Monthly Archives: April 2020

If a virus could sing … Could this musical version of COVID-19 help us defeat the disease? – World Economic Forum

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We're all now familiar with the spiky look of the coronavirus protein. But what do you think it might sound like?

An engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has shown us. By assigning musical notes to each part of the virus' structure, he has created a whole composition which, as it turns out, is similar to the ambient music pioneered by Brian Eno.

"What you hear is a musical representation of the virus spike protein, which is the protein that affects the human cells," Professor Markus Buehler told the World Vs Virus podcast.

His musical representation of the virus is, he says, more accurate than classical static diagrams that fail to show the virus' constant movement and vibration.

"They don't actually look like they look in a chemistry textbook because atoms and molecules are continuously moving. They kind of look like a vibrating string."

And it is that vibration that fascinates Buehler, who is looking at whether it can be exploited to combat the virus.

"That is something we have been thinking about for this protein and other proteins in the last couple of years, to use the knowledge of the nanoscopic vibrations as a way of actually disintegrating the structure.

"I do a lot of research on fracturing of materials in my work and a lot of times we're trying to prevent fracturing from happening. But in this case, we actually are trying to find a pathway to deliberately destroy a structure. Vibrations are a really important pathway to do that."

A new strain of Coronavirus, COVID 19, is spreading around the world, causing deaths and major disruption to the global economy.

Responding to this crisis requires global cooperation among governments, international organizations and the business community, which is at the centre of the World Economic Forums mission as the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.

The Forum has created the COVID Action Platform, a global platform to convene the business community for collective action, protect peoples livelihoods and facilitate business continuity, and mobilize support for the COVID-19 response. The platform is created with the support of the World Health Organization and is open to all businesses and industry groups, as well as other stakeholders, aiming to integrate and inform joint action.

As an organization, the Forum has a track record of supporting efforts to contain epidemics. In 2017, at our Annual Meeting, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) was launched bringing together experts from government, business, health, academia and civil society to accelerate the development of vaccines. CEPI is currently supporting the race to develop a vaccine against this strand of the coronavirus.

And the interlinking harmonies created by musically mapping proteins might also tell us something about our own creative process.

"Counterpoint is something that musicians have played with and explored for a couple of centuries and we actually find that this idea of counterpoint is really prominent in the structure of proteins, in particular in the folding, as well as the folding of our brain," Buehler said.

That means we could look at music, "not only as a display of art or creativity, but actually as a way of learning about the underlying structure that has created this art" - the human brain.

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If a virus could sing ... Could this musical version of COVID-19 help us defeat the disease? - World Economic Forum

Collaboration to Increase COVID-19 Antigen Production for Diagnostic Kits and Vaccine Development – Lab Manager Magazine

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OXFORD, UK April 2, 2020 OXGENE and The Native Antigen Company today announced a collaboration to scale up production of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) reagents by combining OXGENEs proprietary Adenoviral Protein Machine Technology with The Native Antigen Companys antigen development expertise. Together, OXGENE and The Native Antigen Company will aim to scale their antigen manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-purity, recombinant proteins for the development of diagnostics and vaccines.

The Native Antigen Companys Novel Coronavirus antigens.

The Native Antigen Company

OXGENE and The Native Antigen Company are developing an improved, scalable approach to SARS-CoV-2 antigen manufacture. The Native Antigen Company was one of the first recognized suppliers of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in February 2020, demonstrating their ability to rapidly support the diagnostic and vaccine industries with high-quality infectious disease reagents. OXGENEs Protein Machine Technology allows for the scalable production of viral proteins in mammalian cells using their proprietary adenoviral expression vector. Through genetic modification, the adenovirus is tricked into making SARS-CoV-2 proteins rather than its own, thereby harnessing the innate power of highly scalable viral protein production.

Our novel Protein Machine Technology represents a significant development in the rapid and scalable generation of high-quality viral proteins," said Dr. Ryan Cawood, chief executive, OXGENE."Were delighted that by collaborating with The Native Antigen Company, we can take advantage of our technology to support the needs of researchers racing to develop much-needed diagnostics and vaccines against COVID-19.

The Native Antigen Companys recombinant SARS-CoV-2 antigens are produced in mammalian cells to ensure full glycosylation and proper protein folding, both of which are essential for full biological and antigenic activity. The rapid scale up production of SARS-CoV-2 antigens is critical for the development of widely available diagnostic tests.

Unlike the PCR tests that are currently being used, these diagnostics will be able to confirm past infections and determine levels of immunity to SARS-CoV-2. This could be invaluable for disease modeling and public health policy, as true transmission rates and case fatality rates can be determined. These tests could also be instrumental for the diagnosis of health care workers who have been exposed to the virus to ensure that they have developed natural immunity before returning to work, and to help measure patient immune responses for the rapid development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

This collaboration builds on a long-standing collegiate relationship between the two Oxford-based businesses as they work toward developing more scalable technologies for the diagnosis of disease, and the cost-effective manufacture of high-quality diagnostics and vaccines.

"We are committed to developing the highest-quality reagents in rapid response to emerging epidemic diseases," said Dr. Andy Lane, commercial director, The Native Antigen Company. "Since the start of the crisis, the demand for our COVID-19 antigens has increased significantly, and by scaling up production of these vital reagents in collaboration with OXGENE, we hope to be able to support more researchers in their critical work developing diagnostics and vaccines.

OXGENE and The Native Antigen Company aim to complete the first validation of this new paradigm in protein expression within the next month, which could have a demonstrable impact on the race to develop diagnostic kits and vaccines against this virus.

For further information about The Native Antigen Companys Coronavirus Antigens, please visit: https://thenativeantigencompany.com/coronavirus-dashboard/

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Collaboration to Increase COVID-19 Antigen Production for Diagnostic Kits and Vaccine Development - Lab Manager Magazine

FDA Clears the Way for Ridgeback Biotherapeutics to begin Human Testing of a Promising Potential Treatment for COVID-19 – BioSpace

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EIDD-2801, an oral broad-spectrum antiviral proceeding into Clinical Trials

ATLANTA and MIAMI, April 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, a closely held biotechnology company, and Drug Innovations at Emory (DRIVE), LLC, a not-for-profit biotechnology company wholly owned by Emory University, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an Investigational New Drug application by Drug Innovation Ventures at Emory (DRIVE), LLC, wholly owned by Emory University, for an orally available antiviral compound, EIDD-2801, exclusively licensed to Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, LP (Ridgeback), a closely held biotechnology company. This action by the FDA allows Ridgeback to initiate human clinical testing of EIDD-2801 in the United States.

"We are thankful to FDA Commissioner Dr. Steven Hahn and his team at the Anti-Viral Division for the unprecedented speed in reviewing our submission, the guidance and the highly collaborative process that ensures this promising drug can advance into the clinical development as fast as possible," said Wendy Holman, Chief Executive Officer of Ridgeback. "We also appreciate the guidance we have received from the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR), including discussions that occurred months before COVID-19 first emerged, to help Emory/DRIVE advance the development of EIDD-2801 as quickly as possible to address this global pandemic."

EIDD-2801 prevents the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and has shown potent activity against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV in animal models of infection. In addition to coronaviruses, EIDD-2801 has broad spectrum activity against a number of diseases of public health concern, including influenza, chikungunya, Ebola, and equine encephalitis (VEE and EEE). The antiviral is orally available and, in addition to COVID-19, is being developed for the treatment of seasonal and pandemic influenza under a contract awarded to Emory Institute for Drug Development by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and for Venezuelan and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (VEEV and EEEV) by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

"FDA's prompt approval of our IND allows us to initiate human testing for EIDD-2801 as quickly as possible," says George Painter, Ph.D., director of the Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD) and CEO of DRIVE. "We are grateful to our collaborators for helping us to assemble this application quickly, and to the FDA for expediting the process. An orally available antiviral medication would be a critical weapon for fighting COVID-19."

Ridgeback and DRIVE have established a partnership to advance EIDD-2801 through clinical development and to optimize availability during the current COVID-19 pandemic. EIDD-2801 was exclusively licensed to Ridgeback in March 2020.

"We look forward to our continued work with the highly experienced drug development team at DRIVE and the dedicated medical, public health and governmental personnel who are on the frontlines of this pandemic in the United States and abroad," says Wendy Holman, CEO of Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. "The ability to deliver promising treatments to patients in need is what makes us excited to come to work every day. Ridgeback brings its unique perspective, honed by our success developing an Ebola therapeutic during the 2018-2020 outbreak in the DR Congo, to help advance EIDD-2801 for the treatment of diseases that are critical to pandemics and global health."

About EIDD-2801:

EIDD-2801 is an orally bioavailable form of a highly potent ribonucleoside analog that inhibits the replication of multiple RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. In animal studies of two distinct coronaviruses (SARS-CoV1 and MERS), EIDD-2801 has been shown to improve pulmonary function, decrease body weight loss and reduce the amount of virus in the lung. In addition to activity against coronaviruses, EIDD-2801, in laboratory studies, has demonstrated activity against seasonal and bird influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, chikungunya virus, Ebola virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus. The development of EIDD-2801 has been funded in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under contract numbers HHSN272201500008C and 75N93019C00058, and from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), under contract numbers HDTRA1-13-C-0072 and HDTRA1-15-C-0075.

About Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP:

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics is a privately held, majority woman-owned biotechnology company focused on orphan and infectious diseases. Initial funding for Ridgeback Biotherapeutics originated from Wayne and Wendy Holman; two individuals committed to investing in and supporting technologies that will make the world a better place. The team at Ridgeback is dedicated to working toward finding life-saving and life-changing solutions for patients and diseases that need champions. Ridgeback is in the process of completing a Biologics Licensing Application with the Food & Drug Administration for mAb114 (ansuvimab) for the treatment of Ebola. Ansuvimab development has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract No. 75A50119C00059 and 75A50120C0009.

About DRIVE:

DRIVE is a non-profit LLC wholly owned by Emory University and started as an innovative approach to drug development. Operating like an early stage biotechnology company, DRIVE applies focus and industry development expertise to efficiently translate discoveries to address viruses of global concern. DRIVE's mission is to discover and develop antiviral drugs for emerging infections, pandemic threats, and biodefense (e.g. COVID-19, swine flu, bird flu, dengue, chikungunya, Ebola, Zika, and viral encephalitis). Because these diseases are major threats, antiviral drugs are critically needed to treat them; however, they are generally not profitable enough for industry to pursue, and thus are considered neglected diseases. DRIVE is unique in that it brings industry expertise to the assets of a leading research University to develop potential antiviral drugs to a de-risked value inflection point that substantially increases the probability of the potential drug being licensed by industry and developed for the ultimate benefit of the public. DRIVE's executive team, led by George Painter, has over three decades of drug development experience within both large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including leading the development of multiple FDA approved antivirals to treat HIV and Influenza, among other viral diseases, including AZT and Relenza.

About Defense Threat Reduction Agency:

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) was formally established on October 1, 1998. DTRA enables the Department of Defense, the United States Government and International partners to counter and deter weapons of mass destruction and improvised threat networks. As a Combat Support Agency and a Defense Agency, DTRA's mission is to counter the threats posed by the full spectrum of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives; counter the threats posed by the growing, evolving categories of improvised threats, including improvised explosive devices, car bombs and weaponized consumer drones, as well as the tactics, technologies and networks that put them on the battlefield; and ensure the U.S. military maintains a safe, secure, effective and credible nuclear weapons deterrent.

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FDA Clears the Way for Ridgeback Biotherapeutics to begin Human Testing of a Promising Potential Treatment for COVID-19 - BioSpace

China National Medical Products Administration Approves BeiGene’s Tislelizumab for Patients with Previously Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic…

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BEIJING, China and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of cancer, today announced that its anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab has received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) as a treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) with PD-L1 high expression whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Following tislelizumabs initial approval in classical Hodgkins lymphoma (cHL) by the NMPA in December 2019, this is the second indication approved for tislelizumab, and the first in a solid tumor indication. The supplemental new drug application (sNDA) was previously granted priority review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the NMPA.

At BeiGene, we strive to bring innovative, impactful, and quality treatments to patients around the globe. This is our third NDA approval in the past five months for our internally developed products, a tremendous accomplishment for a young biotechnology company like BeiGene and validation of the teams hard work, commented John V. Oyler, Chairman, Co-Founder, and CEO of BeiGene. Our strategy for tislelizumab has always been to pursue a broad label and serve patients who are battling different types of cancer. With tislelizumabs first solid tumor approval, we are even more excited about the outlook for this immunotherapy than ever.

Patients with advanced UC have limited treatment options, so we are delighted to have tislelizumab, a new immuno-oncology treatment available to them. Supported by encouraging efficacy and safety results from the trial, including an objective response rate of 24.8%, we believe tislelizumab will bring significant benefits to this patient population, commented Dingwei Ye, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Vice President of the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.

We are thrilled about todays approval of tislelizumab in UC, which was made possible by dedicated clinicians who participated in the trial, patients who entrusted our clinical trial with their treatment, and the team at BeiGene. We hope our broad development program for tislelizumab, which encompasses 15 potentially registration-enabling trials globally and in China, in indications including lung, liver, esophageal, gastric, nasopharyngeal, and MSI-H or dMMR cancers, in addition to classical Hodgkins lymphoma and UC, will continue its momentum and benefit more patients, said Wendy Yan, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Regulatory Affairs atBeiGene.

The NMPA approval is based on the clinical results from a single-arm, multi-center pivotal Phase 2 trial of tislelizumab in patients in China and South Korea with PD-L1+ locally advanced or metastatic UC who were previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy (NCT04004221). Among patients who were evaluable for response, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months and a median follow-up of 14 months, the objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by the independent review committee (IRC) per RECIST v1.1 criteria was 24.8%, and the complete response (CR) rate was 9.9%.

The safety data for tislelizumab included in the label is based on 934 patients treated with tislelizumab monotherapy from four clinical trials, including the aforementioned pivotal Phase 2 trial in patients with UC. Most common ( 10%) adverse reactions included rash, fatigue, and increased alanine aminotransferase. Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions occurring in 1% of patients included: increased gammaglutamyl transferase, anemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased alanine aminotransferase, pneumonitis, severe skin reactions, and hypokalemia.

Like other immune checkpoint inhibitors, tislelizumab could cause immune-related adverse reactions that mainly include pneumonitis, diarrhea and colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis, adrenocortical insufficiency, hyperglycemia and type 1 diabetes mellitus), and skin adverse reactions. Occasionally, nephritis, pancreatitis, myocarditis, myositis, and other immune-related adverse reactions were also reported.

The recommended dose of tislelizumab is 200 mg administered as an intravenous infusion every three weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity.

Tislelizumab is a biologic product approved under the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) pilot program in China and is being manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim at its facility in Shanghai as the commercial supplier. Established in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim has over 35 years of biologic manufacturing experience, and with more than 3,600 employees and a global network, its contract biopharmaceutical manufacturing business has helped to bring more than 30 molecules to the market globally.

About Urothelial Carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma (UC), also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), is by far the most common type of bladder cancer,1 accounting for more than 90 percent of all bladder cancers.2 Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide with approximately 550,000 new cases in 2018.3 In China, bladder cancer is the 8th most common cancer in men with approximately 62,000 new cases in 2019.4 Although UC is most common in the bladder, it can occur in other parts of the urinary system.

About Tislelizumab

Tislelizumab (BGB-A317) is a humanized IgG4 antiPD-1 monoclonal antibody specifically designed to minimize binding to FcR on macrophages. In pre-clinical studies, binding to FcR on macrophages has been shown to compromise the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 antibodies through activation of antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated killing of T effector cells. Tislelizumab is the first drug from BeiGenes immuno-oncology biologics program and is being developed as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for the treatment of a broad array of both solid tumor and hematologic cancers.

Tislelizumab is approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) as a treatment for patients with classical Hodgkins lymphoma who received at least two prior therapies and for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) with PD-L1 high expression whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.

Tislelizumab is being manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim at its facility in Shanghai as the commercial supplier. Following required qualifications and approvals, BeiGene plans to provide additional commercial supply through its commercial-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, which completed its initial phase of construction in September 2019.

Currently, 15 registration-enabling clinical trials of tislelizumab are being conducted in China and globally, including 11 Phase 3 trials and four pivotal Phase 2 trials.

Tislelizumab is not approved for use outside China.

About the Tislelizumab Clinical Program

Clinical trials of tislelizumab include:

About BeiGene

BeiGene is a global, commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative medicines to improve treatment outcomes and access for patients worldwide. Our 3,500+ employees in China, the United States, Australia, and Europe are committed to expediting the development of a diverse pipeline of novel therapeutics for cancer. We currently market two internally-discovered oncology products: BTK inhibitor BRUKINSA (zanubrutinib) in the United States, and anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab in China. We also market or plan to market in China additional oncology products licensed from Amgen Inc., Celgene Logistics Srl, a Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) company, and EUSA Pharma. To learn more about BeiGene, please visit http://www.beigene.com and follow us on Twitter at @BeiGeneUSA.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, including statements regarding BeiGenes plans and expectations for the commercialization of tislelizumab, the potential implications of clinical data for patients, and BeiGenes further advancement of, and anticipated clinical development, regulatory milestones and commercialization of tislelizumab. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including BeiGene's ability to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or marketing approval; actions of regulatory agencies, which may affect the initiation, timing and progress of clinical trials and marketing approval; BeiGene's ability to achieve commercial success for its marketed products and drug candidates, if approved; BeiGene's ability to obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for its technology and drugs; BeiGene's reliance on third parties to conduct drug development, manufacturing and other services; BeiGenes limited operating history and BeiGene's ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization of its drug candidates; and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Companys clinical development, commercial and other operations, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the section entitled Risk Factors in BeiGenes most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in BeiGene's subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and BeiGene undertakes no duty to update such information unless required by law.

1 American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/about/what-is-bladder-cancer.html

2 ASCO cancer.net https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bladder-cancer/introduction

3 Global Cancer Observatory https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/30-Bladder-fact-sheet.pdf

4 Zheng, et al. China Journal of Oncology, 2019,41(1): 19-28.

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China National Medical Products Administration Approves BeiGene's Tislelizumab for Patients with Previously Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic...

How COVID-19 is affecting medical school admissions – American Medical Association

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In a time of year when most medical schools are finalizing their classes and students are making choices on where they will begin their medical careers, the COVID-19 global pandemic has added a curveball to the admissions process.

For the 2020 application cycle, schools with rolling admissions have filled most of their spots. From the student vantage point, the American Medical College Application Service sets a deadline for students to narrow their acceptances down to a single medical school by the end of April.

Yet the COVID-19 pandemics limiting of physical contact has changed the final recruitment weeks for both students and institutions weighing options. For instance, second-look daysa chance for admitted students to visit schools in the spring and compare their finalistshave largely been moved online.

A Second Look Day is primarily a celebration to get the students very excited for medical school, said Benjamin R. Chan, MD, associate dean for admissions at the University of Utah School of Medicine, one of 37 member schools of theAMAs Accelerating Change in Medical Education Consortium. For a significant number of students who have multiple offers, its a chance to shop around. Those being canceled nationwide forced us to adopt a virtual second-look day. I dont know that it can fully replace what a live event looks like.

In terms of making that final decision, Dr. Chan said students shouldnt change their mind about a medical school based on the pandemic.

At times of crisis, it makes sense to go with your gut instinct. If you originally liked a med school [before the pandemic], its still going to be the same medical school, even if we are all going to be a little different after this, Dr. Chan said. Dont make decisions strictly based on the crisis. The same instincts of the decision being a combination of programming strengths, connection to the local community, finances, where you see yourself, those still stand.

Medical schools that are still extending offers to new candidates continue to conduct interviews with 2020 applicants.

John D. Schriner, PhD, is associate dean for admissions and student affairs at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU), also a member of the AMA consortium. OU plans to complete interviewing prospective students in the coming weeks. To do that, the school has moved interviews online, conducting them in part on Zoom and in part on GoToMeeting.

We have still been able to get what we want out of the process [while conducting interviews online], Schriner said. I dont feel like were compromised, but it was just a bit different. This is kind of the new reality for everyone, and we have just established our new process.

For prospective students who are readying for remote interviews, Schriner advised to treat the experience like any other interview.

Prepare as if it were in person, which means dress for success, he said. If you can find a comfortable space that is going to be quiet, go to it. Make sure that you minimize any distractions that could take away from the focus of your interview. You still want to maintain virtual eye contact and good posture and continue to make sure that youre a really active listener.

For those planning on applying as part of the 2021 application cycle, the spring prior to applying to medical school is a common time to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), one of the primary criteria used to evaluate prospective applicants.

According to an FAQ prepared by the Association of American Medical Colleges, administrations of the exam have been canceled globally through May 21. For those who had already registered for the test, all rescheduling fees will be automatically waived.

Applications are typically submitted in the early fall of the year prior to admissions. MCAT scores are part of that, and many schools require applicants to have taken the exam before October of their application year. The AAMC is working with the schools as they begin to prepare for later test score availability for the upcoming application cycle.

Other areas of a medical school applications that could be affected by the pandemic include students ability to work as volunteers or shadow physicians, which are limited by mandates on social distancing and a shortage of personal protective equipment. There also will likely be some leeway given on how medical schools view transcripts. Most medical schools do not accept undergrad pass-fail credits, but with undergraduate schools going to remote learning, that has become a common practice.

Everyone is in the same boat, Dr. Chan said. This pandemic is an international crisis. We are all going to through it together. So future students, your application is going to be impacted like everyone elses. No one can go out and do any of those premed activities right now. That might be the case for the next few months or longer, so it doesnt make sense for people to feel like they are at some sort of competitive disadvantage.

Medicine can be a career that is both challenging and highly rewarding, but figuring out a medical schools prerequisites and navigating the application process can be a challenge into itself. TheAMA premed glossary guidehas the answers to frequently asked questions about medical school, the application process, the MCAT and more.

Have peace of mind andget everything you need to start med school off strongwith the AMA.

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How COVID-19 is affecting medical school admissions - American Medical Association

Letter: Increase the number of U.S. medical schools – Lincoln Courier

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SaturdayApr11,2020at8:25PMApr11,2020at8:25PM

I read with interest Sen. Durbins op-ed piece in the April 3 edition of the SJ-R, Lessons learned so far on coronavirus. The first of his lessons learned was our country has a critical shortage of doctors. His solution was to create a national policy to increase the number of medical professionals in our nation. He focused the blame on the financial burden necessary to becoming a doctor. He states a doctor, on average, will assume $240,000 of student loan debt. I agree that the cost of education may be a factor but I believe the senator also needs to consider another aspect of this problem: a shortage of medical schools.

Consider that a typical medical school in our country has more than 10,000 applicants for only 50-200 spots. Based on those numbers, an applicant has a 0.5% to 2% chance of acceptance in each school they apply to. If lucky enough to be granted an interview at a school, the prospective student then incurs travel expenses that can amount to thousands of dollars. Many highly qualified and motivated students are willing to incur the incredible amount of debt necessary to realize their dreams of becoming a doctor. This is a problem our country cannot afford to ignore. Our crisis has brought this to the attention of our own state senator. So Im asking you, Sen. Durbin, to move forward with your national policy to increase the number of medical professionals, but do this by increasing the number of our medical schools.

Linda Curtis, Springfield

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Letter: Increase the number of U.S. medical schools - Lincoln Courier

Im Proud To Now Be A Doctor: Nearly 200 Illinois Med Students Are Graduating Early To Help With COVID-19 – WBEZ

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The students on the Zoom call joined from their bedrooms and kitchen tables. They werent wearing caps or gowns. There were no crowds watching or Pomp and Circumstance playing.

But Friday was a momentous step in these students academic lives: They graduated from medical school.

University of Illinois at Chicago officials announced Friday they were graduating 192 medical students early, so they could be available to start their residency programs to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The students gathered on Zoom to recite the Hippocratic oath as a group. As a member of the medical profession, I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of humanity, the group said in unison. None of these students could have anticipated this would be how they started their medical careers.

Graduate Urveel Shah said one line really rang true for him: I will foster the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession.

Especially, he said, given that when we think about this pandemic in the future, these will be the traditions that we will be thinking about and considering as we work toward advancement.

The university contacted students a few weeks ago to see who had already met graduation requirements. The final third of the class will graduate in May.

The graduates can now reach out to their residency programs to see if they can begin before their original July 1 start date. A third are matched with residency programs in Illinois, with the rest are scattered across the country, including Chicago-native Rafael Gutierrez. Hes heading to Wisconsin for a residency in pediatrics, but said hes ready to help patients of any age during this pandemic, in any way he can.

Im proud to now be a doctor and to head into the battlefield and treat my patients, Gutierrez said

Meanwhile, Gutierrez is part of a COVID-19 rapid response team at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and is volunteering Saturday at the field hospital being set up at McCormick Place. Theyre conducting a dry run practice to make sure doctors are ready when they might need to use the facility for actual patients. The 1,750 bed hospital that could start taking patients as early as next week.

Were excited today, but were also very solemn in a way, because we know these students are entering the profession of medicine at a very challenging time, said Dr. Mark Rosenblatt, executive dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine. It makes us understand even more the impact our profession has on the world and our communities and the patients around us. They're entering at a time when we need physicians more than ever.

Gov. JB Pritzker has said that medical students across the state could be tapped to help respond to the increased number of coronavirus cases but has not made any official announcement. Other local schools have not announced early graduations for medical students, but Rush Universitys medical school graduation is coming up on April 30. Last week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order allowing all medical students in the state to graduate early.

Even though the graduates are all stuck at home, Gutierrez said theyre still finding ways to celebrate.

Were having a video party, and were dressing up and having drinks and [inviting] our significant others, he said.

Kate McGee covers education for WBEZ. Follow her on Twitter@WBEZeducationand@McGeeReports.

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Im Proud To Now Be A Doctor: Nearly 200 Illinois Med Students Are Graduating Early To Help With COVID-19 - WBEZ

After early graduation, Vestal native and new doctor is off to fight on COVID-19 front lines – Pressconnects

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Anthony Schramm graduated from Stony Brook University's medical school Wednesday in a Zoom call, along with 121 other graduates. Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

AnthonySchramm celebrated his graduation from medical school Wednesday at his mother's house in Vestal.

Schramm's mother, Becky Schramm, and his sister, Stephanie Moochler, of Endicott, blew up balloons, shared his favorite meal chicken and dumplings and outside, members of their extended family drove by the house slowly, honking the car horn to congratulate him.

This was one of the last times they'd be together, and in light of the coronavirus spread, the moment had arrived months early.

On Friday, 26-year-old Schramm leaves for his first assignment: assisting physician at Stony Brook University Hospital onLong Island,on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

Anthony Schramm, of Vestal, graduated early from medical school and will spend the next 6-8 weeks at Stony Brook Hospital helping fight the coronavirus.(Photo: Photo provided)

"Im very happy to be going back to the hospital to help out," the 2012 Vestal High School graduate said Thursday. "Ive been feeling very useless just sitting at home during quarantine."

Schramm recited the Hippocratic Oath along with 121 other graduatesof Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine Wednesday, more than a month before their scheduled commencement, in a Zoom call telecast on Facebook.

In doing so, the school joined others across the United States who've pushed up graduation dates in light of the pandemic. Gov.Andrew Cuomo also passed an executive order allowingqualified medical studentsto graduate early in New York.

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Schramm is scheduled to begin anesthesiology trainingat Columbia University Medical Center in New York City in July, but along with 48 fellow graduates, he's volunteered to report to Stony Brook Hospital first, and spend up to eight weeks helping fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Anthony Schramm, of Vestal, will start anesthesiology research at Columbia Medical in July.(Photo: Photo provided)

He says it was an easy decision to return to the hospitalwhere he's spent the last four years studying as a medical student.

For Moochler, it's hard not to be concerned, knowing how many more confirmed cases of COVID-19 there are in Suffolk County, where the hospital is located there have been about 17,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 compared to about 100 confirmed cases in Broome County.

"I just know that they need him, he will save lives and I know that was what he was meant to do in his life," Moochler said. "That's enough assurance for us to just know hes going to be OK."

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Schramm's first shift is Sunday. He doesn't yet know what time his shift starts, or what unit he'll be on either emergency or intensive carebut he knows he's ready to help any way he can.

"I think it just kind of comes down to why I wanted to pursue medicine in the first place," he said. "Being a physician is such a privileged position where we get to treat people in the worst of times."

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After early graduation, Vestal native and new doctor is off to fight on COVID-19 front lines - Pressconnects

Governor Lamonts executive order permits recent medical school grads to begin practicing during pandemic, implements new workplace safety rules -…

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order Tuesday allowing recent medical school and other medical profession graduates who are not yet licensed to participate in the states COVID-19 response for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.

This is necessary during the emergency period because the ability to take the required exams or other steps to receive a license have been suspended, Lamont said.

I've issued an Executive Order tonight permitting recent medical school and other medical profession graduates to begin practicing now.

During this emergency Connecticut needs every bit of assistance we can get.

Thank you to every health care worker for the jobs you are doing.

Days ago, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a similar order that allowed those slated to graduate to practice.

Tuesday, Gov. Lamont also implemented new Safe Workplace Rules for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.

In a post on Twitter, Gov. Lamont said the rules direct every workplace in Connecticut thats deemed essential to implement additional protective measures.

They include the rule to have every employee that CAN work from home TO work from home, gives guidance for employees who have recently traveled internationally where COVID-19 is present, eliminates all non-essential workplace travel, and gives guidance prohibition of non-essential visitors.

Governor LamontsExecutive Order No. 7Venacts the following provisions:

Safe workplaces in essential businesses: Requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to work in consultation with the Department of Public Health on the development of legally binding statewide rules prescribing additional protective measures that every workplace in Connecticut deemed essential and any other business or nonprofit allowed to remain open must follow. Such rules will be mandatory throughout the state.

oImmediately upon Governor Lamonts signing of this executive order, the Department of Economic and Community Development published theSafe Workplaces Rules for Essential Employers on its website, outlining guidance for these businesses. These rules go into effect immediately.

The rules go into effect immediately.

The Executive Order that I signed this afternoon implements new Safe Workplace Rules, which direct every workplace in Connecticut that's deemed essential to implement additional protective measures. They go into effect immediately.

Check them out here: https://t.co/zZjh3qDWQP pic.twitter.com/5WtQBCNFJO

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The Last Dance director talks project on Michael Jordans Chicago Bulls – The Denver Post

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Jason Hehir was a kid in the stands in Boston Garden on April 20, 1986, the day that Michael Jordan scored a playoff-record 63 points.

It was a Christmas gift from his father, who stuck a note promising Two tickets to the Air Jordan Show in his stocking that holiday season. Its a gift Hehir will never forget, though his current seat for another Jordan show of sorts is considerably better.

Hehir is the director of the ESPN and Netflix production The Last Dance, a 10-part documentary series that debuts April 19 and tells the story of Jordans final Chicago Bulls season in 1997-98 that culminated in a sixth NBA title. Hehirs task: Take 10,000 hours of archived footage, add interviews with more than 100 people, and turn it into about 8 hours of television.

I wouldnt call it a challenge, Hehir said. I would call it a privilege.

The series was moved up two months to provide content-starved fans with something new to watch during the coronavirus pandemic. ESPN was originally planning to release the documentary in June, coinciding with what would have been this seasons NBA Finals.

It will run over five Sundays ending May 17, with two one-hour broadcasts each week.

Im happy if we can bring a little bit of light to people in a dark time here, Hehir said. Sports are such an indelible part of our cultural fabric and lacking that theres a significant hole in enjoyment that people feel, the escape that people can feel from everyday life that sports brings us.

The accelerated launch has only added to a hectic time for Hehir and his team.

There has been much anticipation about the documentary, which in Hehirs mind came together much faster than such a project usually does.

Normally, to do an hourlong archival documentary from start to finish, it takes about a year from the inception of the idea to the research to doing all the shooting to getting it all together, storyboarding it out, mapping it out, editing, getting notes back, it takes about a year, Hehir said. Were doing 10 of those. And we had a little bit over two years to do it so were already working at five times our normal rate.

The pandemic further complicates matters. Hehir and his team are finishing things up while separated, connecting through Zoom meetings but largely in isolation at their own laptops to get the last pieces of the story ready to air.

The documentary goes deeper than just 1997-98, though that season is the overriding theme. It also serves as a retrospective of Jordans basketball life, from his college days at North Carolina through his rise atop the NBA.

Hehir knows there is an ongoing buildup and anticipation surrounding the documentary, and still feels nervousness. He met with Jordan several times over the course of the project, including three sit-down interviews that are part of the documentary.

I hope that people will like it as much as we did, Hehir said.

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The Last Dance director talks project on Michael Jordans Chicago Bulls - The Denver Post

First Look At The Japan Exclusive Air Jordan 1 Neutral Grey – Sneaker News

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Among Dunk Highs and Lows, Japan had exclusive dibs on some of the best colorways of the early 2000s, and among them, the Air Jordan 1 saw to quite a few that are finally set to arrive once more for the first time since their initial debuts. Next to the much darker Midnight Navy Co.JP, the brand is also providing a refitted Neutral Grey complement replete with much of the metallic polish it boasted originally. The overlays heel wraps, ankle flaps, and swooshes reveal these more aggressively with a medal-like sheen, matching that of the toe box whose surrounding panels prefer a more matted finish. Elsewhere, Wings insignia stamp atop pronounced, rounding off the branding alongside the newly adopted Nike Air at the tongue and its insides self-referential numbering. Grab one of the first looks at its modern look here and expect a release to land at Nike.com hopefully around July 25th.

In other news, a new Infrared Air Jordan 1 Low is coming soon.

Air Jordan 1 Neutral GreyRelease Date: July 25th, 2020Color: Neutral Grey/Metallic Silver-WhiteStyle Code: 555088-029

Source: @earylgvng

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Jordan calls for Oversight to stop conducting business via Zoom | TheHill – The Hill

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Rep. Jim JordanJames (Jim) Daniel JordanHillicon Valley: Apple, Google launch virus tracing system | Republican says panel should no longer use Zoom | Lawmakers introduce bill to expand telehealth Jordan calls for Oversight to stop conducting business via Zoom Top conservatives pen letter to Trump with concerns on fourth coronavirus relief bill MORE (Ohio), the top Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, called Friday for an end to using Zoom to conduct the panel's business remotelydue to potential security concerns.

Jordan wrote in a letter to Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn MaloneyCarolyn Bosher MaloneyHillicon Valley: Apple, Google launch virus tracing system | Republican says panel should no longer use Zoom | Lawmakers introduce bill to expand telehealth Jordan calls for Oversight to stop conducting business via Zoom Top House Democrats ask inspectors general group for proposals to protect watchdogs MORE (D-N.Y.) that the Zoom video conferencing software, which has become popular for teleworking and virtual social gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, did not appear to meet security standards needed to handle the panel's functions.

Jordanclaimed thata recent briefing on women's rights in Afghanistan was repeatedly Zoom-bombed, a term for hackers or other uninvited individuals disrupting meetings on the platform. He said in the letter that "the impact of hacking on malware on member and staff devices is still being determined."

A House GOP aide told The Hill that "unauthorized callers from unknown entities tried no fewer than three times to infiltrate a meeting meant only for members of Congress and their staff, which resulted in significant interruption and delay.

But a Democratic aide denied that there were any security disruptions for the committee either during the Afghanistan briefing or another Zoom meeting with the Postmaster General. The aide said that there had only been a miscommunication in which the moderator was not informed about some individuals who were invited to the Afghanistan briefing.Rep. Jordans office was consulted directly and repeatedly about using Zoom and never raised any concerns, so its unfortunate that he is now putting out inaccurate information in this public letter. Had his office consulted with us first, we could have clarified their misunderstandings and provided more information about the steps the committee has already taken to address any potential issues,"Maloney said in a statement.

"The committee has used a number of technologies to help its members obtain information and share it with the American people during this crisis, and it will continue to do so to fulfill its responsibilities under the Constitution," Maloney added.

A Monday readout from Maloney after the video briefing on Afghanistan said that "our committee will continue to leverage new and emerging technologies to follow social distancing guidelines and conduct our work remotely."

Maloney didn't immediately have a response to Jordan's letter. A Monday readout from her after the video briefing made no mention of the interruptions or possible security issues with the Zoom platform, but said that "our committee will continue to leverage new and emerging technologies to follow social distancing guidelines and conduct our work remotely."

Jordan noted in his letter that the Senate sergeant-at-arms has warned Senate offices not to use Zoom for work calls over privacy and security concerns.

The FBI has also issued warnings against using Zoom for meetings due to the security issues and recommended that all meetings be set to private and not shared to social media.

"Given the concerns surrounding Zooms security, it is clear Zoom is not an appropriate platform for Committee business, which may be particularly sensitive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please immediately suspend any current or future use of Zoom systems for official committee activities and take immediate steps to evaluate the Committees internal cybersecurity preparedness to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive committee information through the Zoom platform," Jordan wrote.

When asked about the Senate sergeant-at-arms warning against Zoom use, a spokesperson for the videoconferencing company told The Hill on Thursday that it was "in communication with US Senate offices and focused on providing the information they need, including about our tailored Zoom for Government offering, which is hosted in a separate cloud and meets the particular specifications of FedRAMP security policies, to make informed decisions about their policies."

The concerns about using Zoom come as lawmakers try to figure out ways to conduct congressional business while away from the Capitol during the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of both parties have called on House leaders to establish a remote voting system so that they can cast votes on legislation remotely, instead of passing bills by voice vote or unanimous consent. But if a single member objects to passing legislation by voice vote or unanimous consent, that may require forcing hundreds of lawmakers to travel to Washington and congregate in the Capitol. Congressional leaders have been trying to avoid bringing all members together as the country practices social distancing.

But Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiFauci expects 'real degree of normality' by November election 16 things to know about coronavirus for today Pelosi presses Mnuchin on 0B coronavirus 'interim' package MORE (D-Calif.) says it's easier said than done to figure out a secure and reliable way for lawmakers to vote remotely.

"There are some technologies that you might think would be workable, but they might not be secure," she told reporters on Thursday.

Yet Pelosi acknowledged, "I'll be very frank with you: We don't want anybody coming back at any time that might not be healthy for them."

Some legislatures in other states and countries have created remote voting systems so that lawmakers can cast votes during the pandemic. In New Jersey, state legislators passed coronavirus relief legislation by conference call, while the Wisconsin state Senate has been preparing to use Skype for Business for any virtual sessions. And in Wales, members of the Welsh assembly used Zoom to meet virtually for its weekly plenary session.

Updated: 4:24 p.m.

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Jerry Stackhouse says he was ‘a better player’ than Michael Jordan when the two played for the Wizards – CBS Sports

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Ask a Wizards fan about the Michael Jordan era of the franchise, and you're likely to send them screaming and running away in the opposite direction. This isn't too far off from how Jerry Stackhouse feels about his time in our nation's capital when he was a teammate of the then-40-year-old superstar.

In an interview with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Stackhouse reveals just how disgruntled he felt on the Wizards. Not only does Stackhouse say he thought he was a better player than Jordan was at the time, but he also lost any admiration he had for the six-time champion.

It's worth noting that Stackhouse felt like running the offense though MJ tanked their season and that he was traded from a playoff team in the Detroit Pistons for Rip Hamilton who would eventually help the Pistons win an NBA championship. But most of his concern seems to be how the team revolved around the whims of a way-past-his-prime-but-still-talented superstar rather than Stackhouse, who was in his late 20s at the time.

The now-Vanderbilt coach also dealt with injuries during his tenure as a Wizard, playing just 96 of a possible 164 total games. His best season was his first, where he averaged 21.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game in the 2002-03 season -- Jordan, for what it's worth, averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game in his final season. Stackhouse was traded to Dallas in 2004, along with Christian Laettner and a first-rounder, for Antawn Jamison.

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Jerry Stackhouse says he was 'a better player' than Michael Jordan when the two played for the Wizards - CBS Sports

The Latest on Dior x Jordan: The Collab Everyone’s Talking About – Esquire

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How do you make a grail, wellgrail-ier? The Air Jordan 1 is already an icon, a universally beloved sneaker with 35 years of history and a tendency to sell out with each subsequent release. How do you top that? Easy: Just talk to Kim Jones.

The creative director of Dior Men is a magician of the high-low collab. Hes done it once already, at Louis Vuitton, throwing the French fashion house together with Supreme and in- spiring overnight queuesand astronomical resale pricesthe world over. But that was back in 2017, when everyone was high as hell on in-your-face streetwear vibes. Now, in a more muted 2020, hes achieved the same alchemical hype by taking the AJ1, plus a lineup of Jordan Brand apparel and accessories, in a pared-down direction.

Nike

Basketball shorts break from the court in cotton twill. An Air Dior logo appears on a sweater Carolina blue, naturallythat wouldnt stand a chance in the paint. A satin flight jacket, a nod to MJs airtime-heavy game, isnt what youd toss on after warm-ups. This is refined stuff, better suited to the pregame tunnel than the hardwood.

And then there are the sneakers: both high- and low-tops, made in Italy, dressed in Dior gray, and finished with a jacquard swoosh. Sneakerheads are slobbering over them. So are fashion fans. They cost more than ten times what youd pay for in-line Jordan 1s, and when they arriveinitially launch was slated for this month, but the timing has been pushed owing to the current global pandemictheyre going to sell out just as fast (or faster). Grail of grails.

This article appears in the April/May 2020 issue of Esquire.SUBSCRIBE

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This Coveted Air Jordan 6 Style Is Returning for the First Time in 14 Years – Footwear News

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One of the most sought-after Air Jordan releases is returning this month for the first time in 14 years.

The Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP will be released on the SNKRS app and at select Jordan Brand stockists on April 18 for a retail price of $200. The style features a stealthy black suede upper thats contrasted by regal gold accents on the tongues Jumpman branding, the heels pull tab and on the midsole. The year 2020 is also stamped on the insole to recognize its latest release.

The sneaker was originally released in 2006 as part of the brands first-ever Defining Moments pack, which also included an Air Jordan 11. The sneakers selected were the ones basketball icon Michael Jordan wore during the first years of each of the NBA Finals three-peats in 1991 and in 1996, respectively. The pack is currently reselling on StockX for around $800.

The Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP.

CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike

The lateral side of the Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP.

CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike

The medial side of the Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP.

CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike

A top view of the Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP.

CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike

The heel of the Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP.

CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike

The outsole of the Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP.

CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike

As a majority of the world continues to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Nike Inc., the company that owns Jordan Brand, has announced that its retail stores inthe U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Western Europe will remain closed until further notice. Its digital shopping platforms, including Nike.com, SNKRS and the Nike app, will remain active.

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Virgil Ablohs Second Air Jordan 5 Collab is Reportedly Releasing Before YearsEnd

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Drug arrest in the city of Jordan | MN South News – New Prague Times

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On the afternoon of April 6, 2020, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, Jordan Police Department assisted the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) by conducting a traffic stop in the city of Jordan.

The suspect and driver of the vehicle was identified as Pedro Gil Garcia (57) of Jordan. Garcia was placed under arrest and booked into the Scott County Jail for violating a No Contact Order and felony 1st degree sale and possession of 1.2 kilos of Methamphetamine.

During these challenging times, law enforcement is still actively pursuing criminals and I am grateful for the outstanding work by everyone involved in this case, said Sheriff Luke Hennen. I am glad we were able to arrest this suspect and seize these deadly narcotics before they were distributed into our community.

The mission of the SWMDTF is to provide a comprehensive and multi-jurisdictional effort to reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences and to provide effective drug awareness education through the coordination and resource sharing of its participating agencies within Scott County, Carver County, McLeod County, and a small portion of Hennepin County.

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Working at Five Times the Normal Rate Was a Privilege For the Director to Bring Out the Last Dance of Michael Jordan – Essentially Sports

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Gathering thousands of hours of video footage, interviewing hundreds of people and putting it together for a few hours of a television show is never an easy job. However, for director Jason Hehir, working on the documentary of Michael Jordan was nothing short of a privilege.

I wouldnt call it a challenge, Hehir said as per Shootonline. I would call it a privilege.

The series, concentrating on Jordans final season with Chicago Bulls and his sixth NBA title, released earlier than planned due to the cancellation of the NBA season. ESPN had initially planned to release the documentary on June, coinciding with the NBA Finals. But with all major sporting events shuddering to a stop because of the pandemic, the series release moved up.

Im happy if we can bring a little bit of light to people in a dark time here, Hehir said. Sports are such an indelible part of our cultural fabric and lacking that theres a significant hole in the enjoyment that people feel, the escape that people can feel from everyday life that sports brings us.

With the release of the series pushed ahead, Hehir and his staff had a hectic schedule. He said they were working five times their usual rate.

Normally, to do an hourlong archival documentary from start to finish, it takes about a year from the inception of the idea to the research to doing all the shooting to getting it all together, storyboarding it out, mapping it out, editing, getting notes back, it takes about a year, Hehir said. Were doing 10 of those. And we had a little bit over two years to do it so were already working at five times our normal rate.

The 10-part documentary will air for the first time on April 19. It will run over five Sundays, with two one-hour broadcasts each week.

I hope that people will like it as much as we did, Hehir said.

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Working at Five Times the Normal Rate Was a Privilege For the Director to Bring Out the Last Dance of Michael Jordan - Essentially Sports

Psychedelic Galaxy Prints And Textured Leathers Join The Air Jordan 1 Low – Sneaker News

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Jordan Brands attention, though briefly directed towards the slew of prepared Summer 2020 releases, has quickly made its way back to the Air Jordan 1 Low as many a scheme has since boiled to the surface. And while the silhouette has frequently detailed its leathers with ornate patterns and added vibrant colors, this latest is one of the first to attempt both since the start of the year. Its biggest and boldest tweak, which lies atop the swoosh, toe box, and even the heel wrap, synergize with a distinct take of the iconic galaxy print, but instead of a rehash of the Galaxy Foam, the pair adds a lighter wash of colors and extra lightning-esque embellishments. Elsewhere, the forward panels which start at the toe and finish at the tip of the tongue dress with luxury as they fully reupholster with snakeskin fabrications. Grab a look at these right here and expect a release at Nike.com to hopefully make it within the next couple months.

In other news, the Jordan Aerospace 720 just got a clean white colorway.

Air Jordan 1 Low GalaxyStyle Code: CW7309-090

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Chargers’ interest in QB Jordan Love continues to heat up – Chargers Wire

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The Chargers met with former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love at the Combine and had a virtual pre-draft meeting with him.

But the interest in Love doesnt stop there.

According to ESPNs Jeremy Fowler, the Chargers are among a few teams doing varying levels of homework on Love.

Fowler reports that seven NFL head coaches have called Matt Wells, who coached Love at Utah State in 2017 and 2018, about the signal-caller.

Wells believes teams are trying to get the complete story on Love, who raised eyebrows after a phenomenal sophomore season only to regress in nearly every statistical category the following year.

In 2018, Love completed 64% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 32 touchdowns and only six interceptions. But in 2019, he saw his total touchdowns drop from 39 to only 20 while also seeing an uptick in interceptions (17).

Not only did Love have a completely new coach after Wells left to Texas Tech last season, he lost all but one starter on the offensive side of the ball.

Theres reason to believe that had a huge impact on his regression in his final season, which is why teams have been getting in touch with his coach from his better playing days.

Even though he made some head scratching throws this past season, the 6-foot-4 and 224 pounders ability to make any throw on the field from multiple set points is very impressive, which is why he has drawn comparisons to Chiefs Patrick Mahomes.

Should the Chargers bank on the high-risk, high-reward player, they will likely have to use their No. 6 overall selection on him since the chances of him being available in the second-round are slim.

Love could benefit from sitting behind Tyrod Taylor in his first season to adapt to the pace of the NFL and get coached up to avoid making the same mistakes he did in his junior campaign before taking the reins.

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Chargers' interest in QB Jordan Love continues to heat up - Chargers Wire

Leilani Jordan’s mother mourns the loss of her ‘butterfly’ – NBC News

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A mother is mourning the loss of her 27-year-old daughter her "butterfly" who died of coronavirus after refusing to miss a day working at her Maryland grocery store job.

Leilani Jordan "wanted to help anyone that she came in contact with" at her job as a clerk at a Giant Food in Largo, her mother Zenobia Shepherd told MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle in a tearful interview Thursday.

But Jordan was concerned about her safety at work. "She said to me 'Mom ... I have to take my own hand sanitizer because there's none available, theres no gloves available,'" Shepherd said.

Still, Jordan, who had disabilities, was especially sympathetic toward senior customers. The 27-year-old started feeling sick in the middle of March, her mother said. She was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on March 26 and died on April 1, according to a memorial page.

"I'm a mother, and I have a hole in my heart for the rest of my life. My baby is gone," Shepherd said. "She was my butterfly."

Shepherd said she received a paycheck for just over $20 for her daughter, a delayed five-year pin and a certificate after her daughter died.

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"My babys gone for $20.64," Shepherd said.

"She did this from her heart, not for the money," she added. "Customers have been finding me and calling me and telling me 'thank you, you dont know what your baby did for us every day.'"

Shepherd is concerned for other workers deemed essential during the pandemic other grocery store workers, mail delivery people, sanitation people and everyone else who cannot do their jobs from home.

"For $20.64, they could have bought a box of gloves to give to them; they could have kept that paycheck," Shepherd said of Giant. "You know what using the proper PPE could have done for my baby?"

Felismina Andrade, a communications director for Giant, said that Jordan's last day of work was March 16, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was not yet recommending masks. After CDC guidance changed, associates who want them have been provided plastic shields. More than 72,000 have been spread among stores.

Associates were "allowed" to wear gloves in the first month of March, and hand sanitizer and cleaning products were available, Andrade said.

March 16 was a Monday, and Jordan's paycheck covered the three hours she worked that day after union dues, Andrade told NBC News.

"Our Giant Food family is mourning Leilanis passing, along with her family, as she was a valued associate who has been part of our Giant Food family since 2016," said a statement from the company. "We are supporting Leilanis family during this difficult time and have been in direct contact with her mother to address her needs."

What Shepherd said she needs most now is help covering costs related to Jordan's funeral.

A service will be held on April 20, according to an online obituary. Visitation is limited to 10 people, and a burial will be held at a "later date."

Shepherd said she's been told her daughter won't be laid to rest for at least five months.

"You can't handle a COVID funeral the way you can handle a regular funeral," she said.

Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

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Leilani Jordan's mother mourns the loss of her 'butterfly' - NBC News