upi--2020-05-02--Joe Pantoliano hit by car, suffers head injury

May 2 ( UPI ) -- Joe Pantoliano 's agent Barry McPherson said the Bad Boys and The Sopranos alum was hit by a car and injured while walking in his Connecticut neighborhood .
McPherson told USA Today the 68-year-old actor sustained a `` severe head injury '' Friday , but is home from the hospital where he was `` monitored for a concussion and chest trauma . ''
Pantoliano posted Instagram photos of himself with fresh stitches on the top of his head after the incident , which occurred in Connecticut as U.S. residents are social distancing during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows the actor giving the thumb 's up sign .
The other is a close-up of his injury .
`` He is going to be dark for a couple days while recovering , '' the images are captioned .
`` Thank you for all the well wishes and positive vibes .
Keep them coming !
We 'll [ be ] reading them to him to help him get better ! ''
Pantoliano is also known for his role in The Matrix franchise , Memento , The Fugitive , Risky Business and The Goonies @

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Joe Pantoliano is recovering from injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car while walking around his Connecticut neighborhood on Friday. File Photo by Dennis Van Tine/UPI | License Photo
May 2 (UPI) -- Joe Pantoliano's agent Barry McPherson said the Bad Boys and The Sopranos alum was hit by a car and injured while walking in his Connecticut neighborhood. McPherson told USA Today the 68-year-old actor sustained a "severe head injury" Friday, but is home from the hospital where he was "monitored for a concussion and chest trauma." Advertisement
Pantoliano posted Instagram photos of himself with fresh stitches on the top of his head after the incident, which occurred in Connecticut as U.S. residents are social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the snapshots shows the actor giving the thumb's up sign.
The other is a close-up of his injury.
"He is going to be dark for a couple days while recovering," the images are captioned. "Thank you for all the well wishes and positive vibes. Keep them coming! We'll [be] reading them to him to help him get better!"
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Pantoliano is also known for his role in The Matrix franchise, Memento, The Fugitive, Risky Business and The Goonies.


upi--2020-05-02--DaBaby's 'Blame It On Baby' tops the U.S. album chart

May 2 ( UPI ) -- Rapper DaBaby 's Blame It On Baby is the No .
1 album in @ @ @ @ @ in at No .
2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is The Weeknd @ @ @ @ @ by Lil Uzi Vert 's Eternal Atake at No .
3 , Fiona Apple 's @ @ @ @ @ No .
4 and Lil Baby 's My Turn at No .
5 .
Rounding @ @ @ @ @ Post Malone 's Hollywood 's Bleeding at No .
6 , Bad Bunny 's YHLQMDLG @ @ @ @ @ Roddy Ricch 's Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial at No .
8 , Rod @ @ @ @ @ at No .
9 and Tory Lanez 's The New Toronto 3 at No .
@ @

May 2 (UPI) -- Rapper DaBaby's Blame It On Baby is the No. 1 album in the United States.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is The Weeknd's After Hours, followed by Lil Uzi Vert's Eternal Atake at No. 3, Fiona Apple's Fetch the Bolt Cutters at No. 4 and Lil Baby's My Turn at No. 5.


upi--2020-05-03--Temperatures to tumble dramatically in Northeast during first full week of May

After the first weekend of May provided a quick break from chilly air dominating the Northeast , the start of the workweek will send temperatures tumbling once again .
While April left much to be desired for warm weather fans across the region , temperatures rebounded on Saturday .
Afternoon highs topped out from the upper 50s in northern Maine , to the lower 70s in southern Pennsylvania and Maryland .
`` After ending the month of April an average of 3.5 degrees cooler than normal , Boston soared to 70 on Saturday , which is actually 8 degrees above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meteorologist Mary Gilbert said .
Sunday will feature temperatures 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit higher on average than the previous day in some locations across the Northeast .
As some residents look to take advantage of another pleasant day outdoors , others will have to find time between bouts of wet weather .
A storm system that brought showers and thunderstorms to the region on Saturday night will persist over New England and creep into the mid-Atlantic .
As the storm continues to move away from the northeastern United States on Monday , winds will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooler air mass will move in .
Warm weather forecast to finish out the weekend will be replaced by afternoon temperatures 10-20 degrees lower to start the workweek .
On Monday , high temperatures along coastal areas will linger in the 60s , but interior locations will struggle to climb out of the 50s .
By Tuesday , most locations can expect temperatures in the 50s .
However , temperatures from southern Pennsylvania to Connecticut , will once again climb into the low 60s .
High elevations in New England will be limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Boston to New York City , Philadelphia and Detroit looking for a quick return to warmth will be disappointed .
The dip in the jet stream will remain over the northeastern U.S .
This will keep chilly conditions over the region and the storm track over the Southeast and mid-Atlantic .
Even colder air will settle over the Northeast into the end of the week , dropping temperatures to around 10-15 degrees below normal for the beginning of May .
Average temperatures at the beginning of May range from the upper 50s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70s around D.C. '' Those in the Northeast feeling a bit stir-crazy under COVID-19 stay-at-home orders will want to grab a jacket if heading outside , while following proper social distancing protocols , '' Gilbert said .
AccuWeather 's long-range team expects several more bouts of cooler-than-average air to sweep into the Northeast every few days into the middle of May .
Those hoping for hot weather may have to wait until the calendar is fully into the summer months .

A woman wears a protective face mask in New York City on Friday, May 1, 2020. Almost 300 New Yorkers died from COIVD-19 in the last 24 hours bringing the state's total death toll to over 18,000. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
After the first weekend of May provided a quick break from chilly air dominating the Northeast, the start of the workweek will send temperatures tumbling once again. While April left much to be desired for warm weather fans across the region, temperatures rebounded on Saturday. Afternoon highs topped out from the upper 50s in northern Maine, to the lower 70s in southern Pennsylvania and Maryland. Advertisement
"After ending the month of April an average of 3.5 degrees cooler than normal, Boston soared to 70 on Saturday, which is actually 8 degrees above normal for early May," AccuWeather Meteorologist Mary Gilbert said.
Sunday will feature temperatures 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit higher on average than the previous day in some locations across the Northeast.
As some residents look to take advantage of another pleasant day outdoors, others will have to find time between bouts of wet weather.
A storm system that brought showers and thunderstorms to the region on Saturday night will persist over New England and creep into the mid-Atlantic.
As the storm continues to move away from the northeastern United States on Monday, winds will turn out of the northwest and a cooler air mass will move in.
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Warm weather forecast to finish out the weekend will be replaced by afternoon temperatures 10-20 degrees lower to start the workweek.
On Monday, high temperatures along coastal areas will linger in the 60s, but interior locations will struggle to climb out of the 50s.
By Tuesday, most locations can expect temperatures in the 50s. However, temperatures from southern Pennsylvania to Connecticut, will once again climb into the low 60s.
High elevations in New England will be limited to the 40s each day.
Residents from Boston to New York City, Philadelphia and Detroit looking for a quick return to warmth will be disappointed.
The dip in the jet stream will remain over the northeastern U.S. This will keep chilly conditions over the region and the storm track over the Southeast and mid-Atlantic.
Even colder air will settle over the Northeast into the end of the week, dropping temperatures to around 10-15 degrees below normal for the beginning of May.
Average temperatures at the beginning of May range from the upper 50s in northern New England to the lower 70s around D.C.
"Those in the Northeast feeling a bit stir-crazy under COVID-19 stay-at-home orders will want to grab a jacket if heading outside, while following proper social distancing protocols," Gilbert said.
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AccuWeather's long-range team expects several more bouts of cooler-than-average air to sweep into the Northeast every few days into the middle of May. Those hoping for hot weather may have to wait until the calendar is fully into the summer months.


upi--2020-05-03--On This Day, May 3: Plains tornado outbreak kills 50 people

May 3 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1913 , the California Alien Land Law of 1913 ( Webb-Haney Act ) passed the California state Senate , ignoring the demands of Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan .
The bill forbid immigrants , not eligible of citizenship , from owning any land for agricultural or gardening purposes .
In 1915 , following a three-month tour of Europe , Roy W. Howard , president of the United Press , stated that he believed that the Great War had devolved into an `` endurance contest of indeterminable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitchell 's Gone with the Wind won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction .
In 1948 , the CBS Evening News premiered , with Douglas Edwards as anchor .
In 1952 , a ski-modified U.S. Air Force C-47 piloted by Lt. Col. Joseph O. Fletcher of Oklahoma and Lt. Col. William P. Benedict of California became the first aircraft to land at the North Pole .
In 1963 , members of the Birmingham , Ala. , police and fire departments released fire hoses and dogs against a group of African Americans marching for freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and North Vietnam agreed to hold peace talks in Paris .
After multiple delays , the two sides signed the Paris Peace Accords in 1973 , for which national security adviser Harry Kissinger and North Vietnamese diplomat Le Duc Tho won the Nobel Peace Prize .
Tho did not accept the award and the Vietnam War would not end until 1975 .
In 1979 , Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative Party won the British general election , making her the first woman prime minister of a major European nation .
She served three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Willie '' Shoemaker became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby , riding Ferdinand .
In 1992 , Exxon International President Sidney Reso died four days after he was kidnapped .
His was body was found more than a month later in a shallow grave in New Jersey after kidnappers sought a ransom for the executive .
In 1999 , 76 tornadoes tore across the U.S. Plains states , killing about 50 people and injuring hundreds .
In 2003 , the noted New Hampshire landmark `` Old Man of the Mountain '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-320 aircraft plunged into the Black Sea off Russia 's southern coast , killing all 113 people aboard .
Officials said bad weather was the probable cause .
In 2007 , Queen Elizabeth II began her first visit to the United States in 16 years .
In 2007 , British toddler Madeleine McCann goes missing after her parents left her and her siblings alone at a Portuguese resort while they dined nearby .
The 3-year-old girl was never found .
In 2013 , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ordered border agents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign students entering the country .
In 2018 , authorities in Hawaii ordered thousands of residents to evacuate after the Kilauea Volcano began erupting lava .
The volcano emitted lava until early August 2018 at which point it had destroyed more than 700 structures on the Big Island .
In 2019 , Cyclone Fani made landfall in India and Bangladesh after 1.2 million people evacuated the region .
It was one of the largest evacuations in world history .

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Mark Chase (R) and Jeff Morrison watch as a backhoe takes down the remains of Morrison's father's home in Moore, Okla., on May 7, 1999, four days after a tornado outbreak killed 50 people. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1802, Washington, D.C., was incorporated. Advertisement
In 1913, the California Alien Land Law of 1913 (Webb-Haney Act) passed the California state Senate, ignoring the demands of Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. The bill forbid immigrants, not eligible of citizenship, from owning any land for agricultural or gardening purposes.
In 1915, following a three-month tour of Europe, Roy W. Howard, president of the United Press, stated that he believed that the Great War had devolved into an "endurance contest of indeterminable length."
In 1937, Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
In 1948, the CBS Evening News premiered, with Douglas Edwards as anchor.
In 1952, a ski-modified U.S. Air Force C-47 piloted by Lt. Col. Joseph O. Fletcher of Oklahoma and Lt. Col. William P. Benedict of California became the first aircraft to land at the North Pole.
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In 1963, members of the Birmingham, Ala., police and fire departments released fire hoses and dogs against a group of African Americans marching for freedom.
In 1968, the United States and North Vietnam agreed to hold peace talks in Paris. After multiple delays, the two sides signed the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, for which national security adviser Harry Kissinger and North Vietnamese diplomat Le Duc Tho won the Nobel Peace Prize. Tho did not accept the award and the Vietnam War would not end until 1975.
In 1979, Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative Party won the British general election, making her the first woman prime minister of a major European nation. She served three terms.
UPI File Photo
In 1986, Bill "Willie" Shoemaker became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, riding Ferdinand.
In 1992, Exxon International President Sidney Reso died four days after he was kidnapped. His was body was found more than a month later in a shallow grave in New Jersey after kidnappers sought a ransom for the executive.
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In 1999, 76 tornadoes tore across the U.S. Plains states, killing about 50 people and injuring hundreds.
In 2003, the noted New Hampshire landmark "Old Man of the Mountain" collapsed.
In 2006, an Armenian A-320 aircraft plunged into the Black Sea off Russia's southern coast, killing all 113 people aboard. Officials said bad weather was the probable cause.
In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II began her first visit to the United States in 16 years.
In 2007, British toddler Madeleine McCann goes missing after her parents left her and her siblings alone at a Portuguese resort while they dined nearby. The 3-year-old girl was never found.
UPI File Photo
In 2013, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ordered border agents to verify the validity of visas for all foreign students entering the country.
In 2018, authorities in Hawaii ordered thousands of residents to evacuate after the Kilauea Volcano began erupting lava. The volcano emitted lava until early August 2018 at which point it had destroyed more than 700 structures on the Big Island.
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In 2019, Cyclone Fani made landfall in India and Bangladesh after 1.2 million people evacuated the region. It was one of the largest evacuations in world history.


upi--2020-05-03--Famous birthdays for May 3: Cheryl Burke, Pom Klementieff

May 3 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .

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Cheryl Burke attends the 43rd annual People's Choice Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on January 18, 2017. The dancer turns 36 on May 3. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- Italian political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli in 1469
-- Journalist Jacob August Riis in 1849
-- French perfume-maker Francois Coty in 1874
-- Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in 1898
-- Singer/actor Bing Crosby in 1903
UPI File Photo
-- Actor Mary Astor in 1906
-- Playwright William Inge in 1913
-- Folk singer Pete Seeger in 1919
-- Boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, born Walker Smith Jr., in 1921
-- Actor Ann B. Davis in 1926
-- Singer James Brown in 1933
-- Singer Frankie Valli in 1934 (age 86)
File Photo by Daniel Gluskoter/UPI
-- TV personality Greg Gumbel in 1946 (age 74)
-- Magician Doug Henning in 1947
-- Singer/songwriter Christopher Cross in 1951 (age 69)
-- Guitarist Bruce Hall in 1953 (age 67)
-- Actor Rob Brydon in 1965 (age 55)
-- Actor Christina Hendricks in 1975 (age 45)
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-- Actor Dule Hill in 1975 (age 45)
-- Country singer Eric Church in 1977 (age 43)
-- Dancer/TV personality Cheryl Burke in 1984 (age 36)
-- Model/actor Poppy Delevingne in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Pom Klementieff in 1986 (age 34)


upi--2020-05-02--BTS, Ariana Grande, 'Stranger Things,' 'Endgame' win big at Kids' Choice Awards

May 2 ( UPI ) -- BTS was named Favorite Music Group , Ariana Grande won the prize for Favorite @ @ @ @ @ Mendes was voted Favorite Male Music Star at the virtual Kids ' Choice Awards show @ @ @ @ @ Victorious star Victoria Justice hosted the fan-voted prize presentation , which was taped remotely and @ @ @ @ @ TV , music and sports .
Avengers : Endgame was named Favorite Movie , Descendants @ @ @ @ @ for Favorite Movie Actress and Jumanji : The Next Level 's Dwayne Johnson was elected @ @ @ @ @ Danger was voted Favorite Kids ' TV Show and its star Jace Norman won the @ @ @ @ @ Star .
Stranger Things won in the Favorite Family TV Show category and scene-stealer Millie @ @ @ @ @ Female TV Star .
Basketball icon LeBron James was chosen Favorite Male Athlete and soccer @ @ @ @ @ Favorite Female Athlete .

May 2 (UPI) -- BTS was named Favorite Music Group, Ariana Grande won the prize for Favorite Female Music Star and Shawn Mendes was voted Favorite Male Music Star at the virtual Kids' Choice Awards show on Nickelodeon Saturday night.
Taylor Swift earned the Favorite Global Music Star honor.
Advertisement this one's dedicated to the BTS Army congrats on your #KCA2020 win @BTS_twt! pic.twitter.com/zqxXUviyrM- Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) May 3, 2020
Victorious star Victoria Justice hosted the fan-voted prize presentation, which was taped remotely and recognized excellence in film, TV, music and sports.
Avengers: Endgame was named Favorite Movie, Descendants 3's Dove Cameron won for Favorite Movie Actress and Jumanji: The Next Level's Dwayne Johnson was elected Favorite Movie Actor.
Henry Danger was voted Favorite Kids' TV Show and its star Jace Norman won the title of Favorite Male TV Star. Stranger Things won in the Favorite Family TV Show category and scene-stealer Millie Bobby Brown won for Favorite Female TV Star.


upi--2020-05-03--William Byron wins at virtual Dover for third eNASCAR iRacing victory

May 3 ( UPI ) -- William Byron continued his dominance in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series with his third victory in the last four events .
Byron , who drives the No .
24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series , passed Timmy Hill with seven laps left and held off Christopher Bell at the end of Sunday 's Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway .
Byron led the most laps ( 79 ) in the race , which featured nine caution flags .
`` It was a lot of fun today , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a lot of cautions , so I just had to kind of pace myself .
It was hard to predict when we were going to get a longer run , so it 's hard to know what to do with the tires in terms of how much to save and whatnot .
`` My help there , Nick [ Ottinger ] , Matt Holden , did a great job of really kind of leaving the strategy up to them as far as what tires to take .
I think four tires at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be aggressive .
Just thankful for their support and ready to get back to our normal racing here soon . ''
The race at Dover was NASCAR 's sixth virtual event since its real-life season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic .
With Byron 's victory Sunday and Alex Bowman 's win last week at virtual Talladega Superspeedway , Hendrick Motorsports claimed its fourth consecutive iRacing victory .
Byron previously won the Food City Showdown at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway and the Toyota Owners 150 at virtual Richmond Raceway .
Bell 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the iRacing series .
Hill , who battled Byron for a majority of Sunday 's race , finished third .
Erik Jones came in fourth , followed by Michael McDowell ( fifth ) , Denny Hamlin ( sixth ) , Ryan Blaney ( seventh ) , Bowman ( eighth ) , Garrett Smithley ( ninth ) and Aric Almirola ( 10th ) .
NASCAR announced last week it will return to real-life competition on May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina .
With NASCAR set to resume its season , next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speedway , which is no longer on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule , will be the last virtual event .

May 3 (UPI) -- William Byron continued his dominance in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series with his third victory in the last four events.
Byron, who drives the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, passed Timmy Hill with seven laps left and held off Christopher Bell at the end of Sunday's Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway. Byron led the most laps (79) in the race, which featured nine caution flags.
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"It was a lot of fun today," Byron told reporters. "Obviously there was a lot of cautions, so I just had to kind of pace myself. It was hard to predict when we were going to get a longer run, so it's hard to know what to do with the tires in terms of how much to save and whatnot.
"My help there, Nick [Ottinger], Matt Holden, did a great job of really kind of leaving the strategy up to them as far as what tires to take. I think four tires at the end was the right call to be aggressive. Just thankful for their support and ready to get back to our normal racing here soon."
What a race today at Dover! Really thankful for what this series has done for @NASCAR and myself. I've enjoyed competing each week and couldn't do it without the help of @NickOttinger and others. Thanks @AxaltaRacing @LibertyU @Hertz pic.twitter.com/EJkmg9QnhW— William Byron (@WilliamByron) May 3, 2020
The race at Dover was NASCAR's sixth virtual event since its real-life season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.
With Byron's victory Sunday and Alex Bowman's win last week at virtual Talladega Superspeedway, Hendrick Motorsports claimed its fourth consecutive iRacing victory. Byron previously won the Food City Showdown at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway and the Toyota Owners 150 at virtual Richmond Raceway.
Bell's second-place finish marked his personal best in the iRacing series. Hill, who battled Byron for a majority of Sunday's race, finished third. Erik Jones came in fourth, followed by Michael McDowell (fifth), Denny Hamlin (sixth), Ryan Blaney (seventh), Bowman (eighth), Garrett Smithley (ninth) and Aric Almirola (10th).
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NASCAR announced last week it will return to real-life competition on May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
With NASCAR set to resume its season, next week's race at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, which is no longer on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, will be the last virtual event.


upi--2020-05-03--Ex-Michigan QB Shea Patterson signing with Kansas City Chiefs

May 3 ( UPI ) -- The Kansas City Chiefs reached an agreement with former Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson .
Patterson 's agent , Bryan Ehrlich , announced the signing Sunday on social media .
The Chiefs have yet to confirm the deal .
Michigan had 10 players selected in this year 's NFL Draft , including first-round offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz , but Patterson went undrafted .
`` He was n't a crybaby , he 's an NFL player , and you have to be tough to be an NFL quarterback , '' Ehrlich told the Detroit News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I was wading through the process , and Shea stayed ready , making sure it was a good fit .
It took a little bit longer , but now he 's got a home . ''
Once the agreement is finalized , Patterson will join a quarterback room that includes 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes .
The Chiefs previously added Jordan Ta'amu , who played for the XFL 's St. Louis BattleHawks this spring , and veteran Chad Henne this off-season as potential backups to Mahomes .
Patterson served as the Wolverines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons .
He threw for 3,061 yards , 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season .
In four seasons at Ole Miss and Michigan , Patterson recorded 8,800 passing yards , 68 touchdown passes and 27 interceptions .

Former Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) went undrafted in this year's NFL Draft. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Chiefs reached an agreement with former Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson. Patterson's agent, Bryan Ehrlich, announced the signing Sunday on social media. The Chiefs have yet to confirm the deal. Advertisement
Michigan had 10 players selected in this year's NFL Draft, including first-round offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, but Patterson went undrafted.
"He wasn't a crybaby, he's an NFL player, and you have to be tough to be an NFL quarterback," Ehrlich told the Detroit News. "He was wading through the process, I was wading through the process, and Shea stayed ready, making sure it was a good fit. It took a little bit longer, but now he's got a home."
Once the agreement is finalized, Patterson will join a quarterback room that includes 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs previously added Jordan Ta'amu, who played for the XFL's St. Louis BattleHawks this spring, and veteran Chad Henne this off-season as potential backups to Mahomes.
Patterson served as the Wolverines' starting quarterback over the past two seasons. He threw for 3,061 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season.
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In four seasons at Ole Miss and Michigan, Patterson recorded 8,800 passing yards, 68 touchdown passes and 27 interceptions.


upi--2020-05-03--Former A's pitcher, 'Real Housewives' guest star Matt Keough dies at 64

May 3 ( UPI ) -- Matt Keough , a former All-Star pitcher with the Oakland Athletics and guest star on the reality television show Real Housewives of Orange County , died at the age of 64 , the team announced Sunday .
The A 's did n't disclose details on the cause of death .
`` Matt was a great baseball man and a proud Oakland A , '' executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said in a statement .
`` He had an incredible passion for the game and we were lucky to have him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years he worked as a special assistant .
`` He left an unforgettable impression on everyone he touched in baseball .
Our sincere condolences are with the entire Keough family tonight . ''
Keough , who was an All-Star selection as a rookie in 1978 , spent parts of seven seasons with the A 's as a player , ending in 1983 .
He also was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year in 1980 .
Across nine seasons in the majors , Keough posted a 58-84 record and 4.17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts ) with the New York Yankees , St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago Cubs , Houston Astros and Athletics .
After retiring as a player , Keough moved on to on-field and front-office roles with the Angels , Rays and Athletics .
`` The community of players is saddened by the loss of Matt Keough , who carried on his family 's proud baseball legacy through more than four decades as a player , coach , scout and executive , '' the MLB Players Association said in a statement Sunday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , the Oakland A 's organization and his many friends and fans throughout the game .
Keough later appeared on the Bravo reality show , which featured his ex-wife Jeana Keough and their children , Kara , Shane and Colton .
Real Housewives of Orange County alum Kara Keough mourned the death of her father shortly after her son died during childbirth .
`` Daddy , please take care of my son .
Teach him the circle changeup and how to find forever friends .
You 're on grandpa duty in heaven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captioned on an Instagram slide show of photos of her and her father .
Kara Keough announced two weeks ago that her son , McCoy , had died during childbirth .
She and her husband , former NFL player Kyle Bosworth , also have a 4-year-old daughter named Decker .

May 3 (UPI) -- Matt Keough, a former All-Star pitcher with the Oakland Athletics and guest star on the reality television show Real Housewives of Orange County, died at the age of 64, the team announced Sunday.
The A's didn't disclose details on the cause of death.
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"Matt was a great baseball man and a proud Oakland A," executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said in a statement. "He had an incredible passion for the game and we were lucky to have him and his wealth of knowledge alongside us for the years he worked as a special assistant.
"He left an unforgettable impression on everyone he touched in baseball. Our sincere condolences are with the entire Keough family tonight."
Keough, who was an All-Star selection as a rookie in 1978, spent parts of seven seasons with the A's as a player, ending in 1983. He also was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year in 1980.
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Across nine seasons in the majors, Keough posted a 58-84 record and 4.17 ERA in 215 career games (175 starts) with the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros and Athletics.
After retiring as a player, Keough moved on to on-field and front-office roles with the Angels, Rays and Athletics.
"The community of players is saddened by the loss of Matt Keough, who carried on his family's proud baseball legacy through more than four decades as a player, coach, scout and executive," the MLB Players Association said in a statement Sunday. "The MLBPA extends its sympathies to Matt's family, the Oakland A's organization and his many friends and fans throughout the game.
The A's organization mourns the loss of former pitcher and special assistant Matt Keough. "He left an unforgettable impression on everyone he touched in baseball. Our sincere condolences are with the entire Keough family tonight." - Billy Beane pic.twitter.com/sEGaLiFLc7— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 3, 2020
Keough later appeared on the Bravo reality show, which featured his ex-wife Jeana Keough and their children, Kara, Shane and Colton.
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Real Housewives of Orange County alum Kara Keough mourned the death of her father shortly after her son died during childbirth.
"Daddy, please take care of my son. Teach him the circle changeup and how to find forever friends. You're on grandpa duty in heaven now," the 32-year-old TV personality captioned on an Instagram slide show of photos of her and her father.
Kara Keough announced two weeks ago that her son, McCoy, had died during childbirth.
She and her husband, former NFL player Kyle Bosworth, also have a 4-year-old daughter named Decker.


upi--2020-05-03--Venezuela says eight killed in alleged invasion

May 3 ( UPI ) -- Venezuelan officials said eight people were killed and two were arrested by security forces that thwarted an alleged invasion on Sunday , prompting skepticism from opposition leaders and the United States .
Nestor Reverol , Venezuela 's interior minister , said boats arrived from Colombia with the intent of assassinating leaders in the Venezuelan government to spur chaos .
`` The plan was to commit terrorist acts in the country , assassinate leaders of the revolutionary government and add to the spiral of violence while generating chaos and confusion in the population and attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reverol .
Diosdado Cabello , president of the Constituent Assembly said that a large cache of weapons and some vehicles were also seized by security forces .
`` Behind all of this is the United States , the Colombian oligarchy and narcotrafficking , '' National Assembly head and opposition leader Juan Guaido , who led a rally to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last year , said the government 's description of the event was `` riddled with inconsistencies , doubts and contradictions . ''
He also said the `` alleged event '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition or cover up state killings .
The U.S. State Department also issued a statement skeptical of the report from the Venezuelan government .
`` The Maduro regime has been consistent in its use of misinformation in order to shift focus from its mismanagement of Venezuela , '' the agency said .

May 3 (UPI) -- Venezuelan officials said eight people were killed and two were arrested by security forces that thwarted an alleged invasion on Sunday, prompting skepticism from opposition leaders and the United States.
Nestor Reverol, Venezuela's interior minister, said boats arrived from Colombia with the intent of assassinating leaders in the Venezuelan government to spur chaos.
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"The plan was to commit terrorist acts in the country, assassinate leaders of the revolutionary government and add to the spiral of violence while generating chaos and confusion in the population and attempt a new coup d'etat," said Reverol.
Diosdado Cabello, president of the Constituent Assembly said that a large cache of weapons and some vehicles were also seized by security forces.
"Behind all of this is the United States, the Colombian oligarchy and narcotrafficking,"
National Assembly head and opposition leader Juan Guaido, who led a rally to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last year, said the government's description of the event was "riddled with inconsistencies, doubts and contradictions."
He also said the "alleged event" may have been staged to frame the opposition or cover up state killings.
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The U.S. State Department also issued a statement skeptical of the report from the Venezuelan government.
"The Maduro regime has been consistent in its use of misinformation in order to shift focus from its mismanagement of Venezuela," the agency said.


upi--2020-05-03--New York records 280 new deaths, northeastern states partner to purchase equipment

May 3 ( UPI ) -- Coronavirus deaths in New York continued to plateau as several northeastern states joined together to acquire equipment to combat the spread of the virus .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced there were 280 deaths in the state within the past 24 hours , down from the 299 the state totaled on Friday but still above its previous low of 253 deaths on March 28 .
`` You can see the number has n't moved dramatically in a relatively long period of time .
The overall direction is good even though it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important we take a moment and learn the lessons of what we 've been going through , '' Cuomo said on Sunday .
Overall , the United States has recorded 1,138,690 cases of COVID-19 and 66,570 people have died from the virus according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy said the state recorded 137 more deaths for a total of 7,871 , placing it at second in the nation .
Massachusetts reported 158 new deaths on Sunday , placing it at third in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marty Walsh said the state is `` still very much in the beginning days of coronavirus '' calling for all U.S. cities to implement mass testing and provide personal protective equipment for frontline workers .
`` As we move down the road here , if there 's a second surge , all of the equipment that they have now , they 'll need more stiff .
I think that 's what the federal government should be focused on , '' Walsh told CNN .
Cuomo also said that the state will require all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal protective equipment to prepare for a potential resurgence in hospitalizations .
`` We 're going to put in a state requirement now that every hospital has to have a 90-day supply stockpiled .
Their own stockpile of all the PPE equipment they could need for a 90-day supply at the rate of usage we saw with this COVID virus , '' he said .
In addition , the governors of New York , New Jersey , Delaware , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , Connecticut and Massachusetts have formed a regional partnership to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including PPE , tests and ventilators .
`` We should n't be competing against each other for lifesaving resources .
There is strength in our unity , '' Murphy wrote on Twitter .
Pennsylvania has the sixth-most deaths in the nation at 2,823 , including 47 new ones announced Sunday .
In the Midwest , Michigan reported another 29 fatalities for third place at 4,049 .
Georgia , which opened non-essential businesses last week , is 12th at 1,117 with three more deaths reported .
Louisiana , which at one time was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday and is ninth at 1,969 .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that recorded 280 more deaths in the past 24 hours, as New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts formed a partnership to purchase equipment to combat the virus. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- Coronavirus deaths in New York continued to plateau as several northeastern states joined together to acquire equipment to combat the spread of the virus. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced there were 280 deaths in the state within the past 24 hours, down from the 299 the state totaled on Friday but still above its previous low of 253 deaths on March 28. Advertisement
"You can see the number hasn't moved dramatically in a relatively long period of time. The overall direction is good even though it's very painful. I think it's important we take a moment and learn the lessons of what we've been going through," Cuomo said on Sunday.
Overall, the United States has recorded 1,188,122 cases of COVID-19 and 68,598 people have died from the virus, according to worldometers.info. On Sunday, the tracker of health data said the death toll in the United States climbed by 1,154 deaths from the day prior, while its number of cases grew by 27,348.
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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said the state recorded 137 more deaths for a total of 7,871, placing it at second in the nation.
Massachusetts reported 158 new deaths on Sunday, placing it at third in the country with 4,004 total deaths as Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the state is "still very much in the beginning days of coronavirus" calling for all U.S. cities to implement mass testing and provide personal protective equipment for frontline workers.
"As we move down the road here, if there's a second surge, all of the equipment that they have now, they'll need more stiff. I think that's what the federal government should be focused on," Walsh told CNN.
Cuomo also said that the state will require all hospitals to establish a 90-day stockpile of personal protective equipment to prepare for a potential resurgence in hospitalizations.
"We're going to put in a state requirement now that every hospital has to have a 90-day supply stockpiled. Their own stockpile of all the PPE equipment they could need for a 90-day supply at the rate of usage we saw with this COVID virus," he said.
In addition, the governors of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts have formed a regional partnership to purchase $5 billion worth of equipment including PPE, tests and ventilators.
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"We shouldn't be competing against each other for lifesaving resources. There is strength in our unity," Murphy wrote on Twitter.
Cuomo said the COVID-19 pandemic has created a "mad scramble" for medical equipment across the nation, encouraging competition between states, private corporations and the federal government while increasing the costs for these needed medical supplies.
He called the system "totally ineffective and ineffective" while the consortium's $5 billion will increase their buying power by making them more competitive in the international market.
"I also believe it will also help us get the equipment because we have trouble still getting the equipment and just buying the equipment," he said.
On top of lowering prices and increasing their market power, the consortium's goal is to prevent disruptions to the supply china for PPEs and other needed medical equipment that states have struggled to acquire amid the pandemic.
Pennsylvania has the sixth-most deaths in the nation at 2,823, including 47 new ones announced Sunday.
In the Midwest, Michigan reported another 29 fatalities for third place at 4,049.
Georgia, which opened non-essential businesses last week, is 13th at 1,179 with five more deaths reported. Louisiana, which at one time was a hotspot, recorded 19 deaths over Sunday and is ninth at 2,012.


upi--2020-05-03--Israel's High Court holds hearing on whether to bar Netanyahu from prime minister role

May 3 ( UPI ) -- Israel 's High Court of Justice on Sunday heard arguments on whether to allow Benjamin Netanyahu to form a coalition government to lead the country despite his indictment on corruption charges .
The court heard eight petitions filed by advocacy groups and opposition figures arguing that members of Israel 's parliament , known as the Knesset , who are indicted of corruption charges can not be appointed prime minister .
During the hearing , the court heard from members anti-corruption watchdog groups that brought the challenge to Netanyahu 's appointment as prime minister and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court not to intervene .
The hearing comes after Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz reached an agreement last month to establish a unity government following three national elections that failed to produce a clear winner .
Under the agreement , Netanyahu would remain prime minister for 18 months , with Gantz replacing him afterward .
The petitions filed against Netanyahu argue that while serving as a caretaker leader , Netanyahu is not protected by an Israeli law stating prime ministers are not legally required to step down if charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the difficult problem in Israel today .
Corruption has become acceptable , '' Eliad Shraga , founder of the Movement for Quality of Government in Israel told the court .
Shimi Brown , a lawyer representing Gant 's Blue and White Party , told judges Sunday it would be `` improper and extremely unreasonable '' to rule in favor of barring Netanyahu 's appointment after the Blue and White and his Likud Party reached the agreement .
Chief Justice Esther Hayut called on the petitioners to provide legal basis for the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his peers in the government .
`` Show us something !
A law !
A verdict !
From this country 's [ history ] !
From [ somewhere else ] in the world !
Something ! ''
Hayut said .
`` After all , [ you 're asking us to set ] a global precedent !
You want us to rule without a basis simply according to your personal opinion ? ''
Protesters also gathered for demonstrations on Saturday evening and during the trial on Sunday calling for the court to rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't immediately clear when the judges would issue a verdict and on Monday the court is set to weigh separate petitions questioning the legality of the deal between Netanyahu and Gantz as it would reduce the legally mandated term for prime ministers from four years to three .

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A man holds the Israeli national flag, during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right to form a government since he is facing a criminal trial. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- Israel's High Court of Justice on Sunday heard arguments on whether to allow Benjamin Netanyahu to form a coalition government to lead the country despite his indictment on corruption charges. The court heard eight petitions filed by advocacy groups and opposition figures arguing that members of Israel's parliament, known as the Knesset, who are indicted of corruption charges cannot be appointed prime minister. Advertisement
During the hearing, the court heard from members anti-corruption watchdog groups that brought the challenge to Netanyahu's appointment as prime minister and representatives of various government parties who urged the court not to intervene.
The hearing comes after Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz reached an agreement last month to establish a unity government following three national elections that failed to produce a clear winner.
Under the agreement, Netanyahu would remain prime minister for 18 months, with Gantz replacing him afterward.
The petitions filed against Netanyahu argue that while serving as a caretaker leader, Netanyahu is not protected by an Israeli law stating prime ministers are not legally required to step down if charged with a crime.
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"This is part of the difficult problem in Israel today. Corruption has become acceptable," Eliad Shraga, founder of the Movement for Quality of Government in Israel told the court.
Shimi Brown, a lawyer representing Gant's Blue and White Party, told judges Sunday it would be "improper and extremely unreasonable" to rule in favor of barring Netanyahu's appointment after the Blue and White and his Likud Party reached the agreement.
Chief Justice Esther Hayut called on the petitioners to provide legal basis for the court to keep Netanyahu from power despite approval from his peers in the government.
"Show us something! A law! A verdict! From this country's [history]! From [somewhere else] in the world! Something!" Hayut said. "After all, [you're asking us to set] a global precedent! You want us to rule without a basis simply according to your personal opinion?"
Protesters also gathered for demonstrations on Saturday evening and during the trial on Sunday calling for the court to rule against Netanyahu and the government.
It wasn't immediately clear when the judges would issue a verdict and on Monday the court is set to weigh separate petitions questioning the legality of the deal between Netanyahu and Gantz as it would reduce the legally mandated term for prime ministers from four years to three.


upi--2020-05-03--Watch: 'Paradise City' trailer features Cameron Boyce, 'Sons of Anarchy' stars

May 3 ( UPI ) -- A 90-second teaser for the new TV drama Paradise City features appearances by the @ @ @ @ @ Sons of Anarchy stars Ryan Hurst and Drea De Matteo and Mark Boone Junior .
@ @ @ @ @ known for his work in the Descendants and Grown-Up movies -- died last year after @ @ @ @ @ was 20 .
Deadline.com said the eight-episode series Paradise City is his final screen project @ @ @ @ @ gotten nearly 3 million views since it debuted on YouTube .
`` The lives of @ @ @ @ @ to the occult and a young rookie kid who idolizes him collide through their broken @ @ @ @ @ business , '' a synopsis said .
Co-starring Andy Black , Bella Thorne , Fairuza @ @ @ @ @ Olivia Culpo , the show is expected to premiere this year , but the exact @ @ @ @ @ not been announced yet .

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Cameron Boyce -- who died last year at age 20 -- can be seen in the trailer for the new TV drama, "Paradise City." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- A 90-second teaser for the new TV drama Paradise City features appearances by the late Cameron Boyce and former Sons of Anarchy stars Ryan Hurst and Drea De Matteo and Mark Boone Junior. Boyce -- who is best known for his work in the Descendants and Grown-Up movies -- died last year after an epileptic seizure. He was 20. Advertisement
Deadline.com said the eight-episode series Paradise City is his final screen project.
Friday's preview has gotten nearly 3 million views since it debuted on YouTube.
"The lives of a rock star with ties to the occult and a young rookie kid who idolizes him collide through their broken homes built by the music business," a synopsis said.
Co-starring Andy Black, Bella Thorne, Fairuza Balk, BooBoo Stewart and Olivia Culpo, the show is expected to premiere this year, but the exact release date and network have not been announced yet.


upi--2020-05-03--Larry Kudlow: 'Pause period' on third round of business loans

May 3 ( UPI ) -- National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Sunday that more loans for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may be needed but the Trump administration has not yet decided whether to provide a third round of funding .
Kudlow told CNN State of the Union host Jake Tapper that `` there 's kind of a pause period '' in regards to plans for additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program as businesses continue to apply for loans provided in the most recent coronavirus relief bill .
When asked why there was a pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the administration would look to distribute the current wave of funding first .
`` At this particular juncture , let 's execute the continuation of what we 've already done , let 's see what the results are , '' he said , adding the administration will assess what needs to be done in `` a couple of weeks . ''
Tapper noted the Small Business Administration has already administered $ 175 billion loans out of the $ 310 billion authorized in Congress ' latest relief package signed last week asking if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of funding is necessary .
Kudlow responded that it `` may be '' necessary , adding that the program has been very popular .
`` We waited a little bit too long , I thought when the last tranche ran out , '' Kudlow said .
`` Let 's not make the same mistake again . ''
The initial round of $ 454 billion in funding to allow small businesses to continue to pay employees and cover other expenses as many states closed down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus was provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emergency Services Act signed in March and ran out quickly before being replenished last month .
Small businesses reported difficulty obtaining loans and several large businesses including several Ivy League universities , restaurant chain Shake Shack and the NBA 's Los Angeles Lakers were allocated funding that they later declined or returned .
On Wednesday , the SBA temporarily limited applications to lenders with less than $ 1 billion in assets in an attempt to `` assist small community lenders and ensure their small business customers have access '' to the loans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steven Mnuchin on Sunday issued a joint statement saying 2.2 million loans have been distributed in the second round of the program including more to smaller businesses .
`` Nearly 500,000 of the loans were made by lenders with less than $ 1 billion and assets and non-banks , '' they wrote .
`` These lenders include Community Development Financial Institutions , Certified Development Companies , Microlenders , Farm Credit lending institutions and FinTechs . ''
Kudlow also responded to calls from Democratic and Republican governors seeking more federal funding toward local governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal government has `` poured hundreds of billions '' into states , he said `` perhaps there will be more of that , we will wait and see . ''
The finding must be linked to whether states have sanctuary cities to protect undocumented immigrants .
`` I want to say this regarding the states , as you know the president has [ from ] time to time spoken about linking that to sanctuary cities .
I do n't think anything [ has ] been decided yet , '' Kudlow said .

National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Sunday the Trump administration is waiting to execute the current round of funding for small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program before deciding on a third round of funding. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Sunday that more loans for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may be needed but the Trump administration has not yet decided whether to provide a third round of funding. Kudlow told CNN State of the Union host Jake Tapper that "there's kind of a pause period" in regards to plans for additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program as businesses continue to apply for loans provided in the most recent coronavirus relief bill. Advertisement
When asked why there was a pause on plans for new funding, Kudlow said the administration would look to distribute the current wave of funding first.
"At this particular juncture, let's execute the continuation of what we've already done, let's see what the results are," he said, adding the administration will assess what needs to be done in "a couple of weeks."
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Tapper noted the Small Business Administration has already administered $175 billion loans out of the $310 billion authorized in Congress' latest relief package signed last week asking if this was a signal a third tranche of funding is necessary.
Kudlow responded that it "may be" necessary, adding that the program has been very popular.
"We waited a little bit too long, I thought when the last tranche ran out," Kudlow said. "Let's not make the same mistake again."
The initial round of $454 billion in funding to allow small businesses to continue to pay employees and cover other expenses as many states closed down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus was provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Emergency Services Act signed in March and ran out quickly before being replenished last month.
Small businesses reported difficulty obtaining loans and several large businesses including several Ivy League universities, restaurant chain Shake Shack and the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers were allocated funding that they later declined or returned.
On Wednesday, the SBA temporarily limited applications to lenders with less than $1 billion in assets in an attempt to "assist small community lenders and ensure their small business customers have access" to the loans.
Advertisement
SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday issued a joint statement saying 2.2 million loans have been distributed in the second round of the program including more to smaller businesses.
"Nearly 500,000 of the loans were made by lenders with less than $1 billion and assets and non-banks," they wrote. "These lenders include Community Development Financial Institutions, Certified Development Companies, Microlenders, Farm Credit lending institutions and FinTechs."
Kudlow also responded to calls from Democratic and Republican governors seeking more federal funding toward local governments facing budgetary concerns.
Though he noted the federal government has "poured hundreds of billions" into states, he said "perhaps there will be more of that, we will wait and see."
The finding must be linked to whether states have sanctuary cities to protect undocumented immigrants.
"I want to say this regarding the states, as you know the president has [from] time to time spoken about linking that to sanctuary cities. I don't think anything [has] been decided yet," Kudlow said.


upi--2020-05-03--Chris Hemsworth thanks fans for watching 'Extraction' on Netflix

May 3 ( UPI ) -- Chris Hemsworth thanked viewers this weekend in an Instagram video for watching his new Netflix original movie , Extraction .
`` Hey , what 's up guys ?
I hope you 're doing well , '' the action-thriller 's star said in Saturday 's post .
`` I just want to say a massive 'thank you ' to everyone who checked out Extraction .
You 've made it the No .
1 film on the planet right now , and it looks like it 's going to be Netflix 's biggest feature film of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
`` On behalf of myself , the Russo Brothers , Netflix , our director Sam Hargrave , thank you so , so much .
We love you guys . ''
The streaming service tweeted Friday : `` EXTRACTION is well on its way to becoming the biggest-ever film premiere on Netflix -- with a projected 90 million households getting in on the action in the first 4 weeks .
Thanks to everyone who watched so far ! ''
Hemsworth , who is famous for playing Thor in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russos on Avengers movies .

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Chris Hemsworth is thanking viewers for watching his new Netflix movie, "Extraction." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- Chris Hemsworth thanked viewers this weekend in an Instagram video for watching his new Netflix original movie, Extraction. "Hey, what's up guys? I hope you're doing well," the action-thriller's star said in Saturday's post. Advertisement
"I just want to say a massive 'thank you' to everyone who checked out Extraction. You've made it the No. 1 film on the planet right now, and it looks like it's going to be Netflix's biggest feature film of all time, which is absolutely mind-blowing," he added.
"On behalf of myself, the Russo Brothers, Netflix, our director Sam Hargrave, thank you so, so much. We love you guys."
The streaming service tweeted Friday: "EXTRACTION is well on its way to becoming the biggest-ever film premiere on Netflix -- with a projected 90 million households getting in on the action in the first 4 weeks. Thanks to everyone who watched so far!"
Hemsworth, who is famous for playing Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, previously worked with the Russos on Avengers movies.


upi--2020-05-03--Building heat, gusty winds may fuel wildfire concerns in California later this week

May 3 ( UPI ) -- AccuWeather meteorologists are closely monitoring the hot , gusty pattern poised to set up over California later this week , which could elevate the risk of wildfires in parts of the state .
Intense heat gripped California during the latter part of April , but ample rainfall in southern areas earlier in the month and a lack of wind minimized the risk of early season blazes breaking out .
Temperatures will start to ramp up on Tuesday as an area of high pressure builds over the region , with each day into late week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and latter part of the week , high temperatures are forecast to soar back into the lower 80s in San Diego , upper 80s to lower 90s in Downtown Los Angeles and in the 100s Fahrenheit across the deserts .
Record-challenging temperatures are not expected to be widespread with this round of heat , but a few locales could challenge daily high marks .
This includes in Lancaster , Ontario , Palm Springs and Riverside .
Farther north , across the Sacramento Valley , temperatures will trend upward as well with highs mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then 90s on Thursday and Friday .
Californians will have to find creative ways to cool off while outside as heading to the beach may not be an option for everyone .
Late this past week , Gov .
Gavin Newsom closed state beaches in Orange County , where large crowds were seen gathering as heat ramped up during the final weekend of April .
`` We want you to enjoy sunsets , we want you to enjoy activities outdoors , '' Newsom said at a press briefing last Thursday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to do is linger . ''
Anyone who does spend time outside , while maintaining proper social distancing , should drink plenty of water , wear sunscreen and have a hat handy amid the hot pattern .
Remember to never leave pets or children in a sealed vehicle for any length of time .
For those seeking heat relief near streams with the beaches closed , there are other dangers to be aware of and take precautions against , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said .
Those heading to the mountains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lakes and rivers are still dangerously cold following the winter months .
`` The surging temperatures can accelerate the spring thaw in the mountains causing streams to run fast and furious .
Water temperatures will be only a few degrees above freezing , which is cold enough to lead to dangerous cold water shock should anyone fall in or get swept away by raging waters , '' Sosnowski said .
Dry weather will accompany the warm up , along with increasing winds .
`` With wildfire season starting to get underway and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of Northern California , the risk for fires will increase with this wind event , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brian Thompson said .
`` Many places in Northern California have only received 30 to 60 percent of normal rainfall so far this year , '' Thompson added .
Farther south , Thompson expects a Sundowner wind event to get underway around Wednesday and Thursday .
While the threat of wildfire ignition and spread may be lower in Southern California due a surplus of rainfall during April , now that the ground has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be zero .
AccuWeather will continue to provide updates on where the fire risk may be highest in the coming days .
Residents should be extra cautious using outdoor power equipment as well as any outdoor flames during the latter part of this week .
Cigarette butts should also be properly discarded .

Beachgoers seek relief from the heat where thousands converged on California beaches to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and to get a break from weeks of isolation at home in Huntington Beach, California on Thursday. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a temporary "hard close" only of beaches in Orange County, where crowds gathered on the sand during last weekend's heat wave amid social-distancing mandates due to the coronavirus. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- AccuWeather meteorologists are closely monitoring the hot, gusty pattern poised to set up over California later this week, which could elevate the risk of wildfires in parts of the state. Intense heat gripped California during the latter part of April, but ample rainfall in southern areas earlier in the month and a lack of wind minimized the risk of early season blazes breaking out. Advertisement
Temperatures will start to ramp up on Tuesday as an area of high pressure builds over the region, with each day into late week becoming increasingly hotter.
By the middle and latter part of the week, high temperatures are forecast to soar back into the lower 80s in San Diego, upper 80s to lower 90s in Downtown Los Angeles and in the 100s Fahrenheit across the deserts.
Record-challenging temperatures are not expected to be widespread with this round of heat, but a few locales could challenge daily high marks. This includes in Lancaster, Ontario, Palm Springs and Riverside.
Advertisement
Farther north, across the Sacramento Valley, temperatures will trend upward as well with highs mainly in the 80s on Tuesday and Wednesday and then 90s on Thursday and Friday.
Californians will have to find creative ways to cool off while outside as heading to the beach may not be an option for everyone.
Late this past week, Gov. Gavin Newsom closed state beaches in Orange County, where large crowds were seen gathering as heat ramped up during the final weekend of April.
"We want you to enjoy sunsets, we want you to enjoy activities outdoors," Newsom said at a press briefing last Thursday. "The only thing we don't want you to do is linger."
Anyone who does spend time outside, while maintaining proper social distancing, should drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and have a hat handy amid the hot pattern. Remember to never leave pets or children in a sealed vehicle for any length of time.
For those seeking heat relief near streams with the beaches closed, there are other dangers to be aware of and take precautions against," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.
Those heading to the mountains to cool off should keep in mind that lakes and rivers are still dangerously cold following the winter months.
Advertisement
"The surging temperatures can accelerate the spring thaw in the mountains causing streams to run fast and furious. Water temperatures will be only a few degrees above freezing, which is cold enough to lead to dangerous cold water shock should anyone fall in or get swept away by raging waters," Sosnowski said.
Dry weather will accompany the warm up, along with increasing winds.
"With wildfire season starting to get underway and drought conditions already at extreme levels in parts of Northern California, the risk for fires will increase with this wind event," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brian Thompson said.
"Many places in Northern California have only received 30 to 60 percent of normal rainfall so far this year," Thompson added.
Farther south, Thompson expects a Sundowner wind event to get underway around Wednesday and Thursday.
While the threat of wildfire ignition and spread may be lower in Southern California due a surplus of rainfall during April, now that the ground has begun to dry out the risk will not be zero.
AccuWeather will continue to provide updates on where the fire risk may be highest in the coming days.
Residents should be extra cautious using outdoor power equipment as well as any outdoor flames during the latter part of this week. Cigarette butts should also be properly discarded.
Advertisement


upi--2020-05-03--Original epicenters' death toll plunge; world toll nears 250,000

May 3 ( UPI ) -- The coronavirus death toll in the original epicenters in the world , including China , Italy and Washington state , have subsided tremendously as hotspots emerge elsewhere and the fatalities neared 250,000 .
For the sixth day in a row Sunday , no deaths have been reported in mainland China .
In Italy , the new deaths announced Sunday were 174 compared with a high of 900 in March .
Washington state reported only four more deaths Saturday for a total of 836 after the first fatality was reported on Feb. 26 .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a high of nearly 800 and almost 25,000 in all .
But Brazil has become a new hotspot with more than 2,200 deaths over five days .
And cases have been mounting in Russia and Turkey .
So far Sunday , a total of 247,305 deaths have been reported .
Though 140,573 have died from the disease in Europe , the new numbers have drastically plunged in that continent over several days , including Spain , France and Germany .
In all , more than 3.5 million cases have been reported , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality rate is 7 percent of cases .
Since the first deaths in early January , China had been the original epicenter of the outbreak .
The daily death toll peaked at 150 on Feb. 23 , and for the for the first time on April 7 no deaths were reported .
However , on April 17 , officials in Wuhan , where the virus was first reported late last year , added 1,290 coronavirus deaths to the city 's toll that were previously uncounted .
The number now stands at 4,633 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last time there were double-digit deaths was March 17 with 11 .
China 's National Health Commission reported two new cases Sunday -- one imported from abroad and the other locally transmitted in Shanxi province .
In addition , only 531 active cases remain .
And life is beginning to return to normal for Hubei , which was the first place to go on lockdown .
In addition , two hospitals were built in 12 days .
Restrictions have been eased and tourist favorites , including Beijing 's Forbidden City , are reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain .
More than 1 million people went to Shanghai 's attractions over the Labor Day weekend .
Elsewhere in Asia , the pandemic has subsided .
On Sunday , 263 more deaths were reported for a total of 19,602 .
India announced 68 for 1,391 overall , followed by Turkey with 61 at 3,397 and Iran 49 at 6,203 , ninth highest in the world .
Turkey ranks eighth in the world in cases with 126,045 .
Like China , South Korea again reported no deaths as well as 13 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 250 deaths .
The nation , which instituted massive testing , will relax social distancing rules beginning Wednesday , South Korea 's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday .
They had been in place since March 22 .
Buildings will reopen gradually with local governments allowed to enact their own rules .
Elsewhere in the Far East , Japan reported 19 new deaths for a total of 474 and 266 additional case .
On Saturday , Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he likely will extend the national state of emergency past Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely Monday .
A total of 13 prefectures are under `` special alert '' and 34 do n't have those orders .
Seven of the top 10 nations with the most deaths are in Europe .
On Saturday , the leaders of France , Norway , Italy and Germany pledged to raise $ 8 billion in an `` international alliance '' to find a vaccine and treatments for the coronavirus .
This decision supports commitments made by G20 leaders and backs a call from the World Health Organization .
`` For this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator , a global cooperation platform to accelerate and scale-up research , development , access and equitable distribution of the vaccine and other life-saving therapeutics and diagnostics treatments , '' a news release said .
`` We are determined . ''
Italy , which at one time was an epicenter of the virus , now is second behind the United States , dropping below 200 for the first time since 175 on March 14 after gaining 474 deaths Saturday and 269 more Friday .
The high was 919 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had Europe 's longest lockdown since March , will enter phase two of its plan to reopen on Monday .
Italians will now be able to travel within regions to visit relatives but schools , salons , gyms and many other commercial activities will stay closed .
Cafes and restaurants will offer takeaways only ; and all travel between regions will be banned except for work , health or emergency situations .
On Sunday , Britain reported 315 deaths -- more than half the 621 figure the day before and the lowest since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even higher with 739 more deaths and the record was 1,172 on April 21 .
Britain is third in the world in total deaths at 28,884 .
Originally only hospital deaths were reported until last week when 4,419 deaths in care homes were included .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said `` contingency plans '' were made for his death while he was hospitalized with coronavirus .
He said it was `` 50-50 '' whether he would be put on a ventilator .
`` That was when it got a bit ... they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it presentationally , '' he said in an interview with The Sun on Sunday .
`` It was a tough old moment , I wo n't deny it . ''
No .
4 Spain announced 164 deaths Sunday -- the lowest in six weeks -- after 276 deaths Saturday and a high of 961 on April 2 .
`` As sad as it is to speak about the deaths , the increase of 0.7 percent from the previous day is a good number '' said Fernando Simón , Spain 's director for health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place since March 15 , but four islands in the Canaries and the Balearics will be the first to begin phase one of their reopening procedures on Monday .
The islands `` have not had any new cases in many days .
France reported 135 deaths after 166 deaths Saturday for fifth place at 24,895 and a high of 1,438 on April 15 .
France 's parliament will consider a mandatory quarantine of at least 14 days for visitors from outside the country and 30 days if they test positive as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 24 .
Exempted would be cross-border workers , international transport workers and drivers , and those involved in urgent medical work .
Three other European nations in the top 10 reported double-digit new deaths Sunday No .
5 Belgium added 79 more for a total of 7,844 , No .
6 Germany announced 28 for a total 6,840 and No .
7 Netherlands had 69 more to total 5,056 .
Churches in Germany conducted Sunday servies for the first time since the lockdown began last month .
The situation is worsening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a total of 134,786 in seventh place .
The nation also announced 58 more details to total 1,280 , which is in 20th place .
Norway , which joined the European vaccine alliance , reported no deaths .
Neighboring Sweden , which has not closed schools or businesses as part of a `` herd immunity hypothesis , '' added 10 deaths for a total of 2,679 .
The pandemic also has not stabilized in Brazil .
The death toll continues to surge there , recording 2,207 deaths over five days - 340 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 520 Wednesday and 448 Tuesday -- for eighth place at 6,410 .
Brazil has nearly half the 763 new deaths in South America , which totaled 763 Saturday , and two-thirds overall,10,243 .
Ecuador announced 308 more for a total of 1,371 .
Conversely , the situation has stabilized in Oceana .
Australia has only 95 deaths , including two more Sunday , and New Zealand added no deaths to its 20 total .
Although only 20 new cases were reported in Australia , residents are urged to stay away from senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be perfectly well to walk into the door of an aged care facility , that 's my message , '' Brendan Murphy , the nation 's chief medical officer , said Sunday .
He said , `` there are still small outbreaks detected in Victoria and New South Wales , there is still evidence of some low-level community transmission . ''
In Africa , the death toll is 1,793 , led by Algeria with 463 and followed by Egypt with 429 .
In North America , all but around 6,000 of the roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Sunday , Canada reported 109 additional deaths for a total of 3,675 and Mexico announced 89 more to total of 2,061 .
A `` Come 2 Cancun '' campaign has been announced to attract visitors with two-for-one hotel stays .
More than 150 hoteliers support the digital campaign , which is scheduled to be ready by May 15 .
`` We think that a 'Covid-free ' certificate should be created so that the entire state , the entire tourism industry of the state , restaurants , ecotourism parks , discos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 1 as a 'Covid-Free destination , '' Roberto Cintrón Gómez of the Hotel Association of Cancun , Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres said in a report by the Mexican Daily News .
In the Benito Juarez municipality where Cancun is located , there have been 619 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 82 deaths .

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A few Chinese visit a normally bustling, but just recently opened, Forbidden City after the government lowered the coronavirus threat to level two in Beijing on Saturday. Despite the small numbers of visitors, the landmark was open only to Chinese who had a proper pass or reservation. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- The coronavirus death toll in the original epicenters in the world, including China, Italy and Washington state, have subsided tremendously as hotspots emerge elsewhere and the fatalities neared 250,000. For the sixth day in a row Sunday, no deaths have been reported in mainland China. In Italy, the new deaths announced Sunday were 174 compared with a high of 900 in March. Washington state reported only one death from Sunday for a total of 837 after the first fatality was reported on Feb. 26. And deaths are under 300 in New York after a high of nearly 800 and almost 25,000 in all. Advertisement
But Brazil has become a new hotspot with more than 2,200 deaths over five days. And cases have been mounting in Russia and Turkey.
So far Sunday, a total of 248,245 deaths have been reported. Though 140,603 have died from the disease in Europe, the new numbers have drastically plunged in that continent over several days, including Spain, France and Germany.
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In all, more than 3.5 million cases have been reported, according to tracking by worldometers.info. The mortality rate is 7 percent of cases.
Since the first deaths in early January, China had been the original epicenter of the outbreak. The daily death toll peaked at 150 on Feb. 23, and for the first time on April 7, no deaths were reported. However, on April 17, officials in Wuhan, where the virus was first reported late last year, added 1,290 coronavirus deaths to the city's toll that were previously uncounted.
The number now stands at 4,633 in 11th place in the world.
The last time there were double-digit deaths was March 17 with 11.
China's National Health Commission reported two new cases Sunday -- one imported from abroad and the other locally transmitted in Shanxi province. In addition, only 531 active cases remain.
And life is beginning to return to normal for Hubei, which was the first place to go on lockdown. In addition, two hospitals were built in 12 days.
Restrictions have been eased and tourist favorites, including Beijing's Forbidden City, are reopening. Daily visitor caps and health checks remain. More than 1 million people went to Shanghai's attractions over the Labor Day weekend.
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Elsewhere in Asia, the pandemic has subsided. On Sunday, 263 more deaths were reported for a total of 19,602. India announced 68 for 1,391 overall, followed by Turkey with 61 at 3,397 and Iran 49 at 6,203, ninth highest in the world. Turkey ranks eighth in the world in cases with 126,045.
Like China, South Korea again reported no deaths as well as 13 new cases Sunday. The totals are 10,793 cases and 250 deaths. The nation, which instituted massive testing, will relax social distancing rules beginning Wednesday, South Korea's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday. They had been in place since March 22.
Buildings will reopen gradually with local governments allowed to enact their own rules.
Elsewhere in the Far East, Japan reported 19 new deaths for a total of 474 and 266 additional cases.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he likely will extend the national state of emergency past Wednesday to June. He said a decision is likely Monday. A total of 13 prefectures are under "special alert" and 34 don't have those orders.
Seven of the top 10 nations with the most deaths are in Europe.
On Saturday, the leaders of France, Norway, Italy and Germany pledged to raise $8 billion in an "international alliance" to find a vaccine and treatments for the coronavirus.
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This decision supports commitments made by G20 leaders and backs a call from the World Health Organization.
"For this reason, we have recently launched the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, a global cooperation platform to accelerate and scale-up research, development, access and equitable distribution of the vaccine and other life-saving therapeutics and diagnostics treatments," a news release said. "We are determined."
Italy, which at one time was an epicenter of the virus, now is second behind the United States, dropping below 200 deaths for the first time since 175 on March 14 after gaining 474 deaths Saturday and 269 more Friday. The high was 919 on March 27.
Italy, which has had Europe's longest lockdown since March, will enter phase two of its plan to reopen on Monday. Italians will now be able to travel within regions to visit relatives but schools, salons, gyms and many other commercial activities will stay closed. Cafes and restaurants will offer takeaways only; and all travel between regions will be banned except for work, health or emergency situations.
On Sunday, Britain reported 315 deaths -- more than half the 621 figure the day before and the lowest since 214 on March 28. Friday was even higher with 739 more deaths and the record was 1,172 on April 21.
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Britain is third in the world in total deaths at 28,446. Originally only hospital deaths were reported until last week when 4,419 deaths in care homes were included.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "contingency plans" were made for his death while he was hospitalized with coronavirus. He said it was "50-50" whether he would be put on a ventilator.
"That was when it got a bit... they were starting to think about how to handle it presentationally," he said in an interview with The Sun on Sunday. "It was a tough old moment, I won't deny it."
No. 4 Spain announced 164 deaths Sunday -- the lowest in six weeks -- after 276 deaths Saturday and a high of 961 on April 2.
"As sad as it is to speak about the deaths, the increase of 0.7 percent from the previous day is a good number," said Fernando Simón, Spain's director for health emergencies.
A lockdown has been in place since March 15, but four islands in the Canaries and the Balearics will be the first to begin phase one of their reopening procedures on Monday. The islands "have not had any new cases in many days.
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France reported 135 deaths after 166 deaths Saturday for fifth place at 24,895 and a high of 1,438 on April 15.
France's parliament will consider a mandatory quarantine of at least 14 days for visitors from outside the country and 30 days if they test positive as part of extended emergency legislation to be extended until July 24. Exempted would be cross-border workers, international transport workers and drivers, and those involved in urgent medical work.
Three other European nations in the top 10 reported double-digit new deaths Sunday No. 5 Belgium added 79 more for a total of 7,844, No. 6 Germany announced 28 for a total of 6,840 and No. 7 Netherlands had 69 more to total 5,056.
Churches in Germany conducted Sunday services for the first time since the lockdown began last month.
The situation is worsening in Russia with 10,633 more cases announced Sunday for a total of 134,786 in seventh place. The nation also announced 58 more details to total 1,280, which is in 20th place.
Norway, which joined the European vaccine alliance, reported no deaths. Neighboring Sweden, which has not closed schools or businesses as part of a "herd immunity hypothesis," added 10 deaths for a total of 2,679.
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The pandemic also has not stabilized in Brazil. The death toll continues to surge there, recording 2,207 deaths over five days -- 340 Saturday, 509 Friday, 390 Thursday, 520 Wednesday and 448 Tuesday -- for eighth place at 6,410.
Brazil has nearly half the 763 new deaths in South America, which totaled 763 Saturday, and two-thirds overall,10,243. Ecuador announced 308 more for a total of 1,371.
Conversely, the situation has stabilized in Oceana. Australia has only 95 deaths, including two more Sunday, and New Zealand added no deaths to its 20 total.
Although only 20 new cases were reported in Australia, residents are urged to stay away from senior care facilities.
"You have to be perfectly well to walk into the door of an aged care facility, that's my message," Brendan Murphy, the nation's chief medical officer, said Sunday.
He said, "there are still small outbreaks detected in Victoria and New South Wales, there is still evidence of some low-level community transmission."
In Africa, the death toll is 1,802, led by Algeria with 463 and followed by Egypt with 429.
In North America, all but around 6,000 of the roughly 73,000 deaths are in the United States.
Sunday night, Canada reported 116 additional deaths for a total of 3,682 and Mexico announced 93 more to total of 2,154.
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A "Come 2 Cancun" campaign has been announced to attract visitors with two-for-one hotel stays. More than 150 hoteliers support the digital campaign, which is scheduled to be ready by May 15.
"We think that a 'Covid-free' certificate should be created so that the entire state, the entire tourism industry of the state, restaurants, ecotourism parks, discos, marinas, casinos can be launched on June 1 as a 'Covid-Free destination," Roberto Cintrón Gómez of the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres said in a report by the Mexican Daily News.
In the Benito Juarez municipality where Cancun is located, there have been 619 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 82 deaths.


upi--2020-05-03--Kim Jong-un appears not to have undergone surgery, S. Korean official says

SEOUL , May 3 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears not to have undergone surgery , a presidential official said Sunday , flatly denying speculation over Kim 's health .
`` There were media reports speculating about Chairman Kim 's surgery , citing a change in the way he walks , '' a senior Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters , saying the presidential office judges this not to be true .
When asked whether the North Korean leader did not even go through a relatively moderate medical procedure , the official replied yes .
The official , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , refused to unveil the grounds that this judgment was made upon .
The North 's state media reported on Saturday that Kim cut the tape at a ceremony marking the completion of the Sunchon Phosphatic Fertilizer Factory in Sunchon , north of Pyongyang , on Friday .
This marked the North Korean leader 's first public appearance in 20 days since April 11 , when he presided over a Politburo meeting of the ruling Workers ' Party .
His absence from an annual event marking the April 15 birth anniversary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Il-sung had fanned speculation he might be seriously ill .
Despite media reports speculating on his illness , officials in Seoul have repeatedly said there are no unusual signs in North Korea and that Kim is believed to be staying in the country 's eastern coastal town of Wonsan .
In a parliamentary meeting , Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul referred to the unconfirmed reports as `` fake news '' and an `` infodemic . ''
`` We have intelligence capacity that allows us to say confidently there are no unusual signs , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official , meanwhile , downplayed reports suggesting that the fertilizer plant may be mobilized to extract uranium for the North 's nuclear activities , saying they are not credible .

This image, released Saturday, by the North Korean Official News Service, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Sunchon Phosphatic Fertilizer Factory. Photo by KCNA | License Photo | License Photo
SEOUL, May 3 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears not to have undergone surgery, a presidential official said Sunday, flatly denying speculation over Kim's health. "There were media reports speculating about Chairman Kim's surgery, citing a change in the way he walks," a senior Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters, saying the presidential office judges this not to be true. Advertisement
When asked whether the North Korean leader did not even go through a relatively moderate medical procedure, the official replied yes.
The official, who asked not to be named, however, refused to unveil the grounds that this judgment was made upon.
The North's state media reported on Saturday that Kim cut the tape at a ceremony marking the completion of the Sunchon Phosphatic Fertilizer Factory in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang, on Friday.
This marked the North Korean leader's first public appearance in 20 days since April 11, when he presided over a Politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party.
His absence from an annual event marking the April 15 birth anniversary of his late grandfather and national founder Kim Il-sung had fanned speculation he might be seriously ill.
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Despite media reports speculating on his illness, officials in Seoul have repeatedly said there are no unusual signs in North Korea and that Kim is believed to be staying in the country's eastern coastal town of Wonsan.
In a parliamentary meeting, Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul referred to the unconfirmed reports as "fake news" and an "infodemic."
"We have intelligence capacity that allows us to say confidently there are no unusual signs," Kim said.
The Cheong Wa Dae official, meanwhile, downplayed reports suggesting that the fertilizer plant may be mobilized to extract uranium for the North's nuclear activities, saying they are not credible.


upi--2020-05-03--Look: Lea Michele shares first baby bump photo: 'So grateful'

May 3 ( UPI ) -- Glee and Scream Queens alum Lea Michele confirmed reports of her pregnancy by posting @ @ @ @ @ bump on Instagram this weekend .
`` So grateful , '' the 33-year-old actress captioned @ @ @ @ @ smiling with her eyes closed and cradling her baby bump .
The image has gotten @ @ @ @ @ '' since it was posted on Saturday .
Several media outlets reported she was expecting @ @ @ @ @ , but this is the first time she has publicly addressed the news .

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Lea Michele shared her first baby bump photo on Instagram this weekend. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 3 (UPI) -- Glee and Scream Queens alum Lea Michele confirmed reports of her pregnancy by posting a photo of her baby bump on Instagram this weekend. "So grateful," the 33-year-old actress captioned the outdoor portrait of her smiling with her eyes closed and cradling her baby bump. Advertisement
The image has gotten nearly 1.6 million "likes" since it was posted on Saturday.
Several media outlets reported she was expecting her first child last week, but this is the first time she has publicly addressed the news.
She married Zandy Reich in March 2019.


upi--2020-05-03--'Child's Play' co-writer John Lafia dead at 63

May 3 ( UPI ) -- John Lafia , a musician , screenwriter and filmmaker known for his work on the Child 's Play horror franchise , has died , his family said .
He was 63 .
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner 's office told Variety the cause was suicide .
Deadline.com said he hanged himself in his basement .
`` It is with great sadness we announce that loving father , film and television writer , director , producer and musician John J. Lafia passed away on Wednesday , '' Lafia 's family said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mancini tweeted out photos of them -- and the demonic doll Chucky -- from the Child 's Play sets .
`` We 're devastated to hear of the passing of our friend John Lafia , '' Mancini said in a longer statement .
`` He was a crucial part of the Chucky family from the very beginning .
He co-wrote the original Child 's Play script along with director Tom Holland and myself , and John directed Child 's Play 2 -- the consensus favorite film among Chucky fans .
John was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tag along with him to every meeting , and shadow him on set ; he taught me more about film-making during the production of that movie than several semesters in film school .
John was also one of the most naturally curious and constantly creative people I ever met , someone who was always taking pictures , and jotting down ideas . ''
Lafia 's other credits include The Blue Iguana , Space Raiders , Repo Man , Man 's Best Friend , The Rats and Firestorm : Last Stand at Yellowstone .

Musician, writer and filmmaker John Lafia has died by suicide. He was 63. Photo courtesy Twitter/John Lafia
May 3 (UPI) -- John Lafia, a musician, screenwriter and filmmaker known for his work on the Child's Play horror franchise, has died, his family said. He was 63. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office told Variety the cause was suicide. Advertisement
Deadline.com said he hanged himself in his basement.
"It is with great sadness we announce that loving father, film and television writer, director, producer and musician John J. Lafia passed away on Wednesday," Lafia's family said in a statement.
His longtime friend and collaborator Don Mancini tweeted out photos of them -- and the demonic doll Chucky -- from the Child's Play sets.
"RIP @JohnLafia LOVE YOU ALWAYS," Mancini tweeted.
"We're devastated to hear of the passing of our friend John Lafia," Mancini said in a longer statement.
"He was a crucial part of the Chucky family from the very beginning. He co-wrote the original Child's Play script along with director Tom Holland and myself, and John directed Child's Play 2 -- the consensus favorite film among Chucky fans. John was an incredibly generous artist. He let me tag along with him to every meeting, and shadow him on set; he taught me more about film-making during the production of that movie than several semesters in film school. John was also one of the most naturally curious and constantly creative people I ever met, someone who was always taking pictures, and jotting down ideas."
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Lafia's other credits include The Blue Iguana, Space Raiders, Repo Man, Man's Best Friend, The Rats and Firestorm: Last Stand at Yellowstone.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-05-03--Multiple gunshots from N. Korea hit S. Korean border guard post

SEOUL May 3 -- SEOUL -- Several gunshots from North Korea hit a South Korean guard post inside the Demilitarized Zone on Sunday , prompting the South to fire back , but the North 's firings do not appear to have been intentional , an official said .
South Korean soldiers on guard duty at the unit in the central border town of Cheorwon heard gunshots at around 7:41 a.m. and found four bullet marks on a wall of the guard post , according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff .
In accordance with the response manual , the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response -- 10 rounds each time -- and issued broadcast warnings , it added .
No casualties or damage to South Korean facilities were reported .
It is not known if North Korea sustained any damage .
`` We also sent a notice to the North Korean side via the inter-Korean communication line at around 9:35 a.m. , and called for its explanation , '' a JCS officer said .
North Korea has given no response yet .
The military is closely looking into the incident to learn more details by analyzing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the scene , as well as the North 's motivations for the firing .
It does not appear to be an intentional provocation , according to the officer .
`` It was quite foggy and the North Korean soldiers usually rotate shifts around that time , '' the JCS officer said , adding that no unusual movements by the North 's military have been detected .
The South Korean authorities made it clear that the incident is in violation of the bilateral military accord of the Comprehensive Military Agreement signed in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully abide by the agreement .
Under the accord , the two Koreas set up land , maritime and ground buffer zones and agreed to halt all hostile acts against each other , aimed at reducing tensions and building trust .
It is the first reported exchange of gunfire between the two Koreas along the border since 2017 , when the North fired bullets at one of its soldiers who was fleeing to the South .
The incident came amid stalled inter-Korean relations and one day after the North ended mounting rumors about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by reporting his first public appearance in nearly three weeks .

A North Korean frontier post is visible at the inter-Korean border near the city of Paju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, on Sunday. Photo by Jeon Heon-Kysun/EPA-EFE
SEOUL May 3 -- SEOUL-- Several gunshots from North Korea hit a South Korean guard post inside the Demilitarized Zone on Sunday, prompting the South to fire back, but the North's firings do not appear to have been intentional, an official said. South Korean soldiers on guard duty at the unit in the central border town of Cheorwon heard gunshots at around 7:41 a.m. and found four bullet marks on a wall of the guard post, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Advertisement
In accordance with the response manual, the military then fired a total of 20 shots in response -- 10 rounds each time -- and issued broadcast warnings, it added. No casualties or damage to South Korean facilities were reported.
It is not known if North Korea sustained any damage.
"We also sent a notice to the North Korean side via the inter-Korean communication line at around 9:35 a.m., and called for its explanation," a JCS officer said.
North Korea has given no response yet.
The military is closely looking into the incident to learn more details by analyzing pieces of evidence, including shells found at the scene, as well as the North's motivations for the firing. It does not appear to be an intentional provocation, according to the officer.
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"It was quite foggy and the North Korean soldiers usually rotate shifts around that time," the JCS officer said, adding that no unusual movements by the North's military have been detected.
The South Korean authorities made it clear that the incident is in violation of the bilateral military accord of the Comprehensive Military Agreement signed in September 2018, and urged the North to fully abide by the agreement.
Under the accord, the two Koreas set up land, maritime and ground buffer zones and agreed to halt all hostile acts against each other, aimed at reducing tensions and building trust.
It is the first reported exchange of gunfire between the two Koreas along the border since 2017, when the North fired bullets at one of its soldiers who was fleeing to the South.
The incident came amid stalled inter-Korean relations and one day after the North ended mounting rumors about leader Kim Jong-un's health and whereabouts by reporting his first public appearance in nearly three weeks.