upi--2020-07-16--7 die in Turkey reconnaissance plane crash

July 16 ( UPI ) -- A Turkish reconnaissance plane surveilling eastern Turkey crashed in a mountainous area in Van province Wednesday night , killing seven , officials said .
The 2015 aircraft took off from Van Ferit Melen Airport Wednesday night on a mission to survey Van and Hakkari provinces .
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had been conducting such surveillance since Monday .
Officials lost radar and communication with the aircraft before midnight when the aircraft was last reported in the Baskale district .
The pilot last contacted the control tower about 45 minutes before .
The aircraft was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevation of 7,218 feet , Soylu said .
Van province borders Iran .
`` Our teams have informed us that we have lost seven heroes , two of them are the pilots , '' Suleyman Soylu told reporters early Thursday .
The General Directorate of Security identified those on the airplane as : Police superintendent Gokhun Mete Altunbas ; sub-inspector Samet Ustuner ; sub-inspector Irfan Aydogan ; sub-inspector Semih Guzelay ; police officer Mustafa Keskin ; police officer Onur Ramazan Bayram and police officer Burak Derya .
Altunbas and Ustuner were the pilots @ @ @ @

Van province, near Iran, is where a Turkish reconnaissance plane crashed Wednesday night. Photo by Clemens Bilan/EPA
July 16 (UPI) -- A Turkish reconnaissance plane surveilling eastern Turkey crashed in a mountainous area in Van province Wednesday night, killing seven, officials said. The 2015 aircraft took off from Van Ferit Melen Airport Wednesday night on a mission to survey Van and Hakkari provinces. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had been conducting such surveillance since Monday. Advertisement
Officials lost radar and communication with the aircraft before midnight when the aircraft was last reported in the Baskale district. The pilot last contacted the control tower about 45 minutes before.
The aircraft was found crashed on Mount Artos at an elevation of 7,218 feet, Soylu said. Van province borders Iran.
"Our teams have informed us that we have lost seven heroes, two of them are the pilots," Suleyman Soylu told reporters early Thursday.
The General Directorate of Security identified those on the airplane as: Police superintendent Gokhun Mete Altunbas; sub-inspector Samet Ustuner; sub-inspector Irfan Aydogan; sub-inspector Semih Guzelay; police officer Mustafa Keskin; police officer Onur Ramazan Bayram and police officer Burak Derya.
Altunbas and Ustuner were the pilots on the plane.


upi--2020-07-16--U.N. warns of spill '4 times the size of Exxon Valdez' from disabled Yemeni tanker

July 16 ( UPI ) -- A top United Nations official has warned that unless a disabled oil tanker moored off the coast of Yemen can be boarded and repaired quickly , a disastrous spill affecting 1.6 million Yemenis could result .
Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock told the U.N. Security Council Wednesday that 1.1 million barrels could spill out of the rusting supertanker FSO Safer -- an amount four times greater than that discharged during the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off the coast of Alaska .
`` If a spill were to occur in the next two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be directly affected , '' he said .
`` Essentially every fishing community along Yemen 's west coast would see their livelihoods collapse and would suffer substantial economic losses .
`` About 90 percent of people in these communities already need humanitarian assistance . ''
The plea came as the United Nations reported that the Yemeni economy is already `` in tatters '' and its institutions are facing `` near-collapse '' after more than five years of conflict .
Famine conditions have resulted in 2 million Yemeni children suffering from acute malnutrition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Safer , a 44-year-old supertanker owned by the Saudi-backed Yemen government , was seized by Houthi insurgents in 2015 off the coast of rebel-held territory while carrying more than 1 million gallons of light crude oil .
It has remained moored at the spot near the port of Hudaydah since then .
The vessel sprung a leak in late May , flooding its engine room with seawater and threatening to spill its cargo .
Though the leak was relatively small , divers dispatched by the ship 's builder needed five days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lowcock and U.N .
Environment Program chief Inger Andersen each urged the international community to urgently work out a deal with Houthi rebels allowing a full team of U.N. technicians to board the rusting ship and assess risk of a spill .
`` Despite the difficult operational context , no effort should be spared to first conduct a technical assessment and initial light repairs , '' Andersen told the Security Council .
`` In the longer term , she added , the best option will be to offload the oil from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe location for inspection and dismantling . ''
The rebels have stated they want to allow an international team to board the Safer , but have also set preconditions linking access to the ship with other issues related to the conflict , Lowcock said .

A Yemeni child waits to get his family's food rations in Sana'a, Yemen, on Thursday. U.N. officials said a possible oil leak from a disabled tanker moored off the country's coast could worsen conditions for Yemen's famine-stricken population. Photo by Yahya Arhab/EPA-EFE
July 16 (UPI) -- A top United Nations official has warned that unless a disabled oil tanker moored off the coast of Yemen can be boarded and repaired quickly, a disastrous spill affecting 1.6 million Yemenis could result. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock told the U.N. Security Council Wednesday that 1.1 million barrels could spill out of the rusting supertanker FSO Safer -- an amount four times greater than that discharged during the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off the coast of Alaska. Advertisement
"If a spill were to occur in the next two months, experts project that 1.6 million Yemenis would be directly affected," he said. "Essentially every fishing community along Yemen's west coast would see their livelihoods collapse and would suffer substantial economic losses.
"About 90 percent of people in these communities already need humanitarian assistance."
The plea came as the United Nations reported that the Yemeni economy is already "in tatters" and its institutions are facing "near-collapse" after more than five years of conflict. Famine conditions have resulted in 2 million Yemeni children suffering from acute malnutrition, Secretary-General António Guterres said this month.
The Safer, a 44-year-old supertanker owned by the Saudi-backed Yemen government, was seized by Houthi insurgents in 2015 off the coast of rebel-held territory while carrying more than 1 million gallons of light crude oil. It has remained moored at the spot near the port of Hudaydah since then.
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The vessel sprung a leak in late May, flooding its engine room with seawater and threatening to spill its cargo. Though the leak was relatively small, divers dispatched by the ship's builder needed five days of round-the-clock underwater efforts to contain it.
Lowcock and U.N. Environment Program chief Inger Andersen each urged the international community to urgently work out a deal with Houthi rebels allowing a full team of U.N. technicians to board the rusting ship and assess risk of a spill.
"Despite the difficult operational context, no effort should be spared to first conduct a technical assessment and initial light repairs," Andersen told the Security Council. "In the longer term, she added, the best option will be to offload the oil from the ship and then tow it to a safe location for inspection and dismantling."
The rebels have stated they want to allow an international team to board the Safer, but have also set preconditions linking access to the ship with other issues related to the conflict, Lowcock said.


upi--2020-07-16--Louis Tomlinson reschedules world tour to 2021

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Louis Tomlinson has rescheduled his first world concert tour to 2021 .
The 28-year-old singer announced new dates for the tour Thursday on Instagram after postponing shows due to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic .
`` Ca n't wait to get back on the road !
See you all soon , '' Tomlinson captioned the post .
Tomlinson performed the first two shows of the tour in March before delaying the remaining dates due to the health crisis .
The tour will now pick back up Feb. 5 , 2021 , in Milan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Tomlinson will tour Europe and the U.K. in February and March .
He will kick off the North American leg of the tour March 31 in St. Louis , Mo .
Other world dates will follow in May and June .
Tickets purchased for the original shows will be valid for the rescheduled dates .
Ticketholders unable to attend the new dates should contact their ticket vendor for options .
The New York , Salt Lake City and Portland dates have been canceled , while the venue for the Philadelphia concert has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solo album , Walls , in January .
He came to fame with the boy band One Direction , which will launch a new website July 23 in honor of its 10-year anniversary as a group .
Tomlinson 's former bandmate Harry Styles has also rescheduled tour dates to 2021 due to the pandemic .
Styles will now kick off the North American leg of his Love tour Aug. 14 , 2021 , in Tacoma , Wash .

July 16 (UPI) -- Louis Tomlinson has rescheduled his first world concert tour to 2021.
The 28-year-old singer announced new dates for the tour Thursday on Instagram after postponing shows due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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"Can't wait to get back on the road! See you all soon," Tomlinson captioned the post.
Tomlinson performed the first two shows of the tour in March before delaying the remaining dates due to the health crisis. The tour will now pick back up Feb. 5, 2021, in Milan, Italy.
The new dates show that Tomlinson will tour Europe and the U.K. in February and March. He will kick off the North American leg of the tour March 31 in St. Louis, Mo. Other world dates will follow in May and June.
Tickets purchased for the original shows will be valid for the rescheduled dates. Ticketholders unable to attend the new dates should contact their ticket vendor for options.
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The New York, Salt Lake City and Portland dates have been canceled, while the venue for the Philadelphia concert has been changed.
Tomlinson released his debut solo album, Walls, in January. He came to fame with the boy band One Direction, which will launch a new website July 23 in honor of its 10-year anniversary as a group.
Tomlinson's former bandmate Harry Styles has also rescheduled tour dates to 2021 due to the pandemic. Styles will now kick off the North American leg of his Love tour Aug. 14, 2021, in Tacoma, Wash.


upi--2020-07-16--Most COVID-19 cases in New York City in March traced to Europe, CDC analysis finds

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Up to 75 % of the coronavirus strains circulating in New York City in early March shared genetic similarities with those seen in Europe and other areas of North America , according to an analysis published Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The findings are significant , given that they are based on samples of the new coronvirus , SARS-CoV-2 , collected from patients at five hospitals in the city selected intentionally because `` of their high use '' by people who are `` self-identified Chinese speakers , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease caused by infection with the new coronavirus .
Samples tested in the study were gathered in early March at the start of the outbreak in New York , researchers said , and the hospitals were chosen `` because of concern that SARS-CoV-2 could be introduced by travelers returning from China , where the outbreak originated . ''
`` One of the major reasons why New York City was such an epicenter [ for COVID-19 ] early on is [ air travel ] , '' William Hanage , associate professor of epidemiology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health , said during a conference call with reporters Wednesday .
`` There were lots of flights going [ to New York airports ] from all over the world , including Europe , '' said Hanage , who was not part of the CDC analysis .
The U.S. government restricted travel from China on Feb. 2 , more than a month after the COVID-19 outbreak was first identified in the city of Wuhan , the CDC researchers noted .
Travel from Europe was restricted on March 13 , they said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were collected at New York City hospitals between March 1 and March 20 , according to the researchers .
In all , 36 -- or 6.6 % -- tested positive for COVID-19 , including 14 -- or 12 % -- among 119 children aged 18 years and under , they said .
Full genome sequences were generated from the 36 positive samples of the coronavirus , the researchers said .
In addition to the 27 samples `` largely dominated by [ genetic ] sequences detected in Europe and other areas of North America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those found in cases in Washington state and seven shared similarities with samples collected in China or other parts of New York state , '' they said .
The findings of the CDC analysis are similar to those of a study published in June by the journal Science , which found that virus samples collected from 84 patients in New York City between March 9 and March 14 could be traced to cases in Europe and other parts of the United States .
A similar analysis , also published by Science in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strains of the coronavirus circulating in California , which suggested that outbreaks there likely originated from several sources , including overseas travelers and from visitors from other U.S. states , the authors said .

A CDC analysis has traced many of the COVID-19 cases there to virus strains found in Europe. Pictured, a woman wears a face mask and shield while walking by a space for lease sign in Rockefeller Center in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Up to 75% of the coronavirus strains circulating in New York City in early March shared genetic similarities with those seen in Europe and other areas of North America, according to an analysis published Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings are significant, given that they are based on samples of the new coronvirus, SARS-CoV-2, collected from patients at five hospitals in the city selected intentionally because "of their high use" by people who are "self-identified Chinese speakers," the agency researchers said. Advertisement
COVID-19 is the disease caused by infection with the new coronavirus.
Samples tested in the study were gathered in early March at the start of the outbreak in New York, researchers said, and the hospitals were chosen "because of concern that SARS-CoV-2 could be introduced by travelers returning from China, where the outbreak originated."
"One of the major reasons why New York City was such an epicenter [for COVID-19] early on is [air travel]," William Hanage, associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said during a conference call with reporters Wednesday.
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"There were lots of flights going [to New York airports] from all over the world, including Europe," said Hanage, who was not part of the CDC analysis.
The U.S. government restricted travel from China on Feb. 2, more than a month after the COVID-19 outbreak was first identified in the city of Wuhan, the CDC researchers noted.
Travel from Europe was restricted on March 13, they said.
The 544 samples used in the new analysis were collected at New York City hospitals between March 1 and March 20, according to the researchers.
In all, 36 -- or 6.6% -- tested positive for COVID-19, including 14 -- or 12% -- among 119 children aged 18 years and under, they said.
Full genome sequences were generated from the 36 positive samples of the coronavirus, the researchers said.
In addition to the 27 samples "largely dominated by [genetic] sequences detected in Europe and other areas of North America, two samples featured genetic sequences similar to those found in cases in Washington state and seven shared similarities with samples collected in China or other parts of New York state," they said.
The findings of the CDC analysis are similar to those of a study published in June by the journal Science, which found that virus samples collected from 84 patients in New York City between March 9 and March 14 could be traced to cases in Europe and other parts of the United States.
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A similar analysis, also published by Science in June, found at least seven different strains of the coronavirus circulating in California, which suggested that outbreaks there likely originated from several sources, including overseas travelers and from visitors from other U.S. states, the authors said.


upi--2020-07-16--Henry Golding joins animated adaptation of 'The Tiger's Apprentice'

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Henry Golding has signed on to star in Paramount 's upcoming animated adaptation of @ @ @ @ @ children 's book , The Tiger 's Apprentice .
The book follows Tom , a @ @ @ @ @ who meets a shape-shifting tiger named Mr. Hu who takes Tom under his wing .
@ @ @ @ @ a magical world and becomes the next guardian of an ancient phoenix .
Golding , @ @ @ @ @ Crazy Rich Asians , will voice Mr. Hu .
Pixar animator Carlos Baena , who @ @ @ @ @ Story 3 , is making his feature film directing debut with the project .
David @ @ @ @ @ Kyle Jarrow penned the script .
Paramount has given the film a Feb. 11 , @ @ @ @ @ Tiger 's Apprentice is the first in a trilogy that also includes Tiger 's Blood @ @ @ @ @ is also set to star in Paramount 's upcoming G.I .
Joe film , Snake @ @ @ @ @ to be released on Oct. 23 .

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Henry Golding will be voicing the tiger in Paramount's "The Tiger's Apprentice." File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Henry Golding has signed on to star in Paramount's upcoming animated adaptation of author Laurence Yep's fantasy children's book, The Tiger's Apprentice. The book follows Tom, a young boy in San Francisco who meets a shape-shifting tiger named Mr. Hu who takes Tom under his wing. Tom is then introduced to a magical world and becomes the next guardian of an ancient phoenix. Advertisement
Golding, best known for starring in Crazy Rich Asians, will voice Mr. Hu.
Pixar animator Carlos Baena, who worked on Wall-E and Toy Story 3, is making his feature film directing debut with the project. David Magee, Harry Cripps and Kyle Jarrow penned the script.
Paramount has given the film a Feb. 11, 2022 release date. The Tiger's Apprentice is the first in a trilogy that also includes Tiger's Blood and Tiger Magic.
Golding is also set to star in Paramount's upcoming G.I. Joe film, Snake Eyes, which is set to be released on Oct. 23.


upi--2020-07-16--Firefighters resume fighting Bonhomme Richard blaze after evacuation

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters evacuated the USS Bonhomme Richard overnight Wednesday as the ship 's tilt began to worsen , but were back at work Thursday morning .
`` Out of an abundance of caution the pier and ship were cleared of personnel due to an initial shift in the ship 's list , '' said a tweet from Naval Surface Forces posted at 11 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday .
`` Personnel are now pier side .
We will continue to monitor as the ship settles . ''
According to the Navy , by Thursday morning firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the amphibious assault ship , which broke out Sunday morning .
Firefighters were able to board the ship , which had begun to tilt due to excessive water used to contain the fire , after about an hour pierside .
As of Wednesday morning , 1,500 buckets of water had been dropped on the ship in an effort to keep the exterior cool .
According to Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck , the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 , which includes the Bonhomme Richard , the fire has destroyed the ship 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which sits on top of the ship and is where the bridge is located .
A total of 63 people -- 40 sailors and 23 civilians -- have been treated for minor injuries related to the fire .

Fire crews on the USS Bonhomme Richard were still fighting Thursday to contain a blaze that broke out on Sunday. Photo via Naval Surface Forces/ Twitter
July 16 (UPI) -- All fires on the USS Bonhomme Richard have been extinguished, the Navy announced Thursday afternoon. "Our fire teams, are investigating every space to verify the absence of fire. Until every space is checked and there are no active fires we will not be able to commence any official investigations," said Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck Commander, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, which includes the Bonhomme Richard, said in a statement. Advertisement
"We did not know the origin of the fire. We do not know the extent of the damage. It is too early to make any predictions or promises of what the future of the ship will be," Sobeck said.
Late Wednesday night firefighters evacuated the ship as its tilt continued to worsen due to excessive water, but they resumed fighting the days-old blaze Thursday morning.
"Out of an abundance of caution the pier and ship were cleared of personnel due to an initial shift in the ship's list," said a tweet from Naval Surface Forces posted at 11 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday. "Personnel are now pier side. We will continue to monitor as the ship settles."
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As of Wednesday morning, 1,500 buckets of water had been dropped on the ship in an effort to keep the exterior cool.
According to Sobeck, the fire has destroyed the ship's forward mast and damaged its superstructure, which sits on top of the ship and where the bridge is located.
A total of 63 people -- 40 sailors and 23 civilians -- have been treated for minor injuries related to the fire, including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
The fire was reported in a lower cargo area where seafaring tanks and landing craft were parked, and appears to have started in an area where ship maintenance supplies, like cardboard boxes and rags, were stored.
Officials were particularly concerned about ensuring the fire did not reach a part of the ship where one million gallons of fuel were stored.
"What we do know is, that brave Sailors from commands all across San Diego worked tirelessly alongside Federal Firefighters to get this fire extinguished and I want to thank them for their efforts. This was a Navy team effort," Sobeck said Thursday.
As of 06:00 a.m. Pacific time July 16, firefighting teams are on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) continuing operations. The total personnel treated for minor injuries remains 63, 40 Sailors and 23 civilians.Will continue to provide updates via our social media platforms. pic.twitter.com/lIlaSRls1b— Naval Surface Forces (@SurfaceWarriors) July 16, 2020
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upi--2020-07-16--Clevinger struggles, Zimmer homers twice in Indians intrasquad clash

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Starting pitcher Mike Clevinger struggled while outfielder Bradley Zimmer hit two home runs during a Cleveland Indians intrasquad game in Cleveland .
Indians staffer Mike Barnett 's team beat manager Terry Francona 's team 7-2 in the practice clash Wednesday at Progressive Field .
Clevinger allowed five runs and seven hits in four innings of work for Team Francona .
Yu Chang and Zimmer each homered off Clevinger in a four-run second inning for Team Barnett .
Clevinger allowed a double , two singles and two walks , in addition to the home runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is Yu Chang Babe Ruth ? ''
Clevinger asked reporters after the game .
`` When he got to 3-0 [ in the count ] he was smiling .
I knew he was going to swing . ''
Chang hit his three-run bomb to center field .
He now has four homers at Indians summer camp .
Zimmer followed his second-inning solo shot with another solo homer in the fourth frame .
He hit an RBI single in the sixth inning to finish 3 for 3 with three RBIs .
`` After Zimmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I told myself , ' I do n't care if I rip my knee up , I 'm just going to do it , '' Clevinger said .
`` I retired the last three batters and my [ pitch ] velocity was at 95 mph . ''
Clevinger had left knee surgery in February .
He had just one strikeout and three walks in Wednesday 's performance .
The Indians ' No .
2 pitcher has allowed seven runs , seven hits and five walks in seven innings at summer camp .
Zimmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2014 MLB Draft .
He has been limited to 43 MLB appearances over the last two seasons due to injuries .
Zimmer , 27 , did not record a hit in 14 plate appearances last season for the Indians .
He hit .226 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 34 games in 2018 .
Clevinger , 29 , had a career-best 2.71 ERA and a 13-4 record in 21 starts last season .
The four-year veteran has a career 41-21 record with a 3.20 ERA in 97 appearances .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Royals in their first game of the shortened 2020 season at 7:10 p.m. EDT July 24 in Cleveland .

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Cleveland Indians pitcher Mike Clevinger surrendered three home runs during an intrasquad start Wednesday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Starting pitcher Mike Clevinger struggled while outfielder Bradley Zimmer hit two home runs during a Cleveland Indians intrasquad game in Cleveland. Indians staffer Mike Barnett's team beat manager Terry Francona's team 7-2 in the practice clash Wednesday at Progressive Field. Clevinger allowed five runs and seven hits in four innings of work for Team Francona. Advertisement
Yu Chang and Zimmer each homered off Clevinger in a four-run second inning for Team Barnett. Clevinger allowed a double, two singles and two walks, in addition to the home runs, in the second frame.
"Is Yu Chang Babe Ruth?" Clevinger asked reporters after the game. "When he got to 3-0 [in the count] he was smiling. I knew he was going to swing."
Back like we never left. pic.twitter.com/9Q32yW60jV— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 16, 2020
Chang hit his three-run bomb to center field. He now has four homers at Indians summer camp. Zimmer followed his second-inning solo shot with another solo homer in the fourth frame. He hit an RBI single in the sixth inning to finish 3 for 3 with three RBIs.
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"After Zimmer hit his second homer off me, I told myself, 'I don't care if I rip my knee up, I'm just going to do it," Clevinger said. "I retired the last three batters and my [pitch] velocity was at 95 mph."
Clevinger had left knee surgery in February. He had just one strikeout and three walks in Wednesday's performance. The Indians' No. 2 pitcher has allowed seven runs, seven hits and five walks in seven innings at summer camp.
Zimmer was the Indians' top pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. He has been limited to 43 MLB appearances over the last two seasons due to injuries. Zimmer, 27, did not record a hit in 14 plate appearances last season for the Indians. He hit .226 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 34 games in 2018.
Clevinger, 29, had a career-best 2.71 ERA and a 13-4 record in 21 starts last season. The four-year veteran has a career 41-21 record with a 3.20 ERA in 97 appearances.
The Indians are scheduled to face the Kansas City Royals in their first game of the shortened 2020 season at 7:10 p.m. EDT July 24 in Cleveland.
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Baseball kicks off with preseason training


upi--2020-07-16--State senator's lost wallet found and returned by opponent for office

July 16 ( UPI ) -- A Pennsylvania state senator 's lost wallet was found and returned by an unexpected bystander -- her opponent in the upcoming election .
Devlin Robinson , a Republican running for the 37th District state Senate seat currently held by Democrat Pam Iovino , said he spotted a wallet in the middle of Cochran Road in Mount Lebanon and decided to investigate .
Robinson said he was shocked to open the wallet and discover it belonged to his political rival .
`` I was happy to return this item , a bit battered by passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robinson wrote in a Facebook post .
`` She was thrilled to have it back and I was delighted to help out a fellow veteran .
Sometimes , it 's great to put the politics aside .
Now , on with the campaign to become the next state senator for the 37th District . ''
Iovino thanked Robinson in her own Facebook post .
`` Lost my wallet .
Ugh !
Luckily my cell phone number was in it .
Look who found my wallet .
Thanks , Devlin ! ''
she wrote @

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July 16 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania state senator's lost wallet was found and returned by an unexpected bystander -- her opponent in the upcoming election.
Devlin Robinson, a Republican running for the 37th District state Senate seat currently held by Democrat Pam Iovino, said he spotted a wallet in the middle of Cochran Road in Mount Lebanon and decided to investigate.
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Robinson said he was shocked to open the wallet and discover it belonged to his political rival.
"I was happy to return this item, a bit battered by passing traffic, to Pam Iovino," Robinson wrote in a Facebook post. "She was thrilled to have it back and I was delighted to help out a fellow veteran. Sometimes, it's great to put the politics aside. Now, on with the campaign to become the next state senator for the 37th District."
Iovino thanked Robinson in her own Facebook post.
"Lost my wallet. Ugh! Luckily my cell phone number was in it. Look who found my wallet. Thanks, Devlin!" she wrote.


upi--2020-07-16--Kim Jong Un staying out of spotlight amid pandemic, analyst says

July 16 ( UPI ) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been shying away from the limelight in the first half of 2020 , as the country closed its borders in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
Jang Cheol-un , a researcher at Seoul 's Korea Institute for National Unification , said Thursday in an analysis of Kim 's public activities the North Korean leader has made a record low number of appearances since he fully assumed power in 2012 , News 1 and Yonhap reported .
Kim has appeared in public a total of 19 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than in the first half of 2019 , when he appeared at different occasions at least 40 times , the report says .
Jang said in his analysis the North Korean leader may have reduced his attendance at public events due to concerns over the coronavirus .
Kim took part in military-related activities a total of 10 times this year , which accounts for more than half of his known public appearances .
Kim has also been seen at the site for a new hospital in Pyongyang , and at the opening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four-week absence .
The pandemic has dimmed the chances of another major summit involving Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump , but U.S. analysts suggest Trump is not ruling out a summit with Kim ahead of the U.S. presidential election .
Harry Kazianis , senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest , said in an article in the American Conservative published Thursday the Trump administration is considering new proposals for a `` breakthrough '' with North Korea .
`` If a deal can be struck , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed in a potential third summit this fall , in an Asian capital within train or flying distance of Pyongyang , '' Kazianis writes .
In 2019 , a former Mongolian official told UPI a future U.S.-North Korea summit in the Mongolian capital could not be ruled out .
Kim and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga recently exchanged letters , according to North Korean state media on Wednesday .

| License Photo Kim Jong Un (R) has significantly reduced public appearances in the first half of 2020, according to South Korean analysis published Thursday. File Photo by Shealah Craighead/White House
July 16 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been shying away from the limelight in the first half of 2020, as the country closed its borders in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Jang Cheol-un, a researcher at Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification, said Thursday in an analysis of Kim's public activities the North Korean leader has made a record low number of appearances since he fully assumed power in 2012, News 1 and Yonhap reported. Advertisement
Kim has appeared in public a total of 19 times in 2020, registering significantly decreased activity than in the first half of 2019, when he appeared at different occasions at least 40 times, the report says.
Jang said in his analysis the North Korean leader may have reduced his attendance at public events due to concerns over the coronavirus.
Kim took part in military-related activities a total of 10 times this year, which accounts for more than half of his known public appearances. Kim has also been seen at the site for a new hospital in Pyongyang, and at the opening of the Sunchon Phosphatic Fertilizer Factory, following a four-week absence.
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The pandemic has dimmed the chances of another major summit involving Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump, but U.S. analysts suggest Trump is not ruling out a summit with Kim ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest, said in an article in the American Conservative published Thursday the Trump administration is considering new proposals for a "breakthrough" with North Korea.
"If a deal can be struck, the hope is that the agreement would be signed in a potential third summit this fall, in an Asian capital within train or flying distance of Pyongyang," Kazianis writes.
In 2019, a former Mongolian official told UPI a future U.S.-North Korea summit in the Mongolian capital could not be ruled out.
Kim and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga recently exchanged letters, according to North Korean state media on Wednesday.


upi--2020-07-16--Jon Hamm to star in, produce 'Fletch' reboot

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Jon Hamm is attached to an upcoming Fletch reboot .
Miramax confirmed in a press release Wednesday that Hamm , 49 , will star in and produce a new film based on Gregory Mcdonald 's Fletch mystery novels .
Hamm will play the title character , I.M .
Fletcher , aka Fletch , an investigative reporter , in the reboot .
Chevy Chase portrayed the character in the 1985 film Fletch and its 1989 sequel , Fletch Lives .
The new movie is written by Zev Borrow , with Greg Mottola ( Superbad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamm will produce with Connie Tavel .
The Fletch reboot is based on the second book in the Fletch series , Confess .
In the story , Fletch becomes a prime suspect in multiple murders and attempts to prove his innocence .
He is also tasked with finding his fiancées stolen art collection .
`` Fletch 's duration over audiences -- whether told on paper or the big screen -- entertains every type of audience and we could not be more thrilled to see what twenty-first century twist these artists create , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Producing this film with Jon has been a long-time dream of mine and with Zev and Greg on board to write and direct , I really believe that this will be an exciting and modern reimagining of this beloved character , '' Tavel added .
Hamm is known for playing Don Draper on the AMC series Mad Man .
He recently appeared in the 2019 film Richard Jewell and will star with Tom Cruise in the upcoming film Top Gun : Maverick .

Jon Hamm will play I.M. Fletcher in a new adaptation of Gregory Mcdonald's "Fletch" mystery novels. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Jon Hamm is attached to an upcoming Fletch reboot. Miramax confirmed in a press release Wednesday that Hamm, 49, will star in and produce a new film based on Gregory Mcdonald's Fletch mystery novels. Advertisement
Hamm will play the title character, I.M. Fletcher, aka Fletch, an investigative reporter, in the reboot. Chevy Chase portrayed the character in the 1985 film Fletch and its 1989 sequel, Fletch Lives.
The new movie is written by Zev Borrow, with Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) to serve as director. Hamm will produce with Connie Tavel.
The Fletch reboot is based on the second book in the Fletch series, Confess. In the story, Fletch becomes a prime suspect in multiple murders and attempts to prove his innocence. He is also tasked with finding his fiancées stolen art collection.
"Fletch's duration over audiences -- whether told on paper or the big screen -- entertains every type of audience and we could not be more thrilled to see what twenty-first century twist these artists create," Miramax CEO Bill Block said.
"Producing this film with Jon has been a long-time dream of mine and with Zev and Greg on board to write and direct, I really believe that this will be an exciting and modern reimagining of this beloved character," Tavel added.
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Hamm is known for playing Don Draper on the AMC series Mad Man. He recently appeared in the 2019 film Richard Jewell and will star with Tom Cruise in the upcoming film Top Gun: Maverick.


upi--2020-07-16--'American way of life is under attack,' says Pompeo as he unveils unalienable rights report

July 16 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday the American way of life was under attack , specifically by protesters and the media , as he unveiled a controversial new report on human rights that critics argue is an attempt to create a hierarchy of which rights to defend .
The United States ' top diplomat made the comments during an event Thursday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia , Penn.
, to unveil a draft report by the Commission on Unalienable Rights that emphasizes property and religious liberty rights as foremost among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo said the report was not timed to be released amid the nationwide unrest that was sparked by the Memorial Day police-involved killing of George Floyd but it does mention the issue .
The protesters who are toppling statues and decreasing monuments have taken `` false doctrines to heart '' about the country 's founding , he said , referring specifically to The New York Times ' 1619 Project , whose goal is to re-examine the legacy of slavery in the United States .
`` They want you to believe that America 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceptance of slavery at our founding , '' he said .
`` They want you to believe that Marxist ideology that America is only the oppressors and the oppressed . ''
He said it is `` a disturbed reading of history , '' one that he rejects as `` a slander of our great people . ''
Those who believe this are functioning under are ideologically opposed to the nation 's founding ideals , he said .
`` The very core of what it means to be an American , indeed the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , '' he said .
`` Instead of seeking to improve America , too many leading voices promulgate hatred of our founding principles . ''
He said the nation 's founding `` fell far short '' of securing rights for all but its principles armed the country with the tools and the framework to not only see its faults but fix them as they did by abolishing slavery and enshrining into law the idea of racial equality .
In its prefatory note , the report calls the current unrest testimony to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evil effects of its long history of racial injustice . ''
The credibility of the United States advocacy for human rights abroad is dependent upon its ability to secure those same rights at home , it said .
`` With the eyes of the world upon her , America must show the same honest self-examination and efforts at improvement that she expects from others , '' it said .
`` America 's dedication to unalienable rights -- the rights all human beings share -- demands no less . ''
The report -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo announcing the formation of the Commission on Unalienable Rights in July of last year , has been long criticized as controversial and in March several human rights organizations sued Pompeo and the State Department over the commission , alleging it was founded in violation of a statute that requires members to be balanced in terms of viewpoints .
On Thursday , several pro-democracy and human rights groups lambasted it as being flawed and biased .
Democracy Forward , Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights , CHANGE and other groups , which sued Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was written by academics with little human rights experience and who have a record of opposing women and LGBTQ rights .
The organization called it `` a biased , pseudo-academic report '' that fails in its objective to ground U.S. human rights advocacy abord .
`` The State Department unlawfully stacked the commission with members hostile to LGBTQI and sexual and reproductive rights , excluded career diplomats and mainstream human rights groups and denied the public a meaningful opportunity to engage with the commission and follow its work , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , same-sex marriage as `` divisive social and political controversies '' and that it is common for both sides of the issue `` to couch their claims in terms of basic rights . ''
Amnesty International chastized the U.S. State Department as attempting to create a hierarchy of rights where it chooses which are inalienable and which are divisive .
`` Human rights are not a choose-your-own adventure in which the U.S. government gets to pick a different ending because it does n't like a particular set of rights , '' Tarah Demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Identity Program at Amnesty International USA , said in a statement .
`` The report , made through an illegitimate process , only further shows the contempt this administration has for human rights and its desire to excise certain rights . ''
Sen. Bob Menendez , D-N.J. , ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , called the report another attempt by the Trump administration to undermine internationally recognized human rights , further eroding the nation 's reputation .
`` Secretary Pompeo used his speech to insinuate a hierarchy of rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'foremost ' rights and some rights are not 'worth defending , ' '' he said in a statement .
`` By justifying the roll back on hard-won advances for the rights of women , girls and LGBTQ persons , Secretary Pompeo detailed a report that does not call on the U.S. government to champion greater protection of all human rights but many in fact narrow the scope of U.S. human rights obligations . ''
The commission said the report 's release initiates a two-week public comment period .

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo unveiled a new report Thursday by the Commission on Unalienable Rights. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday the American way of life was under attack, specifically by protesters and the media, as he unveiled a controversial new report on human rights that critics argue is an attempt to create a hierarchy of which rights to defend. The United States' top diplomat made the comments during an event Thursday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Penn., to unveil a draft report by the Commission on Unalienable Rights that emphasizes property and religious liberty rights as foremost among those the government is to secure. Advertisement
Pompeo said the report was not timed to be released amid the nationwide unrest that was sparked by the Memorial Day police-involved killing of George Floyd but it does mention the issue.
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The protesters who are toppling statues and decreasing monuments have taken "false doctrines to heart" about the country's founding, he said, referring specifically to The New York Times' 1619 Project, whose goal is to re-examine the legacy of slavery in the United States.
"They want you to believe that America's institutions continue to reflect the country's acceptance of slavery at our founding," he said. "They want you to believe that Marxist ideology that America is only the oppressors and the oppressed."
He said it is "a disturbed reading of history," one that he rejects as "a slander of our great people."
Those who believe this are functioning under are ideologically opposed to the nation's founding ideals, he said.
"The very core of what it means to be an American, indeed the American way of life itself, is under attack," he said. "Instead of seeking to improve America, too many leading voices promulgate hatred of our founding principles."
He said the nation's founding "fell far short" of securing rights for all but its principles armed the country with the tools and the framework to not only see its faults but fix them as they did by abolishing slavery and enshrining into law the idea of racial equality.
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In its prefatory note, the report calls the current unrest testimony to "the nation's unfinished work in overcoming the evil effects of its long history of racial injustice."
The credibility of the United States advocacy for human rights abroad is dependent upon its ability to secure those same rights at home, it said.
"With the eyes of the world upon her, America must show the same honest self-examination and efforts at improvement that she expects from others," it said. "America's dedication to unalienable rights -- the rights all human beings share -- demands no less."
The report -- rewritten by 11 scholars and academics following Pompeo announcing the formation of the Commission on Unalienable Rights in July of last year, has been long criticized as controversial and in March several human rights organizations sued Pompeo and the State Department over the commission, alleging it was founded in violation of a statute that requires members to be balanced in terms of viewpoints.
On Thursday, several pro-democracy and human rights groups lambasted it as being flawed and biased.
Democracy Forward, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, CHANGE and other groups, which sued Pompeo in the spring, said the report was written by academics with little human rights experience and who have a record of opposing women and LGBTQ rights.
Advertisement
The organization called it "a biased, pseudo-academic report" that fails in its objective to ground U.S. human rights advocacy abord.
"The State Department unlawfully stacked the commission with members hostile to LGBTQI and sexual and reproductive rights, excluded career diplomats and mainstream human rights groups and denied the public a meaningful opportunity to engage with the commission and follow its work," it said.
The report describes abortion, affirmative action, same-sex marriage as "divisive social and political controversies" and that it is common for both sides of the issue "to couch their claims in terms of basic rights."
Amnesty International chastized the U.S. State Department as attempting to create a hierarchy of rights where it chooses which are inalienable and which are divisive.
"Human rights are not a choose-your-own adventure in which the U.S. government gets to pick a different ending because it doesn't like a particular set of rights," Tarah Demand, direct of the Gender, Sexuality and Identity Program at Amnesty International USA, said in a statement. "The report, made through an illegitimate process, only further shows the contempt this administration has for human rights and its desire to excise certain rights."
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the report another attempt by the Trump administration to undermine internationally recognized human rights, further eroding the nation's reputation.
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"Secretary Pompeo used his speech to insinuate a hierarchy of rights where property rights and religious liberty are 'foremost' rights and some rights are not 'worth defending,'" he said in a statement. "By justifying the roll back on hard-won advances for the rights of women, girls and LGBTQ persons, Secretary Pompeo detailed a report that does not call on the U.S. government to champion greater protection of all human rights but many in fact narrow the scope of U.S. human rights obligations."
The commission said the report's release initiates a two-week public comment period.


upi--2020-07-16--Memorial Tournament: Tony Finau leads by one shot, Tiger Woods in the hunt

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Tony Finau finished with seven birdies over his final 10 holes in Thursday 's opening round of the Memorial Tournament to grab a one-shot lead at Muirfield Village Golf Course in Dublin , Ohio .
Finau , who did n't play in last week 's Workday Charity Open on the same course , finished with a 6-under 66 and held a one-stroke advantage over Ryan Palmer after the first round .
It marked the first time in 63 years the PGA Tour played consecutive weeks on the same course .
But this week 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronger winds , which showed in the Round 1 scoring .
Only seven players broke 70 Thursday , compared with 35 rounds in the 60s for the first day of the Workday Charity Open last week .
`` I do n't know about an advantage , but I definitely felt like I played this golf course this way before , '' Finau said of not playing last week .
`` I do n't know what the numbers might be as far as the guys that played last week compared to this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these type of conditions , and it definitely helped me . ''
Palmer , who did play in last week 's event , said he noticed a difference immediately .
`` It 's night and day , '' Palmer said .
`` The greens , they 're 2 , 3 feet faster for sure .
So I knew it was n't a course you had to just go out and light up . ''
Meanwhile , Tiger Woods -- playing in his first Tour event since February -- remained in the hunt with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Woods started his day with a birdie and added another on hole No .
3 to quickly move to 2-under par .
Two of his three bogeys came on the front nine , where he finished at even-par 36 .
Woods had two birdies and one bogey on his final four holes and tied for 18th after the opening round .
He sits five shots behind Finau .
`` Well , it 's been a while since I 've played , '' Woods said .
`` Got off to almost an ideal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round early .
I just did n't make anything today .
I had looks at birdies , but I really did n't make much . ''
U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland and Brendan Steele each shot 68 and sat in a tie for third .
Jon Rahm , Lucas Glover and Charles Howell III opened with 69s and shared fifth place .
Rory McIlroy , Jordan Spieth and defending champion Patrick Cantlay were among the group tied for eighth with a 70 .
Collin Morikawa , who won at Muirfield Village last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 76 , while Justin Thomas shot 74 .
Brooks Koepka shot 72 , Dustin Johnson shot 80 -- his highest score on the PGA Tour in more than four years -- and Rickie Fowler opened with an 81 .

Tiger Woods, playing in his first Tour event since February, remained in the hunt with a 1-under 71 in the first round. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Tony Finau finished with seven birdies over his final 10 holes in Thursday's opening round of the Memorial Tournament to grab a one-shot lead at Muirfield Village Golf Course in Dublin, Ohio. Finau, who didn't play in last week's Workday Charity Open on the same course, finished with a 6-under 66 and held a one-stroke advantage over Ryan Palmer after the first round. Advertisement
It marked the first time in 63 years the PGA Tour played consecutive weeks on the same course. But this week's event at Muirfield featured faster greens and stronger winds, which showed in the Round 1 scoring.
Only seven players broke 70 Thursday, compared with 35 rounds in the 60s for the first day of the Workday Charity Open last week.
"I don't know about an advantage, but I definitely felt like I played this golf course this way before," Finau said of not playing last week. "I don't know what the numbers might be as far as the guys that played last week compared to this week. I've played this golf course in these type of conditions, and it definitely helped me."
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Palmer, who did play in last week's event, said he noticed a difference immediately.
"It's night and day," Palmer said. "The greens, they're 2, 3 feet faster for sure. So I knew it wasn't a course you had to just go out and light up."
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods -- playing in his first Tour event since February -- remained in the hunt with a 1-under 71 in the first round.
Woods started his day with a birdie and added another on hole No. 3 to quickly move to 2-under par. Two of his three bogeys came on the front nine, where he finished at even-par 36.
Woods had two birdies and one bogey on his final four holes and tied for 18th after the opening round. He sits five shots behind Finau.
"Well, it's been a while since I've played," Woods said. "Got off to almost an ideal start and got a feel for the round early. I just didn't make anything today. I had looks at birdies, but I really didn't make much."
U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland and Brendan Steele each shot 68 and sat in a tie for third. Jon Rahm, Lucas Glover and Charles Howell III opened with 69s and shared fifth place.
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Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and defending champion Patrick Cantlay were among the group tied for eighth with a 70.
Collin Morikawa, who won at Muirfield Village last week at 19-under 269, opened with a 76, while Justin Thomas shot 74. Brooks Koepka shot 72, Dustin Johnson shot 80 -- his highest score on the PGA Tour in more than four years -- and Rickie Fowler opened with an 81.


upi--2020-07-16--Ex-Philadelphia Phillies All-Star infielder Tony Taylor dies at 84

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Former Philadelphia Phillies coach and All-Star infielder Tony Taylor has died , the team announced Thursday .
He was 84 .
The Phillies said in a statement that Taylor died from complications of a stroke suffered last year .
`` Tony was undeniably one of the most popular Phillies of his or any other generation , '' Phillies managing partner John Middleton said in a statement .
`` His baseball talent was second only to his warm and engaging personality , as he would always make time to talk with fans when he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... On behalf of Leigh and myself and the entire Phillies organization , we send our deepest condolences to Clara and all of Tony 's family and friends . ''
The Major League Baseball Players Association released a statement saying the players ' community was `` saddened by the loss '' of Taylor .
Taylor , an All-Star in 1960 , was inducted into the Phillies ' Wall of Fame in 2002 .
He also was enshrined in the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19-year MLB career , Taylor -- nicknamed `` T.T . ''
-- recorded a .261 batting average with 2,007 hits , 1,005 runs and 234 stolen bases .
He appeared in 2,195 career games with the Phillies , Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers .
After his playing career , Taylor served as a major league coach with the Phillies and then-Florida Marlins .
He also was a minor league manager and coach with multiple organizations .
Taylor , born Dec. 19 , 1935 , in Central Alava , Cuba , is survived by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .

July 16 (UPI) -- Former Philadelphia Phillies coach and All-Star infielder Tony Taylor has died, the team announced Thursday. He was 84.
The Phillies said in a statement that Taylor died from complications of a stroke suffered last year.
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"Tony was undeniably one of the most popular Phillies of his or any other generation," Phillies managing partner John Middleton said in a statement. "His baseball talent was second only to his warm and engaging personality, as he would always make time to talk with fans when he would visit Philadelphia for Alumni Weekend.
"... On behalf of Leigh and myself and the entire Phillies organization, we send our deepest condolences to Clara and all of Tony's family and friends."
The Major League Baseball Players Association released a statement saying the players' community was "saddened by the loss" of Taylor.
The Major League Baseball Players Association today released the following statement on the passing of Tony Taylor: pic.twitter.com/7arNjI6yXC— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) July 16, 2020
Tony Taylor pic.twitter.com/80Un2h0AVb— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 31, 2015 Advertisement
Taylor, an All-Star in 1960, was inducted into the Phillies' Wall of Fame in 2002. He also was enshrined in the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2004.
Across his 19-year MLB career, Taylor -- nicknamed "T.T." -- recorded a .261 batting average with 2,007 hits, 1,005 runs and 234 stolen bases. He appeared in 2,195 career games with the Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers.
After his playing career, Taylor served as a major league coach with the Phillies and then-Florida Marlins. He also was a minor league manager and coach with multiple organizations.
Taylor, born Dec. 19, 1935, in Central Alava, Cuba, is survived by his wife, Clara, and his children.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-07-16--Judge extends deadline for ICE to release children from family detention facilities

July 16 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge in California on Thursday extended a deadline for the Trump administration to release migrant children detained with their parents at Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Judge Dolly Gee of the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles pushed the deadline for the government to comply with her mandate to release families from three facilities or ask them if they would consent to their children being released to sponsors while they remain in detention from Friday to July 27 .
There are approximately 300 parents and children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas and another in Pennsylvania .
Gee issued the order in June in response to reports that facilities failed to provide health protections against COVID-19 .
Court documents show that at least 39 migrant family members at the Karnes detention center in Texas have tested positive for the coronavirus and several employees at that facility and another in Dilley , Texas , have contracted COVID-19 as well .
Gee only has jurisdiction over the detained children and the order only applies to them , leaving ICE with the choice to release the parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Justice Department and Peter Schey , lead attorney representing minors in litigation related to the Flores Settlement agreement , requested the deadline be extended on Wednesday , as they have not agreed on how to inform the parents of their children 's rights and how to place minors with sponsors .
`` It 's tragic that ICE , especially during this COVID pandemic , is unwilling to release a very small number of parents being detained with their children , '' said Schey .
Attorney Shalyn Fluharty , who is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility , said ICE should release the families together , adding that the agency has not provided the families with adequate information to make a choice on whether to release them to sponsors .
`` Our moms do n't know if they will be deported without their kids if they are separated .
They do n't know if their children are released if they will have an opportunity to talk to an immigration judge , '' said Fluharty .

Detained children sit behind cyclone fencing at the Central Processing Center in McAllen, Texas, on July 13, 2019. File Photo/Office Congresswoman of Doris Matsui/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- A federal judge in California on Thursday extended a deadline for the Trump administration to release migrant children detained with their parents at federal facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline was set for Friday, but District Court judge Dolly Gee pushed it back to July 27. Advertisement
There are approximately 300 parents and children detained in two family detention centers in Texas and another in Pennsylvania.
Gee set the original deadline in June in response to reports that facilities failed to provide health protections against COVID-19.
Court documents show that at least 39 migrant family members at the Karnes detention center in Texas have tested positive and several employees at that facility and another in Dilley, Texas, have contracted the virus as well.
Gee only has jurisdiction over detained children and the order only applies to them, leaving ICE with the choice to release the parents as well or separate the families.
The Justice Department and Peter Schey, lead attorney representing minors in litigation related to the Flores Settlement agreement, requested the deadline be extended on Wednesday, as they have not agreed on how to inform the parents of their children's rights and how to place minors with sponsors.
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"It's tragic that ICE, especially during this COVID pandemic, is unwilling to release a very small number of parents being detained with their children," said Schey.
Attorney Shalyn Fluharty, who is part of a group representing families at the Dilley facility, said ICE should release the families together, adding that the agency has not provided the families with adequate information to make a choice on whether to release them to sponsors.
"Our moms don't know if they will be deported without their kids if they are separated. They don't know if their children are released if they will have an opportunity to talk to an immigration judge," said Fluharty.
Children of the Central American migrant caravan


upi--2020-07-16--Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson leaves NBA bubble for 'urgent' family matter

July 16 ( UPI ) -- New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Zion Williamson left the NBA bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando , Fla. , because of an `` urgent '' family medical matter , the team announced Thursday .
The Pelicans said Williamson , who missed parts of recent practices due to leg cramps , intends to rejoin the team at a later date .
`` Zion Williamson departed Orlando this morning to attend to an urgent family medical matter , '' the Pelicans said in the statement .
`` He intends to rejoin the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a later date .
`` We fully support Zion 's decision to leave the NBA campus to be with his family .
Out of respect for the Williamson family , we will have no further comment at this time . ''
According to the league 's health and safety protocols , all players are expected to remain on the Orlando campus .
But players can leave the NBA 's bubble for extenuating circumstances and with the league 's approval .
If Williamson returns to the bubble , he is subject to enhanced coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a 10-day quarantine when he returns to the campus .
If he 's gone for seven days or less , he will quarantine for only four days upon his return if he has a negative test each day he 's outside of the bubble .
If he is gone longer than a week , Williamson will quarantine for four days if he has a negative test for the final seven days he is absent .
Williamson has played in only 19 games during his rookie season after returning from meniscus surgery in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this year .
The Pelicans play the Utah Jazz on July 30 , which is the opening night of the NBA 's restart .

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has played in only 19 games during his rookie season after returning from meniscus surgery in January. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Zion Williamson left the NBA bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., because of an "urgent" family medical matter, the team announced Thursday. The Pelicans said Williamson, who missed parts of recent practices due to leg cramps, intends to rejoin the team at a later date. Advertisement
"Zion Williamson departed Orlando this morning to attend to an urgent family medical matter," the Pelicans said in the statement. "He intends to rejoin the team in Orlando for the NBA restart at a later date.
"We fully support Zion's decision to leave the NBA campus to be with his family. Out of respect for the Williamson family, we will have no further comment at this time."
According to the league's health and safety protocols, all players are expected to remain on the Orlando campus. But players can leave the NBA's bubble for extenuating circumstances and with the league's approval.
If Williamson returns to the bubble, he is subject to enhanced coronavirus testing. He also could be subject to a 10-day quarantine when he returns to the campus. If he's gone for seven days or less, he will quarantine for only four days upon his return if he has a negative test each day he's outside of the bubble.
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If he is gone longer than a week, Williamson will quarantine for four days if he has a negative test for the final seven days he is absent.
Williamson has played in only 19 games during his rookie season after returning from meniscus surgery in January. He has averaged 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this year.
The Pelicans play the Utah Jazz on July 30, which is the opening night of the NBA's restart.


upi--2020-07-16--Netflix elevates Ted Sarandos to co-CEO

Netflix elevates Ted Sarandos to co-CEO

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Netflix elevated Ted Sarandos to serve as co-CEO of the streaming platform alongside Reed Hastings on Thursday .
Hastings announced the decision in a statement , in which he described Sarandos -- who has led the company 's content strategy -- as `` instrumental '' to Netflix 's success .
`` While I saw streaming coming and pushed for it , Ted drove the revolution in our content strategy , which was way ahead of its time and has been key to our continued success , '' Hastings said .
The company said Sarandos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of directors and will continue his duties as chief content officer , while Greg Peters was appointed the company 's chief operating officer , in addition to his role as chief product officer .
Hastings said the changes are `` part of a long process of succession planning , '' adding he does not expect much to change in the day-to-day running of Netflix .
Sarandos said he was `` excited and honored '' to be appointed co-CEO , saying he was skeptical when Hastings approached him to join the company in 1999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the company as it adapted its approach throughout the years , including his role leading its production of original content .
`` My journey to co-CEO of Netflix has been as a fan of great entertainment .
And that 's my commitment to Netflix members going forward : to keep pushing the boundaries of what a consumer-first company can achieve for people who love stories , '' he said .

Netflix on Thursday announced that Ted Sarandos will serve as the companies co-CEO alongside Reed Hastings. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Netflix elevated Ted Sarandos to serve as co-CEO of the streaming platform alongside Reed Hastings on Thursday. Hastings announced the decision in a statement, in which he described Sarandos -- who has led the company's content strategy -- as "instrumental" to Netflix's success. Advertisement
"While I saw streaming coming and pushed for it, Ted drove the revolution in our content strategy, which was way ahead of its time and has been key to our continued success," Hastings said.
The company said Sarandos has also been elected to the board of directors and will continue his duties as chief content officer, while Greg Peters was appointed the company's chief operating officer, in addition to his role as chief product officer.
Hastings said the changes are "part of a long process of succession planning," adding he does not expect much to change in the day-to-day running of Netflix.
Sarandos said he was "excited and honored" to be appointed co-CEO, saying he was skeptical when Hastings approached him to join the company in 1999 but has been fortunate to have served with the company as it adapted its approach throughout the years, including his role leading its production of original content.
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"My journey to co-CEO of Netflix has been as a fan of great entertainment. And that's my commitment to Netflix members going forward: to keep pushing the boundaries of what a consumer-first company can achieve for people who love stories," he said.


upi--2020-07-16--Active-duty COVID-19 case count continues upward climb

July 16 ( UPI ) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among active-duty military members grew by about 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ -- a 60 percent increase , according to Department of Defense statistics .
As of @ @ @ @ @ cumulative cases among active-duty military , with 10,544 active cases as of Monday .
On @ @ @ @ @ active cases among service members .
Just three service members have died of the virus @ @ @ @ @ cases leading to hospitalization has remained relatively lot , but military officials have said the @ @ @ @ @ installation The Army had reported 3,836 cumulative cases at the beginning of the month and @ @ @ @ @ total cases , making it the branch most affected by the virus .
Earlier in @ @ @ @ @ which has reported 5,084 cases to date , was the hardest-hit service .
The Marine @ @ @ @ @ to date ; the Air Force , 2,805 ; the National Guard , 2,614 ; @ @ @ @ @ 237 .

U.S. Army soldier checks the temperature of civilian personnel in Seattle, Wash. in this April photo. The number of COVID-19 cases among active-duty military personnel continues to climb upward, with the Pentagon logging more than 6,000 cases in the first weeks of July. Photo by Genesis Miranda/U.S. Army
July 16 (UPI) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among active-duty military members grew by about 4,000 in the month of July -- a 60 percent increase, according to Department of Defense statistics. As of Thursday the DoD reported 18,968 cumulative cases among active-duty military, with 10,544 active cases as of Monday. Advertisement
On July 2 there were 6,493 active cases among service members.
Just three service members have died of the virus and the number of military cases leading to hospitalization has remained relatively lot, but military officials have said the number of cases at military installation
The Army had reported 3,836 cumulative cases at the beginning of the month and which has now reported 6,104 total cases, making it the branch most affected by the virus.
Earlier in the year the Navy, which has reported 5,084 cases to date, was the hardest-hit service.
The Marine Corps has logged 2,124 cases to date; the Air Force, 2,805; the National Guard, 2,614; and other DoD agencies, 237.


upi--2020-07-16--15 women accuse former Washington Redskins officials of sexual harassment

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Fifteen former female employees on Thursday accused multiple members of the Washington Redskins organization , including former scouts and members of owner Daniel Snyder 's inner circle , of sexual harassment and verbal abuse .
The Washington Post reported the allegations span most of Snyder 's tenure as owner , running from 2006-19 .
The accusations fell into two categories : unwelcome overtures or sexual comments , and encouragement to wear revealing clothing and flirt with clients to close sales deals .
Among those accused of misconduct are former radio play-by-play announcer Larry Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santos and former assistant director of pro personnel Richard Mann III , the report said .
All three left the franchise within the past week .
Former President of business operations Dennis Greene and former Chief Operating Officer Mitch Gershman also were accused of misconduct , according to the Post .
The women made no allegations against Snyder or former longtime General Manager Bruce Allen , who was fired in December after spending 10 years with the organization .
According to the report , the accusers expressed skepticism that Snyder and Allen were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Washington Redskins football team takes issues of employee conduct seriously , '' the team said in a statement .
`` While we do not speak to specific employee situations publicly , when new allegations of conduct are brought forward that are contrary to these policies , we address them promptly . ''
Washington head coach Ron Rivera told ESPN the culture within the franchise would change moving forward .
`` Biggest thing is that we have to move forward from this and make sure everybody understands we have policies that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door policy with no retribution , '' Rivera said in a text message .
`` Plus my daughter works for the team and I sure as hell am not going to allow any of this ! ''
Earlier Thursday , the NFL team hired Washington , D.C. , attorney Beth Wilkinson of Wilkinson Walsh LLP to review the organization 's protocols , including its policies , culture and allegations of workplace misconduct .
The allegations come after the team 's announcement Monday that it will retire its `` Redskins '' nickname and logo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 3 .
Washington 's decision to retire the nickname comes amid pressure from several sponsors , including FedEx , Nike , Amazon and PepsiCo .
FedEx , Nike and PepsiCo each received letters signed by 87 investment firms and shareholders worth more than $ 600 billion asking the companies to disassociate from the NFL franchise unless it changes the controversial team name .
Some retailers , including Amazon and Walmart , also have stopped selling Washington merchandise .
Washington 's three minority shareholders are currently attempting to sell their interests in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority shareholders recently hired the investment bank Moag & Company to find potential buyers .

The women made no allegations against team owner Daniel Snyder (C) but expressed skepticism that he was unaware of the alleged misconduct. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Fifteen former female employees on Thursday accused multiple members of the Washington Redskins organization, including former scouts and members of owner Daniel Snyder's inner circle, of sexual harassment and verbal abuse. The Washington Post reported the allegations span most of Snyder's tenure as owner, running from 2006-19. The accusations fell into two categories: unwelcome overtures or sexual comments, and encouragement to wear revealing clothing and flirt with clients to close sales deals. Advertisement
Among those accused of misconduct are former radio play-by-play announcer Larry Michael, former director of pro personnel Alex Santos and former assistant director of pro personnel Richard Mann III, the report said. All three left the franchise within the past week.
Former President of business operations Dennis Greene and former Chief Operating Officer Mitch Gershman also were accused of misconduct, according to the Post.
The women made no allegations against Snyder or former longtime General Manager Bruce Allen, who was fired in December after spending 10 years with the organization. According to the report, the accusers expressed skepticism that Snyder and Allen were unaware of the alleged misconduct.
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"The Washington Redskins football team takes issues of employee conduct seriously," the team said in a statement. "While we do not speak to specific employee situations publicly, when new allegations of conduct are brought forward that are contrary to these policies, we address them promptly."
Washington head coach Ron Rivera told ESPN the culture within the franchise would change moving forward.
"Biggest thing is that we have to move forward from this and make sure everybody understands we have policies that we will follow and that we have an open door policy with no retribution," Rivera said in a text message. "Plus my daughter works for the team and I sure as hell am not going to allow any of this!"
Earlier Thursday, the NFL team hired Washington, D.C., attorney Beth Wilkinson of Wilkinson Walsh LLP to review the organization's protocols, including its policies, culture and allegations of workplace misconduct.
The allegations come after the team's announcement Monday that it will retire its "Redskins" nickname and logo after completing a thorough review that started July 3.
Washington's decision to retire the nickname comes amid pressure from several sponsors, including FedEx, Nike, Amazon and PepsiCo.
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FedEx, Nike and PepsiCo each received letters signed by 87 investment firms and shareholders worth more than $600 billion asking the companies to disassociate from the NFL franchise unless it changes the controversial team name. Some retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, also have stopped selling Washington merchandise.
Washington's three minority shareholders are currently attempting to sell their interests in the team. According to ESPN, the minority shareholders recently hired the investment bank Moag & Company to find potential buyers.


upi--2020-07-16--'Jeopardy' host Alex Trebek cancer update: 'My numbers are good'

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Jeopardy !
host Alex Trebek announced Thursday that his cancer treatment is going well .
Trebek recorded a video message posted on the official Jeopardy !
social media .
`` I 'm doing well .
I 've been continuing my treatment and it is paying off , though it does fatigue me a great deal , '' Trebek said .
`` My numbers are good .
I 'm feeling great . ''
Trebek came forward with his diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March of 2019 .
He has undergone chemotherapy treatments but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In March 2020 , Trebek shared a video on the anniversary of his diagnosis , saying 18 % of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients survive the first year .
Jeopardy !
is currently on hiatus due to COVID-19 production shutdowns .
In the meantime , Trebek says in the video that he is recording new introduction segments for some classic episodes the game show will air .
Trebek 's book , The Answer Is ... : Reflections on My Life is out July 21 , which he mentioned in his latest video .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ retire from hosting , he will ask the show for 30 seconds at the end of his last episode to say a few words , but so far he says he is eager to return to hosting once production resumes .

Alex Trebek says his cancer treatment is "paying off." File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek announced Thursday that his cancer treatment is going well. Trebek recorded a video message posted on the official Jeopardy! social media. Advertisement
"I'm doing well. I've been continuing my treatment and it is paying off, though it does fatigue me a great deal," Trebek said. "My numbers are good. I'm feeling great."
Trebek came forward with his diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March of 2019. He has undergone chemotherapy treatments but continues to host the game show.
In March 2020, Trebek shared a video on the anniversary of his diagnosis, saying 18% of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients survive the first year.
Jeopardy! is currently on hiatus due to COVID-19 production shutdowns. In the meantime, Trebek says in the video that he is recording new introduction segments for some classic episodes the game show will air.
Trebek's book, The Answer Is...: Reflections on My Life is out July 21, which he mentioned in his latest video. He has said when he decides to retire from hosting, he will ask the show for 30 seconds at the end of his last episode to say a few words, but so far he says he is eager to return to hosting once production resumes.
Advertisement Here's a summer update from Alex!  pic.twitter.com/6oKJ5aSCU7— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) July 16, 2020


upi--2020-07-16--Florida sees record 156 COVID-19 deaths; Georgia Gov. Kemp sues Atlanta over mask order

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp on Thursday filed a lawsuit seeking to block Atlanta 's mask order as the United States reported more than 66,000 new cases .
The lawsuit filed in Fulton County Superior Court challenges Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ' decision to require face masks be worn in public and to revert the city to `` Phase 1 '' of its re-opening guidelines , closing restaurant dining rooms and calling on residents to only leave their homes for essential activities .
`` This lawsuit is on behalf of the Atlanta business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling to survive during these difficult times , '' Kemp wrote on Twitter .
`` These men and women are doing their very best to put food on the table for their families while local elected officials shutter businesses and undermine economic growth . ''
Wednesday night , Kemp signed an executive order overruling local governments that enacted ordinances requiring face coverings and prohibited similar orders in the future .
Kemp 's order asserted the state 's right to impose its own less-stringent guidelines , in which residents are merely `` strongly urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in public .
The provision , included as part of the state 's general COVID-19 guidelines , explicitly voids mask mandates at the local level .
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University said in an update Thursday about 66,300 new coronavirus cases were recorded nationally on Wednesday .
To date , there have been 3.6 million cases and more than 138,400 deaths in the United States , according to the researchers .
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said Thursday he is `` very , very close '' to issuing a new stay-at-home order amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida .
Florida , the U.S. epicenter of the outbreak , said Thursday it set a new record for COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday , with 156 -- topping the previous mark by 24 deaths .
Officials also reported 14,000 new cases statewide .
More than 315,000 people in Florida have now been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
`` There is very little , if any federal and state guidance on how and what metric we need to use to close , '' Suarez told CNN .
`` So we 're developing all of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced with making these tough decisions in the next few days if things do n't improve radically . ''
In Oklahoma , the Tulsa City Council passed a mask requirement by a 7-2 vote Wednesday , less than a month after President Donald Trump held a re-election rally in the city .
Mayor G.T .
Bynum was expected to sign the measure Thursday morning , which requires adults in public areas to wear face coverings at all times .
`` We will continue to do what we have to do to protect our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ordinance came on the same day Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt announced he tested positive for COVID-19 .
In Arizona , Maricopa County has ordered portable body coolers to cope with the number of rising deaths .
Spokesman Fields Moseley said the added deaths have led to a `` surge capacity '' designation for the county morgue .
Officials ordered four coolers to address the lack of space for the dead .
New cases in Maricopa County , which includes Phoenix , have flattened at around 2,500 new per day during @ @ @ @ @ @ @

1/2
Neon yellow circles for social distancing are on the ground while people walk through the High Line park wearing face masks in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- The United States set a new single-day record for coronavirus cases, registering more than 70,000 new infections on Thursday as Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp filed a lawsuit seeking to block Atlanta's mask order. While their numbers vary, several trackers of the virus all showed that the United States had reported more new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday than during any other 24-hour period during the pandemic, continuing a trend of climbing infections. Advertisement
According to The New York Times' tally, more than 75,000 cases were reported on Thursday, smashing its previous record of more than 68,000 cases on Friday, while The Washington Post had its figure at 71,406, which was still higher than its previous record of 67,211 from late last week.
Meanwhile, Worldometer.info counted 73,388 cases for Thursday, which trumped its Friday figure of 72,278.
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At more than 3.5 million infections and more than 138,000 deaths to the virus, the United States is the worst affected nation by the pandemic.
In Georgia, the lawsuit filed by Kemp in Fulton County Superior Court challenges Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' decision to require face masks be worn in public and to revert the city to "Phase 1" of its re-opening guidelines, closing restaurant dining rooms and calling on residents to only leave their homes for essential activities.
"This lawsuit is on behalf of the Atlanta business owners and their hardworking employees who are struggling to survive during these difficult times," Kemp wrote on Twitter. "These men and women are doing their very best to put food on the table for their families while local elected officials shutter businesses and undermine economic growth."
Wednesday night, Kemp signed an executive order overruling local governments that enacted ordinances requiring face coverings and prohibited similar orders in the future.
Kemp's order asserted the state's right to impose its own less-stringent guidelines, in which residents are merely "strongly urged" to wear masks "as practicable" in public.
The provision, included as part of the state's general COVID-19 guidelines, explicitly voids mask mandates at the local level.
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Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson also announced Thursday a statewide face-covering mandate, explaining it's necessary because the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths indicate "we need to do more."
He added that health officials and legislators have also been urging for more to be done in the state and that students will be required to wear face coverings in most situations when they go back to school in the fall as reasons for the requirement.
"When you think about it, if you're going to ask the children in the school setting to wear face coverings for everyone's health and safety then the adults must help them to be ready and set the right example for them," he said, adding that the fight against the virus is most likely to get harder and not easier and they have to "meet the challenge together."
According to the face-covering requirements, one must be worn over the mouth and nose in all indoor environments where non-household members are present and distancing of at least six feet cannot be assured. In outdoor settings, a face covering must be worn if the wearer will be exposed to people they do not live with unless that six feet of space permitting for proper social distancing is possible.
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In Miami, Mayor Francis Suarez said Thursday he is "very, very close" to issuing a new stay-at-home order amid a surge in cases and deaths in Florida.
Florida, the U.S. epicenter of the outbreak, said Thursday it set a new record for COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, with 156 -- topping the previous mark by 24 deaths. Officials also reported 14,000 new cases statewide.
More than 315,000 people in Florida have now been diagnosed with COVID-19.
"There is very little, if any federal and state guidance on how and what metric we need to use to close," Suarez told CNN. "So we're developing all of that on our own. And we're faced with making these tough decisions in the next few days if things don't improve radically."
In Oklahoma, the Tulsa City Council passed a mask requirement by a 7-2 vote Wednesday, less than a month after President Donald Trump held a re-election rally in the city.
Mayor G.T. Bynum was expected to sign the measure Thursday morning, which requires adults in public areas to wear face coverings at all times.
"We will continue to do what we have to do to protect our local healthcare system," Bynum said.
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The ordinance came on the same day Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
In Arizona, Maricopa County has ordered portable body coolers to cope with the number of rising deaths.
Spokesman Fields Moseley said the added deaths have led to a "surge capacity" designation for the county morgue. Officials ordered four coolers to address the lack of space for the dead.
New cases in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, have flattened at around 2,500 new per day during the last week, officials noted.


upi--2020-07-16--U.S. extends border closures; EU tightens travel restrictions

July 16 ( UPI ) -- The United States said Thursday it would extend limits on non-essential travel from Mexico and Canada , while the European Union placed further restrictions at its borders on foreign travelers and extended its ban on Americans .
Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said that `` based on the existing restrictions '' the United States will extend the limit on non-essential travel at U.S. land ports of entry with Mexico and Canada until Aug. 20 .
`` Close collaboration with our neighbors has allowed us to respond to COVID-19 in a North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , '' he said .
Also Thursday , the EU said travelers from Montenegro and Serbia would no longer be allowed in the 27-member block due to rising coronavirus cases there .
The EU largely shuttered its borders in March due to the pandemic , but began easing those restrictions to 15 countries on July 1 , including Montenegro and Serbia .
As part of its twice-monthly review process , though , the EU removed the two countries from its approved list and declined to add any other countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to visit much of Europe amid a spike of cases in the United States in recent weeks .
According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker , there have been 3.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States and at least 137,400 deaths .
The country logged its third-highest daily case rate Wednesday , with more than 66,000 confirmed new cases .
In order for the EU to lift its travel restriction on a country , the country must have an average new case rate at or below the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stable or decreasing trend of new cases over the previous 14 days , and meet certain standards on testing , surveillance , contact tracing and containment .
Approved countries must also lift their restrictions on EU travelers .
Those exempt from the restrictions include EU citizens and their family members , long-term EU residents and their family members , and travelers with an essential function in the EU .

The European Union declined to lift its ban on American travelers amid a spike in coronavirus cases in the United States. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- The United States said Thursday it would extend limits on non-essential travel from Mexico and Canada, while the European Union placed further restrictions at its borders on foreign travelers and extended its ban on Americans. Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said that "based on the existing restrictions" the United States will extend the limit on non-essential travel at U.S. land ports of entry with Mexico and Canada until Aug. 20. Advertisement
"Close collaboration with our neighbors has allowed us to respond to COVID-19 in a North American approach and slow the travel-related spread of the virus," he said.
Also Thursday, the EU said travelers from Montenegro and Serbia would no longer be allowed in the 27-member block due to rising coronavirus cases there.
The EU largely shuttered its borders in March due to the pandemic, but began easing those restrictions to 15 countries on July 1, including Montenegro and Serbia.
As part of its twice-monthly review process, though, the EU removed the two countries from its approved list and declined to add any other countries. This means most Americans still won't be able to visit much of Europe amid a spike of cases in the United States in recent weeks.
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According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, there have been 3.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States and at least 137,400 deaths. The country logged its third-highest daily case rate Wednesday, with more than 66,000 confirmed new cases.
In order for the EU to lift its travel restriction on a country, the country must have an average new case rate at or below the EU average on June 15, have a stable or decreasing trend of new cases over the previous 14 days, and meet certain standards on testing, surveillance, contact tracing and containment.
Approved countries must also lift their restrictions on EU travelers.
Those exempt from the restrictions include EU citizens and their family members, long-term EU residents and their family members, and travelers with an essential function in the EU.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic