upi--2020-04-16--NASCAR's iRacers battle new distractions, bad habits amid coronavirus break

April 16 ( UPI ) -- NASCAR 's Landon Cassill is comfortable with iRacing , while Jimmie Johnson has struggled to acclimate to the virtual track .
Both drivers say the platform presents unique challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic .
There is no stench of gasoline , burnt rubber or broken bones in this form of racing .
iRacing drivers use computers connected to the Internet , a monitor , steering wheel , driver 's seat and pedals .
`` It 's really competitive , '' Cassill said of iRacing .
`` Ultimately what 's different in this compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the driver .
There is no setting up the car and no designing and manufacturing the car .
`` It just comes down to how much time you are willing to put in to learn the car , track and the setup . ''
Current and former drivers from NASCAR 's Cup Series , Xfinity Series and the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series fill the field of competitors .
Millions of viewers have tuned in to streams of the races , which air on Fox .
Three eNASCAR iRacing Pro Series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 22 at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway .
Races also took place at virtual Texas Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway before the series went on Easter break .
The three races were the highest-rated esports events in U.S. TV history and were broadcast in 165 countries .
Denny Hamlin -- who won the 2020 Daytona 500 in February -- captured the first race of the series .
The 38-time winner in the Cup Series finished 24th and fourth in his next two races .
Timmy Hill and William Byron won the second and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Byron never have won a Cup Series race .
Johnson is the most decorated NASCAR driver competing in iRacing , but has yet to finish inside the top 15 .
`` I 'm not fast enough in iRacing yet to run up front for the TV time , so trying to be an in-race reporter or a part of spectacular crashes seems to be the only way I find myself [ featured ] on television right now , '' Johnson said .
Cup Series drivers try to build the most realistic iRacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hamlin 's rig has a value of $ 40,000 .
Cassill 's rig , including quadruple monitors , retails for $ 18,000 .
A basic rig costs $ 1,000 , but NASCAR drivers prefer a more realistic setup .
`` It 's important for the professional driver to invest in more expensive hardware because they need to maintain their muscle memory and feel and not create habits from iRacing that do n't translate to a real car , '' Cassill said .
NASCAR drivers also have to deal with new distractions like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the room near their rigs .
Drivers try to translate their racing mindset from the asphalt into their computerized cockpit .
The drivers have long used iRacing to prepare for real races , but younger and more tech savvy competitors have an advantage over those who did n't jump into the trend early .
`` There are guys who have never played video games , let alone iRacing , so they 've had a steeper learning curve for sure , '' Cassill said .
Johnson realized a certain level of focus for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airing on TV .
The seven-time Cup Series champion 's rig is built to mirror an IndyCar equipment instead of NASCAR equipment .
Johnson plans to retire from NASCAR after this season and is interested in competing in IndyCar .
He still is learning how to use spotters and third-party applications to determine how to calibrate his virtual car and achieve better results .
He spends up to five hours daily working on his setup after his two children go to bed .
`` Playing the game is certainly challenging on its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of it that went into it , '' Johnson said .
Johnson is one of the highest-paid Cup Series drivers in history , while other iRacing competitors still are trying to build their resumes .
He wants to find ways to show value to his sponsors through iRacing during NASCAR 's hiatus , until at least mid-May .
Johnson said drivers feel pressure from their own expectations and from their teams and sponsors .
`` We 're trying to figure out how to create value and how to deliver for our partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver Kyle Larson recently learned how iRacing can impact sponsorships .
He lost both of his major sponsors and was fired by his racing team after using a racial slur during an iRacing event hosted Sunday by Cassill .
The event was streamed , making the slur audible for other competitors and viewers .
The incident came a week after driver Bubba Wallace quit in the middle of the second eNASCAR Pro Invitational Series race after wrecking his car .
Wallace lost a sponsorship from pain-relief brand Blue Emu as a result .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ iRacing .
He said he hopes the partnership leads to a sponsorship on the real track .
Companies can sponsor drivers at a much lower cost in iRacing because it does n't require millions of dollars in equipment like real racing .
`` I 'm building a platform for my fans and partners that will carry over , '' Cassill said .
`` Now I have a sponsorship I did n't have before iRacing .
I 'm able to deliver them a ton of value for their investment , so much that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The next race in the series will be Sunday at virtual Richmond Raceway in Virginia .
Future virtual races are planned for Talladega Superspeedway in Alabame and Dover International Speedway in Delaware .
NASCAR 's managing director of gaming , Scott Warfield , said he sees `` no reason '' drivers wo n't continue competing beyond the next three iRacing events .
NASCAR also is considering how to feature more iRacing on a long-term basis .
`` I knew we thought it would be positive , I 'm not sure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Warfield said .
`` The opportunities are endless . ''

Drivers from NASCAR's Cup Series, Xfinity Series and the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series have been competing in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Series Invitational races. Photo courtesy of NASCAR
April 16 (UPI) -- NASCAR's Landon Cassill is comfortable with iRacing, while Jimmie Johnson has struggled to acclimate to the virtual track. Both drivers say the platform presents unique challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic. There is no stench of gasoline, burnt rubber or broken bones in this form of racing. iRacing drivers use computers connected to the Internet, a monitor, steering wheel, driver's seat and pedals. Advertisement
"It's really competitive," Cassill said of iRacing. "Ultimately what's different in this compared to real world is it's completely up to the driver. There is no setting up the car and no designing and manufacturing the car.
"It just comes down to how much time you are willing to put in to learn the car, track and the setup."
Current and former drivers from NASCAR's Cup Series, Xfinity Series and the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series fill the field of competitors. Millions of viewers have tuned in to streams of the races, which air on Fox.
Advertisement
Three eNASCAR iRacing Pro Series Invitational races have been held, starting March 22 at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Races also took place at virtual Texas Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway before the series went on Easter break. The three races were the highest-rated esports events in U.S. TV history and were broadcast in 165 countries.
Denny Hamlin -- who won the 2020 Daytona 500 in February -- captured the first race of the series. The 38-time winner in the Cup Series finished 24th and fourth in his next two races. Timmy Hill and William Byron won the second and third eNASCAR events, respectively. Hill and Byron never have won a Cup Series race.
Johnson is the most decorated NASCAR driver competing in iRacing, but has yet to finish inside the top 15.
"I'm not fast enough in iRacing yet to run up front for the TV time, so trying to be an in-race reporter or a part of spectacular crashes seems to be the only way I find myself [featured] on television right now," Johnson said.
Creating bad habits
Cup Series drivers try to build the most realistic iRacing setup, or rig, when competing. Hamlin's rig has a value of $40,000. Cassill's rig, including quadruple monitors, retails for $18,000. A basic rig costs $1,000, but NASCAR drivers prefer a more realistic setup.
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"It's important for the professional driver to invest in more expensive hardware because they need to maintain their muscle memory and feel and not create habits from iRacing that don't translate to a real car," Cassill said.
NASCAR drivers also have to deal with new distractions like music playing or having other people talk in the room near their rigs. Drivers try to translate their racing mindset from the asphalt into their computerized cockpit.
The drivers have long used iRacing to prepare for real races, but younger and more tech savvy competitors have an advantage over those who didn't jump into the trend early.
"There are guys who have never played video games, let alone iRacing, so they've had a steeper learning curve for sure," Cassill said.
Johnson realized a certain level of focus for iRacing was required when the series started airing on TV. The seven-time Cup Series champion's rig is built to mirror an IndyCar equipment instead of NASCAR equipment.
Johnson plans to retire from NASCAR after this season and is interested in competing in IndyCar. He still is learning how to use spotters and third-party applications to determine how to calibrate his virtual car and achieve better results. He spends up to five hours daily working on his setup after his two children go to bed.
Advertisement
"Playing the game is certainly challenging on its own, but I had no idea the rest of it that went into it," Johnson said.
Johnson is one of the highest-paid Cup Series drivers in history, while other iRacing competitors still are trying to build their resumes. He wants to find ways to show value to his sponsors through iRacing during NASCAR's hiatus, until at least mid-May.
Johnson said drivers feel pressure from their own expectations and from their teams and sponsors.
"We're trying to figure out how to create value and how to deliver for our partners," Johnson said.
Earned, lost sponsors
Cup Series driver Kyle Larson recently learned how iRacing can impact sponsorships. He lost both of his major sponsors and was fired by his racing team after using a racial slur during an iRacing event hosted Sunday by Cassill. The event was streamed, making the slur audible for other competitors and viewers.
The incident came a week after driver Bubba Wallace quit in the middle of the second eNASCAR Pro Invitational Series race after wrecking his car. Wallace lost a sponsorship from pain-relief brand Blue Emu as a result.
Blue Emu continues to sponsor Cassill in iRacing. He said he hopes the partnership leads to a sponsorship on the real track. Companies can sponsor drivers at a much lower cost in iRacing because it doesn't require millions of dollars in equipment like real racing.
Advertisement
"I'm building a platform for my fans and partners that will carry over," Cassill said. "Now I have a sponsorship I didn't have before iRacing. I'm able to deliver them a ton of value for their investment, so much that they want to go real racing after this."
The next race in the series will be Sunday at virtual Richmond Raceway in Virginia. Future virtual races are planned for Talladega Superspeedway in Alabame and Dover International Speedway in Delaware.
NASCAR's managing director of gaming, Scott Warfield, said he sees "no reason" drivers won't continue competing beyond the next three iRacing events. NASCAR also is considering how to feature more iRacing on a long-term basis.
"I knew we thought it would be positive, I'm not sure we thought it would be this positive," Warfield said. "The opportunities are endless."


upi--2020-04-16--Study: Media consumption, COVID-19 precautions likely linked

Americans who are young , liberal and heavy consumers of news are most likely to follow COVID-19 safety recommendations , a new online survey reveals .
Three-quarters of the 1,000 U.S. respondents said they followed a majority of recommended social distancing behaviors such as keeping 6 feet apart and limiting trips to stores , the University of Delaware researchers said .
Slightly fewer -- 66 percent -- said they followed hygiene measures such as washing their hands more often and avoiding touching their faces , and 41 percent had prepared by stocking up on food and medicine .
Heavy viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- were most likely to follow measures recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the survey found .
`` The bottom line is that information matters .
The more news people consumed , the more behaviors they were engaging in , '' said co-lead investigator Amy Bleakley , a professor of communication .
`` There is often a lot of emphasis on specific content when we study media , and where you get your news can usually result in different outcomes , but in the case of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure in general that really matters , '' Bleakley said in a University of Delaware news release .
`` This is a win for public health -- the message about what to do is cutting through all the noise and getting out there . ''
While there were age- and ideological differences in adherence to risk reduction activities , respondents had reasonably high levels of compliance -- probably because people tend rely on media during a crisis , researchers said .
`` In times of crisis , when we have a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are much less important both in terms of media sources and individual differences , '' said co-investigator Jennifer Lambe , an associate professor of communication .
`` Effects are more uniform , particularly as the crisis is more life-threatening . ''
Despite recent reports of college students gathering on beaches for spring break , the survey suggested younger adults are leading the nation on risk reduction activities .
Nearly 83 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds said they followed five or more recommended hygiene practices , compared to 59 percent of adults 60 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk reduction behaviors than those under 30 , especially in terms of making preparations .
The researchers said that 's an alarming finding given that older adults appear to be at higher risk for death and other serious complications from COVID-19 .
Researchers invited close to 1,600 people nationwide to participate in the online survey ; 1,000 responded .
It was conducted March 20-25 .
Here are coronavirus protection recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Walkers pass at Post and Powell as a family on bicycles tour the downtown by Union Square in San Francisco on Saturday. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Americans who are young, liberal and heavy consumers of news are most likely to follow COVID-19 safety recommendations, a new online survey reveals. Three-quarters of the 1,000 U.S. respondents said they followed a majority of recommended social distancing behaviors such as keeping 6 feet apart and limiting trips to stores, the University of Delaware researchers said. Advertisement
Slightly fewer -- 66 percent -- said they followed hygiene measures such as washing their hands more often and avoiding touching their faces, and 41 percent had prepared by stocking up on food and medicine.
Heavy viewers of news -- regardless of the source -- were most likely to follow measures recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the survey found.
"The bottom line is that information matters. The more news people consumed, the more behaviors they were engaging in," said co-lead investigator Amy Bleakley, a professor of communication.
"There is often a lot of emphasis on specific content when we study media, and where you get your news can usually result in different outcomes, but in the case of COVID-19, we are finding that it's news exposure in general that really matters," Bleakley said in a University of Delaware news release. "This is a win for public health -- the message about what to do is cutting through all the noise and getting out there."
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While there were age- and ideological differences in adherence to risk reduction activities, respondents had reasonably high levels of compliance -- probably because people tend rely on media during a crisis, researchers said.
"In times of crisis, when we have a lot of media dependency, the differences between people are much less important both in terms of media sources and individual differences," said co-investigator Jennifer Lambe, an associate professor of communication. "Effects are more uniform, particularly as the crisis is more life-threatening."
Despite recent reports of college students gathering on beaches for spring break, the survey suggested younger adults are leading the nation on risk reduction activities.
Nearly 83 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds said they followed five or more recommended hygiene practices, compared to 59 percent of adults 60 and older. Older adults also reported fewer risk reduction behaviors than those under 30, especially in terms of making preparations.
The researchers said that's an alarming finding given that older adults appear to be at higher risk for death and other serious complications from COVID-19.
Researchers invited close to 1,600 people nationwide to participate in the online survey; 1,000 responded. It was conducted March 20-25.
More information
Here are coronavirus protection recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-16--United States warns North Korean cyberattacks threaten financial system

April 15 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration warned that North Korea is conducting cyberattacks that not only threaten the United States but the international financial system .
In a 12-page joint advisory published Wednesday , the U.S. State Department , Treasury , Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation accused North Korea of conducting cyberattacks targeting the financial sector to generate funds for its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs , warning that the attacks pose `` a significant threat to the stability and integrity of the international financial system . ''
According to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory 's purpose is to `` raise awareness '' of the cyberthreat posed by North Korea .
`` The United States is deeply concerned about North Korea 's malicious cyberactivities , which the U.S. government refers to as HIDDEN COBRA .
The DPRK has the capability to conduct disruptive or destructive cyberactivities affecting U.S. critical infrastructure , '' the advisory said referring to North Korea by the initials of its official name , the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea .
The report said the state-sponsored cyberactors are hackers , cryptologists and software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currency exchanges and politically motivated operations that target foreign media companies through deploying malware tools that have increasingly grown in sophistication .
The interagency report details several attacks widely attributed to the communist nation , including the November 2014 cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment in retaliation for the 2014 comedy film `` The Interview '' that was set in the hermit kingdom and mocked leader Kim Jong Un , the February 2016 cyberheist of $ 81 million for the Bangladesh Bank and the May 2017 WannaCry 2.0 ransomware attack when hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were infected with malware to extort money from their owners , among others .
The agencies in the report urged governments , industry and the public to adopt countermeasures against the threat , such as raise awareness , share technical information about the threat , implement best cybersecurity practices and notify law enforcement if one suspects they have been victimized through malicious cyberactivity .
The consequences , however , of engaging in or supporting Pyongyang 's illicit activities include being sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and criminally prosecuted by the Department of Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department 's Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $ 5 million to anyone who has information about the Kim regime 's cyberactivities .
`` It is vital for the international community , network defenders and the public to stay vigilant and to work together to mitigate the cyberthreat posed by North Korea , '' the report said .
The United States has previously sanctioned and criminally charged individuals linked to North Korea 's cybercrimes .
In September 2018 , Park Jin Hyok was sanctioned by the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his involvement in several of the North 's high-profile attacks , including against Bangladesh 's central bank and Sony Pictures .
Last month , the Treasury imposed sanctions against two Chinese nationals for laundering millions of dollars of stolen in 2018 from a cryptocurrency exchange by a U.S.-designated North Korean-sponsored cybergroup .
The report was published a day after North Korea fired a series of projectiles and air-to-ground missiles into the sea toward Japan .

This image, released on Aug. 7, 2019, by the North Korean Official News Service, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the country's fourth series of missile launches in less than two weeks. Photo by KCNA/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- The Trump administration warned that North Korea is conducting cyberattacks that not only threaten the United States but the international financial system. In a 12-page joint advisory published Wednesday, the U.S. State Department, Treasury, Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation accused North Korea of conducting cyberattacks targeting the financial sector to generate funds for its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, warning that the attacks pose "a significant threat to the stability and integrity of the international financial system." Advertisement
According to a statement from the State Department, the advisory's purpose is to "raise awareness" of the cyberthreat posed by North Korea.
"The United States is deeply concerned about North Korea's malicious cyberactivities, which the U.S. government refers to as HIDDEN COBRA. The DPRK has the capability to conduct disruptive or destructive cyberactivities affecting U.S. critical infrastructure," the advisory said referring to North Korea by the initials of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
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The report said the state-sponsored cyberactors are hackers, cryptologists and software developers who attack financial institutions, digital currency exchanges and politically motivated operations that target foreign media companies through deploying malware tools that have increasingly grown in sophistication.
The interagency report details several attacks widely attributed to the communist nation, including the November 2014 cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment in retaliation for the 2014 comedy film "The Interview" that was set in the hermit kingdom and mocked leader Kim Jong Un, the February 2016 cyberheist of $81 million for the Bangladesh Bank and the May 2017 WannaCry 2.0 ransomware attack when hundreds of thousands of computers in more than 150 countries were infected with malware to extort money from their owners, among others.
The agencies in the report urged governments, industry and the public to adopt countermeasures against the threat, such as raise awareness, share technical information about the threat, implement best cybersecurity practices and notify law enforcement if one suspects they have been victimized through malicious cyberactivity.
The consequences, however, of engaging in or supporting Pyongyang's illicit activities include being sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and criminally prosecuted by the Department of Justice, it said.
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Meanwhile, the State Department's Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $5 million to anyone who has information about the Kim regime's cyberactivities.
"It is vital for the international community, network defenders and the public to stay vigilant and to work together to mitigate the cyberthreat posed by North Korea," the report said.
The United States has previously sanctioned and criminally charged individuals linked to North Korea's cybercrimes.
In September 2018, Park Jin Hyok was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and charged by the Justice Department for his involvement in several of the North's high-profile attacks, including against Bangladesh's central bank and Sony Pictures.
Last month, the Treasury imposed sanctions against two Chinese nationals for laundering millions of dollars of stolen in 2018 from a cryptocurrency exchange by a U.S.-designated North Korean-sponsored cybergroup.
The report was published a day after North Korea fired a series of projectiles and air-to-ground missiles into the sea toward Japan.


upi--2020-04-15--Astros ace Justin Verlander resumes throwing after groin surgery

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Houston Astros star pitcher Justin Verlander resumed throwing as he continues to recover from groin surgery last month .
Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Wednesday that Verlander , who underwent surgery March 17 , is `` doing great '' in his rehabilitation .
Verlander thought he would n't be ready to return by opening day , but with the coronavirus pandemic delaying the start of the season , it is likely he will be healthy whenever MLB resumes its 2020 campaign .
`` He was having a little trouble on and off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head in spring training when you feel great one day and the next day you do n't and the next day you feel back , '' Baker said .
`` So this has actually , probably , been a blessing in disguise for him . ''
Verlander experienced the groin issue early in spring training .
His first start was delayed until March 3 because of the discomfort in his right groin .
Verlander then exited his second start on March 8 due to a strained back muscle .
In his two starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ERA in 4 2/3 innings .
Verlander , who turned 37 in February , posted a 2.58 ERA over an MLB-high 223 innings last season .
The eight-time All-Star and two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had a 21-6 record and recorded a career-best 300 strikeouts in 2019 .

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander underwent groin surgery last month. He dealt with the injury early in spring training. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- Houston Astros star pitcher Justin Verlander resumed throwing as he continues to recover from groin surgery last month. Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Wednesday that Verlander, who underwent surgery March 17, is "doing great" in his rehabilitation. Verlander thought he wouldn't be ready to return by opening day, but with the coronavirus pandemic delaying the start of the season, it is likely he will be healthy whenever MLB resumes its 2020 campaign. Advertisement
"He was having a little trouble on and off, and it kind of messes with your head in spring training when you feel great one day and the next day you don't and the next day you feel back," Baker said. "So this has actually, probably, been a blessing in disguise for him."
Verlander experienced the groin issue early in spring training. His first start was delayed until March 3 because of the discomfort in his right groin.
Verlander then exited his second start on March 8 due to a strained back muscle. In his two starts this spring, he recorded a 3.86 ERA in 4 2/3 innings.
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Verlander, who turned 37 in February, posted a 2.58 ERA over an MLB-high 223 innings last season. The eight-time All-Star and two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had a 21-6 record and recorded a career-best 300 strikeouts in 2019.


upi--2020-04-15--Gallup: Americans most concerned with mental impact of social distancing

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Americans are most concerned about the state of their mental health as they await @ @ @ @ @ guidelines , according to a Gallup poll Wednesday .
The survey found that 68 percent @ @ @ @ @ continue following social distancing guidelines for `` as long as necessary '' before experiencing a @ @ @ @ @ , while 54 percent said they could do so before experiencing financial difficulties .
Forty-eight @ @ @ @ @ issues related to their mental health .
Fifteen percent said they 're already facing declines @ @ @ @ @ percent reported physical health issues and 9 percent reported financial difficulties .
Americans aged 18-44 @ @ @ @ @ their emotional or mental health had already declined .
Gallup found that 70 percent 65 @ @ @ @ @ continue social distancing for as long as possible without facing financial hardship , compared to @ @ @ @ @ 18-44 and 47 percent of those aged 45-64 .
Gallup polled nearly 8,000 people for @ @ @ @ @ a margin of error of 2 points .

Most Americans are concerned about their mental health if social distancing procedures persist for an extended period. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- Americans are most concerned about the state of their mental health as they await a lifting of social distancing guidelines, according to a Gallup poll Wednesday. The survey found that 68 percent of Americans said they can continue following social distancing guidelines for "as long as necessary" before experiencing a decline in their physical health, while 54 percent said they could do so before experiencing financial difficulties. Forty-eight percent could continue before facing issues related to their mental health. Advertisement
Fifteen percent said they're already facing declines in mental health, 6 percent reported physical health issues and 9 percent reported financial difficulties.
Americans aged 18-44 were more likely to say their emotional or mental health had already declined.
Gallup found that 70 percent 65 and older said they could continue social distancing for as long as possible without facing financial hardship, compared to 50 percent of those aged 18-44 and 47 percent of those aged 45-64.
Gallup polled nearly 8,000 people for the survey, which has a margin of error of 2 points.


upi--2020-04-15--ICE launches operation targeting COVID-19 fraud

April 15 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Wednesday the launch of a new operation to crack down on rising fraud and crime exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic .
Dubbed Operation Stolen Promise , the nationwide anti-fraud initiative run by ICE 's Homeland Security Investigations aims to target criminal organizations that are expected to ramp up attempts in the coming weeks to exploit the ongoing health crisis through financial fraud scams involving financial relief , COVID-19 stimulus checks and traditional boiler room operations , the federal agency said in a statement .
`` HSI will bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers with financial schemes or fraudulent products that jeopardize the health and safety of Americans , '' said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director Alysa D. Erichs in a statement .
`` This unified effort brings a whole-of-government approach to monitor , investigate and arrest those responsible for endangering the public with criminal acts of fraud related the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
As of Tuesday , HSI investigators have launched 130 COVID-19-related investigations , issued seven warrants , conducted nine arrests and performed 225 coronavirus-linked seizures of test kits , removed more than 11,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , among other items , officials said .
`` Operation Stolen Promise will combine HSI 's expertise in global trade investigations , financial fraud and cyber investigations with robust private and public partnerships to disrupt and dismantle this criminal activity and strengthen global supply-chain security , '' ICE said .
The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center , HSI International Operations , the Illicit Finance and Proceeds of Crime Unit and the Cyber Crimes Center will all be supporting the operation , HSI said .

Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations has launched Operation Stolen Promise in anticipation that criminal enterprises will increase efforts to financially benefit from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy of Immigration and Customs Enforcement
April 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Wednesday the launch of a new operation to crack down on rising fraud and crime exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubbed Operation Stolen Promise, the nationwide anti-fraud initiative run by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations aims to target criminal organizations that are expected to ramp up attempts in the coming weeks to exploit the ongoing health crisis through financial fraud scams involving financial relief, COVID-19 stimulus checks and traditional boiler room operations, the federal agency said in a statement. Advertisement
"HSI will bring every asset to bear against anyone targeting consumers with financial schemes or fraudulent products that jeopardize the health and safety of Americans," said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director Alysa D. Erichs in a statement. "This unified effort brings a whole-of-government approach to monitor, investigate and arrest those responsible for endangering the public with criminal acts of fraud related the COVID-19 pandemic."
As of Tuesday, HSI investigators have launched 130 COVID-19-related investigations, issued seven warrants, conducted nine arrests and performed 225 coronavirus-linked seizures of test kits, removed more than 11,000 COVID-19-related websites and prohibited pharmaceuticals and counterfeit masks, among other items, officials said.
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"Operation Stolen Promise will combine HSI's expertise in global trade investigations, financial fraud and cyber investigations with robust private and public partnerships to disrupt and dismantle this criminal activity and strengthen global supply-chain security," ICE said.
The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, HSI International Operations, the Illicit Finance and Proceeds of Crime Unit and the Cyber Crimes Center will all be supporting the operation, HSI said.


upi--2020-04-15--NTSB: Roy Halladay was on drugs, performing stunts when plane crashed

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Roy Halladay was performing stunts and had high levels of amphetamines in his system when he crashed his small plane into the Gulf of Mexico and died in 2017 , according to a report released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board .
Halladay , who was an eight-time All-Star selection , performed three maneuvers in his ICON A5 plane before crashing into the water , according to the report .
The moves , which were described by witnesses as `` spins '' and `` rolls , '' put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane and sometimes came within five feet of the water .
On the final maneuver , Halladay entered a steep climb and his speed fell to about 85 mph , according to the report .
The aircraft went into a nosedive and plunged into the water .
The report says Halladay , 40 , died of blunt force trauma and drowning .
During the flight , Halladay had the sedative zolpidem ( also known as Ambien ) , amphetamine , morphine , the antidepressant fluoxetine , hydromorphone and a muscle relaxant known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report , the level of amphetamines in Halladay 's blood was about 10 times greater than the therapeutic level .
The NTSB 's report did n't provide a final reason for the crash .
Halladay and his father were known aviation enthusiasts and the former MLB pitcher received the first 2018 model of the ICON A5 aircraft , WTSP reported in November 2017 .
Halladay , who logged more than 700 hours as a private pilot , purchased the light sport two-seat amphibious plane a month before the crash .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1/2 hours of flight time in the ICON A5 aircraft that crashed .
Halladay was a two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher who played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies during his 16-year career .
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously last year .

Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay was an eight-time All-Star selection and pitched a perfect game in 2010. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Roy Halladay was performing stunts and had high levels of amphetamines in his system when he crashed his small plane into the Gulf of Mexico and died in 2017, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board. Halladay, who was an eight-time All-Star selection, performed three maneuvers in his ICON A5 plane before crashing into the water, according to the report. The moves, which were described by witnesses as "spins" and "rolls," put loads of nearly two-times gravity on the plane and sometimes came within five feet of the water. Advertisement
On the final maneuver, Halladay entered a steep climb and his speed fell to about 85 mph, according to the report. The aircraft went into a nosedive and plunged into the water.
The report says Halladay, 40, died of blunt force trauma and drowning.
During the flight, Halladay had the sedative zolpidem (also known as Ambien), amphetamine, morphine, the antidepressant fluoxetine, hydromorphone and a muscle relaxant known as baclofen in his system. According to the report, the level of amphetamines in Halladay's blood was about 10 times greater than the therapeutic level.
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The NTSB's report didn't provide a final reason for the crash.
Halladay and his father were known aviation enthusiasts and the former MLB pitcher received the first 2018 model of the ICON A5 aircraft, WTSP reported in November 2017.
Halladay, who logged more than 700 hours as a private pilot, purchased the light sport two-seat amphibious plane a month before the crash. According to the report, he had only 14 1/2 hours of flight time in the ICON A5 aircraft that crashed.
Halladay was a two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher who played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies during his 16-year career. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously last year.


upi--2020-04-15--Duke of Westminster, Bill and Melinda Gates increase donations to COVID-19 fight

The biggest chunk of Hugh Grosvenor's donation will go toward supporting National Health Service workers and their families. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA-EFE
April 15 (UPI) -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor announced increased donations to COVID-19 treatment and relief efforts on Wednesday. The foundation announced an additional donation of $150 million bringing its total commitment to more than $250 million. Advertisement
The funds will be directed toward efforts to strengthen coronavirus response in Africa and South Asia, develop and deliver treatments and vaccines, accelerate detection and containment of the virus and protect vulnerable communities in the United States.
"Even in an emergency like this, the starting point for how to use our resources is where it's always been: our fundamental belief that all lives have equal value. And since we know that epidemics hit the poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest, that's where our funding is chiefly directed.
Grosvenor will donate $15.7 million toward charities and organizations battling the coronavirus pandemic, the British businessman's foundation announced Wednesday.
The Westminster Foundation said Grosvenor, the richest person in the world under the age of 30, added a $12.55 million donation Wednesday to the $3.14 million he gave in March.
The March donation primarily went to charities focused on feeding vulnerable families and children who would normally receive free meals at school.
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The biggest chunk of the new donation will support National Health Service workers.
"NHS staff and key workers don't work in isolation," Grosvenor said. "They have children and families whose health and wellbeing will also be highly impacted by this crisis. As they keep us safe, I want to help provide as much support to them and their families as we can."
The new infusion of funds will be split among the NHS Charities Together ($6.27 million); national medical research linked to COVID-19 ($3.76 million); and charities providing support to people most vulnerable to the economic impact of the pandemic ($2.5 million).
Ellie Orton, the chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said the organization is grateful for the support from Grosvenor.
"We know many NHS staff have chosen to keep their families safe by staying apart and focusing their time and energy to care for their patients and save lives," she said.
"Their dedication is not only remarkable but no doubt comes with its own price and if I may speak on their behalf, we say a heartfelt thank you to the Westminster Foundation."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also announced that they would donate $113,000 to the charity Feeding Britain, using money they made from the BBC broadcast of their wedding.
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"The Duke and Duchess were able to speak to The Archbishop recently and were moved to hear all about the work Feeding Britain was doing to support people during COVID-19," a representative for the couple said.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19
A health worker with the Israeli national emergency service, Magen David Adam, wears protective gear while taking swabs to test for COVID-19 at a drive-through testing center in East Jerusalem on August 26. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
Pandemic empties streets, public spaces around the world


upi--2020-04-15--MLB players pay tribute to Dodgers legend on Jackie Robinson Day

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Players from around Major League Baseball paid homage to then-Brooklyn Dodgers icon Jackie Robinson on the day named in his honor .
Despite MLB 's temporary shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic , teams and players celebrated the legacy of Robinson with a variety of tributes on social media Wednesday .
MLB adopted the annual `` Jackie Robinson Day '' tradition on April 15 , 2004 , on which every person on every team wears No .
42 in honor of Robinson .
With no games taking place , players found other ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his contributions to the sport .
On this date in 1947 , Robinson broke the MLB color barrier with the Dodgers , paving the way for other players and managers who have gone on to build their own legacies .
During his 10-year MLB career , the six-time All-Star was named NL Most Valuable Player in 1949 and won a World Series championship in 1955 .
Former Detroit Tigers star outfielder Curtis Granderson , who retired this year , announced Wednesday that he will donate 42,000 meals to the COVID-19 food bank partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number , which is retired across the league .
`` Although baseball may be on pause , today is bigger than baseball , '' Granderson wrote on Twitter .
New Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts and relief pitcher Kenley Jansen also paid tribute to Robinson with clips from Jordan Brand on Twitter .
Dodgers pitcher David Price , who was traded to Los Angeles this year , also expressed his excitement to play on the same team as one of his all-time favorite players .
`` I have been looking forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Price wrote on twitter .
`` Ca n't wait to get back to doing what we love !
In the meantime , let 's just stay home and stay safe . ''
New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman shared his Robinson-inspired tattoo on social media .
The All-Star pitcher said Robinson `` paved the way for African Americans to play the sport I love . ''
In honor of Robinson , Thomas Tull , who produced the movie about the legendary slugger 's life , `` 42 , '' pledged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment to health care organizations that serve African American communities and other areas hardest hit by COVID-19 .

National Baseball Hall of Fame member Ozzie Smith asks a question about a Jackie Robinson jersey on display while touring the National Baseball Hall of Fame traveling exhibit on Aug. 26, 2016, in St. Louis. Robinson was a six-time All-Star with the then-Brooklyn Dodgers. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- Players from around Major League Baseball paid homage to then-Brooklyn Dodgers icon Jackie Robinson on the day named in his honor. Despite MLB's temporary shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, teams and players celebrated the legacy of Robinson with a variety of tributes on social media Wednesday. Advertisement
MLB adopted the annual "Jackie Robinson Day" tradition on April 15, 2004, on which every person on every team wears No. 42 in honor of Robinson. With no games taking place, players found other ways to pay tribute to the baseball legend for his contributions to the sport.
On this date in 1947, Robinson broke the MLB color barrier with the Dodgers, paving the way for other players and managers who have gone on to build their own legacies. During his 10-year MLB career, the six-time All-Star was named NL Most Valuable Player in 1949 and won a World Series championship in 1955.
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Former Detroit Tigers star outfielder Curtis Granderson, who retired this year, announced Wednesday that he will donate 42,000 meals to the COVID-19 food bank partners in honor of Robinson's iconic jersey number, which is retired across the league.
"Although baseball may be on pause, today is bigger than baseball," Granderson wrote on Twitter.
This Jackie Robinson Day, in honor of #42, I'm donating 42,000 meals to our Grand Kids COVID-19 food bank partners.— Curtis Granderson (@cgrand3) April 15, 2020
New Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts and relief pitcher Kenley Jansen also paid tribute to Robinson with clips from Jordan Brand on Twitter. Dodgers pitcher David Price, who was traded to Los Angeles this year, also expressed his excitement to play on the same team as one of his all-time favorite players.
"I have been looking forward to this day since being traded to L.A.," Price wrote on twitter. "Can't wait to get back to doing what we love! In the meantime, let's just stay home and stay safe."
Advertisement He showed us what the world could become. #42 pic.twitter.com/i9Bs27Ael0— Mookie Betts (@mookiebetts) April 15, 2020
Happy Jackie Robinson day! Eternally grateful for Mr. Robinson! I have been looking forward to this day since being traded to LA. Can't wait to get back to doing what we love! In the meantime let's just stay home and stay safe.— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) April 15, 2020
New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman shared his Robinson-inspired tattoo on social media. The All-Star pitcher said Robinson "paved the way for African Americans to play the sport I love."
Beyond thankful and grateful for the legendary life of this man. Your trailblazing efforts paved the way for African Americans to play the sport I love. THANK YOU 42! pic.twitter.com/QpzkrXGjLN— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 15, 2020
"Maybe tomorrow we'll all wear 42, that way they won't tell us apart." We invite you to join us in changing your profile photo, header and phone wallpaper in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/yVrD89XbPM— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2020 Advertisement
On @MLB platforms today, all players will wear number 42 to observe Jackie Robinson Day. pic.twitter.com/K6GO20oU0C— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) April 15, 2020
In honor of Robinson, Thomas Tull, who produced the movie about the legendary slugger's life, "42," pledged to donate $4.2 million worth of personal protective equipment to health care organizations that serve African American communities and other areas hardest hit by COVID-19.


upi--2020-01-07--At least 40 dead in stampede during funeral for Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- A stampede during the funeral procession for slain Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman , lran , killed more than three dozen people Tuesday , officials said .
The stampede began as millions of mourners carried Soleimani from Kerman 's Azadi Square to his burial site in a martyrs ' cemetery .
Pir-Hossein Kolivand , the head of Iran 's Emergency Medical Services , said at least 40 people died in the crowd and more than 200 were injured .
Soleimani 's burial ceremony , which was scheduled for Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stampede .
The massive crowds in Kerman , about 615 miles southeast of Tehran , mirrored others Sunday and Monday in the capital and elsewhere that honored the slain Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander .
The rallies also condemned the United States with crowd chants of `` down with the U.S. '' and `` down with Israel . ''
Soleimani , the head of IRGC 's Quds Force , was killed Jan. 2 in an airstrike near Baghdad 's international airport in Iraq .
Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the attack .
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the attack after protesters angered by deadly Dec. 29 U.S. airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah stormed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
Trump vowed in a tweet Sunday to hit 52 targets in Iran `` very hard '' if Tehran retaliates for the death of Soleimani , including some targets `` at a very high level '' that are `` important to Iran and the Iranian culture . ''
Trump 's threats toward non-military sites in Iran drew swift and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no cultural sites will be targeted .
Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , told reporters Monday the United States has no intention of targeting the sites Trump mentioned -- as doing so would amount to a war crime .
`` We will follow the laws of armed conflict , '' Milley said when asked whether there are plans to comply with Trump 's threat .

Thousands of mourners pay tribute to Iranian Revolutionary Guards Commander Qassem Soleimani during his funeral Monday in Tehran. Photo by Majid Asgaripour/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A stampede during a funeral procession Tuesday for slain Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman, lran, killed more than three dozen people, officials said. The stampede began as millions of mourners carried Soleimani's body from Kerman's Azadi Square to his burial site in a martyrs' cemetery. Advertisement
The Iranian Students' News Agency reported at least 50 people died in the crowd and more than 200 were injured.
Soleimani's burial ceremony, which was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, was canceled in light of the stampede.
The massive crowds in Kerman, about 615 miles southeast of Tehran, mirrored others Sunday and Monday in the capital and elsewhere that honored the slain Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander. The rallies also condemned the United States with crowd chants of "down with the U.S." and "down with Israel."
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Soleimani, the head of IRGC's Quds Force, was killed Thursday in an airstrike near Baghdad's international airport in Iraq. Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed in the attack.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the attack after protesters angered by deadly Dec. 29 U.S. airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah stormed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Trump vowed in a tweet Sunday to hit 52 targets in Iran "very hard" if Tehran retaliates for the death of Soleimani, including some targets "at a very high level" that are "important to Iran and the Iranian culture."
Trump's threats toward non-military sites in Iran drew swift and widespread criticism, and Pentagon officials later said no cultural sites will be targeted.
Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Monday the United States has no intention of targeting the sites Trump mentioned -- as doing so would amount to a war crime.
"We will follow the laws of armed conflict," Milley said.
On Tuesday, Trump said that he likes to "obey the law" but questioned the protection of cultural sites. He also maintained threats that the United States will respond to Iranian actions it deems provocative.
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"They kill our people, they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions?" Trump said. "But I'm OK with it. It's OK with me. If Iran does anything they shouldn't be doing, they are going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly."
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that Iran will respond to Soleimani's slaying, telling CNN the move amounted to "state terrorism."
"This is an act of aggression against Iran and amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond," he said. "But we will respond proportionally not disproportionately. We will respond lawfully, we are not lawless people like President Trump."
Zarif told ABC News that Tehran is "very patient" and will respond after "necessary deliberation" at a "time of our choosing."
He said the United States has violated Iraq's sovereignty with the attack on Soleimani, stirred anti-American sentiment in the region and "murdered" a high-ranking Iranian official.
"They will pay for all three mistakes," Zarif said.


upi--2020-01-07--Watch: Hawks star Trae Young shows off deceptive dribbles against Nuggets

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young displayed some impressive dribble moves , while fooling several defenders and scoring as part of an electric sequence during a loss to the Denver Nuggets .
Young reached into his bag of tricks about two minutes into the fourth quarter of the 123-115 loss Monday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta .
The Hawks trailed 95-91 when Young dribbled over half court and reached the top of the 3-point arc .
Nuggets guard Monte Morris picked up Young defensively before the Hawks star bounced the ball from his left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then did an inside-out dribble with his right hand , before throwing the ball behind his back with his left hand .
The sequence mesmerized Morris , allowing Young to dribble around his left hip .
Morris then backed down into the paint with teammate Michael Porter Jr. Young continued his dribble , despite being outnumbered .
He then pulled the ball behind his back with his right hand , before bouncing it between his own legs and back to his right hand , instead of switching to his left hand .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faded away from the basket .
The move created enough space for Young to get to the hoop and bounce a shot off the backboard and through the net , cutting the Nuggets lead to two points .
`` He had a great move on me , '' Porter told reporters , when asked about the play .
`` It was a cool little sequence .
He definitely got me on that move . ''
Young scored a team-high 29 points and had 12 assists and four rebounds for the Hawks .
Nikola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had eight rebounds and five assists for the Nuggets .
Young is averaging 28.9 points , 8.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game this season .
The Nuggets face the Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday in Dallas .
The Hawks host the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Atlanta .

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young scored a team-high 29 points and had 12 assists during a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the NBA.
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young displayed some impressive dribble moves, while fooling several defenders and scoring as part of an electric sequence during a loss to the Denver Nuggets. Young reached into his bag of tricks about two minutes into the fourth quarter of the 123-115 loss Monday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The Hawks trailed 95-91 when Young dribbled over half court and reached the top of the 3-point arc. Advertisement
Nuggets guard Monte Morris picked up Young defensively before the Hawks star bounced the ball from his left hand to his right hand. He then did an inside-out dribble with his right hand, before throwing the ball behind his back with his left hand. The sequence mesmerized Morris, allowing Young to dribble around his left hip.
Morris then backed down into the paint with teammate Michael Porter Jr. Young continued his dribble, despite being outnumbered. He then pulled the ball behind his back with his right hand, before bouncing it between his own legs and back to his right hand, instead of switching to his left hand. The move tricked Porter and Morris, who faded away from the basket.
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The move created enough space for Young to get to the hoop and bounce a shot off the backboard and through the net, cutting the Nuggets lead to two points.
Trae Young fakes the behind-the-back pass and goes through his own legs while his opponents search for ghosts. pic.twitter.com/8JVPEB7BI8— FOX Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnFSSE) January 7, 2020
"He had a great move on me," Porter told reporters, when asked about the play. "It was a cool little sequence. He definitely got me on that move."
Young scored a team-high 29 points and had 12 assists and four rebounds for the Hawks. Nikola Jokic scored a game-high 47 points and had eight rebounds and five assists for the Nuggets.
Trae in slow motion. Absolutely INSANE pic.twitter.com/IbSJRpEucd— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 7, 2020
Young is averaging 28.9 points, 8.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game this season.
The Nuggets face the Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday in Dallas. The Hawks host the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Atlanta.


upi--2020-01-07--Tool, Lizzo, Tame Impala to headline Bonnaroo music festival

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- Rock band Tool , singer Lizzo and psychedelic rock act Tame Impala will headline the 2020 Bonnaroo music festival .
Festival organizers announced a lineup for the four-day festival Tuesday on Twitter .
`` Your 2020 Lineup !
... and this does n't even include the campground Plazas , '' the post reads .
The 2020 festival runs June 11-14 in Manchester , Tenn. Tickets go on sale Thursday at 12 p.m .
ET .
The festival kicks off June 11 with the Grand Ole Opry and special guests , including Andy Frasco , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooper & the Stampede .
Tool will headline the June 12 shows , with Miley Cyrus , Bassnectar , The 1975 , Run the Jewels , Glass Animals , Young the Giant , Megan Thee Stallion , Tipper and other acts to also perform .
Lizzo will perform June 13 , along with Flume , Oysterhead , Tenacious D , Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit , King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard , DaBaby , and Seven Lions .
Tame Impala will headline the June 14 shows , with Lana Del Rey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young Thug , Grace Potter , Flogging Molly , Rezz and other acts to perform .
Tool released Fear Inoculum , its first new album in 13 years , in August , and is in the midst of an accompanying tour .
Tame Impala will release its fourth studio album , The Slow Rush , on Feb. 14 .
Lizzo released her third studio album , Cuz I Love You , in April , and is nominated for eight awards at the 2020 Grammys .
She announced Sunday that she is taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many trolls . ''

Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Rock band Tool, singer Lizzo and psychedelic rock act Tame Impala will headline the 2020 Bonnaroo music festival.
Festival organizers announced a lineup for the four-day festival Tuesday on Twitter.
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"Your 2020 Lineup! ...and this doesn't even include the campground Plazas," the post reads.
The 2020 festival runs June 11-14 in Manchester, Tenn. Tickets go on sale Thursday at 12 p.m. ET.
The festival kicks off June 11 with the Grand Ole Opry and special guests, including Andy Frasco, Larkin Poe, Big Something and Liz Cooper & the Stampede.
Tool will headline the June 12 shows, with Miley Cyrus, Bassnectar, The 1975, Run the Jewels, Glass Animals, Young the Giant, Megan Thee Stallion, Tipper and other acts to also perform.
Lizzo will perform June 13, along with Flume, Oysterhead, Tenacious D, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, DaBaby, and Seven Lions.
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Tame Impala will headline the June 14 shows, with Lana Del Rey, Vampire Weekend, Leon Bridges, Young Thug, Grace Potter, Flogging Molly, Rezz and other acts to perform.
Tool released Fear Inoculum, its first new album in 13 years, in August, and is in the midst of an accompanying tour. Tame Impala will release its fourth studio album, The Slow Rush, on Feb. 14.
Lizzo released her third studio album, Cuz I Love You, in April, and is nominated for eight awards at the 2020 Grammys. She announced Sunday that she is taking a break from Twitter due to "too many trolls."


upi--2020-01-07--Nearly 10,000-foot-long pastry takes Guinness record in Mexico

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- A Mexican city claimed a Guinness World Record when bakeries teamed up to cook @ @ @ @ @ feet long .
The Yucatecan city of Tizimin celebrated the festival of Epiphany , or @ @ @ @ @ Christian celebration marking the biblical three kings ' visit to baby Jesus , on Monday @ @ @ @ @ Record for the longest line of breads .
The City Council enlisted three local bakeries @ @ @ @ @ up a pastry called rosca de reyes , aka Three Kings Bread , and arrange @ @ @ @ @ 9,974 feet long .
The bread took the Guinness record from the city of Saltillo @ @ @ @ @ cooked up a rosca de reyes measuring 6,776.3 feet long .

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Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A Mexican city claimed a Guinness World Record when bakeries teamed up to cook a festive pastry measuring 9,874 feet long.
The Yucatecan city of Tizimin celebrated the festival of Epiphany, or King's Day, a Christian celebration marking the biblical three kings' visit to baby Jesus, on Monday by taking the Guinness World Record for the longest line of breads.
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The City Council enlisted three local bakeries to work together to cook up a pastry called rosca de reyes, aka Three Kings Bread, and arrange it in a line measuring 9,974 feet long.
The bread took the Guinness record from the city of Saltillo, which in January 2019 cooked up a rosca de reyes measuring 6,776.3 feet long.


upi--2020-01-07--Astronomers develop better way to detect oxygen in alien atmospheres

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have developed a new way to detect oxygen in the faraway atmospheres of exoplanets , a breakthrough that could aid the search for alien life .
Oxygen exists naturally in the universe , but its presence in large quantities is theorized by some scientists to be rare .
On Earth , an abundance of oxygen is produced by living organisms like plants , algae and cyanobacteria , which use photosynthesis to turn sunlight into energy .
Scientists on the hunt for habitable planets and signs of life on exoplanets remain on the lookout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemical composition of distant atmospheres remains quite difficult .
Astronomers have pinned much of the hope for characterizing the atmospheres surrounding distant exoplanets on the James Webb Telescope .
But not everyone is convinced of the space telescope 's potential .
Now , in a new study published this week in the journal Nature Astronomy , scientists have detailed a new technique for using NASA 's James Webb Space Telescope to detect faraway oxygen molecules '' Before our work , oxygen at similar levels as on Earth was thought to be undetectable with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauchez , researcher at NASA 's Goddard Space Flight Center , said in a news release .
`` This oxygen signal is known since the early 1980s from Earth 's atmospheric studies but has never been studied for exoplanet research . ''
For the new study , scientists calculated how much infrared light is absorbed by collisions between oxygen molecules .
By measuring collision-induced absorptions in the infrared , authors of the new study claim James Webb will be able to help astronomers estimate oxygen levels in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the new technique could help researchers determine the value of oxygen as a marker for life .
There are problems with interpreting elevated oxygen as a signpost for life .
Some astronomers estimate oxygen could accumulate naturally in the atmospheres of exoplanets without living organisms .
To put this theory to the test , scientists would need to study oxygen levels in the atmospheres surrounding both potentially habitable and obviously uninhabitable exoplanets .
`` Oxygen is one of the most exciting molecules to detect because of its link with life , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only cause of oxygen in an atmosphere , '' said UC Riverside astrobiologist Edward Schwieterman .
`` This technique will allow us to find oxygen in planets both living and dead . ''
Some astronomers theorize that exoplanets with intimate orbits around their host stars and rapidly evaporating oceans could host atmospheres filled with water vapor .
Ultraviolet radiation could split water vapor into oxygen and hydrogen , with hydrogen atoms more likely to be lost to space -- thus , leaving behind a concentration of oxygen .
`` It is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planets generate atmospheric oxygen , so that we can better recognize when a planet is alive or not , '' Schwieterman said .

Some astronomers theorize that water worlds located close to their host stars could produce oxygen-rich atmospheres without being hospitable to life. Photo by NASA/ESA/M. Kornmesser
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Scientists have developed a new way to detect oxygen in the faraway atmospheres of exoplanets, a breakthrough that could aid the search for alien life. Oxygen exists naturally in the universe, but its presence in large quantities is theorized by some scientists to be rare. On Earth, an abundance of oxygen is produced by living organisms like plants, algae and cyanobacteria, which use photosynthesis to turn sunlight into energy. Advertisement
Scientists on the hunt for habitable planets and signs of life on exoplanets remain on the lookout for elevated oxygen levels, but studying chemical composition of distant atmospheres remains quite difficult.
Astronomers have pinned much of the hope for characterizing the atmospheres surrounding distant exoplanets on the James Webb Telescope. But not everyone is convinced of the space telescope's potential.
Now, in a new study published this week in the journal Nature Astronomy, scientists have detailed a new technique for using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to detect faraway oxygen molecules
"Before our work, oxygen at similar levels as on Earth was thought to be undetectable with Webb," lead study author Thomas Fauchez, researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a news release. "This oxygen signal is known since the early 1980s from Earth's atmospheric studies but has never been studied for exoplanet research."
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For the new study, scientists calculated how much infrared light is absorbed by collisions between oxygen molecules. By measuring collision-induced absorptions in the infrared, authors of the new study claim James Webb will be able to help astronomers estimate oxygen levels in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets.
More than just help scientists detect oxygen, the new technique could help researchers determine the value of oxygen as a marker for life.
There are problems with interpreting elevated oxygen as a signpost for life. Some astronomers estimate oxygen could accumulate naturally in the atmospheres of exoplanets without living organisms.
To put this theory to the test, scientists would need to study oxygen levels in the atmospheres surrounding both potentially habitable and obviously uninhabitable exoplanets.
"Oxygen is one of the most exciting molecules to detect because of its link with life, but we don't know if life is the only cause of oxygen in an atmosphere," said UC Riverside astrobiologist Edward Schwieterman. "This technique will allow us to find oxygen in planets both living and dead."
Some astronomers theorize that exoplanets with intimate orbits around their host stars and rapidly evaporating oceans could host atmospheres filled with water vapor. Ultraviolet radiation could split water vapor into oxygen and hydrogen, with hydrogen atoms more likely to be lost to space -- thus, leaving behind a concentration of oxygen.
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"It is important to know whether and how much dead planets generate atmospheric oxygen, so that we can better recognize when a planet is alive or not," Schwieterman said.


upi--2020-01-07--Rod Stewart announces North American summer tour

The singer will kick off the 21-city tour on July 21 at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls , @ @ @ @ @ a number of his signature hits from throughout his career .
Tickets go on sale @ @ @ @ @ time through Live Nation .
Stewart is also set to appear on Entertainment Tonight on @ @ @ @ @ birthday and to discuss the upcoming tour .
The music icon released in November You @ @ @ @ @ Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra .
The project was Stewart 's 10th No @ @ @ @ @ U.K .
Here is the full list of dates for Rod Stewart with special guest @ @ @ @ @ -- Woodlands , Texas , at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

Rod Stewart performs during the 80th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 28, 2012, in New York City. UPI /Monika Graff | License Photo
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Rod Stewart announced Tuesday a 2020 North American summer tour that will feature special guest Cheap Trick. The singer will kick off the 21-city tour on July 21 at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Advertisement
Stewart will perform a number of his signature hits from throughout his career. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. local time through Live Nation.
Stewart is also set to appear on Entertainment Tonight on Friday to celebrate his 75th birthday and to discuss the upcoming tour.
The music icon released in November You're In My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The project was Stewart's 10th No. 1 album in the U.K.
Here is the full list of dates for Rod Stewart with special guest Cheap Trick:
July 21 -- Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, at Blossom Music Center
July 24 -- Toronto, Canada, at Budweiser Stage
July 25 -- Clarkston, Mich., at DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 29 -- Saratoga Springs, N.Y., at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 31 -- Hershey, Pa., at Hersheypark Stadium
Aug. 1 -- Uncasville, Conn., at Mohegan Sun Arena
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Aug. 5 -- Bangor, Maine, at Darling's Waterfront Pavilion
Aug. 8 -- Atlantic City, N.J., at Mark G Etess Arena
Aug. 9 -- Mansfield, Mass., at Xfinity Center
Aug. 11 -- Holmdel, N.J., PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 14 -- Wantagh, N.Y., at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 15 -- Columbia, Md., at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug. 19 -- Nashville, Tenn., at Bridgestone Arena
Aug. 21 -- Raleigh, N.C., at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Aug. 22 -- Alpharetta, Ga., at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 26 -- Tampa, Fla., at Amalie Arena
Aug. 29 -- Fort Worth, Texas, at Dickies Arena
Aug. 30 -- Woodlands, Texas, at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sept. 2 -- Maryland Heights, Mo., at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Sept. 4 -- Cincinnati, Ohio, at Riverbend Music Center
Sept. 5 -- Tinley Park, Ill., at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre


upi--2020-01-07--Rascal Flatts to launch farewell tour in June

Frontman Gary LeVox , bassist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney shared plans for a final tour and new music during Tuesday 's episode of CBS This Morning .
`` 'Farewell ' means we really have n't had a break in 20 years , even had time to reflect , '' LeVox said .
`` Our fans have given us so much .
We 've achieved so many milestones in our career . ''
DeMarcus and Rooney said the tour is meant as a `` goodbye '' and a `` thank you '' to fans .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humble heart , '' Rooney said .
`` We do n't have any plans right now , '' DeMarcus added .
`` We want to take the year and focus on celebrating with our fans for 20 wonderful years . ''
LeVox , DeMarcus and Rooney denied anyone is sick or that there are tensions in the group .
The trio are leaving the future open to a reunion .
`` We make music , and that 's what we do .
We may do it again someday collectively , '' DeMarcus said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other . ''
Rascal Flatts confirmed it will release new music this year .
The group released its 10th studio album , Back to Us , in May 2017 .
Rascal Flatts confirmed plans for the farewell tour in an Instagram post Tuesday .
`` When we started out 20 years ago , we could not imagine all of the people , places and gifts we would encounter , '' the group wrote .
`` As we head out on the Rascal Flatts Farewell -- Life is a Highway Tour , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new journeys , and new beginnings . ''
Here 's the full list of dates for the Rascal Flatts Farewell -- Life is a Highway tour :

Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Country music group Rascal Flatts will launch a farewell tour in June.
Frontman Gary LeVox, bassist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney shared plans for a final tour and new music during Tuesday's episode of CBS This Morning.
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"'Farewell' means we really haven't had a break in 20 years, even had time to reflect," LeVox said. "Our fans have given us so much. We've achieved so many milestones in our career."
DeMarcus and Rooney said the tour is meant as a "goodbye" and a "thank you" to fans.
"It's our way of showing appreciation with a humble heart," Rooney said.
"We don't have any plans right now," DeMarcus added. "We want to take the year and focus on celebrating with our fans for 20 wonderful years."
LeVox, DeMarcus and Rooney denied anyone is sick or that there are tensions in the group. The trio are leaving the future open to a reunion.
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"We make music, and that's what we do. We may do it again someday collectively," DeMarcus said. "We all still love each other."
Rascal Flatts confirmed it will release new music this year. The group released its 10th studio album, Back to Us, in May 2017.
Rascal Flatts confirmed plans for the farewell tour in an Instagram post Tuesday.
"When we started out 20 years ago, we could not imagine all of the people, places and gifts we would encounter," the group wrote. "As we head out on the Rascal Flatts Farewell -- Life is a Highway Tour, there is no sadness. Just new chapters, new journeys, and new beginnings."
Here's the full list of dates for the Rascal Flatts Farewell -- Life is a Highway tour:
June 11 -- Indianapolis, Ind., at Ruoff Music Center
June 12 -- Detroit, Mich., at DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 13 -- Cincinnati, Ohio, at Riverbend Music Center
June 25 -- Chicago, Ill., at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
June 27 -- Pittsburgh, Pa., at S&T Bank Music Park
July 18 -- Dallas, Texas, at Dos Equis Pavilion
July 23 -- St. Louis, Mo., at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sept. 3 -- Toronto, Ontario, at Budweiser Stage
Sept. 4 -- Cleveland, Ohio, at Blossom Music Center
Sept. 5 -- Buffalo, N.Y., at Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sept. 10 -- Raleigh, N.C., at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Sept. 11 -- Virginia Beach, Va., at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Sept. 12 -- Washington, D.C., at Jiffy Lube Live
Sept. 17 -- Wantagh, N.Y., at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sept. 18 -- Boston, Mass., at Xfinity Center
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Sept. 19 -- Holmdel, N.J., at PNC Bank Arts Center
Oct. 1 -- Mountain View, Calif., at Shoreline Amphitheatre
Oct. 2 -- San Diego, Calif., at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Oct. 3 -- Irvine, Calif., at FivePoint Amphitheatre
Oct. 7 -- Denver, Colo., at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Oct. 9 -- Albuquerque, N.M., at Isleta Amphitheater
Oct. 10 -- Phoenix, Ariz., at Ak-Chin Pavilion
Oct. 15 -- Atlanta, Ga., at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Oct. 16 -- Tampa, Fla., at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Oct. 17 -- West Palm Beach, Fla., at Coral Sky Amphitheatre


upi--2020-01-07--Record heat killed almost 900 seniors in Britain last summer, report says

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- Two separate heat waves in Britain last summer killed nearly 1,000 elderly persons , health officials said in a new report Tuesday .
Oppressive periods of heat in June , July and August recorded some of the highest temperatures in British history and killed 892 people over the age of 65 , the report by Public Health England said .
The second heat wave , in late July , was the deadliest -- during which time Britain recorded the hottest temperature in its history , nearly 102 degrees Fahrenheit in Cambridge .
The report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded among the elderly in the first heat wave , but 572 were logged in the July period and 320 in late August .
`` Tragically , many of these deaths are likely to have been preventable , '' said Bob Ward , an expert at the London School of Economics ' Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change .
`` Many of the people who are killed by heat wave conditions die in their own homes or in care homes , '' he added , saying the government failed to set a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the hottest last summer were Britain 's Northeast , Southeast , East Midlands , Yorkshire , Humber and Greater London .
The Committee on Climate Change has called for changes in building codes that would keep homes and care facilities cooler without air conditioners .
Last summer saw the most heat-related deaths among elderly Britons since 2016 , when Public Health England reported more than 900 .

Nearly 900 Britons over the age of 65 died in two separate heat waves last summer, health officials said. File Photo by David Crosling/EPA-EFE
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Two separate heat waves in Britain last summer killed nearly 1,000 elderly persons, health officials said in a new report Tuesday. Oppressive periods of heat in June, July and August recorded some of the highest temperatures in British history and killed 892 people over the age of 65, the report by Public Health England said. Advertisement
The second heat wave, in late July, was the deadliest -- during which time Britain recorded the hottest temperature in its history, nearly 102 degrees Fahrenheit in Cambridge.
The report said no "excess deaths" were recorded among the elderly in the first heat wave, but 572 were logged in the July period and 320 in late August.
"Tragically, many of these deaths are likely to have been preventable," said Bob Ward, an expert at the London School of Economics' Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change.
"Many of the people who are killed by heat wave conditions die in their own homes or in care homes," he added, saying the government failed to set a clear plan for critical adjustments.
Regions that were the hottest last summer were Britain's Northeast, Southeast, East Midlands, Yorkshire, Humber and Greater London.
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The Committee on Climate Change has called for changes in building codes that would keep homes and care facilities cooler without air conditioners.
Last summer saw the most heat-related deaths among elderly Britons since 2016, when Public Health England reported more than 900.


upi--2020-01-07--Kim Jong Un visits fertilizer factory; no mention of weapons

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- Kim Jong Un turned his attention to the North Korean economy in his first public visit of the year to Sunchon Phosphate Fertilizer Factory .
Pyongyang 's state-controlled news agency KCNA reported Tuesday Kim visited the new fertilizer factory , which may be nearing completion , in South Pyongan Province .
The regime has previously condemned international sanctions and has claimed the state has overcome the embargoes through independent economic initiatives .
Kim is making his first known public appearance after Jan. 2 , when he visited Pyongyang 's Kumsusan Palace of the Sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States following the U.S. drone attack that killed Iranian commander Qassim Suleimani .
On Tuesday , KCNA said Kim stressed `` self-regeneration '' of North Korean workers .
`` I came to this factory to reiterate the importance of the Sunchon Phosphate Fertilizer Factory , one of the most significant targets of the Party among economic initiatives to be carried out in 2020 , '' Kim said , according to state media .
Kim 's outing to a production plant in North Korea comes at a time when the South has offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has turned down repeatedly in 2019 .
South Korea 's unification ministry said Tuesday the policy of inter-Korea cooperation remains unchanged , News 1 reported Tuesday .
`` We will make realizable inter-Korea cooperation through relevant ministries , '' a ministry source said , following President Moon Jae-in 's New Year 's address in the morning .
Moon had said he is willing to provide support for an independent inter-Korea relationship during his speech Tuesday .
The South Korean president said cooperation at the border , sports exchange and the relinking of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is willing to pursue to promote peace on the peninsula .
According to News 1 , South Korea has already sent invitations to North Korea 's weightlifting and table tennis teams to take part in championships in South Korea in 2020 .

A photo released by KCNA on Tuesday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting the Sunchon Phosphate Fertilizer Factory under construction in Sunchon, north of the capital Pyongyang, North Korea. Photo by KCNA/EPA-EFE
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un turned his attention to the North Korean economy in his first public visit of the year to Sunchon Phosphate Fertilizer Factory. Pyongyang's state-controlled news agency KCNA reported Tuesday Kim visited the new fertilizer factory, which may be nearing completion, in South Pyongan Province. Advertisement
The regime has previously condemned international sanctions and has claimed the state has overcome the embargoes through independent economic initiatives.
Kim is making his first known public appearance after Jan. 2, when he visited Pyongyang's Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. North Korea could be monitoring the United States following the U.S. drone attack that killed Iranian commander Qassim Suleimani.
On Tuesday, KCNA said Kim stressed "self-regeneration" of North Korean workers.
"I came to this factory to reiterate the importance of the Sunchon Phosphate Fertilizer Factory, one of the most significant targets of the Party among economic initiatives to be carried out in 2020," Kim said, according to state media.
Kim's outing to a production plant in North Korea comes at a time when the South has offered economic cooperation and assistance, which Pyongyang has turned down repeatedly in 2019.
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South Korea's unification ministry said Tuesday the policy of inter-Korea cooperation remains unchanged, News 1 reported Tuesday.
"We will make realizable inter-Korea cooperation through relevant ministries," a ministry source said, following President Moon Jae-in's New Year's address in the morning.
Moon had said he is willing to provide support for an independent inter-Korea relationship during his speech Tuesday.
The South Korean president said cooperation at the border, sports exchange and the relinking of an inter-Korea railroad are some of the projects he is willing to pursue to promote peace on the peninsula.
According to News 1, South Korea has already sent invitations to North Korea's weightlifting and table tennis teams to take part in championships in South Korea in 2020.


upi--2020-01-07--In photos: Tech highlights from CES 2020

President and CEO of Consumer Electronics Division of Samsung , HS Kim addresses the media during a Keynote presentation on @ @ @ @ @ Atoa/UPI

The Hyundai S-A1 air taxi is a joint venture with Uber to build the electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle for the ride-hailing service. Photo by James Atoa/UPI


upi--2020-01-07--Look: Maggie Sajak serves as letter-turner on 'Wheel of Fortune'

Sajak 's daughter , Maggie Sajak , 25 , helped out her dad 's longtime co-host and usual letter-turner , Vanna White , on the show Monday in Sajak 's absence .
`` He 's doing well , '' Maggie Sajak said of her dad .
`` From the perspective of his daughter , it was a scary experience , I 'm not gon na lie .
But he 's doing great and I know he 's so excited to be back next week . ''
Sajak returned to filming Dec. 5 but the show 's broadcast schedule has yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much in a filmed segment during Monday 's episode .
`` I was back from my surgery last week and had a wonderful time on the show , and I 'm not gon na be here this week .
It 's not that I 've had a relapse ; it 's just because of the technicalities of the taping order and all that , '' he said .
Sajak said on Good Morning America in December that his new episodes will begin airing the week of Jan. 13 .
Sajak told GMA he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergoing emergency surgery for a blocked intestine in November .
`` I 've actually felt ridiculously good for several weeks , '' he said .
`` I 've been back in the studio actually , doing shows .
Even spinning the wheel and , you know , nothing has popped .
So I think it 's OK. '' Sajak said his surgery was `` completely successful , '' with no lingering health issues .
`` I 'm as good or bad as new , and that 's great , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
They did n't remove that , so I 'll be selling vowels for a long time . ''
Sajak 's fellow game show host Alex Trebek , the host of Jeopardy !
, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March .
Trebek said in an ABC special last week that he 's rehearsed his final goodbye on the show .

Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Wheel of Fortune recruited a special guest letter-turner following host Pat Sajak's emergency surgery.
Sajak's daughter, Maggie Sajak, 25, helped out her dad's longtime co-host and usual letter-turner, Vanna White, on the show Monday in Sajak's absence.
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"He's doing well," Maggie Sajak said of her dad. "From the perspective of his daughter, it was a scary experience, I'm not gonna lie. But he's doing great and I know he's so excited to be back next week."
Sajak returned to filming Dec. 5 but the show's broadcast schedule has yet to catch up. Sajak explained as much in a filmed segment during Monday's episode.
"I was back from my surgery last week and had a wonderful time on the show, and I'm not gonna be here this week. It's not that I've had a relapse; it's just because of the technicalities of the taping order and all that," he said.
Sajak said on Good Morning America in December that his new episodes will begin airing the week of Jan. 13. Sajak told GMA he's "feelin' great" after undergoing emergency surgery for a blocked intestine in November.
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"I've actually felt ridiculously good for several weeks," he said. "I've been back in the studio actually, doing shows. Even spinning the wheel and, you know, nothing has popped. So I think it's OK."
Sajak said his surgery was "completely successful," with no lingering health issues.
"I'm as good or bad as new, and that's great," he said. "I still have my wits about me. They didn't remove that, so I'll be selling vowels for a long time."
Sajak's fellow game show host Alex Trebek, the host of Jeopardy!, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March. Trebek said in an ABC special last week that he's rehearsed his final goodbye on the show.


upi--2020-01-07--Goldman Sachs restructures to create consumer lending division

Jan. 7 ( UPI ) -- Investment giant Goldman Sachs said it 's reorganized its corporate structure in light of new moves into consumer lending , according to documents filed Tuesday with U.S. financial regulators .
The filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission showed the 150-year-old bank has created a new and separate corporate business segment for consumer lending operations called `` consumer and wealth management . ''
Its other three traditional business segments are now called investment banking , global markets and asset management .
Analysts said the structure more closely aligns Goldman Sachs ' corporate structure with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer lending .
The restructuring comes in advance of next week 's fourth-quarter earnings report and the company 's first investors day event later this month , and highlights a greater emphasis on growing its consumer-oriented businesses .
Goldman Sachs first made an aggressive move into the consumer lending space with the 2016 launch of its Marcus platform , which President David Solomon hopes to leverage and eventually offer consumer-facing services like checking accounts , payment solutions , credit cards , mortgages and auto loans and insurance products .
Last summer , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology giant and said in November it had lent about $ 10 billion in credit to cardholders .
Goldman Sachs also faced accusations of sexism over the credit limits extended to men and women .

The company detailed the restructuring in a filing Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Investment giant Goldman Sachs said it's reorganized its corporate structure in light of new moves into consumer lending, according to documents filed Tuesday with U.S. financial regulators. The filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission showed the 150-year-old bank has created a new and separate corporate business segment for consumer lending operations called "consumer and wealth management." Advertisement
Its other three traditional business segments are now called investment banking, global markets and asset management.
Analysts said the structure more closely aligns Goldman Sachs' corporate structure with other Wall Street institutions already active in consumer lending.
The restructuring comes in advance of next week's fourth-quarter earnings report and the company's first investors day event later this month, and highlights a greater emphasis on growing its consumer-oriented businesses.
Goldman Sachs first made an aggressive move into the consumer lending space with the 2016 launch of its Marcus platform, which President David Solomon hopes to leverage and eventually offer consumer-facing services like checking accounts, payment solutions, credit cards, mortgages and auto loans and insurance products.
Last summer, the company introduced the Apple Card with the technology giant and said in November it had lent about $10 billion in credit to cardholders. Goldman Sachs also faced accusations of sexism over the credit limits extended to men and women.


upi--2020-01-07--Medical paperwork costs $812B per year in U.S.

Jan. 7 -- Medical paperwork cost the United States $ 812 billion in 2017 and accounted for more than one-third of total spending for doctor visits , hospitals , long-term care and health insurance , according to a new study .
However , reducing medical paperwork expenses to the same levels as in Canada -- which has single-payer universal health care -- would have saved the nation more than $ 600 billion in 2017 , the researchers said .
`` Americans spend twice as much per person as Canadians on health care .
But instead of buying better care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and useless paperwork , '' said study lead author Dr. David Himmelstein .
He 's a professor at City University of New York 's Hunter College and lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School .
`` Before their single-payer reform , Canadians died younger than Americans , and their infant mortality rate was higher than ours .
Now Canadians live three years longer and their infant mortality rate is 22 percent lower than ours , '' Himmelstein said in a Physicians for a National Health Program news release .
`` Under Medicare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red tape and afford a Rolls Royce version of Canada 's system . ''
According to the study , health administration costs in 2017 were more than fourfold higher per person in the United States than in Canada -- $ 2,479 versus $ 551 per person .
And U.S. spending on insurers ' overhead was $ 844 per person compared with $ 146 per person in Canada .
Doctors , hospitals , and other health providers in the United States spent far more on administration because they have to bill multiple payers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the study noted .
For example , U.S. hospital administration cost $ 933 per person compared with $ 196 per person in Canada .
The study also said that U.S. doctor billing costs were much higher , at $ 465 a person , than in Canada at $ 87 a person .
Between 1999 and 2017 , administration 's share of overall U.S. health spending rose from 31 percent to 34.2 percent .
Most of that increase was due to the expanding role of private insurers in tax-funded programs such as Medicaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Private managed-care plans now enroll more than one-third of Medicare recipients and a majority of those on Medicaid/Medicare .
And Medicare and Medicaid now account for 52 percent of private insurers ' revenues , the investigators said .
Private insurers ' increasing involvement has increased overhead in those public programs .
Overhead accounts for 12 percent or more of premiums in private Medicare Advantage plans , compared with 2 percent of premiums in traditional Medicare 's overhead , a difference of at least $ 1,155 per enrollee annually , according to the researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care administrative costs , the authors said .
`` Medicare for All could save more than $ 600 billion each year on bureaucracy , and repurpose that money to cover America 's 30 million uninsured and eliminate copayments and deductibles for everyone , '' study senior author Dr. Steffie Woolhandler said in the release .
Woolhandler is a professor at Hunter College and lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School .
The study was published Jan. 6 in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine .
More information The Kaiser Family Foundation has more @ @ @ @

Researchers say that if methods similar to those used in Canada were adopted, the United States could save about $600 million per year on medical administration. Photo by bboellinger /Pixabay
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Medical paperwork cost the United States $812 billion in 2017 and accounted for more than one-third of total spending for doctor visits, hospitals, long-term care and health insurance, according to a new study. Reducing medical paperwork expenses to the same levels as in Canada -- which has single-payer universal healthcare -- would have saved the nation more than $600 billion in 2017, the researchers said. Advertisement
"Americans spend twice as much per person as Canadians on healthcare. But instead of buying better care, that extra spending buys us sky-high profits and useless paperwork," said study lead author Dr. David Himmelstein. He's a professor at City University of New York's Hunter College and a lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School.
"Before their single-payer reform, Canadians died younger than Americans, and their infant mortality rate was higher than ours. Now Canadians live three years longer, and their infant mortality rate is 22 percent lower than ours," Himmelstein said in a Physicians for a National Health Program news release. "Under Medicare for All, Americans could cut out the red tape and afford a Rolls Royce version of Canada's system."
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According to the study, health administration costs in 2017 were more than fourfold higher per person in the United States than in Canada -- $2,479 versus $551 per person. And U.S. spending on insurers' overhead was $844 per person compared with $146 per person in Canada.
Doctors, hospitals, and other health providers in the United States spent far more on administration because they have to bill multiple payers and cope with bureaucratic rules imposed by insurers, the study noted.
For example, U.S. hospital administration cost $933 per person compared with $196 per person in Canada.
The study also said that U.S. doctor billing costs were much higher, at $465 a person, than in Canada at $87 a person.
Between 1999 and 2017, administration's share of overall U.S. health spending rose from 31 percent to 34.2 percent. Most of that increase was due to the expanding role of private insurers in tax-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, the researchers said.
Private managed-care plans now enroll more than one-third of Medicare recipients and a majority of those on Medicaid/Medicare. And Medicare and Medicaid now account for 52 percent of private insurers' revenues, the investigators said.
Private insurers' increasing involvement has increased overhead in those public programs. Overhead accounts for 12 percent or more of premiums in private Medicare Advantage plans, compared with 2 percent of premiums in traditional Medicare's overhead, a difference of at least $1,155 per enrollee annually, according to the researchers.
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The estimates likely underestimate U.S. healthcare administrative costs, the authors said.
"Medicare for All could save more than $600 billion each year on bureaucracy, and repurpose that money to cover America's 30 million uninsured and eliminate co-payments and deductibles for everyone," study senior author Dr. Steffie Woolhandler said in the release.
Woolhandler is a professor at Hunter College and a lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School.
The study was published Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
More information The Kaiser Family Foundation has more on health costs.
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