upi--2020-05-20--IEA: New renewable energy to decline for the first time in 20 years

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Due to delays in construction caused by lockdown measures , the number of new renewable power installations worldwide will decline in 2020 for first time in 20 years , the International Energy Agency said Wednesday .
The IEA made the projection in its Renewable Market Update report .
Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis will result in a 13 percent decline in new renewable power capacity coming online this year -- some 167 gigawatts , the report said , although even the lower number represents a 6 percent growth in global capacity .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 and rebound to the level set in 2019 , mainly due to two new hydropower projects in China and a rush to build new renewable installations in the United States before tax credits expire .
`` The resilience of renewable electricity to the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis is good news but can not be taken for granted , '' said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol .
`` Countries are continuing to build new wind turbines and solar plants , but at a much slower pace . ''
Despite the demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep sight of the `` essential task of stepping up clean energy transitions to enable us to emerge from the crisis on a secure and sustainable path . ''
Recovery will be slower in more mature markets such as Europe , however , as global growth for 2020 and 2021 combined is expected to be 10 percent under the IEA 's previous forecast .
Wednesday 's outlook said solar installations will decline from 110 gigawatts in 2019 to 90 gigawatts this year , followed by a modest rebound in 2021 , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` mostly compensated for '' next year .
An analysis by the U.S. solar industry says it will employ 114,000 fewer workers by June than previously anticipated , a reduction to 2014 levels .

Renewable energy installations will decrease in 2020 for the first time in two decades, the IEA report said. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- Due to delays in construction caused by lockdown measures, the number of new renewable power installations worldwide will decline in 2020 for first time in 20 years, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday. The IEA made the projection in its Renewable Market Update report. Advertisement
Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis will result in a 13 percent decline in new renewable power capacity coming online this year -- some 167 gigawatts, the report said, although even the lower number represents a 6 percent growth in global capacity.
The growth pattern is forecast to quickly resume in 2021 and rebound to the level set in 2019, mainly due to two new hydropower projects in China and a rush to build new renewable installations in the United States before tax credits expire.
"The resilience of renewable electricity to the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis is good news but cannot be taken for granted," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. "Countries are continuing to build new wind turbines and solar plants, but at a much slower pace."
Despite the demand for renewable energy, Birol urged governments to keep sight of the "essential task of stepping up clean energy transitions to enable us to emerge from the crisis on a secure and sustainable path."
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Recovery will be slower in more mature markets such as Europe, however, as global growth for 2020 and 2021 combined is expected to be 10 percent under the IEA's previous forecast.
Wednesday's outlook said solar installations will decline from 110 gigawatts in 2019 to 90 gigawatts this year, followed by a modest rebound in 2021, while decreases in onshore wind power will be "mostly compensated for" next year.
An analysis by the U.S. solar industry says it will employ 114,000 fewer workers by June than previously anticipated, a reduction to 2014 levels.


upi--2020-05-20--Google celebrates Israel Kamakawiwo'ole with new Doodle

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Google is celebrating late singer-songwriter Israel 'IZ ' Kamakawiwo'ole with a new Doodle on what would have been his 61st birthday and in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the U.S. Kamakawiwo'ole was born in 1959 in a suburb of Honolulu .
He was raised in a native islander family who loved Hawaiian music .
At 10-years-old he started to carry his ukulele everywhere .
The musician , his brother and three friends , formed contemporary Hawaiian music group Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau , achieving success across 15 albums .
Kamakawiwo'ole recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cover of `` Somewhere Over the Rainbow . ''
The song has been featured in a number of films , television shows , commercials and remains on various Billboard charts to this day .
Google 's homepage features artwork of Kamakawiwo'ole alongside a play button that starts an animated music video of `` Somewhere Over the Rainbow . ''
The music video , directed by Doodler Sophie Diao , follows Kamakawiwo'ole 's life and how Hawaii continues to celebrate him .
`` Thank you , Israel , for providing the soundtrack for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world through your music , '' Google said .

May 20 (UPI) -- Google is celebrating late singer-songwriter Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole with a new Doodle on what would have been his 61st birthday and in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the U.S.
Kamakawiwo'ole was born in 1959 in a suburb of Honolulu. He was raised in a native islander family who loved Hawaiian music. At 10-years-old he started to carry his ukulele everywhere.
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The musician, his brother and three friends, formed contemporary Hawaiian music group Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, achieving success across 15 albums.
Kamakawiwo'ole recorded in 1988 his most famous track, a cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The song has been featured in a number of films, television shows, commercials and remains on various Billboard charts to this day.
Google's homepage features artwork of Kamakawiwo'ole alongside a play button that starts an animated music video of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
The music video, directed by Doodler Sophie Diao, follows Kamakawiwo'ole's life and how Hawaii continues to celebrate him.
"Thank you, Israel, for providing the soundtrack for Hawaii and for continuing to move hearts around the world through your music," Google said.


upi--2020-05-20--Ruby Rose quits 'Batwoman' ahead of Season 2

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Australian actress Ruby Rose has announced she will not return for a second season as the titular , openly gay heroine in The CW 's action-drama , Batwoman .
`` I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season , '' Rose said in a statement Tuesday .
`` This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast , crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles , '' she added .
`` I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schechter and Caroline Dries for not only giving me this incredible opportunity , but for welcoming me into the DC universe they have so beautifully created .
Thank you Peter Roth and Mark Pedowitz and the teams at Warner Bros. and The CW who put so much into the show and always believed in me .
Thank you to everyone who made Season 1 a success -- I am truly grateful . ''
Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television confirmed Rose 's departure and said they will recast another LGBTQ actress in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The CW and Berlanti Productions thank Ruby for her contributions to the success of our first season and wish her all the best , '' the production companies said in a statement .
`` The studio and network are firmly committed to Batwoman 's second season and long-term future , and we -- along with the show 's talented creative team -- look forward to sharing its new direction , including the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community , in the coming months . ''
Co-starring Rachel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Season 1 finale aired on Sunday .
The comic-book adaptation debuted in October and was renewed for a second season in January .
Rose is known for her roles in Orange is the New Black and The Meg .

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"Batwoman" star Ruby Rose has announced she will not return for Season 2. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- Australian actress Ruby Rose has announced she will not return for a second season as the titular, openly gay heroine in The CW's action-drama, Batwoman. "I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season," Rose said in a statement Tuesday. Advertisement
"This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles," she added. "I am beyond appreciative to Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Caroline Dries for not only giving me this incredible opportunity, but for welcoming me into the DC universe they have so beautifully created. Thank you Peter Roth and Mark Pedowitz and the teams at Warner Bros. and The CW who put so much into the show and always believed in me. Thank you to everyone who made Season 1 a success -- I am truly grateful."
Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television confirmed Rose's departure and said they will recast another LGBTQ actress in the role.
"Warner Bros. Television, The CW and Berlanti Productions thank Ruby for her contributions to the success of our first season and wish her all the best," the production companies said in a statement. "The studio and network are firmly committed to Batwoman's second season and long-term future, and we -- along with the show's talented creative team -- look forward to sharing its new direction, including the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community, in the coming months."
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Co-starring Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy and Dougray Scott, the Season 1 finale aired on Sunday.
The comic-book adaptation debuted in October and was renewed for a second season in January.
Rose is known for her roles in Orange is the New Black and The Meg.


upi--2020-05-20--Pastor Todd Tilghman wins Season 18 of 'The Voice'

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Todd Tilghman was crowned the winner on Tuesday 's finale of The Voice Season 18 .
Tilgham , 42 , is a Mississippi church pastor and father of eight children .
He was mentored by coach Blake Shelton .
`` MY DAD JUST WON THE VOICE !
!
!
!
!
# TheVoiceFinale , '' Eagan Tilghman tweeted after the show .
Todd Tilghman , who retweeted the post , beat out fellow finalists Thunderstorm Artis , CammWess , Toneisha Harris and Micah Iverson for the honor .
The final episode of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voice coaches Shelton , Kelly Clarkson , Nick Jonas and John Legend .
Jonas debuted `` Until We Meet Again , '' an original song he wrote for the finale .
The single is now available on digital platforms and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Feeding America .
Another highlight of the finale was a performance of Pete Townshend 's `` Let My Love Open the Door '' by the Top 9 artists from this season , along with Clarkson , Jonas , Legend , Shelton , and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this season of The Voice was taped at the stars ' and contestants ' homes in keeping with social-distancing practices intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed about 300,000 people worldwide .

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Todd Tilghman won Season 18 of "The Voice" on Tuesday night. Photo courtesy of NBC
May 20 (UPI) -- Todd Tilghman was crowned the winner on Tuesday's finale of The Voice Season 18. Tilgham, 42, is a Mississippi church pastor and father of eight children. He was mentored by coach Blake Shelton. Advertisement
"MY DAD JUST WON THE VOICE!!!!! #TheVoiceFinale," Eagan Tilghman tweeted after the show.
Todd Tilghman, who retweeted the post, beat out fellow finalists Thunderstorm Artis, CammWess, Toneisha Harris and Micah Iverson for the honor.
The final episode of the season featured remote performances by the finalists and Voice coaches Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas and John Legend.
Jonas debuted "Until We Meet Again," an original song he wrote for the finale. The single is now available on digital platforms and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Feeding America.
Another highlight of the finale was a performance of Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open the Door" by the Top 9 artists from this season, along with Clarkson, Jonas, Legend, Shelton, and former coaches CeeLo Green and Shakira.
Much of this season of The Voice was taped at the stars' and contestants' homes in keeping with social-distancing practices intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed about 300,000 people worldwide.
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Carson Daly hosted the show.


upi--2020-05-20--McDonald's workers striking Wednesday over COVID-19 conditions

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Hundreds of McDonald 's workers plan to strike on Wednesday , saying the fast-food chain has provided inadequate protection during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Workers in a number of cities are set to take part in the strike organized by the minimum-wage labor campaign `` Fight for $ 15 '' and supported by the Service Employees International Union ahead of the company 's annual shareholders meeting '' This is about choices , '' union President Mary Kay Henry said .
`` McDonald 's can do the right thing and protect its workers .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say McDonald 's workers in at least 16 states have contracted COVID-19 .
They cite a survey in which 42 percent of a sample of 800 workers said they were told by management not to wear gloves or face coverings and 46 percent said they reported to work despite feeling ill out of fear of discipline .
`` We are aware of scores of cases of COVID-19-positive workers in at least 16 states across the country .
Time and time again , McDonald 's has failed to swiftly close and disinfect stores following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open letter to McDonald 's CEO Chris Kempczinski states .
`` To make matters worse , your restaurants have also failed to promptly inform workers of exposure to the virus and to provide pay during quarantine . ''
Five McDonald 's workers in Chicago and four of their family members have also filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status , alleging that McDonald 's has n't provided enough masks , gloves and hand sanitizer to protect them from the outbreak .
McDonald 's says the strike is a strategically timed `` publicity stunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations made by the suit and strike organizers , saying it 's provided an `` ample supply '' of personal protective equipment .
`` We are grateful for the 850,000 individuals who are the heart and soul of every McDonald 's restaurant across the U.S. As a people business , providing a safe environment in the restaurants is a top priority , '' the company said in a statement Tuesday .
`` And we 're doing our part while keeping employees and customers safe .
Since the start of the pandemic , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our restaurants in accordance with guidance from the CDC and state and local health experts .
`` These include providing wellness and temperature checks , masks and gloves , social distancing guidelines , increased cleanings and installing protective barriers . ''
The strike Wednesday comes as McDonald 's prepares to reopen in-restaurant dining at locations nationwide .
`` As reopening begins in states across the country , we are implementing a 59-page 'playbook ' that outlines the precautions we are requiring before restaurants reopen dining rooms .
And we are confident that employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay to tend to their healthcare needs . ''
Workers at Amazon and its Whole Foods subsidiary conducted a worldwide `` sick-out '' in March to protest conditions and pay provided by the company and were similarly followed by workers at Target , Instacart , FedEx , Walmart and Shipt earlier this month .

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Striking McDonald's workers hold a motor march and protest to call out their employer's alleged "failed response" to the COVID-19 pandemic in Monterey Park, California on Wednesday. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- Hundreds of McDonald's workers plan to strike on Wednesday, saying the fast-food chain has provided inadequate protection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers in a number of cities are set to take part in the strike organized by the minimum-wage labor campaign "Fight for $15" and supported by the Service Employees International Union ahead of the company's annual shareholders meeting Advertisement
"This is about choices," union President Mary Kay Henry said. "McDonald's can do the right thing and protect its workers. It is choosing not to."
Organizers say McDonald's workers in at least 16 states have contracted COVID-19. They cite a survey in which 42 percent of a sample of 800 workers said they were told by management not to wear gloves or face coverings and 46 percent said they reported to work despite feeling ill out of fear of discipline.
"We are aware of scores of cases of COVID-19-positive workers in at least 16 states across the country. Time and time again, McDonald's has failed to swiftly close and disinfect stores following confirmed reports of COVID-19 employees," an open letter to McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski states. "To make matters worse, your restaurants have also failed to promptly inform workers of exposure to the virus and to provide pay during quarantine."
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Five McDonald's workers in Chicago and four of their family members have also filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status, alleging that McDonald's hasn't provided enough masks, gloves and hand sanitizer to protect them from the outbreak.
McDonald's says the strike is a strategically timed "publicity stunt" by labor organizers and denies the accusations made by the suit and strike organizers, saying it's provided an "ample supply" of personal protective equipment.
"We are grateful for the 850,000 individuals who are the heart and soul of every McDonald's restaurant across the U.S. As a people business, providing a safe environment in the restaurants is a top priority," the company said in a statement Tuesday.
"And we're doing our part while keeping employees and customers safe. Since the start of the pandemic, we have made nearly 50 process changes in our restaurants in accordance with guidance from the CDC and state and local health experts.
"These include providing wellness and temperature checks, masks and gloves, social distancing guidelines, increased cleanings and installing protective barriers."
The strike Wednesday comes as McDonald's prepares to reopen in-restaurant dining at locations nationwide.
"As reopening begins in states across the country, we are implementing a 59-page 'playbook' that outlines the precautions we are requiring before restaurants reopen dining rooms. And we are confident that employees impacted by the virus are receiving sick pay to tend to their healthcare needs."
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Workers at Amazon and its Whole Foods subsidiary conducted a worldwide "sick-out" in March to protest conditions and pay provided by the company and were similarly followed by workers at Target, Instacart, FedEx, Walmart and Shipt earlier this month.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-20--U.N. chief warns pandemic threatens African progress; cases near 5M

May 20 ( UPI ) -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday the coronavirus pandemic threatens Africa 's economic progress and could force millions into extreme poverty as the number of worldwide cases neared 5 million .
In a video message posted to his Twitter account to launch a new policy report on the impact of COVID-19 in Africa , Guterres said African nations have swiftly responded to the spread of the virus resulting in fewer cases than they had feared .
Since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Egypt on Feb. 14 , it has infected every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 84,000 infections and 2,500 deaths .
However , three-quarters of Africa 's countries have recorded fewer than 1,000 cases , but the figures do not represent the challenges the continent faces , the brief said .
`` The pandemic threatens African progress , '' Guterres said .
`` It will aggravate long-standing inequalities and heighten hunger , malnutrition and vulnerability to disease . ''
The pandemic has caused demand for Africa 's commodities , tourism and remittances to decline and the continent 's economic trade zone to close .
`` Millions could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
According to the report , the low case numbers relative to other regions have raised hopes that African countries may have missed the worst of the pandemic but the World Health Organization has warned that the virus could kill between 83,000 and 190,000 Africans depending on individual governments ' responses .
`` The WHO has stated that the virus and its impact could 'smolder ' for several years , '' it said .
Guterres commended the African government leaders for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19 but called on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health systems , maintain food supplies , support education , protect jobs , direct it from financial crisis and `` cushion '' it against lost income and export earnings .
He said countries should also offer African nations `` quick , equal and affordable '' access to any eventual vaccine or treatment , which should be viewed as a public good .
Guterres has been calling for a global response package to fight the virus equalling a minimum of 10 percent of the world 's gross domestic product , of which at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to alleviate the economic and social issues the pandemic causes .
In the video Wednesday , he urged for a comprehensive debt framework consisting of `` an across-the-board debt standstill for countries unable to service their debt followed by targeted debt relief and a comprehensive approach to structural issues in the international debt architecture to prevent defaults . ''
Guterres ' warning came as the number of COVID-19 cases crept closer to 5 million worldwide , according to a live tracker of the virus by Johns Hopkins University .
The virus was first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan late last year and has since traveled the world over .
The university reported early Wednesday that more than 4.9 million people had been infected with the virus , resulting in more than 323,000 deaths .

A young boy carries a bag of groceries in one hand and a toy gun in another in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 8. Photo by Kim Ludbrook/EPA-EFE
May 20 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday the coronavirus pandemic threatens Africa's economic progress and could force millions into extreme poverty as the number of worldwide cases neared 5 million. In a video message posted to his Twitter account to launch a new policy report on the impact of COVID-19 in Africa, Guterres said African nations have swiftly responded to the spread of the virus resulting in fewer cases than they had feared. Advertisement
Since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Egypt on Feb. 14, it has infected every African nation, resulting in more than 84,000 infections and 2,500 deaths.
However, three-quarters of Africa's countries have recorded fewer than 1,000 cases, but the figures do not represent the challenges the continent faces, the brief said.
"The pandemic threatens African progress," Guterres said. "It will aggravate long-standing inequalities and heighten hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability to disease."
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The pandemic has caused demand for Africa's commodities, tourism and remittances to decline and the continent's economic trade zone to close.
"Millions could be pushed into extreme poverty," he said.
According to the report, the low case numbers relative to other regions have raised hopes that African countries may have missed the worst of the pandemic but the World Health Organization has warned that the virus could kill between 83,000 and 190,000 Africans depending on individual governments' responses.
"The WHO has stated that the virus and its impact could 'smolder' for several years," it said.
#COVID19 threatens the important progress Africa has made in recent years to advance the well-being of the continent's people. Global solidarity with Africa is an urgent imperative - now & for recovering better.https://t.co/SF1YjkSenu pic.twitter.com/TMs4fVQN13— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 20, 2020
Guterres commended the African government leaders for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19 but called on the international community to strengthen the continent's health systems, maintain food supplies, support education, protect jobs, direct it from financial crisis and "cushion" it against lost income and export earnings.
He said countries should also offer African nations "quick, equal and affordable" access to any eventual vaccine or treatment, which should be viewed as a public good.
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Guterres has been calling for a global response package to fight the virus equalling a minimum of 10 percent of the world's gross domestic product, of which at least $200 billion will go to Africa to alleviate the economic and social issues the pandemic causes.
In the video Wednesday, he urged for a comprehensive debt framework consisting of "an across-the-board debt standstill for countries unable to service their debt followed by targeted debt relief and a comprehensive approach to structural issues in the international debt architecture to prevent defaults."
Guterres' warning came as the number of COVID-19 cases crept closer to 5 million worldwide, according to a live tracker of the virus by Johns Hopkins University.
The virus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and has since traveled the world over. The university reported early Wednesday that more than 4.9 million people had been infected with the virus, resulting in more than 323,000 deaths.


upi--2020-05-20--Coronavirus threatens America's political health, too

This column has raised many questions pertinent to the coronavirus .
Why , for example , has the U.S. stock market remained so vibrant despite record global unemployment and dramatic economic decline ?
Despite whatever President Donald Trump does , for good or ill , how does he sustain 42 to 43 percent levels of approval and support ?
And finally , why have the lessons of the economic boom that immediately followed the 1918-20 Spanish flu epidemic been ignored ?
A much more important question , however , needs addressing .
Is the greater danger posed by COVID-19 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health ?
In times of crisis , from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 , 1941 to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 , 2001 a divided nation unified to deal with the threat or danger .
Yet , the coronavirus pandemic has further divided the nation across party lines .
Some 80 percent of Republicans believe the Trump administration is responding well to the crisis .
An equal level of Democrats hold diametrically different views .
Similar partisan divisions reflect support for maintaining strict rules of physical distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need to reopen the economy in order to begin a recovery .
After Pearl Harbor , while a relatively tiny slice of Americans remained in opposition , the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats agreed on fighting a world war to defeat the existential threat of fascism .
After Sept. 11 , Republicans and Democrat coalesced on battling violent extremism and destroying al-Qaida .
That same unity is not only missing in action today , the coronavirus has exacerbated partisanship and animosity between the two political parties , further widening huge political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propose policies and strategies that rise above partisanship .
The coming election adds even more political gasoline to this conflagration .
As bad , given the Trump administration 's America first policies , international cooperation and coordination to defeat COVID-19 likewise are missing in action .
The United Nations , World Health Organization , G-7 , G-20 , Association of Southeast Asian Nations , European Union and NATO have been sidelined .
Given the growing conflicts with China over the handling of the coronavirus , IP theft , trade and other issues that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not good for greater international cooperation .
What is to be done ?
First , the virus has a huge and probably decisive vote .
If , over the next few weeks , reopening does not spark a spike in infections or a resurgence of the disease in America , many will understandably conclude the worst is over .
And if , later in the year , the pandemic does not cause a second wave of outbreaks , this conclusion will be reinforced .
Of course , America is not alone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southern Hemisphere has not experienced the same level of infections and contagion .
In the Northern Hemisphere , South Korea and China , among others , have experienced re-infections .
Nor has Europe seen the virus running its course .
Indeed , the Spanish flu became more virulent after 1918 and the first wave of infection .
That leaves two courses of action .
In the best case , the pandemic will be a short-run thing .
The likely response will be getting back to business as it was .
But that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now a persistent part of the environment .
Many of the jobs lost can not be restored .
Certain sectors of the economy , such as airlines , hospitality and real estate , will take more than a few years to recover .
If the virus does not recede , then returning to societal restrictions will persist until vaccines or treatments are found or coronavirus dissipates of its own accord .
The problem and reality , regardless of the course of action , are that partisanship and animosity are worsening .
Neither Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or non-partisan policies in the aftermath .
Presidential leadership is essential .
Donald Trump shows no sign nor interest of reconciling with Democrats .
A good start would be meeting with the speaker of the House for the first time in months .
The presumptive Democratic nominee , Joe Biden , has not put forward policies that could attract Republican support .
In fact , the current $ 3 trillion relief bill passed by the House has NO chance of becoming law .
Unless Biden is so inclined to cross the aisle as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect of making these partisan divides irreversible .
If that were to happen , then this disease 's real danger will be imposing irreparable damage to the nation 's political health rather than only to the nation 's physical health .
Harlan Ullman is UPI 's Arnaud deBorchgrave Distinguished Columnist .
He is senior advisor at the Atlantic Council .
His latest book is `` Anatomy of Failure : Why America Loses Every War It Starts . ''

President Donald Trump shows no sign nor interest of reconciling with Democrats. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
This column has raised many questions pertinent to the coronavirus. Why, for example, has the U.S. stock market remained so vibrant despite record global unemployment and dramatic economic decline? Despite whatever President Donald Trump does, for good or ill, how does he sustain 42 to 43 percent levels of approval and support? And finally, why have the lessons of the economic boom that immediately followed the 1918-20 Spanish flu epidemic been ignored? A much more important question, however, needs addressing. Is the greater danger posed by COVID-19 to America's political health, rather than public health? In times of crisis, from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 a divided nation unified to deal with the threat or danger. Yet, the coronavirus pandemic has further divided the nation across party lines. Some 80 percent of Republicans believe the Trump administration is responding well to the crisis. An equal level of Democrats hold diametrically different views. Advertisement Advertisement
Similar partisan divisions reflect support for maintaining strict rules of physical distancing and keeping the economy shut down and the need to reopen the economy in order to begin a recovery. After Pearl Harbor, while a relatively tiny slice of Americans remained in opposition, the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats agreed on fighting a world war to defeat the existential threat of fascism. After Sept. 11, Republicans and Democrat coalesced on battling violent extremism and destroying al-Qaida.
That same unity is not only missing in action today, the coronavirus has exacerbated partisanship and animosity between the two political parties, further widening huge political divides. Neither party is prepared to propose policies and strategies that rise above partisanship. The coming election adds even more political gasoline to this conflagration.
As bad, given the Trump administration's America first policies, international cooperation and coordination to defeat COVID-19 likewise are missing in action. The United Nations, World Health Organization, G-7, G-20, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, European Union and NATO have been sidelined. Given the growing conflicts with China over the handling of the coronavirus, IP theft, trade and other issues that seem to be worsening, the outlook is not good for greater international cooperation.
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What is to be done? First, the virus has a huge and probably decisive vote. If, over the next few weeks, reopening does not spark a spike in infections or a resurgence of the disease in America, many will understandably conclude the worst is over. And if, later in the year, the pandemic does not cause a second wave of outbreaks, this conclusion will be reinforced.
Of course, America is not alone in battling this pandemic. Thus far, the Southern Hemisphere has not experienced the same level of infections and contagion. In the Northern Hemisphere, South Korea and China, among others, have experienced re-infections. Nor has Europe seen the virus running its course. Indeed, the Spanish flu became more virulent after 1918 and the first wave of infection.
That leaves two courses of action. In the best case, the pandemic will be a short-run thing. The likely response will be getting back to business as it was. But that cannot happen. The virus is now a persistent part of the environment. Many of the jobs lost cannot be restored. Certain sectors of the economy, such as airlines, hospitality and real estate, will take more than a few years to recover.
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If the virus does not recede, then returning to societal restrictions will persist until vaccines or treatments are found or coronavirus dissipates of its own accord. The problem and reality, regardless of the course of action, are that partisanship and animosity are worsening. Neither Republicans nor Democrats are likely to embrace bi- or non-partisan policies in the aftermath.
Presidential leadership is essential. Donald Trump shows no sign nor interest of reconciling with Democrats. A good start would be meeting with the speaker of the House for the first time in months.
The presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, has not put forward policies that could attract Republican support. In fact, the current $3 trillion relief bill passed by the House has NO chance of becoming law. Unless Biden is so inclined to cross the aisle as president, coronavirus may have the longlasting effect of making these partisan divides irreversible.
If that were to happen, then this disease's real danger will be imposing irreparable damage to the nation's political health rather than only to the nation's physical health.
Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud deBorchgrave Distinguished Columnist. He is senior advisor at the Atlantic Council. His latest book is "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Loses Every War It Starts."
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COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-05-20--China, Taiwan tensions escalate after Tsai Ing-wen speech

May 20 ( UPI ) -- China warned Taiwan on Wednesday after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said she rejects Beijing 's demand Taipei reunify with China under the `` one country two systems '' proposal that does not recognize Taiwanese sovereignty .
Ma Xiaoguang , a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of Beijing 's State Council , condemned Tsai 's Democratic Progressive Party , after she was sworn in for a second four-year term , China Central Television reported .
Ma said Tsai and ruling party politicians do not recognize the 1992 Consensus , when both sides of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one China .
By refusing to acknowledge past political agreements , Taipei is `` unilaterally damaging the political foundations of cross-strait ties , '' Ma said , according to Chinese state media .
Tsai , who enjoys a near-75 percent approval rating following Taiwan 's successful containment of COVID-19 , had said any mainland policy that does not place Taiwan on equal footing with Beijing is unacceptable .
`` Here , I want to reiterate the words 'peace , parity , democracy , and dialogue . '
We will not accept the Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two systems ' to downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo .
We stand fast by this principle , '' Tsai had said Wednesday .
Chao Chun-shan , a professor of China Studies at Tamkang University in Taiwan , told Taiwan 's Central News Agency Tsai 's speech did not contain any provocative content that would disturb bilateral relations .
While referring to Chinese leader Xi Jinping , Tsai had said she hopes the `` leader on the other side of the strait will take on the same responsibility , and work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the long-term development of cross-strait relations , '' according to the Financial Times on Wednesday .
Chao said the `` leader on the other side '' phrase could be interpreted as extending an olive branch to Xi .
Cross-strait relations have deteriorated since Tsai first assumed office in 2016 .
Meanwhile , the United States has stepped up expressions of support for Taiwan in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic .

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (C) was sworn in before the portrait of former Taiwan President Sun Yat-sen on Wednesday following her reelection as president. Photo by Taiwan Presidential Office/EPA-EFE
May 20 (UPI) -- China warned Taiwan on Wednesday after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said she rejects Beijing's demand Taipei reunify with China under the "one country two systems" proposal that does not recognize Taiwanese sovereignty. Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of Beijing's State Council, condemned Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party, after she was sworn in for a second four-year term, China Central Television reported. Advertisement
Ma said Tsai and ruling party politicians do not recognize the 1992 Consensus, when both sides of the Taiwan Strait agreed that there is only one China. By refusing to acknowledge past political agreements, Taipei is "unilaterally damaging the political foundations of cross-strait ties," Ma said, according to Chinese state media.
Tsai, who enjoys a near-75 percent approval rating following Taiwan's successful containment of COVID-19, had said any mainland policy that does not place Taiwan on equal footing with Beijing is unacceptable.
"Here, I want to reiterate the words 'peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue.' We will not accept the Beijing authorities' use of 'one country, two systems' to downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo. We stand fast by this principle," Tsai had said Wednesday.
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Chao Chun-shan, a professor of China Studies at Tamkang University in Taiwan, told Taiwan's Central News Agency Tsai's speech did not contain any provocative content that would disturb bilateral relations.
While referring to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Tsai had said she hopes the "leader on the other side of the strait will take on the same responsibility, and work with [Taiwan] to jointly stabilize the long-term development of cross-strait relations," according to the Financial Times on Wednesday.
Chao said the "leader on the other side" phrase could be interpreted as extending an olive branch to Xi.
Cross-strait relations have deteriorated since Tsai first assumed office in 2016. Meanwhile, the United States has stepped up expressions of support for Taiwan in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-05-20--Students return to school in South Korea amid COVID-19 concerns

SEOUL , May 20 ( UPI ) -- Life in South Korea took another step toward a new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday as high school seniors returned for their first day back to the classroom following a delay of nearly three months .
Some 450,000 students showed up to schools that have been prepared with disease-control measures that include temperature checks , frequent disinfection and distancing in classrooms and cafeterias .
The seniors were the first wave of students to come back , with all of South Korea 's 5.5 million elementary , middle and high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 8 .
As they entered their schools for the first time after the March 2 start of the school year was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic , students were greeted by smiling faculty who took their temperatures and sprayed sanitizer on their hands .
`` After only studying at home and at the reading room , seeing friends and teachers at school motivates me more to concentrate on my studies , '' said Seoul high school senior Lee Yeon-jae .
School resumed with online classes on April 9 , but Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus on her studies and added to her anxiety about upcoming college entrance exams .
The grueling , once-a-year test is widely seen as a pivotal moment in South Korean life and most students spend long hours cramming for it after school .
The Collegiate Scholastic Aptitude Test , also known as Suneung , is usually held in mid-November but it has been pushed back to Dec. 3 this year .
Under the new COVID-19 prevention guidelines , students and teachers are required to wear face masks in school , while desks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic dividers and windows will be opened to ventilate classrooms .
Students are prohibited from talking during lunch , and temperatures will be checked regularly via digital thermometers and thermal scanners .
Anyone with a temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or displaying other respiratory symptoms will not be permitted to stay at school .
If a positive coronavirus test result is returned , the school will be closed and classes will resume online .
Lee said she was still nervous about returning to class .
`` Although the school says they will maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as possible , I am worried because there is a high possibility of a new cluster infection if anyone catches coronavirus in the classroom , '' she said .
At Kyungbock High School in downtown Seoul , city school superintendent Cho Hee-yeon was on hand Wednesday morning to welcome students back and take their temperatures with a digital thermometer on their way onto the campus .
Cho told reporters that he was `` praying that not one confirmed student will come out of the 2,200 schools '' in Seoul .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation , where we are pursuing both study and prevention at the same time . ''
South Korea loosened its social distancing guidelines in early May , allowing for increased social and economic activity .
Schools were originally scheduled to reopen last week , but that date was pushed back due to a COVID-19 outbreak centered around nightclubs in Seoul .
Health officials said earlier this week that the infection 's spread was under control , but South Korea saw its daily total of new cases jump to 32 on Wednesday .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater Seoul area , where cases had dropped to single digits in recent days .
In the city of Incheon , which neighbors Seoul , students from 66 high schools were sent home before lunchtime after two students tested positive for COVID-19 .
The total number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea reached 11,110 on Wednesday , according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

1/5
Seoul school superintendent Cho Hee-yeon takes the temperature of a student returning to Kyungbock High School in downtown Seoul on Wednesday. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI
SEOUL, May 20 (UPI) -- Life in South Korea took another step toward a new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday as high school seniors returned for their first day back to the classroom following a delay of nearly three months. Some 450,000 students showed up to schools that have been prepared with disease-control measures that include temperature checks, frequent disinfection and distancing in classrooms and cafeterias. The seniors were the first wave of students to come back, with all of South Korea's 5.5 million elementary, middle and high school students scheduled to return in stages by June 8. Advertisement
As they entered their schools for the first time after the March 2 start of the school year was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students were greeted by smiling faculty who took their temperatures and sprayed sanitizer on their hands.
Advertisement
"After only studying at home and at the reading room, seeing friends and teachers at school motivates me more to concentrate on my studies," said Seoul high school senior Lee Yeon-jae.
School resumed with online classes on April 9, but Lee said that the format made it harder to focus on her studies and added to her anxiety about upcoming college entrance exams. The grueling, once-a-year test is widely seen as a pivotal moment in South Korean life and most students spend long hours cramming for it after school.
The Collegiate Scholastic Aptitude Test, also known as Suneung, is usually held in mid-November but it has been pushed back to Dec. 3 this year.
Under the new COVID-19 prevention guidelines, students and teachers are required to wear face masks in school, while desks and cafeteria tables have been equipped with plastic dividers and windows will be opened to ventilate classrooms. Students are prohibited from talking during lunch, and temperatures will be checked regularly via digital thermometers and thermal scanners.
Anyone with a temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or displaying other respiratory symptoms will not be permitted to stay at school. If a positive coronavirus test result is returned, the school will be closed and classes will resume online.
Advertisement
Lee said she was still nervous about returning to class.
"Although the school says they will maintain the precautionary measures and social distancing as much as possible, I am worried because there is a high possibility of a new cluster infection if anyone catches coronavirus in the classroom," she said.
At Kyungbock High School in downtown Seoul, city school superintendent Cho Hee-yeon was on hand Wednesday morning to welcome students back and take their temperatures with a digital thermometer on their way onto the campus.
Cho told reporters that he was "praying that not one confirmed student will come out of the 2,200 schools" in Seoul.
He added that schools were facing a "tense situation, where we are pursuing both study and prevention at the same time."
South Korea loosened its social distancing guidelines in early May, allowing for increased social and economic activity. Schools were originally scheduled to reopen last week, but that date was pushed back due to a COVID-19 outbreak centered around nightclubs in Seoul.
Health officials said earlier this week that the infection's spread was under control, but South Korea saw its daily total of new cases jump to 32 on Wednesday. Most of the patients were concentrated in the greater Seoul area, where cases had dropped to single digits in recent days.
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In the city of Incheon, which neighbors Seoul, students from 66 high schools were sent home before lunchtime after two students tested positive for COVID-19.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea reached 11,110 on Wednesday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


upi--2020-05-20--Climate change, algae to turn Antarctica's coast green

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Green snow algae is likely to become more abundant across Antarctica 's coast as global temperatures continue to rise , according to research by a team of scientists from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey .
To better understand the effects of climate conditions on algae growth patterns , researchers constructed a large-scale map of green snow blooms .
Each individual algae is microscopic , but when they grow en mass , they stain the snow green .
The blooms can be mapped using aerial surveys and satellite images .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green snow growth patterns , scientists say they can predict how climate change will influence future blooms .
`` This is a significant advance in our understanding of land-based life on Antarctica , and how it might change in the coming years as the climate warms , '' lead researcher Matt Davey , a plant physiologist and chemical ecologist at Cambridge , said in a news release .
`` Snow algae are a key component of the continent 's ability to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis . ''
The latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journal Nature Communications , confirmed green snow algae blooms are most frequently found when temperatures hover above zero degrees Celsius .
Researchers created their map using images captured between 2017 and 2019 by the European Space Agency 's Sentinel 2 satellite .
Scientists supplemented the satellite data with on-the-ground field observations .
Some of the largest splotches of green were found islands along west coast of the Antarctica Peninsula , where warming has been most pronounced over the last several decades .
In addition to the correlation between green snow blooms and warmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between coastal algae blooms and the presence of marine birds and mammals -- bird excrement is rich in nutrients that fuel algae growth .
More than 60 percent of the green snow blooms analyzed by scientists were found within a few miles of penguin colonies , and many other large blooms were identified near the nesting sites of other bird species .
While warming temperatures are likely to encourage larger green snow algae blooms across most of the Antarctic , climate change is likely to leave at least some low-lying islands without summertime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their green snow blooms .
`` As Antarctica warms , we predict the overall mass of snow algae will increase , as the spread to higher ground will significantly outweigh the loss of small island patches of algae , '' said Cambridge researcher Andrew Gray , lead author of the new paper .
Larger green snow algae blooms could help pull carbon dioxide from the air .
Like plants , microscopic algae capture CO2 and emit oxygen as part of the photosynthesis process .

Cambridge University researcher Matt Davey samples green snow algae on Lagoon Island in Antarctica. Photo by Sarah Vincent
May 20 (UPI) -- Green snow algae is likely to become more abundant across Antarctica's coast as global temperatures continue to rise, according to research by a team of scientists from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey. To better understand the effects of climate conditions on algae growth patterns, researchers constructed a large-scale map of green snow blooms. Advertisement
Each individual algae is microscopic, but when they grow en mass, they stain the snow green. The blooms can be mapped using aerial surveys and satellite images.
By tracking links between local weather conditions and green snow growth patterns, scientists say they can predict how climate change will influence future blooms.
"This is a significant advance in our understanding of land-based life on Antarctica, and how it might change in the coming years as the climate warms," lead researcher Matt Davey, a plant physiologist and chemical ecologist at Cambridge, said in a news release. "Snow algae are a key component of the continent's ability to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis."
The latest mapping effort, detailed Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications, confirmed green snow algae blooms are most frequently found when temperatures hover above zero degrees Celsius.
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Researchers created their map using images captured between 2017 and 2019 by the European Space Agency's Sentinel 2 satellite. Scientists supplemented the satellite data with on-the-ground field observations. Some of the largest splotches of green were found on islands along the west coast of the Antarctica Peninsula, where warming has been most pronounced over the last several decades.
In addition to the correlation between green snow blooms and warmer temperatures, researchers also found a link between coastal algae blooms and the presence of marine birds and mammals -- bird excrement is rich in nutrients that fuel algae growth.
More than 60 percent of the green snow blooms analyzed by scientists were found within a few miles of penguin colonies, and many other large blooms were identified near the nesting sites of other bird species.
While warming temperatures are likely to encourage larger green snow algae blooms across most of the Antarctic, climate change is likely to leave at least some low-lying islands without summertime snow cover, robbing the islands of their green snow blooms.
"As Antarctica warms, we predict the overall mass of snow algae will increase, as the spread to higher ground will significantly outweigh the loss of small island patches of algae," said Cambridge researcher Andrew Gray, lead author of the new paper.
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Larger green snow algae blooms could help pull carbon dioxide from the air. Like plants, microscopic algae capture CO2 and emit oxygen as part of the photosynthesis process.


upi--2020-05-20--Justice Dept.: California pandemic plan discriminates against churches

May 20 ( UPI ) -- The Justice Department has told California Gov .
Gavin Newsom that his plan to reopen the state violates the Constitution as it discriminates against churches .
In a letter sent to the governor on Tuesday , Eric Dreiband , assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department , said guidelines for reopening from measures put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus should allow churches to conduct limited in-person services similar to other secular businesses .
According to the state 's four-stage plan , churches are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while schools , restaurants , factories and businesses may reopen and welcome customers if they enforce social distancing practices .
This discriminates against religious exercise , Dreiband said .
`` Simply put , there is no pandemic exception to the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights , '' he wrote in the letter .
Dreiband told Newsom the Justice Department is not seeking to tell the state what degree of activity should be allowed to protect its citizens but that they are there to ensure the rules are legal .
`` Whichever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil rights protections mandate equal treatment of persons and activities of a secular and religious nature , '' he said .
Newsom on Monday announced the easing of lockdown measures that would allow some counties to move to the second phase of California 's reopening plan .
On Tuesday , Assemblymembers Kevin Kiley and James Gallagher submitted a resolution to terminate Newsom 's executive powers that he used to institute lockdown measures .
In mid-March , California became the first state to order residents to stay home in order to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution is to `` restore a proper balance between the legislative and executive branches . ''
`` The Emergency Services Act was designed to grant extraordinary powers to a governor under conditions of extreme peril , '' Kiley said in a statement .
`` It was not meant to give a single person the ability to remake all of California law indefinitely .
An open-ended state of emergency , with boundless powers vested in a chief executive , is incompatible with a democratic government . ''
The letter was sent amid a rash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders .
On Monday , the Oregon Supreme Court ruled all executive orders issued by Gov .
Kate Brown were `` null and void '' as she exceeded her authority .
Last week , the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Gov .
Tony Evers ' stay-at-home order , stating his administration had overstepped and excluded the public from the lawmaking process .
Protests in some states have erupted over stay-at-home orders put in place to curb coronavirus infections , which have exceeded 1.5 million in the United States , making it by far the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , the state 's attorney general , Ken Paxton , warned local governments earlier this month that their emergency measures , such as mandating face coverings , were unlawful .
The litigations follow Attorney General William Barr instructing local prosecutors last month to be on the watch for COVID-19 measures that may violate the Constitution and the rights of citizens .

Parishioners use a drive-through on April 5 to partake in the sacrament of communion at the Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, Calif. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- The Justice Department has told California Gov. Gavin Newsom that his plan to reopen the state violates the Constitution as it discriminates against churches. In a letter sent to the governor on Tuesday, Eric Dreiband, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department, said guidelines for reopening from measures put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus should allow churches to conduct limited in-person services similar to other secular businesses. Advertisement
According to the state's four-stage plan, churches are allowed to offer faith-based services only through streaming technology while schools, restaurants, factories and businesses may reopen and welcome customers if they enforce social distancing practices.
This discriminates against religious exercise, Dreiband said.
"Simply put, there is no pandemic exception to the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights," he wrote in the letter.
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Dreiband told Newsom the Justice Department is not seeking to tell the state what degree of activity should be allowed to protect its citizens but that they are there to ensure the rules are legal.
"Whichever level of restrictions you adopt, these civil rights protections mandate equal treatment of persons and activities of a secular and religious nature," he said.
DOJ's letter to CA Gov. Newsom on civil rights and the covid-19 pandemic. "We believe that the Constitution calls for California to do more to accommodate religious worship, including in Stage 2 of the Reopening Plan." pic.twitter.com/8A4D95QKxs— KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) May 19, 2020
Newsom on Monday announced the easing of lockdown measures that would allow some counties to move to the second phase of California's reopening plan.
On Tuesday, Assemblymembers Kevin Kiley and James Gallagher submitted a resolution to terminate Newsom's executive powers that he used to institute lockdown measures.
In mid-March, California became the first state to order residents to stay home in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Kiley said their resolution is to "restore a proper balance between the legislative and executive branches."
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"The Emergency Services Act was designed to grant extraordinary powers to a governor under conditions of extreme peril," Kiley said in a statement. "It was not meant to give a single person the ability to remake all of California law indefinitely. An open-ended state of emergency, with boundless powers vested in a chief executive, is incompatible with a democratic government."
The letter was sent amid a rash of legal challenges against states' lockdown orders.
On Monday, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled all executive orders issued by Gov. Kate Brown were "null and void" as she exceeded her authority.
Last week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Gov. Tony Evers' stay-at-home order, stating his administration had overstepped and excluded the public from the lawmaking process.
Protests in some states have erupted over stay-at-home orders put in place to curb coronavirus infections, which have exceeded 1.5 million in the United States, making it by far the worst-hit country by the pandemic.
In Texas, the state's attorney general, Ken Paxton, warned local governments earlier this month that their emergency measures, such as mandating face coverings, were unlawful.
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The litigations follow Attorney General William Barr instructing local prosecutors last month to be on the watch for COVID-19 measures that may violate the Constitution and the rights of citizens.


upi--2020-05-20--Professor experimented with cats illegally, South Korea animal activists say

May 20 ( UPI ) -- A South Korean pet rescue group has charged a professor at an elite university of illegally experimenting with cats in a laboratory .
The Beagle Rescue Network , an NGO dedicated to rescuing lab animals and protecting animal welfare , said Wednesday outside the Seoul Central District Prosecutors ' Office the group has filed a suit with the office , citing professional misconduct , Yonhap and News 1 reported Wednesday .
`` We are filing a motion against the Seoul National University Hospital and otolaryngologist Prof. [ name withheld ] for the violation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Animal Protection Law , '' the group told reporters .
According to the NGO , in 2018 the defendant conducted an experiment on six cats without sedation or anesthesia .
The defendant was developing an artificial cochlear .
Seoul National University Hospital has defended the experiment and has said the cats were `` euthanized using an anesthetic . ''
The Beagle Rescue Network is challenging the claim .
It said Wednesday there is no record the cats were sedated , referring to data from South Korea 's Ministry of Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Hospital should also be held accountable for the experiment .
There is circumstantial evidence cats used in the test at the hospital were acquired from a private farm .
There is also a need to investigate whether the lab used strays or abandoned animals , in violation of local laws , the group said .
According to Yonhap , the Seoul National University Hospital research team had conducted a study of the relationship between the cerebral auditory cortex and cochlear implants .
The experiment required damaging the cat 's hearing organs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat 's skull , the report says .

Cats used in a medical experiment at a South Korea university were subject to an illegal experiment, a South Korean animal welfare group said Wednesday. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- A South Korean pet rescue group has charged a professor at an elite university of illegally experimenting with cats in a laboratory. The Beagle Rescue Network, an NGO dedicated to rescuing lab animals and protecting animal welfare, said Wednesday outside the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office the group has filed a suit with the office, citing professional misconduct, Yonhap and News 1 reported Wednesday. Advertisement
"We are filing a motion against the Seoul National University Hospital and otolaryngologist Prof. [name withheld] for the violation of drug laws and [South Korea's] Animal Protection Law," the group told reporters.
According to the NGO, in 2018 the defendant conducted an experiment on six cats without sedation or anesthesia. The defendant was developing an artificial cochlear.
Seoul National University Hospital has defended the experiment and has said the cats were "euthanized using an anesthetic."
The Beagle Rescue Network is challenging the claim. It said Wednesday there is no record the cats were sedated, referring to data from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The NGO added Seoul National University Hospital should also be held accountable for the experiment.
There is circumstantial evidence cats used in the test at the hospital were acquired from a private farm. There is also a need to investigate whether the lab used strays or abandoned animals, in violation of local laws, the group said.
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According to Yonhap, the Seoul National University Hospital research team had conducted a study of the relationship between the cerebral auditory cortex and cochlear implants.
The experiment required damaging the cat's hearing organs, then inserting an artificial device inside the cat's skull, the report says.


upi--2020-05-20--Obesity increases odds for lung clots with COVID-19

Obesity makes COVID-19 worse and may lead to deadly blood clots in the lungs , a new study finds .
The researchers said that obese patients with COVID-19 may have nearly three times the risk of developing what is known as a pulmonary embolism .
`` Clinicians can utilize our findings to aid in determining which patients should have evaluation for pulmonary embolism with pulmonary CT angiography , as the symptoms for COVID-19 and pulmonary embolism overlap , '' said lead researcher Dr. Neo Poyiadi , from the department of diagnostic radiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompt treatment with anticoagulation and minimize clinical problems , '' he said .
Hospitalized obese patients with COVID-19 should be evaluated for increases in clotting indicated by a rising D-dimer -- a blood test for clotting .
According to the study , 22 percent of 328 patients suffering from COVID-19 who had a CT scan angiography had a pulmonary embolism .
Researchers also found that patients taking statins to lower cholesterol before coming down with COVID-19 were less likely to have a pulmonary embolism .
`` Further studies are needed to determine if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embolism in COVID-19 patients , '' Poyiadi said .
Poyiadi added that a recent study suggests that COVID-19 patients should be placed on blood thinners to prevent clotting .
Obesity may make COVID-19 worse because it 's associated with an increase in inflammation .
Inflammation also increases the risk of clotting .
The report was published online May 14 in the journal Radiology .
Dr. Marc Siegel is a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City .
He said , `` This study underscores a point that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that obesity leads to an inflammatory cascade .
We know that inflammatory chemicals increase with obesity .
That 's the suspected mechanism of why obese patients are more at risk for complications . ''
Inflammation can lead to blood clots , although that 's not been proven , he noted .
`` The complications of COVID-19 that we 've been seeing are inflammation and a cytokine storm , which causes inflammation in the arteries and blood clots throughout the body -- and obesity is a culprit in high-risk patients , '' Siegel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're seeing more pulmonary embolism in obese patients is plausible .
It 's early small numbers , but it 's a very important finding and it 's not surprising , '' he said .
What is surprising is it looks like using statins might be helpful .
Statins are anti-inflammatories , Siegel noted .
But whether statins are protective is something that would have to be carefully studied , he said .
There 's no clear-cut reason to start obese patients on statins if they were n't already taking them when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Obese patients with COVID-19 need the same care as other patients , Siegel said .
That includes anticoagulation .
Many of the complications of COVID-19 seem to be caused by clotting , and starting patients on blood thinners may become a standard treatment .
`` We 're already starting to look at preventative anticoagulation , '' he said .
`` It 's already something we 're highly aware of , but this study adds evidence to a direct correlation between obesity and blood clots , that 's what 's new here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , head to the U.S. National Library of Medicine .

Obesity makes COVID-19 worse and may lead to deadly blood clots in the lungs, a new study finds.
The researchers said that obese patients with COVID-19 may have nearly three times the risk of developing what is known as a pulmonary embolism.
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"Clinicians can utilize our findings to aid in determining which patients should have evaluation for pulmonary embolism with pulmonary CT angiography, as the symptoms for COVID-19 and pulmonary embolism overlap," said lead researcher Dr. Neo Poyiadi, from the department of diagnostic radiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
"Early detection of pulmonary embolism can allow prompt treatment with anticoagulation and minimize clinical problems," he said.
Hospitalized obese patients with COVID-19 should be evaluated for increases in clotting indicated by a rising D-dimer -- a blood test for clotting.
According to the study, 22 percent of 328 patients suffering from COVID-19 who had a CT scan angiography had a pulmonary embolism.
Advertisement
Researchers also found that patients taking statins to lower cholesterol before coming down with COVID-19 were less likely to have a pulmonary embolism.
"Further studies are needed to determine if statins have a protective effect against pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 patients," Poyiadi said.
Poyiadi added that a recent study suggests that COVID-19 patients should be placed on blood thinners to prevent clotting.
Obesity may make COVID-19 worse because it's associated with an increase in inflammation. Inflammation also increases the risk of clotting.
The report was published online May 14 in the journal Radiology.
Dr. Marc Siegel is a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. He said, "This study underscores a point that's becoming more widely known about COVID-19 -- that obesity leads to an inflammatory cascade. We know that inflammatory chemicals increase with obesity. That's the suspected mechanism of why obese patients are more at risk for complications."
Inflammation can lead to blood clots, although that's not been proven, he noted.
"The complications of COVID-19 that we've been seeing are inflammation and a cytokine storm, which causes inflammation in the arteries and blood clots throughout the body -- and obesity is a culprit in high-risk patients," Siegel said.
Advertisement
"To say that's why we're seeing more pulmonary embolism in obese patients is plausible. It's early small numbers, but it's a very important finding and it's not surprising," he said.
What is surprising is it looks like using statins might be helpful. Statins are anti-inflammatories, Siegel noted.
But whether statins are protective is something that would have to be carefully studied, he said. There's no clear-cut reason to start obese patients on statins if they weren't already taking them when they were admitted to the hospital, he added.
Obese patients with COVID-19 need the same care as other patients, Siegel said. That includes anticoagulation. Many of the complications of COVID-19 seem to be caused by clotting, and starting patients on blood thinners may become a standard treatment.
"We're already starting to look at preventative anticoagulation," he said. "It's already something we're highly aware of, but this study adds evidence to a direct correlation between obesity and blood clots, that's what's new here."
More information
For more on pulmonary embolism, head to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-20--Lindsey Morgan: 'The 100' finale wrapped just ahead of shutdown

LOS ANGELES , May 20 ( UPI ) -- The 100 was on its final season when Vancouver productions began shutting down as a coronavirus precaution .
Star Lindsey Morgan said they finished the series finale , which airs Wednesday , just in time .
`` We literally shot until about midnight in the studio on a Saturday night , '' Morgan told UPI by phone from Vancouver .
Other Vancouver-based CW shows like Supergirl and The Flash had remaining episodes to complete .
`` We managed to finish shooting as the last production still going on in Vancouver and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fans of The 100 will get to see the series conclude as series creator Jason Rothenberg intended .
But Morgan lamented the looming shutdown left no time for the cast and crew to celebrate their seven-season journey .
`` The ending feels so unceremonious to me and it does n't feel like it 's over yet , '' Morgan said .
`` It feels like an unfinished chapter . ''
Morgan said The 100 cast and crew marked the moment on their tavern set with drinks and cake , but it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She hopes they will be able to have one later .
The show began in 2014 with 100 children who grew up in a space station returning to Earth .
They had been surviving in space nearly a century after a nuclear war on Earth .
The space station could not sustain life much longer , so The 100 investigated the planet to see if it had become habitable again .
Morgan joined the show as a guest star in Episode 2 as Raven Reyes and was added as a main cast member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first season , Morgan considered Raven a landmark role .
She turned 30 filming the final season and hopes The 100 played a role in improving roles for young women .
`` There were n't substantive parts as a girl , '' Morgan said of her auditions prior to 2014 .
`` There were n't that many roles at my age of 21 , 22 , Latin female that were n't categorized as dumb or hot or a sex object . ''
Morgan had previously found work guest starring on episodes of Happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Happy Endings cast her as a ditzy one-night stand of a main character , and How I Met Your Mother cast her as a drunk girl on a train .
She played Kristina Davis on the soap opera General Hospital from 2012 to 2013 , the grown-up daughter of Sonny Corinthos and Alexis Davis .
Morgan was impressed that the role of Raven was defined by the character 's own achievements , not in relation to other characters .
`` They just said , 'smart , guy 's girl , mechanical genius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are the characters I want to seek out , characters of substance .
I do n't want to be an accessory on a show . ''
Raven was introduced fixing the space station .
When she returned to Earth to join The 100 , she became their resident scientist , mechanic and miscellaneous problem solver .
That saddled Morgan with a lot of tech talk : `` So much jargon . ''
She prepared for it by learning the basics of whatever the scene involved .
`` I YouTubed a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show are real , '' Morgan said .
`` I had to actually learn what I was talking about so I could talk about it . ''
Even before The 100 rushed to complete its final episode , The CW offered Morgan the female lead in its reboot of Walker , Texas Ranger opposite Jared Padalecki .
Padalecki will play the role Chuck Norris originated .
Morgan will play a new character .
She has n't seen the original series .
`` They told me not to watch it because they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notions about it , '' Morgan said .
Walker will film in Austin , Texas , so Morgan will return to her home to film it , as soon as she 's allowed to travel from Vancouver .
Morgan grew up in Houston .
`` I 'm literally going to be 30 minutes from my mom , '' Morgan said .
`` Is n't that crazy ? ''
Morgan will also appear in the film Skylin3s , reprising her role from Beyond Skyline .
`` For Skyline 3 , they decided to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me , '' Morgan said .
The 100 Season 7 premieres Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW .

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Lindsey Morgan finished filming "The 100" and will star in the series "Walker" once productions resume. File photo by Howard Shen/UPI. | License Photo
LOS ANGELES, May 20 (UPI) -- The 100 was on its final season when Vancouver productions began shutting down as a coronavirus precaution. Star Lindsey Morgan said they finished the series finale, which airs Wednesday, just in time. "We literally shot until about midnight in the studio on a Saturday night," Morgan told UPI by phone from Vancouver. Advertisement
Other Vancouver-based CW shows like Supergirl and The Flash had remaining episodes to complete.
"We managed to finish shooting as the last production still going on in Vancouver and got it done," Morgan said.
Fans of The 100 will get to see the series conclude as series creator Jason Rothenberg intended. But Morgan lamented the looming shutdown left no time for the cast and crew to celebrate their seven-season journey.
"The ending feels so unceremonious to me and it doesn't feel like it's over yet," Morgan said. "It feels like an unfinished chapter."
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Morgan said The 100 cast and crew marked the moment on their tavern set with drinks and cake, but it did not feel like an official celebration. She hopes they will be able to have one later.
The show began in 2014 with 100 children who grew up in a space station returning to Earth. They had been surviving in space nearly a century after a nuclear war on Earth. The space station could not sustain life much longer, so The 100 investigated the planet to see if it had become habitable again.
Morgan joined the show as a guest star in Episode 2 as Raven Reyes and was added as a main cast member in Season 2. Even in the first season, Morgan considered Raven a landmark role. She turned 30 filming the final season and hopes The 100 played a role in improving roles for young women.
"There weren't substantive parts as a girl," Morgan said of her auditions prior to 2014. "There weren't that many roles at my age of 21, 22, Latin female that weren't categorized as dumb or hot or a sex object."
Morgan had previously found work guest starring on episodes of Happy Endings and How I Met Your Mother. Happy Endings cast her as a ditzy one-night stand of a main character, and How I Met Your Mother cast her as a drunk girl on a train.
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She played Kristina Davis on the soap opera General Hospital from 2012 to 2013, the grown-up daughter of Sonny Corinthos and Alexis Davis. Morgan was impressed that the role of Raven was defined by the character's own achievements, not in relation to other characters.
"They just said, 'smart, guy's girl, mechanical genius,'" Morgan said. "These are the characters I want to seek out, characters of substance. I don't want to be an accessory on a show."
Raven was introduced fixing the space station. When she returned to Earth to join The 100, she became their resident scientist, mechanic and miscellaneous problem solver.
That saddled Morgan with a lot of tech talk: "So much jargon."
She prepared for it by learning the basics of whatever the scene involved.
"I YouTubed a lot of things and a lot of things on the show are real," Morgan said. "I had to actually learn what I was talking about so I could talk about it."
Even before The 100 rushed to complete its final episode, The CW offered Morgan the female lead in its reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger opposite Jared Padalecki.
Padalecki will play the role Chuck Norris originated. Morgan will play a new character. She hasn't seen the original series.
Advertisement
"They told me not to watch it because they didn't want me to have any preconceived notions about it," Morgan said.
Walker will film in Austin, Texas, so Morgan will return to her home to film it, as soon as she's allowed to travel from Vancouver. Morgan grew up in Houston.
"I'm literally going to be 30 minutes from my mom," Morgan said. "Isn't that crazy?"
Morgan will also appear in the film Skylin3s, reprising her role from Beyond Skyline.
"For Skyline 3, they decided to expand on my character and basically what happens to me," Morgan said.
The 100 Season 7 premieres Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW.


upi--2020-05-20--Famous birthdays for May 20: Tony Goldwyn, Timothy Olyphant

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .
-- William @ @ @ @ @ Capitol in Washington , in 1759 -- Dolley Madison , wife of the fourth U.S. @ @ @ @ @ in 1768 -- German Emile Berliner , inventor of the flat phonograph record , in @ @ @ @ @ , son of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan , in 1958 ( age 62 )

Tony Goldwyn attends the premiere of "Mark Felt" at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif., on September 26, 2017. The actor turns 60 on May 20. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- William Thornton, architect of the Capitol in Washington, in 1759
-- Dolley Madison, wife of the fourth U.S. president, James Madison, in 1768
-- French novelist Honore de Balzac in 1799
-- English philosopher/economist John Stuart Mill in 1806
-- German Emile Berliner, inventor of the flat phonograph record, in 1851
-- Actor James Stewart in 1908
-- Israeli leader Moshe Dayan in 1915
-- Comedian George Gobel in 1919
-- Actor Anthony Zerbe in 1936 (age 84)
-- Hockey Hall of Fame member Stan Mikita in 1940
-- Japanese baseball home run king Sadaharu Oh in 1940 (age 80)
File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
-- Singer/songwriter Joe Cocker in 1944
-- Singer/actor Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, in 1946 (age 74)
-- Ronald Prescott Reagan, son of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, in 1958 (age 62)
-- Actor Bronson Pinchot in 1959 (age 61)
-- Actor Tony Goldwyn in 1960 (age 60)
-- TV personality Ted Allen in 1965 (age 55)
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-- Actor Timothy Olyphant in 1968 (age 52)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Race car driver Tony Stewart in 1971 (age 49)
-- Rapper Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr., in 1972 (age 48)
-- Actor Matt Czuchry in 1977 (age 43)
-- Singer Rachel Platten in 1981 (age 39)
-- Actor Jack Gleeson in 1992 (age 28)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-05-20--On This Day, May 20: German troops reach English Channel in WWII

On this date in history : In 526 , up to 300,000 people were killed in an earthquake in Syria and Antioch .
In 1873 , Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis were granted a patent for blue jeans with copper rivets .
In 1927 , Charles Lindbergh took off from New York in his single-engine monoplane , `` The Spirit of St. Louis , '' bound for Paris .
While he winged his way across the Atlantic , his mother taught her chemistry class at Cass Technical High School as usual .
In 1940 , German forces punched through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach the English Channel .
The Battle of Abbeville one week later culminated in the evacuation of Dunkirk .
In 1969 , in one of the more infamous and bloody battles of the Vietnam War , U.S. troops seized Dong Ap Bia mountain , commonly known as Hamburger Hill .
In 1974 , Judge John Sirica ordered U.S. President Richard Nixon to turn over tapes and other records of 64 White House conversations on the Watergate affair .
In 1989 , Chinese Premier Li Peng declared martial law in Beijing in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 1995 , President Bill Clinton permanently closed Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House after more than 200 years of mostly unimpeded traffic .
In 2002 , East Timor , a small Pacific Coast nation , gained independence from Indonesia .
It is called Timor Leste .
In 2013 , a tornado struck the Moore , Okla. , area near Oklahoma City , killing 24 people , injuring more than 300 and destroying many buildings , including two elementary schools .
In 2018 , King Mswati III announced he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swaziland , to eSwatini , which means `` land of the Swazis . ''
In 2019 , Google announced it would stop providing Android updates for Huawei phones in an escalating tech war between the United States and China .
Google walked back the plan the next day .

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Cmdr. Heinz Guderian led the German 2nd Panzer division during the Battle of Abbeville in France in 1940. Here is seen in July 1941. File Photo courtesy of the State Treasury of Poland/Wikimedia Commons
On this date in history: In 526, up to 300,000 people were killed in an earthquake in Syria and Antioch. Advertisement
In 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis were granted a patent for blue jeans with copper rivets.
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from New York in his single-engine monoplane, "The Spirit of St. Louis," bound for Paris. While he winged his way across the Atlantic, his mother taught her chemistry class at Cass Technical High School as usual.
In 1940, German forces punched through the Allied lines in Abbeville, France, to reach the English Channel. The Battle of Abbeville one week later culminated in the evacuation of Dunkirk.
In 1969, in one of the more infamous and bloody battles of the Vietnam War, U.S. troops seized Dong Ap Bia mountain, commonly known as Hamburger Hill.
In 1974, Judge John Sirica ordered U.S. President Richard Nixon to turn over tapes and other records of 64 White House conversations on the Watergate affair.
UPI File Photo
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In 1989, Chinese Premier Li Peng declared martial law in Beijing in response to heightened student demonstrations in Tiananmen Square.
In 1995, President Bill Clinton permanently closed Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House after more than 200 years of mostly unimpeded traffic.
File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI
In 2002, East Timor, a small Pacific Coast nation, gained independence from Indonesia. It is called Timor Leste.
In 2013, a tornado struck the Moore, Okla., area near Oklahoma City, killing 24 people, injuring more than 300 and destroying many buildings, including two elementary schools.
In 2018, King Mswati III announced he was changing the name of his country, Swaziland, to eSwatini, which means "land of the Swazis."
In 2019, Google announced it would stop providing Android updates for Huawei phones in an escalating tech war between the United States and China. Google walked back the plan the next day.
File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI


upi--2020-05-20--Astronauts head to Florida for historic launch to space station

ORLANDO , Fla. , May 20 ( UPI ) -- NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday to prepare for the historic return of crewed launches from U.S. soil .
Behnken and Hurley , who both flew two previous space shuttle missions , are scheduled for a May 27 launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station .
It will be the first time NASA astronauts launch from U.S. soil since the last shuttle mission in 2011 .
The United States has purchased seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since then .
The launch , set for 4:33 p.m. , will also be the first time people have flown inside the Crew Dragon capsule made by Elon 's Musk 's SpaceX .
It is due to arrive at the space station on Thursday .
Behnken , 49 , and Hurley , 53 , have been astronauts since their selection in 2000 .
They worked closely with SpaceX to develop the new spacecraft systems .
Behnken recently thanked his neighbors in the Houston area for posting countdown signs and positive messages about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My neighborhood has a long history of @ NASA_Astronauts as residents and finds a special way to take part in each mission . ''
The two astronauts are in a quarantine period , which is standard for any spaceflight .
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , NASA has requested that spectators not travel to Florida to see the launch , and access to the space center is restricted to essential personnel only .
The launch and much of the trip will be shown live on NASA TV and streamed online .
Behnken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Air Force and was a former chief of NASA 's Astronaut Office .
Hailing from the St. Louis , Mo.
, area Behnken flew space shuttle missions STS-123 in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010 , logging more than 37 hours during six spacewalks .
Behnken holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology .
He is married to fellow astronaut K. Meghan Arthur , and they have one child .
Hurley holds the rank of colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps .
Before joining NASA he was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the first Marine pilot to fly the F/A‐18 E/F Super Hornet .
Hurley was the pilot on space shuttle missions STS‐127 in 2009 and the final shuttle mission , STS‐135 , in 2011 .
Hurley grew up in Apalachin , N.Y. , and holds a bachelor 's degree in civil engineering from Tulane University .
He is married to astronaut Karen Nyberg , and they have one child .

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NASA Astronauts Bob Behnken (L) and Doug Hurley give the "thumbs up" after they arrive at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
ORLANDO, Fla., May 20 (UPI) -- NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday to prepare for the historic return of crewed launches from U.S. soil. Their space agency jet from Houston arrived shortly before 4 p.m. EDT. Advertisement
Behnken and Hurley, who both flew two previous space shuttle missions, are scheduled for a May 27 launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Bob Cabana, director of the space center, wore surgical face masks as they greeted the two space fliers, who are in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It feels so good to be here," Hurley said after stepping off the plane.
"I know times are tough right now," Bridenstine said during a press conference held on the space center's runway. "We just welcomed our astronauts and we couldn't shake [hands]. We had to wave from 6 feet away."
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But he noted NASA was able to unite people around the world during the Cold War years. He said he hoped the mission would help people "talk about how bright things are going to be in the future."
The astronauts thanked NASA, SpaceX and the public for their support. They will spend anywhere from one to four months in space, Hurley said.
"This is an awesome time to be an astronaut to get a new spacecraft to go and fly," Behnken said. "We view this as an opportunity, but also as a responsibility."
The astronauts will continue final preparations as they stay in the Astronaut Beach House at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with their families, who also have been quarantined.
Hurley said he was amazed at how SpaceX and NASA adjusted astronaut training because of the pandemic. He and Behnken were traveling every week to SpaceX's headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif., earlier this year as the pandemic reached America.
"We had to keep our teams safe, but also ourselves and our family," Hurley said.
It will be the first time NASA astronauts are launched from U.S. soil since the last shuttle mission in 2011. The United States has purchased seats on Russian Soyuz rockets launched from Kazakhstan since then.
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The launch, set for 4:33 p.m. EDT, will also be the first time people have flown inside the Crew Dragon capsule made by Elon's Musk's SpaceX. It is due to arrive at the space station the day after launch, with docking planned at 11:29 a.m. EDT.
Behnken, 49, and Hurley, 53, have been astronauts since their selection in 2000. They worked closely with SpaceX to develop the new spacecraft systems.
Behnken recently thanked his neighbors in the Houston area for posting countdown signs and positive messages about the launch. He posted on Twitter: "My neighborhood has a long history of @NASA_Astronauts as residents and finds a special way to take part in each mission."
My neighborhood has been at it again. Just in case @NASA or @SpaceX needs a backup countdown calendar, they've got it covered! #LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/5T5XfNWeFq- Bob Behnken (@AstroBehnken) May 19, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NASA has requested that spectators not travel to Florida to see the launch, and access to the space center is restricted to essential personnel only.
The launch and much of the flight to the station will be shown live on NASA TV and streamed online.
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Behnken is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and was former chief of NASA's Astronaut Office.
Hailing from the St. Louis area, Behnken flew space shuttle missions STS-123 in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010, logging more than 37 hours during six spacewalks.
Behnken holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology. He is married to fellow astronaut K. Meghan Arthur, and they have one child.
Hurley is a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. Before joining NASA he was a fighter pilot and test pilot, and was the first Marine pilot to fly the F/A‐18 E/F Super Hornet.
Hurley was the pilot on space shuttle missions STS‐127 in 2009 and the final shuttle mission, STS‐135, in 2011.
Hurley grew up in Apalachin, N.Y., and holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Tulane University. He is married to astronaut Karen Nyberg, and they have one child.
Astronauts make round trip to space station from U.S. soil