona must curtail river water use to keep levels at Nevada's Lake Mead from dropping to dangerous levels. Advertisement
The water level at the lake, near Las Vegas, has been declining since 1983. The lake is now about 40 percent full at about 1,100 feet. If it drops to 1,075 feet, a shortage would be declared and mandatory water cuts would occur throughout the U.S. West.
Farmers, facing drought conditions, want to return to ground pumping of the state's already-low ancient underground aquifers. Elsewhere in the state, where water is not regulated, out-of-state agriculture operations have moved in to drain underground water supplies.
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"Arizona's challenges to manage its groundwater have implications for all other water use across the West," said John Fleck, a professor of water resources at University of New Mexico.
Pumping since 1900
Arizona's farmers have been pumping groundwater out of aquifers since 1900, and over-pumping has caused the ground levels to fall in 3,400 square miles of the state, geological mapping shows. Large fissures, some miles long, have opened up where land has collapsed.
Earth fissures can open overnight, usually after monsoon season in June through September, said Chris Wanamaker, assistant engineer in Pinal County, where most of the state's fissures are found.
At first, a small crack in the earth appears where the ground-level has dropped due to over-pumping, Wanamaker said. "A heavy rain brings water runoff into the crack, which can cause the land to erode suddenly as it collapses into the void," he said.
"It's kind of Biblical, when you think about the earth opening up, like an apocalypse or something," said Joseph Cook, a research scientist and fissures expert at the Arizona Geological Survey at Tucson's University of Arizona.
For residents, the fissures cause heartache, flooding and damage.
Queen Creek resident Joan Etzenhouser has four fissures, including one under her house, on her 3-acre property about 30 miles southeast of Phoenix. After monsoon rainfalls, the fissures sometimes open into gaping trenches, 6 to 10 feet wide and 30 feet deep.
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Broken water lines
The moving ground under her home has broken water lines twice and cracked tiles inside, Etzenhouser said. She's filled the gap under her home with cement slurry.
"It can't really be fixed because a fissure is impossible to fix," she said. "I like where I live, but nobody's going to buy it. It's a worthless house on a worthless piece of property."
The county now keeps maps of earth fissures, county engineer Wanamaker said. Officials recommend that developers not build within 50 feet of them.
In other parts of the state, free, unregulated underground water has lured large agricultural operations that drill deep wells and drain the aquifers, causing the land to collapse.
In Cochise County, southeast of Tucson, cattle operations and nut-tree farmers pump so much underground water that the land has deflated by more than 10 feet since 1969.
About 42 miles of fissures have opened up, damaging a natural gas pipeline, roads, and power lines over the past decade, according to the state's geologists.
"The domestic wells are drying up," Willcox Mayor Mike Walls told UPI. "It's horrible. The big boys come in here with a lot of money and keep going after the water deeper and deeper."
Advertisement
In La Paz County, in the western part of the state, severe floods in Wendon, Ariz., have been caused by land collapse from over-pumped aquifers.
Saudis grow alfalfa
Saudi Arabian growers of water-intensive alfalfa drilled deep wells and now export hay to Europe and the Middle East.
Shallow domestic wells for rural residents have run dry, Kingman, Ariz., Republican state Rep. Regina Cobb said.
"Whoever has the big straw is the one that is able to draw the water out," Cobb said.
Cobb and other lawmakers faced opposition when they tried to pass locally controlled water management laws.
What's worse, local residents and water experts worry that once Arizona's underground water is gone, it might never come back, and the land will continue to collapse.
When too much water is taken from aquifers, pressure compacts the space between grains of sand and gravel, said Brian Conway, geophysics surveying unit supervisor for the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
"If you put a straw in there and suck all the milk out, the Rice Krispies are going to come together and compact," Conway said. "That's what's happening in the subsurface. It's hard for that to ever hold water again."


upi--2020-04-30--On This Day, April 30: Adolf Hitler found dead

April 30 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1789 , George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States .
In 1803 , the United States more than doubled its land area with the Louisiana Purchase .
It obtained all French territory west of the Mississippi River for $ 15 million .
In 1812 , Louisiana entered the union as the 18th U.S. state .
In 1927 , Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford became the first movie personalities to leave their footprints in concrete at Grauman 's Chinese Theater in Hollywood .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first U.S. president to appear on television when he was shown on opening day at the New York World 's Fair .
In 1945 , the burned body of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was found in a bunker in the ruins of Berlin .
In 1948 , 21 countries of the Western Hemisphere formed the Organization of American States .
In 1967 , Muhammad Ali was stripped of his world heavyweight boxing championship title after he refused to be drafted into the U.S. military .
In 1975 , South Vietnam unconditionally surrendered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saigon and renamed it Ho Chi Minh City .
In 1997 , Ellen DeGeneres ' character came out as gay on the popular sitcom Ellen , making it the first sitcom to feature a gay leading character .
The local ABC affiliate in Birmingham , Ala. , refused to air the episode so gay rights advocates arranged for a satellite downlink to beam the show .
In 1993 , tennis star Monica Seles was stabbed and injured by a self-described fan of Steffi Graf during a break between games in a match against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seles , who won nine grand-slam singles titles in her career , was out of competitive tennis for more than two years after the attack .
In 2006 , rebel factions in Sudan rejected a peace agreement in the Darfur conflict .
Officials estimated the fighting had killed at least 180,000 people and driven more than 2 million from their homes .
In 2009 , Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection in a key move of a restructuring plan backed by the Obama administration .
In 2012 , Israel began construction of a wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than a mile long on its border with Lebanon .
Security officials said the concrete wall would protect residents in the Matulla area from sniper fire from nearby Lebanese villages .
In 2013 , Queen Beatrix , the 75-year-old monarch of the Netherlands , signed a formal declaration abdicating in favor of her eldest son , Willem-Alexander , 46 , who became the country 's first king in 123 years .
In 2019 , Japanese Emperor Akihito , 85 , formally abdicated his throne , becoming the nation 's first monarch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son , Crown Prince Naruhito , ascended to the throne , starting the Reiwa era .

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Adolf Hitler attends a Nazi party rally in Nuremberg, Germany, circa 1928. On April 30, In 1945, Hitler's burned body was found in a bunker in the ruins of Berlin. File Photo courtesy of the NARA
April 30 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States. Advertisement
In 1803, the United States more than doubled its land area with the Louisiana Purchase. It obtained all French territory west of the Mississippi River for $15 million.
In 1812, Louisiana entered the union as the 18th U.S. state.
In 1927, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford became the first movie personalities to leave their footprints in concrete at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to appear on television when he was shown on opening day at the New York World's Fair.
In 1945, the burned body of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was found in a bunker in the ruins of Berlin.
In 1948, 21 countries of the Western Hemisphere formed the Organization of American States.
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In 1967, Muhammad Ali was stripped of his world heavyweight boxing championship title after he refused to be drafted into the U.S. military.
In 1975, South Vietnam unconditionally surrendered to North Vietnam. The communists occupied Saigon and renamed it Ho Chi Minh City.
In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres' character came out as gay on the popular sitcom Ellen, making it the first sitcom to feature a gay leading character. The local ABC affiliate in Birmingham, Ala., refused to air the episode so gay rights advocates arranged for a satellite downlink to beam the show.
In 1993, tennis star Monica Seles was stabbed and injured by a self-described fan of Steffi Graf during a break between games in a match against another player in Hamburg, Germany. Seles, who won nine grand-slam singles titles in her career, was out of competitive tennis for more than two years after the attack.
In 2006, rebel factions in Sudan rejected a peace agreement in the Darfur conflict. Officials estimated the fighting had killed at least 180,000 people and driven more than 2 million from their homes.
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File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
In 2009, Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection in a key move of a restructuring plan backed by the Obama administration.
In 2012, Israel began construction of a wall that would be 23 feet high and less than a mile long on its border with Lebanon. Security officials said the concrete wall would protect residents in the Matulla area from sniper fire from nearby Lebanese villages.
In 2013, Queen Beatrix, the 75-year-old monarch of the Netherlands, signed a formal declaration abdicating in favor of her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, 46, who became the country's first king in 123 years.
In 2019, Japanese Emperor Akihito, 85, formally abdicated his throne, becoming the nation's first monarch to step down in 200 years. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, ascended to the throne, starting the Reiwa era.
File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI


upi--2020-04-30--South Korea reports no new local COVID-19 infections

SEOUL , April 30 ( UPI ) -- South Korea passed a milestone on Thursday as the country reported no locally transmitted infections of COVID-19 for the first time in more than 70 days .
Health officials recorded just four new cases of the infectious disease , all of which came from international passengers and were detected at the airport .
The new patients brought South Korea 's total number of COVID-19 cases to 10,765 .
The death toll rose by one to 247 , according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The last time South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 15 , just days ahead of a widespread outbreak that centered around a secretive religious sect in the southeastern city of Daegu .
`` We are witnessing a decrease in community infection , which is very meaningful and for which we are very grateful , '' said Kwon Jun-wook , deputy director of the KCDC , at a briefing on Thursday afternoon .
South Korea was the first country after China to see widespread local transmission of the coronavirus after its February outbreak , but through early and prevalent testing and tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curve of new infections without having to resort to the large-scale lockdowns seen in Europe and the United States .
As newly confirmed cases began dropping into the single digits , the government last week announced a new set of guidelines for what it calls `` everyday life quarantine , '' which will allow the economy and society to open further .
Authorities have already loosened restrictions on venues , such as places of worship and nightclubs , which have been allowed to start reopening under disinfection guidelines .
Restaurants , bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been growing increasingly crowded as the weather warms up and South Korea heads into a long holiday weekend .
The country also held national parliamentary elections two weeks ago , which saw high voter turnout under enhanced safety measures .
The KCDC 's Kwon said on Thursday that there have been no cases reported from the election , despite the heavy participation .
`` Fifteen days have passed since we had the nationwide general elections , where 29 million voters went outside to cast their votes , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the polling stations , we did not have a single reported case of the infection related to this election . ''
Kwon stressed continued concern about the global pandemic and advised caution while traveling during the long weekend but said that Korean health authorities feel they are getting the outbreak under control .
`` If we continue to carry out our quarantine measures and they become part of our daily life , even if we see another surge of the outbreak , we believe that we will be able to effectively counter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` If you comply with the quarantine measures strictly , we would like to say that it is safe to enjoy your ordinary daily lives . ''

South Korea reported no new local infections of COVID-19 on Thursday for the first time since February. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, April 30 (UPI) -- South Korea passed a milestone on Thursday, reporting no locally transmitted infections of COVID-19 for the first time in more than 70 days. Health officials recorded just four new cases of the infectious disease, all of which came from international passengers and were detected at the airport. The new patients brought South Korea's total number of COVID-19 cases to 10,765. The death toll rose by one to 247, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement
The last time South Korea reported zero local infections was on Feb. 15, just days ahead of a widespread outbreak that centered around a secretive religious sect in the southeastern city of Daegu.
"We are witnessing a decrease in community infection, which is very meaningful and for which we are very grateful," said Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director of the KCDC, at a briefing on Thursday afternoon.
South Korea was the first country after China to see widespread local transmission of the coronavirus after its February outbreak, but through early and prevalent testing and tracing, officials managed to dramatically flatten the curve of new infections without having to resort to the large-scale lockdowns seen in Europe and the United States.
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As newly confirmed cases began dropping into the single digits, the government last week announced a new set of guidelines for what it calls "everyday life quarantine," which will allow the economy and society to open further.
Authorities have loosened restrictions on venues, such as places of worship and nightclubs, which have been allowed to start reopening under disinfection guidelines. Restaurants, bars and sidewalks in the capital city of Seoul have been growing increasingly crowded as the weather warms up and South Korea heads into a long holiday weekend.
The country also held national parliamentary elections two weeks ago, which saw high voter turnout under enhanced safety measures.
The KCDC's Kwon said on Thursday that there have been no cases reported from the election, despite the heavy participation.
"Fifteen days have passed since we had the nationwide general elections, where 29 million voters went outside to cast their votes," he said. "And while there was some physical contact at the polling stations, we did not have a single reported case of the infection related to this election."
Kwon stressed continued concern about the global pandemic and advised caution while traveling during the long weekend but said that Korean health authorities feel they are getting the outbreak under control.
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"If we continue to carry out our quarantine measures and they become part of our daily life, even if we see another surge of the outbreak, we believe that we will be able to effectively counter COVID-19 with full confidence," he said. "If you comply with the quarantine measures strictly, we would like to say that it is safe to enjoy your ordinary daily lives."


upi--2020-04-30--Teachers union releases plan to reopen schools, rebukes Trump's 'bluster, lies'

April 29 ( UPI ) -- A major U.S. teachers union has released a plan for the gradual reopening of schools it says stands in contrast to the rhetoric coming from the White House .
The American Federation of Teachers with more than 1.7 million members on Wednesday released a 20-page , five-point plan to reopen schools absent of a COVID-19 vaccine , stating it 's founded on science and `` not on politics or wishful thinking . ''
`` Our blueprint serves as a stark contrast to the conflicting guidance , bluster and lies of the Trump administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
School facilities in 43 states , four U.S. territories and the District of Columbia have either shuttered or have been recommended to shutter for the rest of the academic year amid the coronavirus pandemic , Education Week reported .
Since emerging in Wuhan , China , in December , the virus has spread the world over infecting more than 3 million people , a third of whom reside in the United States , making it by far the worst affected country in the world , according to data from Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently made comments that schools will reopen `` very soon , '' raising health and safety concerns among the nation 's educators .
Responding to reports Trump on Monday urged governors to `` seriously consider '' reopening , the National Education Association , the country 's largest union with more than 3 million members , said the primary driver of when schools should reopen is the health and safety of the students and teachers .
`` We are listening to the health experts on how and when to reopen schools -- not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trusting his gut to guide him during this unprecedented global health crisis , '' NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia said in a statement .
`` Bringing thousands of children together in school buildings without proper testing , tracing and social isolation is dangerous and could cost lives . ''
For schools to gradually reopen , the American Federation of Teachers called for at least 14 consecutive days of declining coronavirus cases ; infrastructure and resources to test , trace and isolate new cases ; deployment of public health tools that prevent the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; involvement of all segments of the community ; and recovery investments for schools , universities , hospitals and local and state governments .
`` American is staring down a singular challenge that will require all of us to come together and negotiate a safe path forward , '' Weingarten said .
`` By drawing on facts and science , and the expertise of educators and healthcare practitioners , we have drafted a bold five-point plan that aligns necessary public health tools , student instructional needs and logistics to gradually -- but safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools and communities . ''

A message on the Crystal Lakes elementary school notice board Informs students that "all will be okay" during the school closing due to the Coronavirus fears in Boynton Beach, Florida on March 28, 2020. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
April 29 (UPI) -- A major U.S. teachers union has released a plan for the gradual reopening of schools it says stands in contrast to the rhetoric coming from the White House. The American Federation of Teachers with more than 1.7 million members on Wednesday released a 20-page, five-point plan to reopen schools absent of a COVID-19 vaccine, stating it's founded on science and "not on politics or wishful thinking." Advertisement
"Our blueprint serves as a stark contrast to the conflicting guidance, bluster and lies of the Trump administration," AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement.
School facilities in 43 states, four U.S. territories and the District of Columbia have either shuttered or have been recommended to shutter for the rest of the academic year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Education Week reported.
Since emerging in Wuhan, China, in December, the virus has spread the world over infecting more than 3 million people, a third of whom reside in the United States, making it by far the worst affected country in the world, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
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President Donald Trump has recently made comments that schools will reopen "very soon," raising health and safety concerns among the nation's educators.
Responding to reports Trump on Monday urged governors to "seriously consider" reopening, the National Education Association, the country's largest union with more than 3 million members, said the primary driver of when schools should reopen is the health and safety of the students and teachers.
"We are listening to the health experts on how and when to reopen schools -- not the whims of Donald Trump who boasts about trusting his gut to guide him during this unprecedented global health crisis," NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia said in a statement. "Bringing thousands of children together in school buildings without proper testing, tracing and social isolation is dangerous and could cost lives."
For schools to gradually reopen, the American Federation of Teachers called for at least 14 consecutive days of declining coronavirus cases; infrastructure and resources to test, trace and isolate new cases; deployment of public health tools that prevent the virus' spread and align with education strategies; involvement of all segments of the community; and recovery investments for schools, universities, hospitals and local and state governments.
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"American is staring down a singular challenge that will require all of us to come together and negotiate a safe path forward," Weingarten said. "By drawing on facts and science, and the expertise of educators and healthcare practitioners, we have drafted a bold five-point plan that aligns necessary public health tools, student instructional needs and logistics to gradually -- but safely, equitably and intentionally -- reopen our schools and communities."


upi--2020-04-30--NIH launches $500M contest to produce best COVID-19 test

A competition between researchers is part of a $ 1.5 billion program that seeks to speed development of accurate , quick and easy-to-use COVID-19 tests , the U.S. National Institutes of Health announced Wednesday .
The NIH invites `` all scientists and inventors with a rapid testing technology to compete in the COVID-19 testing challenge for a share of up to $ 500 million over all phases of development . ''
The goal is to make millions of tests a week available to all Americans by the end of this summer , and to have even more in time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all innovators , from the basement to the boardroom , to come together to advance diagnostic technologies , no matter where they are in development , '' NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins said in an institute news release .
`` Now is the time for that unmatched American ingenuity to bring the best and most innovative technologies forward to make testing for COVID-19 widely available , '' he added .
`` The technologies will be put through a highly competitive , rapid three-phase selection process to identify the best candidates for at-home or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be matched with technical , business and manufacturing experts to increase the odds of success , '' the NIH news release stated .
`` If certain selected technologies are already relatively far along in development , they can be put on a separate track and be immediately advanced to the appropriate step in the commercialization process , '' the NIH said .
`` Projects will be assessed at each milestone and must demonstrate significant progress to receive continued support , '' said the NIH , which is working on the initiative with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority .
`` Americans are innovators and makers , '' said Bruce Tromberg , director of NIH 's National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering .
`` We need American tech experts , innovators and entrepreneurs to step up to one of the toughest challenges we 've faced as a country , to help get us safely back to public spaces . ''
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 .

Healthcare workers with George Washington University Hospital talk to a patient before administering a COVID-19 test during the coronavirus pandemic in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 21. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
A competition between researchers is part of a $1.5 billion program that seeks to speed development of accurate, quick and easy-to-use COVID-19 tests, the U.S. National Institutes of Health announced Wednesday. The NIH invites "all scientists and inventors with a rapid testing technology to compete in the COVID-19 testing challenge for a share of up to $500 million over all phases of development." Advertisement
The goal is to make millions of tests a week available to all Americans by the end of this summer, and to have even more in time for the flu season.
"We need all innovators, from the basement to the boardroom, to come together to advance diagnostic technologies, no matter where they are in development," NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins said in an institute news release.
"Now is the time for that unmatched American ingenuity to bring the best and most innovative technologies forward to make testing for COVID-19 widely available," he added.
"The technologies will be put through a highly competitive, rapid three-phase selection process to identify the best candidates for at-home or point-of-care tests for COVID-19. Finalists will be matched with technical, business and manufacturing experts to increase the odds of success," the NIH news release stated.
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"If certain selected technologies are already relatively far along in development, they can be put on a separate track and be immediately advanced to the appropriate step in the commercialization process," the NIH said.
"Projects will be assessed at each milestone and must demonstrate significant progress to receive continued support," said the NIH, which is working on the initiative with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
"Americans are innovators and makers," said Bruce Tromberg, director of NIH's National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. "We need American tech experts, innovators and entrepreneurs to step up to one of the toughest challenges we've faced as a country, to help get us safely back to public spaces."
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19.
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upi--2020-04-29--Pompeo: U.S. will not let Iran buy weapons once ban expires

April 29 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said the United States will prevent Iran from buying conventional weapons once a United Nations embargo expires in October .
`` We 're not going to let that happen , '' he told reporters during a press availability in Washington , D.C .
The embargo against selling conventional weapons to Iran , set to expire on Oct. 23 , is part of the 2015 multination accord aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapon capabilities in exchange for sanction relief .
In 2018 , President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal , calling it `` defective at its core '' and reimposed sanctions against Iran -- a move that Iran retaliated against by restarting nuclear activities banned under the agreement with Britain , China , France , Germany and Russia .
China , Russia and other countries are believed to be waiting in the wings eager to sell Iran weapons barred under the embargo , a reality caused by the nuclear deal , Pompeo said , stating its failures `` are legion .
One of them is now upon us . ''
Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nations Security Council and with the deal 's three European signatories to extend all U.N sanctions under the deal .
He also argued since the United States is named in the deal it has the power to induce an extension , stating the agreement `` is very clear . ''
`` It 's unambiguous and the rights that accrue to participants in the U.N. Security Council resolution are fully available to all those participants , '' He said .
`` We are going to make sure that come October of this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conventional weapons . ''

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participates in a news briefing with members of the Coronavirus Task Force at the White House on April 8. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
April 29 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said the United States will prevent Iran from buying conventional weapons once a United Nations embargo expires in October. "We're not going to let that happen," he told reporters during a press availability in Washington, D.C. Advertisement
The embargo against selling conventional weapons to Iran, set to expire on Oct. 23, is part of the 2015 multination accord aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapon capabilities in exchange for sanction relief.
In 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the United States from the deal, calling it "defective at its core" and reimposed sanctions against Iran -- a move that Iran retaliated against by restarting nuclear activities banned under the agreement with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia.
China, Russia and other countries are believed to be waiting in the wings eager to sell Iran weapons barred under the embargo, a reality caused by the nuclear deal, Pompeo said, stating its failures "are legion. One of them is now upon us."
Pompeo said they are working with the United Nations Security Council and with the deal's three European signatories to extend all U.N sanctions under the deal.
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He also argued since the United States is named in the deal it has the power to induce an extension, stating the agreement "is very clear."
"It's unambiguous and the rights that accrue to participants in the U.N. Security Council resolution are fully available to all those participants," He said. "We are going to make sure that come October of this year, the Iranians aren't able to buy conventional weapons."


upi--2020-04-29--Baseball Hall of Fame postpones 2020 induction ceremony until next year

April 29 ( UPI ) -- The Baseball Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that it has canceled this year 's induction ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Induction Weekend is a celebration of our national pastime and its greatest legends , and while we are disappointed to cancel this incredibly special event , the board of directors ' overriding concern is the health and well-being of our new inductees , our Hall of Fame members , our wonderful fans and the hundreds of staff it takes to present the weekend 's events in all of its many facets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Hall , said in a statement .
`` In heeding the advice of government officials as well as federal , state and local medical and scientific experts , we chose to act with extraordinary caution in making this decision . ''
This year 's induction ceremony was scheduled for July 26 .
Instead , the 2020 class will be included at the 2021 induction festivities , along with any additional inductees .
If anyone new is elected to the Hall next year , it would be the first ceremony since 1949 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Yankees star Derek Jeter and ex-Colorado Rockies slugger Larry Walker were to be inducted with catcher Ted Simmons and the late Marvin Miller in July .
This will be the first year without an induction ceremony since 1960 .
The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum temporarily shut its doors in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak .

Former New York Yankees star Derek Jeter (R) and ex-Colorado Rockies slugger Larry Walker (L) were to be inducted with catcher Ted Simmons and the late Marvin Miller this July. File Photo by George Napolitano/UPI | License Photo
April 29 (UPI) -- The Baseball Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that it has canceled this year's induction ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic. "Induction Weekend is a celebration of our national pastime and its greatest legends, and while we are disappointed to cancel this incredibly special event, the board of directors' overriding concern is the health and well-being of our new inductees, our Hall of Fame members, our wonderful fans and the hundreds of staff it takes to present the weekend's events in all of its many facets," Jane Forbes Clark, chairperson for the Hall, said in a statement. Advertisement
"In heeding the advice of government officials as well as federal, state and local medical and scientific experts, we chose to act with extraordinary caution in making this decision."
This year's induction ceremony was scheduled for July 26. Instead, the 2020 class will be included at the 2021 induction festivities, along with any additional inductees. If anyone new is elected to the Hall next year, it would be the first ceremony since 1949 to combine multiple classes.
Former New York Yankees star Derek Jeter and ex-Colorado Rockies slugger Larry Walker were to be inducted with catcher Ted Simmons and the late Marvin Miller in July.
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This will be the first year without an induction ceremony since 1960. The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum temporarily shut its doors in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak.


upi--2020-04-29--Brett Favre on Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 'I think he'll play somewhere else'

April 29 ( UPI ) -- Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre believes Green Bay Packers gunslinger Aaron Rodgers will finish his NFL career elsewhere after the franchise selected Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft last week .
`` I think he 'll play somewhere else , '' Favre said Wednesday on the Rich Eisen Show .
`` ...
I do n't know this for certain , but I guarantee you , it 's got the wheels turning in Aaron 's mind .
If that 's the case , then that means there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization that otherwise was not there .
`` All he needs is a reason other than this reason to expedite that . ''
Favre said he has communicated with Rodgers since the Packers traded up four spots to draft Love at No .
26 on Thursday .
The former Packers star said Rodgers , who has n't spoken publicly since the draft , was `` surprised '' that Green Bay opted to choose a quarterback .
`` I 'm not going to talk about all that we talked about , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they went in that direction , '' Favre said .
Favre and Rodgers , who have become better friends since Favre 's NFL career concluded , were in a similar situation more than a decade ago .
The Packers selected Rodgers in the first round of the 2005 draft , and he served as backup for three seasons until Favre left Green Bay to finish his playing career with the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings .
Love told ESPN that he has spoken with Rodgers since the draft .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm not surprised that he reached out to Jordan , being in a similar situation himself 15 years ago , '' Favre said .
`` And we had a great relationship in spite of ...
I would n't say it took a turn for the worst when I left , but he was basically caught up in the middle of a hornet 's nest , if you will .
I do n't foresee that happening here .
`` I think Aaron will do whatever .
It 's not his job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on when I left Green Bay .
It 's not the head guy 's job to mentor the next guy .
That guy 's ultimately there to take your spot .
Now , if Jordan were to ask , 'Can I watch extra film with you ? '
I would be shocked if Aaron said no .
I think he would go over and beyond to help , but he 's not going to go out of his way , and I ca n't blame him . ''
The Packers have received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first round when Rodgers has four years remaining on his current contract , but also for failing to upgrade the offense in the draft .
An NFL-record 36 receivers were taken in this year 's draft , but the Packers selected none despite coming within one game of the Super Bowl .
`` Green Bay 's not going anywhere without Aaron Rodgers in the next few years , '' Favre said .
`` If he plays like we expect him to play , they 've got a shot with or without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do all I could to not burn that bridge , and I do n't think they did that .
I think they burned a bridge that 's going to be hard to overcome .
`` At some point , I think it will rear its ugly head .
...
They do n't draft any weapons , not just in the first round , but any weapons that can help immediately , to my knowledge .
And that just sends a disrespectful message to Aaron Rodgers .
He has every right to be disappointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed 62 percent of his throws for 4,002 passing yards , 26 touchdowns and four interceptions last season .
The Packers reached the NFC Championship Game but fell to the San Francisco 49ers .

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) served as Brett Favre's backup for three seasons before taking over as the franchise's starting quarterback. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
April 29 (UPI) -- Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre believes Green Bay Packers gunslinger Aaron Rodgers will finish his NFL career elsewhere after the franchise selected Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft last week. "I think he'll play somewhere else," Favre said Wednesday on the Rich Eisen Show. "... I don't know this for certain, but I guarantee you, it's got the wheels turning in Aaron's mind. If that's the case, then that means there's a chip on his shoulder toward the organization that otherwise was not there. Advertisement
"All he needs is a reason other than this reason to expedite that."
Favre said he has communicated with Rodgers since the Packers traded up four spots to draft Love at No. 26 on Thursday. The former Packers star said Rodgers, who hasn't spoken publicly since the draft, was "surprised" that Green Bay opted to choose a quarterback.
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"I'm not going to talk about all that we talked about, but he was ... let's just say surprised that they went in that direction," Favre said.
Favre and Rodgers, who have become better friends since Favre's NFL career concluded, were in a similar situation more than a decade ago. The Packers selected Rodgers in the first round of the 2005 draft, and he served as backup for three seasons until Favre left Green Bay to finish his playing career with the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.
Love told ESPN that he has spoken with Rodgers since the draft. According to the network, Rodgers initiated the call.
"I'm not surprised that he reached out to Jordan, being in a similar situation himself 15 years ago," Favre said. "And we had a great relationship in spite of ... I wouldn't say it took a turn for the worst when I left, but he was basically caught up in the middle of a hornet's nest, if you will. I don't foresee that happening here.
"I think Aaron will do whatever. It's not his job to mentor Jordan Love. This discussion went on when I left Green Bay. It's not the head guy's job to mentor the next guy. That guy's ultimately there to take your spot. Now, if Jordan were to ask, 'Can I watch extra film with you?' I would be shocked if Aaron said no. I think he would go over and beyond to help, but he's not going to go out of his way, and I can't blame him."
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The Packers have received criticism for not only picking a quarterback in the first round when Rodgers has four years remaining on his current contract, but also for failing to upgrade the offense in the draft. An NFL-record 36 receivers were taken in this year's draft, but the Packers selected none despite coming within one game of the Super Bowl.
"Green Bay's not going anywhere without Aaron Rodgers in the next few years," Favre said. "If he plays like we expect him to play, they've got a shot with or without a first-round receiver. So I would do all I could to not burn that bridge, and I don't think they did that. I think they burned a bridge that's going to be hard to overcome.
"At some point, I think it will rear its ugly head. ... They don't draft any weapons, not just in the first round, but any weapons that can help immediately, to my knowledge. And that just sends a disrespectful message to Aaron Rodgers. He has every right to be disappointed, if he is."
Rodgers completed 62 percent of his throws for 4,002 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and four interceptions last season. The Packers reached the NFC Championship Game but fell to the San Francisco 49ers.


upi--2020-04-30--Major airlines will require passengers to wear face coverings

April 30 ( UPI ) -- Three major U.S. airlines on Thursday announced they will require passengers to wear face coverings on planes as unions and politicians pressure the Trump administration to mandate the practice nationwide to prevent the spread of the deadly and infectious coronavirus .
Delta on Thursday said customers will be required to wear a face mask or an appropriate face covering from Monday in the check-in lobby , Delta Sky Clubs , boarding gate areas , jet bridges and on the aircraft for the duration of the flight .
The use of face coverings is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as security lines and restrooms , it said in a statement .
American Airlines said the requirement will be in effect from May 11 , explaining a cloth face covering made from household items or common materials can be used .
Travelers will be required to wear masks when on board an American flight with exceptions in place for `` very young passengers '' and those with conditions that prevent them from wearing one , it said in a statement .
United Airlines also said its measure will be in place from Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and safety of our people and our customers , '' said Bill Lentsch , Delta 's chief customer experience officer .
`` While we remain committed to our new standard of clean and to providing more space for our customers when they travel , we take seriously the [ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] guidelines for adding this extra layer of protection . ''
All three companies said the move follows them requiring flight attendants and some employees to wear face masks and adheres to the CDC guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has infected more than 1 million people in the United States resulting in more than 63,000 deaths , according to health data presented by Johns Hopkins University .
JetBlue Airways on Tuesday became the first major U.S. airliner to require passengers to wear face masks .
Budget airline Frontier also announced in a statement Thursday that staring May 8 customers will be required to wear face coverings `` throughout their journey . ''
The move by the airlines follows mounting pressure from flight attendants and Democrats calling on the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio of Oregon urged the Federal Aviation Authority to require masks for all crew and passengers after the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA sent Department of Health and Humans Services Secretary Alex Azar and Elaine Chao , the Transportation chief , a similar letter on April 23 .
In its letter , the union said at least 250 of its 50,000 members at 20 carriers have so far tested positive for the virus , and some have died .
Requiring masks , it said , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to passengers and airline workers .
`` The scars run deep , '' it said in the letter .
`` Recent media reports document the guilt felt by those who question if we are helping to spread the virus , feelings of fear and grief as coworkers die and wonder about when this will all be over . ''

An American Airlines jetliner is seen on March 28 at St. Louis-Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Mo. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
April 30 (UPI) -- Three major U.S. airlines on Thursday announced they will require passengers to wear face coverings on planes as unions and politicians pressure the Trump administration to mandate the practice nationwide to prevent the spread of the deadly and infectious coronavirus. Delta Air Lines said customers will be required to wear a mask or covering from Monday in the check-in lobby, Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, jet bridges and on aircraft. They're also being encouraged in high-traffic areas, such as security lines and restrooms. Advertisement
American Airlines said the requirement will take effect from May 11. Travelers will be required to wear masks aboard American flights, with exceptions for "very young passengers" and those with conditions that prevent it.
United Airlines also said its mandate will take effect Monday.
"Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our people and our customers," said Bill Lentsch, Delta's chief customer experience officer. "While we remain committed to our new standard of clean and to providing more space for our customers when they travel, we take seriously the [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines for adding this extra layer of protection."
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All three carriers require flight attendants and some employees to wear face masks and adhere to CDC guidelines.
JetBlue Airways on Tuesday became the first major U.S. airline to make the requirement and Frontier said Thursday customers will be required to wear face coverings.
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon urged the Federal Aviation Administration to require masks for crew and passengers after a letter from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA that said at least 250 of its members have tested positive for the virus.
Requiring masks, it said, will minimize the risk.
"The scars run deep," the union said. "Recent media reports document the guilt felt by those who question if we are helping to spread the virus, feelings of fear and grief as coworkers die and wonder about when this will all be over."


upi--2020-04-30--Eurozone economy shrinks 3.8 percent amid coronavirus lockdowns

April 30 ( UPI ) -- The eurozone economy experienced its sharpest pace of decline on record during the first quarter of 2020 as many countries have been forced to close businesses and other services to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The monetary area of the European Union made up of 19 member states saw its Gross Domestic Product contract by 3.8 percent in the first quarter , its worst decline since the 2008 financial crisis .
Within the group , France 's GDP fell 5.8 percent , Spain 's dropped 5.2 percent and Italy slid 4.7 percent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to 2019 .
Germany had not yet released national first-quarter GDP estimates on Thursday , but released figures showing that unemployment claims had risen by 373,000 in April .
GDP in the greater European Union also fell 3.5 percent .
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said eurozone economic growth could fall between 5 percent and 12 percent this year depending `` on the duration of the containment measures and the success of policies to mitigate the economic consequences for businesses and workers . ''
`` The euro area is facing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are unprecedented in peacetime , '' she said .
`` Measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus , COVID-19 , have largely halted economic activity in all the countries of the euro area and across the globe . ''

The eurozone's GDP fell 3.8 percent in the first quarter of 2020 as countries including France, Spain and Italy reported economic declines due to lockdowns to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Eco Clement/UPI | License Photo
April 30 (UPI) -- The eurozone economy experienced its sharpest pace of decline on record during the first quarter of 2020 as many countries have been forced to close businesses and other services to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The monetary area of the European Union made up of 19 member states saw its Gross Domestic Product contract by 3.8 percent in the first quarter, its worst decline since the 2008 financial crisis. Advertisement
Within the group, France's GDP fell 5.8 percent, Spain's dropped 5.2 percent and Italy slid 4.7 percent in the first three months of the year compared to 2019.
Germany had not yet released national first-quarter GDP estimates on Thursday, but released figures showing that unemployment claims had risen by 373,000 in April.
GDP in the greater European Union also fell 3.5 percent.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said eurozone economic growth could fall between 5 percent and 12 percent this year depending "on the duration of the containment measures and the success of policies to mitigate the economic consequences for businesses and workers."
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"The euro area is facing an economic contraction of a magnitude and speed that are unprecedented in peacetime," she said. "Measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, have largely halted economic activity in all the countries of the euro area and across the globe."


upi--2020-04-30--NASCAR to resume season in May without fans

April 30 ( UPI ) -- NASCAR announced Thursday that it will return to action May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina without fans in attendance .
The 400-mile NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington will be the first of seven events in 11 days involving all three NASCAR national series .
Three of those events , which includes two Cup Series races and an Xfinity Series event , will take place at Darlington , NASCAR 's oldest superspeedway .
The race at the historic South Carolina track will be NASCAR 's first event in more than two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` NASCAR and its teams are eager and excited to return to racing , and have great respect for the responsibility that comes with a return to competition , '' Steve O'Donnell , NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer , said in a statement .
`` NASCAR will return in an environment that will ensure the safety of our competitors , officials and all those in the local community .
`` We thank local , state and federal officials and medical experts , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the unprecedented support in our return to racing , and we look forward to joining our passionate fans in watching cars return to the track . ''
The other four events -- two Cup Series races , an Xfinity Series event and a Gander Trucks race -- will be held at Charlotte Motor Speedway , including the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24 .
None of the May events will take place in front of fans .
The revised schedule also includes a pair of Wednesday races , fulfilling fans ' longtime demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UFC , which is scheduled to return May 9 , as the first major sports organizations to announce specific plans to return since the COVID-19 outbreak shut down sports across the globe in March .

NASCAR temporarily suspended its season in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Edwin Locke/UPI | License Photo
April 30 (UPI) -- NASCAR announced Thursday that it will return to action May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina without fans in attendance. The 400-mile NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington will be the first of seven events in 11 days involving all three NASCAR national series. Three of those events, which includes two Cup Series races and an Xfinity Series event, will take place at Darlington, NASCAR's oldest superspeedway. Advertisement
The race at the historic South Carolina track will be NASCAR's first event in more than two months. NASCAR suspended its season in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"NASCAR and its teams are eager and excited to return to racing, and have great respect for the responsibility that comes with a return to competition," Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said in a statement. "NASCAR will return in an environment that will ensure the safety of our competitors, officials and all those in the local community.
"We thank local, state and federal officials and medical experts, as well as everyone in the industry, for the unprecedented support in our return to racing, and we look forward to joining our passionate fans in watching cars return to the track."
Advertisement I'm excited to get back racing. Safety is obviously the most important thing & I know NASCAR has been working to ensure that we have the necessary safety precautions in place. While it's unfortunate that there won't be fans in the stands, it's obviously necessary at this time.— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 30, 2020
It's nearly impossible to create a perfect schedule, but @NASCAR worked hard & has done a great job to make racing happen again. Things will look different when we return but the changes are necessary for the safety of everyone who makes our races successful, especially our fans.— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) April 30, 2020
The other four events -- two Cup Series races, an Xfinity Series event and a Gander Trucks race -- will be held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. None of the May events will take place in front of fans.
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The revised schedule also includes a pair of Wednesday races, fulfilling fans' longtime demands for midweek events.
NASCAR joins the UFC, which is scheduled to return May 9, as the first major sports organizations to announce specific plans to return since the COVID-19 outbreak shut down sports across the globe in March.


upi--2020-04-30--Judge allows parents sentenced in college scandal to prison date due to COVID-19

April 30 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge on Thursday pushed back the date for two parents to report to prison to serve their sentences in the college admissions scandal , citing the COVID-19 pandemic .
U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Massachusetts ruled in favor of allowing the self-sacrifice dates for both former Pimco CEO Douglas Hodge and Hot Pockets heiress Michelle Janvas to be delayed until June 30 .
Gorton , however , opposed requests by both defendants to modify their sentences and instead serve in home confinement , saying that no `` extraordinary and compelling circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The COVID-19 pandemic is an uprecedented and continually evolving cause of concern and the Court is cognizant of the particular transmission risk in penitentiary facilities ... notwithstanding the current public health crisis , this federal judge will not forfeit his obligation to impose a sentence that is warranted by a defendant 's criminal conduct , '' Gorton wrote , referencing an earlier decision to postpone the self-surrender date of Elizabeth Henriquez , another parent sentenced in the case to the same date .
Hodge was sentenced to nine months in prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsify admissions criteria to get his four children admitted to prestigious universities .
Janvas was ordered to serve five months for paying $ 300,000 to gain college admission for her children .
Both were sentenced in February and were scheduled to report to prison next week after another successful request to delay their self-surrender in March .
Gorton said the court will entertain further motions in their cases if the public health crisis related to the coronavirus extends beyond the end of June .

April 30 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Thursday pushed back the date for two parents to report to prison to serve their sentences in the college admissions scandal, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Massachusetts ruled in favor of allowing the self-sacrifice dates for both former Pimco CEO Douglas Hodge and Hot Pockets heiress Michelle Janvas to be delayed until June 30.
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Gorton, however, opposed requests by both defendants to modify their sentences and instead serve in home confinement, saying that no "extraordinary and compelling circumstances" exist to justify reducing their sentences.
"The COVID-19 pandemic is an uprecedented and continually evolving cause of concern and the Court is cognizant of the particular transmission risk in penitentiary facilities ... notwithstanding the current public health crisis, this federal judge will not forfeit his obligation to impose a sentence that is warranted by a defendant's criminal conduct," Gorton wrote, referencing an earlier decision to postpone the self-surrender date of Elizabeth Henriquez, another parent sentenced in the case to the same date.
Hodge was sentenced to nine months in prison for attempting to pay $850,000 to falsify admissions criteria to get his four children admitted to prestigious universities.
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Janvas was ordered to serve five months for paying $300,000 to gain college admission for her children.
Both were sentenced in February and were scheduled to report to prison next week after another successful request to delay their self-surrender in March.
Gorton said the court will entertain further motions in their cases if the public health crisis related to the coronavirus extends beyond the end of June.


upi--2020-04-30--Horse-drawn buggy overturns in flooded Kentucky creek, leaving 4 children dead

A heavy rainstorm in northeastern Kentucky turned tragic late Wednesday after a horse-drawn buggy overturned while crossing a flooded creek .
The Kentucky State Police confirmed that six people were in the buggy at the time of the incident , including one adult who has been accounted for and five children .
Four of the children have been found and pronounced dead , while the other remained missing as of early Thursday morning .
The horse pulling the buggy reportedly lost its footing and slipped while crossing the floodwaters , causing the buggy to overturn .
Missi Mosley , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her boyfriend when they heard the emergency call on a police scanner .
The two were able to pull the horse out of the creek , but they saw little else in the murky floodwaters , according to WKYT-TV .
`` It was devastating , '' Mosley told the news station .
`` The waters are so swift , and the rain was pouring down .
It was just a somber feeling . ''
Emergency crews stated that the muddy water was not helping with search and rescue efforts .
Helicopters were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while people on the ground scoured the area using flashlights .
The incident occurred in Peasticks in Bath County , Ky. , a small community about 50 miles east of Lexington .
`` Sadly , we have lost our first Bath County citizen to coronavirus .
Tragically , we have also had five Amish children swept away by floodwaters this evening after the heavy rain we 've experienced today .
I ask that you please remember these individuals , and their families in your prayers this evening , and the days ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area reported 1.25 inches to 1.5 inches of rain had fallen Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening .
While showers will persist in the area on Friday , rainfall will not be nearly as heavy .
Drier weather is forecast to return on Saturday .

A heavy rainstorm in northeastern Kentucky turned tragic late Wednesday after a horse-drawn buggy overturned while crossing a flooded creek.
The Kentucky State Police confirmed that six people were in the buggy at the time of the incident, including one adult who has been accounted for and five children. Four of the children have been found and pronounced dead, while the other remained missing as of early Thursday morning.
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The horse pulling the buggy reportedly lost its footing and slipped while crossing the floodwaters, causing the buggy to overturn.
Missi Mosley, a nearby resident, rushed to the scene with her boyfriend when they heard the emergency call on a police scanner. The two were able to pull the horse out of the creek, but they saw little else in the murky floodwaters, according to WKYT-TV.
"It was devastating," Mosley told the news station. "The waters are so swift, and the rain was pouring down. It was just a somber feeling."
Emergency crews stated that the muddy water was not helping with search and rescue efforts. Helicopters were called in to assist in the search, while people on the ground scoured the area using flashlights.
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The incident occurred in Peasticks in Bath County, Ky., a small community about 50 miles east of Lexington.
Bath County Judge Executive Bobby Rogers called Wednesday "a very tragic and mournful day within Bath County," in a post on Facebook.
"Sadly, we have lost our first Bath County citizen to coronavirus. Tragically, we have also had five Amish children swept away by floodwaters this evening after the heavy rain we've experienced today. I ask that you please remember these individuals, and their families in your prayers this evening, and the days ahead," Rogers said.
Rain gauges in the area reported 1.25 inches to 1.5 inches of rain had fallen Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening.
While showers will persist in the area on Friday, rainfall will not be nearly as heavy. Drier weather is forecast to return on Saturday.


upi--2020-04-30--ARC Group nabs $7.2B DoD contract for moving services

April 30 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Transportation Command has awarded a $ 7.2 billion Global Household Goods Contract to American Roll On Roll Off Carrier Group , the Pentagon announced Thursday .
In January the DoD announced it intended to overhaul the system for moving service members ' household goods across the country and around the world .
That deal marks a consolidating shift in the DoD 's strategy , from working with 42 government-managed shipping offices and subcontracting with hundreds of local moving and storage companies -- to instead working with one primary vendor .
American Roll-on Roll-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trades , as well as providing port-to-port and end-to-end transport of heavy vehicles , helicopters and other equipment for various U.S. government agencies .
The contract announcement does name four principal subcontractors -- Unigroup , Suddath Companies , Atlas World Group and The Pasha Group -- to carry out the moves and ensure a minimum of 40 percent of the total acquisition value of the domestic work performed flows down to small businesses .
`` Small businesses are-and will remain-the backbone of this program , '' said Rick Marsh , director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Pentagon news release .
`` If a company delivers a quality product in today 's program , there is room for them in tomorrow 's .
Their capacity will remain critical as long as DOD moves personnel and their families around the globe . ''
The contract award is part of a larger effort to improve the relocation process for military families , officials said .
A Pentagon Inspector General 's report released in January said 41 percent of military members who moved during fiscal 2018 received their household goods shipments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property damaged during a move .
The report also said companies involved in relocating military families rarely face reprimand , let alone steeper consequences , for failing to deliver belongings intact and on time .
`` DOD families are our North Star and the reason we are making this change to the Defense Personal Property Program , '' said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Lyons , commander , USTRANSCOM .
`` The contract was written by and for the Military Services , and addresses long-standing pain points DOD families have highlighted for years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will continue to maintain ordering of services and will implement an accountability program for contractors .
USTRANSCOM and ARC will spend the next nine months integrating IT systems and processes , with the first move under the new contract planned for February 2021 , putting ARC in a position to handle 100 percent of shipments in the continental United States during 2021 's `` peak season . ''
All shipments scheduled for 2020 will move under the existing program .
There are likely to be fewer this year due to a stop-movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus -- though last week Defense Secretary Esper announced some scheduled changes of station would go forward as planned .
March 's stop-movement order placed some military families in housing limbo , paying rents in two locations , and prompted Lyons to express concern about small moving companies and prompting moving companies to request $ 187 in government stimulus money -- which they did not get .

An American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier vehicle loading helicopters and boxes of household goods boxes at the Port of Bremerhaven, Germany. ARC was awarded a $7.2 billion contract to move household goods for military personnel Thursday. Photo courtesy of American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier via Twitter
April 30 (UPI) -- U.S. Transportation Command has awarded a $7.2 billion Global Household Goods Contract to American Roll On Roll Off Carrier Group, the Pentagon announced Thursday. In January the DoD announced it intended to overhaul the system for moving service members' household goods across the country and around the world. Advertisement
That deal marks a consolidating shift in the DoD's strategy, from working with 42 government-managed shipping offices and subcontracting with hundreds of local moving and storage companies -- to instead working with one primary vendor.
American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier operates liner services in the international trades, as well as providing port-to-port and end-to-end transport of heavy vehicles, helicopters and other equipment for various U.S. government agencies.
The contract announcement does name four principal subcontractors -- Unigroup, Suddath Companies, Atlas World Group and The Pasha Group -- to carry out the moves and ensure a minimum of 40 percent of the total acquisition value of the domestic work performed flows down to small businesses.
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"Small businesses are-and will remain-the backbone of this program," said Rick Marsh, director of the Defense Personal Property Program at USTRANSCOM, in a Pentagon news release. "If a company delivers a quality product in today's program, there is room for them in tomorrow's. Their capacity will remain critical as long as DOD moves personnel and their families around the globe."
The contract award is part of a larger effort to improve the relocation process for military families, officials said.
A Pentagon Inspector General's report released in January said 41 percent of military members who moved during fiscal 2018 received their household goods shipments late; another 21 percent had their property damaged during a move.
The report also said companies involved in relocating military families rarely face reprimand, let alone steeper consequences, for failing to deliver belongings intact and on time.
"DOD families are our North Star and the reason we are making this change to the Defense Personal Property Program," said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Lyons, commander, USTRANSCOM. "The contract was written by and for the Military Services, and addresses long-standing pain points DOD families have highlighted for years."
According to the Pentagon, the government will continue to maintain ordering of services and will implement an accountability program for contractors.
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USTRANSCOM and ARC will spend the next nine months integrating IT systems and processes, with the first move under the new contract planned for February 2021, putting ARC in a position to handle 100 percent of shipments in the continental United States during 2021's "peak season."
All shipments scheduled for 2020 will move under the existing program.
There are likely to be fewer this year due to a stop-movement order issued in March in response to the novel coronavirus -- though last week Defense Secretary Esper announced some scheduled changes of station would go forward as planned.
March's stop-movement order placed some military families in housing limbo, paying rents in two locations, and prompted Lyons to express concern about small moving companies and prompting moving companies to request $187 in government stimulus money -- which they did not get.


upi--2020-04-30--In Photos: The Kentucky Derby through the years

Penny Benway celebrates after the horse she bet on won the fourth race at the 126th Kentucky Derby on May @ @ @ @ @ was her first time at the derby .
Photo by Mark Cowan/UPI

Penny Benway celebrates after the horse she bet on won the fourth race at the 126th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2000. It was her first time at the derby. Photo by Mark Cowan/UPI


upi--2020-04-30--Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin diagnosed with COVID-19

He revealed his diagnosis during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` It has been revealed that my coronavirus tests have come back positive , '' Mishustin said .
`` In light of this and in accordance with Rospotrebnadzor requirements , I should self-isolate and follow doctors ' orders . ''
BBC News reported that the prime minister was treated at a hospital for his symptoms , though it 's unclear if he remained there under care .
Putin agreed with Mishustin 's suggestion that First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov take his place during Mishustin 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working as normal , I plan to be in active contact via phone with colleagues ... on all key issues , '' Mishustin said .
The prime minister urged Russian citizens to stay home to prevent the spread of of COVID-19 , which has sickened more than 106,000 people in Russia and killed 1,073 as of Thursday evening .
`` I ask you to remember that the date when our country can return to full-fledged life depends on the discipline and willpower of every one of us .
Look after yourself and your @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin chairs a meeting with members of the government via teleconference call in Moscow on Thursday. Photo courtesy of the Russian Government Press Service Pool/EPA-EFE
April 30 (UPI) -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced Thursday he's tested positive for coronavirus. He revealed his diagnosis during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement
"It has been revealed that my coronavirus tests have come back positive," Mishustin said. "In light of this and in accordance with Rospotrebnadzor requirements, I should self-isolate and follow doctors' orders."
BBC News reported that the prime minister was treated at a hospital for his symptoms, though it's unclear if he remained there under care.
Putin agreed with Mishustin's suggestion that First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov take his place during Mishustin's convalescence.
"The government will continue working as normal, I plan to be in active contact via phone with colleagues ... on all key issues," Mishustin said.
The prime minister urged Russian citizens to stay home to prevent the spread of of COVID-19, which has sickened more than 106,000 people in Russia and killed 1,073 as of Thursday evening.
"I ask you to remember that the date when our country can return to full-fledged life depends on the discipline and willpower of every one of us. Look after yourself and your loved ones," Mishustin said.


upi--2020-04-30--Lawmakers call on congressional leaders to secure USPS funding

April 30 ( UPI ) -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Thursday sent a letter to congressional leaders calling for emergency funding for the U.S .
Postal Service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
House oversight and reform committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney , D-N.Y. ; Reps. Pete King , R-N.Y. ; Gerry Connolly , D-Va. ; and Mark Amodei , R-Nev. , sent a letter to House and Senate leaders of both parties .
Their request supported a proposal by the Postal Service Board of Governors for $ 75 billion in aid for USPS .
The package would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losses , $ 25 billion for projects to modernize the USPS and unrestricted access to borrow $ 25 billion from the Treasury Department .
The lawmakers warned that mail volume has dropped more than 30 percent from the same period last year and that the USPS estimates revenue losses of $ 13 billion this fiscal year , $ 10 billion next fiscal year and $ 54 million in the next 10 years due to the coronavirus .
`` This is a national emergency .
The negative effects of this crisis will be borne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where millions of Americans are currently sheltering in place and relying on the Postal Service to deliver essential supplies , '' they wrote .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Democrats attempted to secure funding for the USPS in the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act passed month but the funding was blocked by the White House .
`` We had some support in the Senate on the Republican side .
But the White House -- and they told me it came right from the president [ said ] no money for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Donald Trump has tweeted that the United States will not allow the USPS to fail , but suggested that it raise prices to compete with services such as Amazon .

A group of bipartisan lawmakers urged congressional leaders Thursday to secure funding to provide the U.S. Postal Service relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic and update the service. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 30 (UPI) -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Thursday sent a letter to congressional leaders calling for emergency funding for the U.S. Postal Service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. House oversight and reform committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y.; Reps. Pete King, R-N.Y.; Gerry Connolly, D-Va.; and Mark Amodei, R-Nev., sent a letter to House and Senate leaders of both parties. Their request supported a proposal by the Postal Service Board of Governors for $75 billion in aid for USPS. Advertisement
The package would include $25 billion to offset coronavirus losses, $25 billion for projects to modernize the USPS and unrestricted access to borrow $25 billion from the Treasury Department.
The lawmakers warned that mail volume has dropped more than 30 percent from the same period last year and that the USPS estimates revenue losses of $13 billion this fiscal year, $10 billion next fiscal year and $54 million in the next 10 years due to the coronavirus.
"This is a national emergency. The negative effects of this crisis will be borne hardest by those in rural areas -- where millions of Americans are currently sheltering in place and relying on the Postal Service to deliver essential supplies," they wrote.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Democrats attempted to secure funding for the USPS in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act passed month but the funding was blocked by the White House.
"We had some support in the Senate on the Republican side. But the White House -- and they told me it came right from the president [said] no money for the post office," she said.
President Donald Trump has tweeted that the United States will not allow the USPS to fail, but suggested that it raise prices to compete with services such as Amazon.


upi--2020-04-30--Chicago Bears to sign veterans Tashaun Gipson, Ted Ginn Jr.

April 30 ( UPI ) -- The Chicago Bears reached agreements with veteran wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and former Houston Texans safety Tashaun Gipson on Thursday .
League sources told ESPN and the Houston Chronicle that Gipson agreed to a one-year contract with the Bears .
According to ESPN and NFL Media , Ginn also reached an agreement with Chicago on a one-year deal .
Financial details of the pacts were n't disclosed .
Ginn , 35 , spent the last three seasons with the New Orleans Saints .
He became expendable after the franchise signed ex-San Francisco 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ginn ranks 25th in league history with 15,685 all-purpose yards since entering the NFL as a first-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2007 .
He has recorded 5,702 receiving yards , almost 10,000 kickoff and punt return yards and 42 total touchdowns in 187 career games with the Dolphins , 49ers , Carolina Panthers , Arizona Cardinals and Saints .
The Bears had a need at receiver after releasing veteran pass-catcher Taylor Gabriel this off-season .
He ranked fourth on the team in receptions last season , but he missed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to multiple concussions .
Gipson , 29 , is expected to start alongside Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson in the Bears ' secondary .
Chicago allowed veteran safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to enter free agency this off-season .
Gipson , a Pro Bowl selection in 2014 , played one season with the Texans after the Jacksonville Jaguars released him .
He made 14 starts for Houston in 2019 , tallying 51 total tackles , three interceptions and eight passes defensed .
The Cleveland Browns signed Gipson to a three-year deal after he went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games with the Browns , Jaguars and Texans , he has notched 450 total tackles , 23 picks , 46 passes defensed and three defensive touchdowns .

Former Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (19) spent the last three seasons in New Orleans. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
April 30 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bears reached agreements with veteran wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and former Houston Texans safety Tashaun Gipson on Thursday. League sources told ESPN and the Houston Chronicle that Gipson agreed to a one-year contract with the Bears. According to ESPN and NFL Media, Ginn also reached an agreement with Chicago on a one-year deal. Financial details of the pacts weren't disclosed. Advertisement
Ginn, 35, spent the last three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He became expendable after the franchise signed ex-San Francisco 49ers wideout Emmanuel Sanders in free agency.
Ginn ranks 25th in league history with 15,685 all-purpose yards since entering the NFL as a first-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2007. He has recorded 5,702 receiving yards, almost 10,000 kickoff and punt return yards and 42 total touchdowns in 187 career games with the Dolphins, 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and Saints.
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The Bears had a need at receiver after releasing veteran pass-catcher Taylor Gabriel this off-season. He ranked fourth on the team in receptions last season, but he missed a significant portion of the 2019-20 campaign due to multiple concussions.
Gipson, 29, is expected to start alongside Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson in the Bears' secondary. Chicago allowed veteran safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to enter free agency this off-season.
Gipson, a Pro Bowl selection in 2014, played one season with the Texans after the Jacksonville Jaguars released him. He made 14 starts for Houston in 2019, tallying 51 total tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defensed.
The Cleveland Browns signed Gipson to a three-year deal after he went undrafted in 2012. In 112 career games with the Browns, Jaguars and Texans, he has notched 450 total tackles, 23 picks, 46 passes defensed and three defensive touchdowns.


upi--2020-04-30--Lockheed completes final test of Precision Strike Missile for Army

April 30 ( UPI ) -- Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the third and final test of its next-generation long-range missile designed for the Army 's Precision Strike Missile program , the company announced on Thursday .
According to Lockheed , the test took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and follows successful tests conducted in December and March .
`` Today 's PrSM test , a highly stressful short-range shot , represents the third successful flight test proving the effectiveness , survivability and reliability of the tactical baseline missile , '' Gaylia Campbell , vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control , said in a statement .
In 2019 , Raytheon completed design review for the Army 's Precision Strike Missile program , but exited the competition in March before conducting any flight tests .
The PrSM is slated to replace the Army Tactical Missile System , which was also built by Lockheed , and has been in use since the 1980s .
Launched from Lockheed 's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System , the missile is designed to deliver enhanced capabilities for attacking , neutralizing , suppressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battlefield .

Lockheed Martin’s next-generation long-range missile demonstrates precision and reliability in its third consecutive test on April 30, following a demonstration on March 10 and its inaugural flight on Dec. 10, 2019, shown here. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin
April 30 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the third and final test of its next-generation long-range missile designed for the Army's Precision Strike Missile program, the company announced on Thursday. According to Lockheed, the test took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and follows successful tests conducted in December and March. Advertisement
"Today's PrSM test, a highly stressful short-range shot, represents the third successful flight test proving the effectiveness, survivability and reliability of the tactical baseline missile," Gaylia Campbell, vice president of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a statement.
In 2019, Raytheon completed design review for the Army's Precision Strike Missile program, but exited the competition in March before conducting any flight tests.
The PrSM is slated to replace the Army Tactical Missile System, which was also built by Lockheed, and has been in use since the 1980s.
Launched from Lockheed's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, the missile is designed to deliver enhanced capabilities for attacking, neutralizing, suppressing and destroying targets at depth on the battlefield.


upi--2020-04-30--Blood clots, skin lesions among newly identified possible COVID-19 symptoms

April 30 ( UPI ) -- Blood clots , skin rashes and other lesions might be among the symptoms some people experience with COVID-19 , according to new research released Thursday .
None of the reports characterize how common the symptoms are with the disease , which is caused by the new coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2 .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added six new symptoms to its list for the virus last week -- chills , repeated shaking with chills , muscle pain , headache , sore throat and loss of taste or smell .
Skin problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a study published in the British Journal of Hematology , researchers from Ireland observed that patients admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 infection are experiencing abnormal blood clotting .
In some cases , the clotting played a role in the death of these patients , they reported .
The study , performed by the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology , RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and St James 's Hospital , Dublin , found that abnormal blood clotting in severe COVID-19 causes micro-clots within the lungs .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels of blood clotting activity had a significantly worse prognosis and were more likely to require intensive care unit treatment .
`` In addition to pneumonia affecting the small air sacs within the lungs , we are also finding hundreds of small blood clots throughout the lungs , '' Dr. James O'Donnell , Director of the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology and a hematologist at St. James 's Hospital , Dublin , said in a press release .
`` This scenario is not seen with other types of lung infection , and explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe COVID-19 infection , '' O'Donnell said .
`` Understanding how these micro-clots are being formed within the lung is critical so that we can develop more effective treatments for our patients , particularly those in high-risk groups . ''
Evidence also suggests that the abnormal blood clotting leads to a significantly increased risk for heart attacks and strokes .
Additional research is needed , however , to determine whether blood thinning treatments are needed in selected high-risk patients , O'Donnell said .
Meanwhile , researchers in Spain on Thursday reported on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed a severe skin rash on his posterior , lower abdomen and thighs , along with other COVID-19 symptoms .
Their findings were published by JAMA Dermatology .
Although reports exist about blue skin lesions on the toes of some people diagnosed with the disease , typically in children , the report from Spain is the first to document extensive rashes .
A small study in Italy , published last month in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology , did , however , find that some 20 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another case report published Thursday by JAMA Dermatology documents skin lesions on an elderly woman with the virus .
However , the patient in this case had other problems -- including diabetes , high blood pressure and heart disease -- and the authors indicated that they were n't sure COVID19 caused her lesions .

A patient is moved out of Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center, a skilled nursing facility in Hayward, Calif., on April 9. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
April 30 (UPI) -- Blood clots, skin rashes and other lesions might be among the symptoms some people experience with COVID-19, according to new research released Thursday. None of the reports characterize how common the symptoms are with the disease, which is caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Advertisement
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added six new symptoms to its list for the virus last week -- chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. Skin problems and blood clotting weren't among them.
In a study published in the British Journal of Hematology, researchers from Ireland observed that patients admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 infection are experiencing abnormal blood clotting. In some cases, the clotting played a role in the death of these patients, they reported.
The study, performed by the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and St James's Hospital, Dublin, found that abnormal blood clotting in severe COVID-19 causes micro-clots within the lungs.
They also determined that Irish patients with higher levels of blood clotting activity had a significantly worse prognosis and were more likely to require intensive care unit treatment.
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"In addition to pneumonia affecting the small air sacs within the lungs, we are also finding hundreds of small blood clots throughout the lungs," Dr. James O'Donnell, Director of the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology and a hematologist at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, said in a press release.
"This scenario is not seen with other types of lung infection, and explains why blood oxygen levels fall dramatically in severe COVID-19 infection," O'Donnell said. "Understanding how these micro-clots are being formed within the lung is critical so that we can develop more effective treatments for our patients, particularly those in high-risk groups."
Evidence also suggests that the abnormal blood clotting leads to a significantly increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. Additional research is needed, however, to determine whether blood thinning treatments are needed in selected high-risk patients, O'Donnell said.
Meanwhile, researchers in Spain on Thursday reported on the case of a 48-year-old Madrid man who developed a severe skin rash on his posterior, lower abdomen and thighs, along with other COVID-19 symptoms. Their findings were published by JAMA Dermatology.
Although reports exist about blue skin lesions on the toes of some people diagnosed with the disease, typically in children, the report from Spain is the first to document extensive rashes.
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A small study in Italy, published last month in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, did, however, find that some 20 percent of COVID-19 patients develop skin rashes or lesions.
Another case report published Thursday by JAMA Dermatology documents skin lesions on an elderly woman with the virus. However, the patient in this case had other problems -- including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease -- and the authors indicated that they weren't sure COVID19 caused her lesions.