upi--2020-07-02--Judge rules publisher of tell-all book by Trump's niece not beholden to NDA

July 2 ( UPI ) -- A New York State appellate judge has ruled Simon & Schuster can proceed with publishing a tell-all book about President Donald Trump a day after a lower court imposed a temporary injunction against its publication stating the company was beholden to the non-confidentially agreement signed by the manuscript 's author , the president 's niece Mary Trump .
In the six-page ruling issued Wednesday evening , Justice Alan D. Scheinkman said the injunction against the book 's publication stems from a non-disclosure agreement signed between the members of the Trump family barring them from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary is free to sign away her First Amendment rights , Simon & Schuster made no such agreement .
`` S & S is not a party to the settlement agreement , '' Scheinkman wrote .
`` The only basis offered by the plaintiff to extend the temporary restraining order to S & S are the allegations that S & S 'intends to act ' on Ms. Trump 's behalf in causing the publication of the book that S & S is acting at Ms. Trump 's direction and in concert with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not supported by any specific factual averments . ''
The injunction was issued Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by the president 's younger brother , Robert Trump , claiming the book scheduled to be published July 28 violated a non-disclosure agreement that Mary signed as part of a settlement over her inheritance from the estate of Fred Trump , Sr. , the president 's father , who died in 1999 .
Robert argued Mary violated the agreement by writing the book `` Too Much and Never Enough , How My Family Created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' which she has described as an `` insider 's perspective '' of `` countless holidays meals , '' `` family interactions '' and `` family events . ''
Scheinkman said further arguments will be heard July 10 concerning whether Mary is beholden to the non-disclosure agreement as situations around it have changed from a public-interest perspective since Trump became president .
`` The legitimate interest in preserving family secrets may be one thing for the family of a real estate developer , no matter how successful ; it is another matter for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , '' Scheinkman wrote .
`` We support Mary L. Trump 's right to tell her story in 'Too Much and Never Enough , ' a work of great interest and importance to the national discourse that fully deserves to be published for the benefit of the American public , '' the publishing house said in a statement .

A New York State appellate judge ruled Wednesday that Simon & Schuster may proceed with publishing a tell-all book about President Donald Trump that was written by his niece. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
July 2 (UPI) -- A New York State appellate judge has ruled Simon & Schuster can proceed with publishing a tell-all book about President Donald Trump a day after a lower court imposed a temporary injunction against its publication stating the company was beholden to the non-confidentially agreement signed by the manuscript's author, the president's niece Mary Trump. In the six-page ruling issued Wednesday evening, Justice Alan D. Scheinkman said the injunction against the book's publication stems from a non-disclosure agreement signed between the members of the Trump family barring them from writing about one another, and while Mary is free to sign away her First Amendment rights, Simon & Schuster made no such agreement. Advertisement
"S&S is not a party to the settlement agreement," Scheinkman wrote. "The only basis offered by the plaintiff to extend the temporary restraining order to S&S are the allegations that S&S 'intends to act' on Ms. Trump's behalf in causing the publication of the book that S&S is acting at Ms. Trump's direction and in concert with her. However, these allegations are conclusory and not supported by any specific factual averments."
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The injunction was issued Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by the president's younger brother, Robert Trump, claiming the book scheduled to be published July 28 violated a non-disclosure agreement that Mary signed as part of a settlement over her inheritance from the estate of Fred Trump, Sr., the president's father, who died in 1999.
Robert argued Mary violated the agreement by writing the book "Too Much and Never Enough, How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man," which she has described as an "insider's perspective" of "countless holidays meals," "family interactions" and "family events."
Scheinkman said further arguments will be heard July 10 concerning whether Mary is beholden to the non-disclosure agreement as situations around it have changed from a public-interest perspective since Trump became president.
"The legitimate interest in preserving family secrets may be one thing for the family of a real estate developer, no matter how successful; it is another matter for the family of the president of the United States," Scheinkman wrote.
Simon & Schuster welcomed the court's decision Wednesday.
"We support Mary L. Trump's right to tell her story in 'Too Much and Never Enough,' a work of great interest and importance to the national discourse that fully deserves to be published for the benefit of the American public," the publishing house said in a statement.
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upi--2020-07-02--Study: Seizures after vaccination don't affect child development

Kids who have a fever-related seizure after getting a vaccine wo n't have developmental and behavioral problems as a result , according to a new study .
These so-called febrile seizures do not affect children 's development whether they occur after a vaccination or not , the researchers said .
`` A febrile seizure can occur following vaccination and understandably can be quite distressing to parents .
It can also cause parents to lose confidence in future vaccinations , '' said study author Dr. Lucy Deng .
She is a pediatrician at the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parents will be relieved to hear that having a febrile seizure following vaccination does not affect the child 's development , '' Deng added .
For the study , Deng 's team compared 62 kids who had a fever-related seizure within two weeks of a shot with 70 who had a seizure from another cause and 90 who never had a seizure .
All were about 2 years old .
The investigators found no differences in development , thinking skills or behavior among the three groups .
`` At a time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and new diseases are emerging , our findings are particularly important in reassuring parents and providers on the safety of vaccines , '' Deng said in a news release from the American Academy of Neurology .
The report was published online July 1 in the journal Neurology .
To learn more about fever-related seizures , visit the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke .

Kids who have a fever-related seizure after getting a vaccine won't have developmental and behavioral problems as a result, according to a new study.
These so-called febrile seizures do not affect children's development whether they occur after a vaccination or not, the researchers said.
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"A febrile seizure can occur following vaccination and understandably can be quite distressing to parents. It can also cause parents to lose confidence in future vaccinations," said study author Dr. Lucy Deng. She is a pediatrician at the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance in Sydney, Australia.
"Now, parents will be relieved to hear that having a febrile seizure following vaccination does not affect the child's development," Deng added.
For the study, Deng's team compared 62 kids who had a fever-related seizure within two weeks of a shot with 70 who had a seizure from another cause and 90 who never had a seizure. All were about 2 years old.
The investigators found no differences in development, thinking skills or behavior among the three groups.
"At a time when there is a global resurgence of measles and new diseases are emerging, our findings are particularly important in reassuring parents and providers on the safety of vaccines," Deng said in a news release from the American Academy of Neurology.
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The report was published online July 1 in the journal Neurology.
More information
To learn more about fever-related seizures, visit the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-02--U.S. reports a record 50K new cases as states look to slow COVID-19 over July 4th weekend

July 1 ( UPI ) -- As states moved to implement restrictions to stymie the spread of COVID-19 , health officials on Wednesday reported more than 50,000 new cases of the infectious and deadly coronavirus , making it the highest single-day increase in infections since the pandemic began .
Some 50,700 people in the United States were diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday , which pushed the overall national total to 2.68 million cases .
Since the pandemic began , 128,000 people have died in the United States , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Arizona , Georgia and Texas all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their departments of health , as California , Florida , New York and Oregon implemented new restrictions designed to tamp down on rises in COVID-19 cases ahead of the holiday weekend .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom unveiled new restrictions Wednesday to handle a growing number of cases there .
He ordered all restaurants , wineries , movie theaters , family entertainment venues , zoos , museums , card rooms and bars be closed in 19 counties .
The order applies to Contra Costa , Fresno , Glenn , Imperial , Kern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Orange , Riverside , Sacramento , San Bernardino , San Joaquin , Santa Barbara , Santa Clara , Solano , Stanislaus , Tulare and Ventura counties .
Newsom likened the measures to a `` dimmer switch '' to mitigate the virus ' spread ahead of the Fourth of July weekend .
`` The framework for us is this : If you 're not going to stay home and you 're not going to wear masks in public , we have to enforce and we will . ''
Newsom said the surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refine orders for indoor public activities .
Los Angeles and Ventura counties announced earlier that beaches will close for the holiday weekend .
Los Angeles County reported 2,800 new cases Tuesday , its highest single-day tally , which pushed its total beyond 100,000 .
Neighboring Orange County also reported a single-day record of new cases .
`` We need to act with haste and urgency , '' said County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer .
`` The increases in cases and hospitalizations we are seeing will result in more deaths . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered a curfew from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. each day , closed all restaurants for dine-in and takeout between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. , and halted the sale of all alcohol after 8 p.m. All new rules go into effect Thursday .
Meanwhile , Miami-Dade County ordered all hotels to close their pools between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Friday through Monday .
In Miami .
Mayor Carlos Gimenez ordered that most restaurants must close in the popular South Florida city between midnight and 6 a.m. each day until further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida cases have spiked over the past two weeks .
`` We must take this action , '' he said .
`` Too many people were crowding into restaurants late at night , turning these establishments into breeding grounds for this deadly virus . ''
More than 6,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Florida on Tuesday , where about 3,500 patients have died of the coronavirus so far .
In New York City , Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he 's postponing indoor dining indefinitely .
The state is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Gov .
Andrew Cuomo 's Phase 3 reopening plan .
`` We 're working with the State to postpone indoor dining as we move towards Phase 3 .
We 've made too much progress fighting COVID-19 to risk going backwards , '' de Blasio tweeted .
New York state reported 458 new cases Tuesday , and has had 31,790 deaths so far .
The state of Oregon made wearing a face covering mandatory in all indoor public places on Wednesday , with Gov .
Kate Brown citing COVID-19 cases spreading at `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and urban counties .
`` I do not want to have to close down businesses again like other states are now doing .
If you want your local shops and restaurants to stay open , then wear a face covering when out in public , '' said Brown .
Texas on Wednesday reported 8,076 new coronavirus cases , its largest single-day increase since the onset of the pandemic , as the state has reported a total of 169,062 positive cases and 2,481 deaths .
Austin Mayor Steve Adler on Wednesday said he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County is expected to surpass 10,000 cases and added wearing masks should be mandatory for the next year .

Beachgoers gather at Seal Beach in southern California on May 25. Los Angeles and Ventura County officials have closed beaches for the Fourth of July weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 1 (UPI) -- As states moved to implement restrictions to stymie the spread of COVID-19, health officials on Wednesday reported more than 50,000 new cases of the infectious and deadly coronavirus, making it the highest single-day increase in infections since the pandemic began. Some 50,700 people in the United States were diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday, which pushed the overall national total to 2.68 million cases. Since the pandemic began, 128,000 people have died in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University. Advertisement
Arizona, Georgia and Texas all set record highs on Wednesday, according to their departments of health, as California, Florida, New York and Oregon implemented new restrictions designed to tamp down on rises in COVID-19 cases ahead of the holiday weekend.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled new restrictions Wednesday to handle a growing number of cases there.
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He ordered all restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, family entertainment venues, zoos, museums, card rooms and bars be closed in 19 counties. The order applies to Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Merced, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare and Ventura counties.
Newsom likened the measures to a "dimmer switch" to mitigate the virus' spread ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.
"The framework for us is this: If you're not going to stay home and you're not going to wear masks in public, we have to enforce and we will."
Newsom said the surge in cases will delay planned reopenings statewide and refine orders for indoor public activities.
Los Angeles and Ventura counties announced earlier that beaches will close for the holiday weekend.
Los Angeles County reported 2,800 new cases Tuesday, its highest single-day tally, which pushed its total beyond 100,000. Neighboring Orange County also reported a single-day record of new cases.
"We need to act with haste and urgency," said County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer. "The increases in cases and hospitalizations we are seeing will result in more deaths."
The City of Miami Beach, Fla., ordered a curfew from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. each day, closed all restaurants for dine-in and takeout between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m., and halted the sale of all alcohol after 8 p.m. All new rules go into effect Thursday.
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Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County ordered all hotels to close their pools between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Friday through Monday.
In Miami. Mayor Carlos Gimenez ordered that most restaurants must close in the popular South Florida city between midnight and 6 a.m. each day until further notice.
A major tourism destination year-round, Florida cases have spiked over the past two weeks.
"We must take this action," he said. "Too many people were crowding into restaurants late at night, turning these establishments into breeding grounds for this deadly virus."
More than 6,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Florida on Tuesday, where about 3,500 patients have died of the coronavirus so far.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he's postponing indoor dining indefinitely. The state is scheduled to reopen indoor dining Monday as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Phase 3 reopening plan.
"We're working with the State to postpone indoor dining as we move towards Phase 3. We've made too much progress fighting COVID-19 to risk going backwards," de Blasio tweeted.
New York state reported 458 new cases Tuesday, and has had 31,790 deaths so far.
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The state of Oregon made wearing a face covering mandatory in all indoor public places on Wednesday, with Gov. Kate Brown citing COVID-19 cases spreading at "an alarming rate" in both rural and urban counties.
"I do not want to have to close down businesses again like other states are now doing. If you want your local shops and restaurants to stay open, then wear a face covering when out in public," said Brown.
Oregon has reported 8,525 coronavirus cases and 208 deaths.
Texas on Wednesday reported 8,076 new coronavirus cases, its largest single-day increase since the onset of the pandemic, as the state has reported a total of 169,062 positive cases and 2,481 deaths.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler on Wednesday said he is considering a new stay-at-home order as Travis County is expected to surpass 10,000 cases and added wearing masks should be mandatory for the next year.
California life in the COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-07-02--'Warrior Nun' Mother Superion role was Sylvia De Fanti's destiny

LOS ANGELES , July 2 ( UPI ) -- Netflix 's new series Warrior Nun tells the story of an ancient order that has been battling demons for the church .
Italian actor Sylvia De Fanti plays the warrior nuns ' Mother Superion , training them for battle .
She said angels and demons have touched her life in a prior role and a business endeavor .
On the Italian series Incantesimo in 2007 , De Fanti played Dr. Anna Archangelo in the hospital drama .
Her archangel namesake might have foreshadowed her latest role .
De Fanti also maintains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She co-founded Angelo Mai , named after a 19th-century cardinal whose name translates to `` never angel . ''
`` Mother Superion is in my destiny with all these angels around , '' De Fanti told UPI in a phone interview from her home in Italy .
Warrior Nun is based on the Warrior Nun Areala comic book published in December 1994 .
De Fanti said author Ben Dunn 's original conception of Mother Superion was different from hers .
`` She 's blind [ in the comic ] , '' De Fanti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like oculus .
It 's almost like the ones that pilots used to wear in the '40s .
And , she also has a story that I 'm not sure is going to match completely with the choices that have been made in the script . ''
In the Netflix adaptation , Mother Superion can see and walks with a stick .
De Fanti said she made some physical choices in her audition that remained in the filmed version of the show .
She slowed her breathing and used her posture to represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because of the stick , but also because of the moral weight , I try to translate that in the body to embody that feeling of gravitas , '' De Fanti said .
Netflix 's Mother Superion also has a scar over her right eye .
De Fanti said viewers wo n't find out how she got her scar in the first season of Warrior Nun .
The actor does not yet know , though she suspects she got that scar on the job many years ago .
`` It 's really still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mother Superion does not enter until Episode 3 of Warrior Nun .
It begins when Ava ( Alba Baptista ) is brought back to life by a halo -- a circular artifact that attaches itself to her back .
In life , Ava was paralyzed , but the halo allows her to walk and gives her enhanced strength and the ability to move through walls .
The order has been looking for the new recipient of the halo .
It brings her to the convent , where Mother Superion tries to train Ava @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
De Fanti says Mother Superion is most focused on emotionally preparing Ava for the battles she will face .
`` You see , all these young women are very different , '' De Fanti said .
`` A trainer must really value the differences and the specificities . ''

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Sylvia De Fanti plays Mother Superion on Netflix's "Warrior Nun." Photo courtesy of Netflix
LOS ANGELES, July 2 (UPI) -- Netflix's new series Warrior Nun tells the story of an ancient order that has been battling demons for the church. Italian actor Sylvia De Fanti plays the warrior nuns' Mother Superion, training them for battle. She said angels and demons have touched her life in a prior role and a business endeavor. Advertisement
On the Italian series Incantesimo in 2007, De Fanti played Dr. Anna Archangelo in the hospital drama. Her archangel namesake might have foreshadowed her latest role.
De Fanti also maintains an independent art space in Italy. She co-founded Angelo Mai, named after a 19th-century cardinal whose name translates to "never angel."
"Mother Superion is in my destiny with all these angels around," De Fanti told UPI in a phone interview from her home in Italy.
Warrior Nun is based on the Warrior Nun Areala comic book published in December 1994. De Fanti said author Ben Dunn's original conception of Mother Superion was different from hers.
"She's blind [in the comic]," De Fanti said. "She has glasses, like oculus. It's almost like the ones that pilots used to wear in the '40s. And, she also has a story that I'm not sure is going to match completely with the choices that have been made in the script."
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In the Netflix adaptation, Mother Superion can see and walks with a stick. De Fanti said she made some physical choices in her audition that remained in the filmed version of the show. She slowed her breathing and used her posture to represent the weight of her duties.
"Because of the stick, but also because of the moral weight, I try to translate that in the body to embody that feeling of gravitas," De Fanti said.
Netflix's Mother Superion also has a scar over her right eye. De Fanti said viewers won't find out how she got her scar in the first season of Warrior Nun. The actor does not yet know, though she suspects she got that scar on the job many years ago.
"It's really still a mystery," she said.
Mother Superion does not enter until Episode 3 of Warrior Nun. It begins when Ava (Alba Baptista) is brought back to life by a halo -- a circular artifact that attaches itself to her back. In life, Ava was paralyzed, but the halo allows her to walk and gives her enhanced strength and the ability to move through walls.
The order has been looking for the new recipient of the halo. It brings her to the convent, where Mother Superion tries to train Ava in the ways of the warrior nuns. De Fanti says Mother Superion is most focused on emotionally preparing Ava for the battles she will face.
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"You see, all these young women are very different," De Fanti said. "A trainer must really value the differences and the specificities."
Warrior Nun premieres Thursday on Netflix.


upi--2020-07-02--Famous birthdays for July 2: Margot Robbie, Larry David

July 2 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer .
-- Former @ @ @ @ @ Marshall in 1908 -- Imelda Marcos , wife of former Philippine President Fernando Marcos , @ @ @ @ @ )

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Margot Robbie arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on February 9. The actor turns 30 on July 2. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 2 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer. They include: Advertisement
-- German novelist Hermann Hesse in 1877
-- King Olav V of Norway in 1903
-- Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 1908
-- Singer/actor Ken Curtis in 1916
-- French fashion designer Pierre Cardin in 1922 (age 98)
-- Civil rights activist Medgar Evers in 1925
-- Imelda Marcos, wife of former Philippine President Fernando Marcos, in 1929 (age 91)
UPI File Photo
-- Dave Thomas, Wendy's fast-food restaurant chain founder, in 1932
-- Actor Polly Holliday in 1937 (age 83)
-- Former race car driver Richard Petty in 1937 (age 83)
-- Actor/director Ron Silver in 1946
-- Writer/actor Larry David in 1947 (age 73)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Actor/model Jerry Hall in 1956 (age 64)
-- Actor Jimmy McNichol in 1961 (age 59)
-- Former baseball star Jose Canseco in 1964 (age 56)
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-- Singer Jenni Rivera in 1969
-- Former figure skater Johnny Weir in 1984 (age 36)
-- Actor Ashley Tisdale in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Lindsay Lohan in 1986 (age 34)
-- Alex Morgan, U.S. women's national soccer team, in 1989 (31)
-- Actor Margot Robbie in 1990 (age 30)


upi--2020-07-02--On This Day, July 2: Greece joins World War I

July 2 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1776 , the Second Continental Congress formally adopted a resolution for independence from Britain .
In 1788 , it was announced in the U.S. Congress that the new Constitution had been ratified by the required nine states , the ninth being New Hampshire .
In 1839 , slaves being shipped to Cuba revolted and seized the ship Amistad , leading to an eventual end of the African slave market .
In 1881 , U.S. President James Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau , a mentally unstable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 and was succeeded by Vice President Chester Arthur .
Guiteau was convicted and hanged in 1882 .
In 1900 , the world 's first rigid airship was demonstrated by Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin in Germany .
In 1917 , Greece declared war on the Central Powers , joining World War I on the side of Britain , France , Russia and Italy .
In 1934 , 6-year-old Shirley Temple signed a contract with Fox Film Corp. She went on to become one of the biggest movie stars of the era .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her daughter grounded , she would tell her `` You 're not so good as an actress , Shirley . ''
In 1937 , U.S. aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Frederick Noonan were reported lost over the Pacific Ocean .
They were never found .
In 1932 , Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and later that year was the first woman to fly solo non-stop from coast to coast in the United States .
In 1943 , Lt. Charles Hall became the first African-American pilot to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War II during an Allied assault on three Italian air bases .
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower personally congratulated Hall when the escort squadron returned to base .
In 1962 , the first Walmart store opened -- in Rogers , Ark .
In May 2018 , the retail outlet topped the Fortune 500 list for the sixth year in a row as the first U.S. company with $ 500 billion in yearly sales .
In 1964 , the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law with the signature of President Lyndon B. Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vietnam reunited , forming the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and naming Hanoi the capital .
In 1986 , the U.S. Supreme Court endorsed numerical hiring goals for minorities , rejecting the Reagan administration view that affirmative action be limited to proven victims of race discrimination .
In 1990 , a stampede in a pedestrian tunnel at the Muslim holy city of Mecca during the annual hajj killed 1,426 pilgrims .
In 1992 , the 1 millionth Corvette rolled off the production line in Bowling Green , Ky .
In 1993 , Islamist extremists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Turkey , in an apparent attempt to kill the translator of British author Salman Rushdie 's novel The Satanic Verses .
Thirty-five people died .
In 2000 , Vicente Fox was elected president of Mexico .
In 2002 , American Steve Fossett completed the first round-the-world solo flight in a balloon , reaching Queensland in the Australian outback to finish a 13-day , 19,428-mile trip that began in Western Australia .
In 2015 , 62 people were killed in the Philippines when a crowded ferry carrying nearly 200 people abruptly capsized -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2019 , the Europe an Union elected German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen as the first female leader of the European Commission .

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On July 2, 1917, Greece declared war on the Central Powers, joining World War I on the side of Britain, France, Russia and Italy. File Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
July 2 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted a resolution for independence from Britain. Advertisement
In 1788, it was announced in the U.S. Congress that the new Constitution had been ratified by the required nine states, the ninth being New Hampshire.
In 1839, slaves being shipped to Cuba revolted and seized the ship Amistad, leading to an eventual end of the African slave market.
In 1881, U.S. President James Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a mentally unstable lawyer and office-seeker. Garfield died Sept. 19 and was succeeded by Vice President Chester Arthur. Guiteau was convicted and hanged in 1882.
In 1900, the world's first rigid airship was demonstrated by Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin in Germany.
In 1917, Greece declared war on the Central Powers, joining World War I on the side of Britain, France, Russia and Italy.
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In 1934, 6-year-old Shirley Temple signed a contract with Fox Film Corp. She went on to become one of the biggest movie stars of the era. Her mother told United Press that to keep her daughter grounded, she would tell her "You're not so good as an actress, Shirley."
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
In 1937, U.S. aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Frederick Noonan were reported lost over the Pacific Ocean. They were never found. In 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and later that year was the first woman to fly solo non-stop from coast to coast in the United States.
In 1943, Lt. Charles Hall became the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane in World War II during an Allied assault on three Italian air bases. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower personally congratulated Hall when the escort squadron returned to base.
In 1962, the first Walmart store opened -- in Rogers, Ark. In May 2018, the retail outlet topped the Fortune 500 list for the sixth year in a row as the first U.S. company with $500 billion in yearly sales.
Advertisement
In 1964, the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law with the signature of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
In 1976, North and South Vietnam reunited, forming the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and naming Hanoi the capital.
In 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court endorsed numerical hiring goals for minorities, rejecting the Reagan administration view that affirmative action be limited to proven victims of race discrimination.
In 1990, a stampede in a pedestrian tunnel at the Muslim holy city of Mecca during the annual hajj killed 1,426 pilgrims.
In 1992, the 1 millionth Corvette rolled off the production line in Bowling Green, Ky.
In 1993, Islamist extremists set fire to a hotel in Sivas, Turkey, in an apparent attempt to kill the translator of British author Salman Rushdie's novel The Satanic Verses. Thirty-five people died.
In 2000, Vicente Fox was elected president of Mexico.
In 2002, American Steve Fossett completed the first round-the-world solo flight in a balloon, reaching Queensland in the Australian outback to finish a 13-day, 19,428-mile trip that began in Western Australia.
Pilot Steve Fossett's Bud Lite Spirit of Freedom balloon crosses the south Australian coast July 3, 2002. Fossett was successful in his bid to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the world by balloon. File Photo by Trevor Collens/UPI
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In 2015, 62 people were killed in the Philippines when a crowded ferry carrying nearly 200 people abruptly capsized -- just minutes after it left port.
In 2019, the Europe an Union elected German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen as the first female leader of the European Commission.


upi--2020-07-02--Russians vote to allow Putin to rule until 2036

July 2 ( UPI ) -- Russians overwhelming voted to pass constitutional amendments that could allow President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036 , according to preliminary results released Thursday .
Russia 's Central Election Commission said early Thursday that nearly 78 percent voted `` yes '' to the amendments to 21 percent who voted `` no '' while estimating that 65 percent of eligible voters cast ballots during the weeklong vote that ended Wednesday .
Russia 's constitution stipulates that a president must step down after serving two six-year terms but the amendments voted on this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of the government for an additional two terms .
The opposition has accused the vote of being rigged with pro-democracy activist and local politician Alexey Navalny describing the tally as `` a record of fake votes '' that do n't `` even have anything to do with people 's opinions . ''
`` The best reaction to what happened is not despair and anxiety but the mobilization of thousands of observers this fall and the defeat of United Russia in the regional elections , where at least some procedure has remained , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ruling political party of the country .
Russia 's parliament had already passed the amendments , rendering the vote unnecessary other than Putin had insisted on it being held .
Andrei Kolesnikov , senior fellow and chair of the Russian Domestic Politics and Political Institutions Program at the Carnegie Moscow Center , said Putin needs the vote to prove he is supported by a majority .
`` Putin is using the public vote to make ordinary people his accomplices in extending his rule and sanctioning the domination of an ultraconservative ideology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnout and votes in favor of changing the constitution are high enough , Putin will be able to use those figures as a license whenever the nation is unhappy , and say : 'Look , it was n't just my administration and I ; it was you who wanted this ! '
'' Along with the term-limit reset , the referendum included some 200 other amendments .
The commission said on Twitter it received 7,196 complaints from citizens over the vote , 591 of which were received on election day , ruling none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a commission meeting .
Putin , 67 , has led Russia as either president or prime minister since 1999 .
The vote was originally scheduled for April 22 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic .

Russian President Vladimir Putin shows his passport while taking part in a nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution during the main day of the vote at a polling station in Moscow, Russia, July 1. Photo by Alexei Druzhinin/EPA-EFE
July 2 (UPI) -- Russians overwhelmingly voted to pass constitutional amendments that could allow President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036, according to preliminary results released Thursday. Russia's Central Election Commission said Thursday that nearly 77.92 percent voted "yes" to the 200-some amendments to 21.27 percent who voted "no" while estimating that 65 percent of eligible voters cast ballots during the weeklong vote that ended Wednesday. Advertisement
Russia's constitution stipulates that a president must step down after serving two six-year terms but the amendments voted on this week will allow Putin to sit at the head of the government for an additional two terms.
The opposition has accused the vote of being rigged with pro-democracy activist and local politician Alexey Navalny describing the tally as "a record of fake votes" that don't "even have anything to do with people's opinions."
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"The best reaction to what happened is not despair and anxiety but the mobilization of thousands of observers this fall and the defeat of United Russia in the regional elections, where at least some procedure has remained," he said via Twitter, referring the ruling political party of the country.
Russia's parliament had already passed the amendments, rendering the vote unnecessary other than Putin had insisted on it being held.
Andrei Kolesnikov, senior fellow and chair of the Russian Domestic Politics and Political Institutions Program at the Carnegie Moscow Center, said Putin needs the vote to prove he is supported by a majority.
"Putin is using the public vote to make ordinary people his accomplices in extending his rule and sanctioning the domination of an ultraconservative ideology," Kolesnikov wrote. "If the turnout and votes in favor of changing the constitution are high enough, Putin will be able to use those figures as a license whenever the nation is unhappy, and say: 'Look, it wasn't just my administration and I; it was you who wanted this!'"
Rep. Eliot Engle, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, lambasted the referendum as being rigged to legitimize Putin's rule.
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"With an iron fist, Vladimir Putin tramples on the human rights of the Russian people, wages war against Russia's neighbors, meddles in the elections of freedom-loving countries around the world and order the brutal killings of his political rivals dissidents and those that seek to expose corruption," the New York congressman said in a statement. "Now, because of a rigged process designed to give Putin false legitimacy, the Russian people will be forced to endure his rule for many years to come."
The commission, however, has said the vote was held with the maximum transparency with some 526,000 election observers throughout the country monitoring the vote as well video surveillance was used in 80 of the 85 regions.
"More than a million members of election commissions, observers, media representatives, law enforcement officers were at the polling stations and completed the multi-day process of nationwide voting, each fulfilling its important public mission," commission chairman Ella Pamfilova said.
The commission said on Twitter it received 7,196 complaints from citizens over the vote, 591 of which were received on election day, ruling none of the 92 percent they considered warranted a commission meeting.
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Putin, 67, has led Russia as either president or prime minister since 1999.
The vote was originally scheduled for April 22 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-07-02--U.S. warns companies of human rights abuses in Chinese supply chain

July 1 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration has issued an advisory warning Americans over the risks of doing business in China due to human rights abuses it accuses the communist government of committing against its Muslim-minority population in the northwestern Xinjiang region .
Issued by the Departments of State , Treasury , Commerce and Homeland Security , the advisory warns Americans that their businesses could be exposed to far-reaching risks due to their supply chains ' potential links to forced labor and other human rights abuses in Xinjiang and throughout the Asian nation .
`` CEOs should read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reputational , economic and legal risks of supporting such assaults on human dignity , '' U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Wednesday in Washington , D.C .
The State Department said the three primary types of supply chain risks are assisting in developing surveillance tools for China , relying on labor or goods sourced in Xinjiang or from Chinese factories implicated in the use of forced labor from the region and aiding in the construction of internment facilities used to detain Muslim minority groups and nearby facilities .
China has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the United States of the United Nations , of detaining some 1 million Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in concentration camps in the northwestern territory under the pretext of countering terrorism and religious extremism .
A State Department report details the human rights abuses committed against this demographic to include unlawful killings , forced disappearances , torture , arbitrary detention and severe restrictions on religious freedoms , among others including forced labor .
Days before the advisory was issued , a new study was published alleging the Chinese Communist Party was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coercive family planning against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said might meet the legal criteria for genocide under intentional law .
`` This shocking news is sadly consistent with the CCP 's decades-long callous disregard for the sanctity of human life , '' Pompeo said , calling on the international community and advocacy groups to stand against China on this matter .
`` The Chinese Communist Party 's brutality affects the rest of the world , too . ''
China 's alleged treatment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factor for the fraying relations between Beijing and Washington as the Trump administration has repeatedly chastised it over human rights abuses .
On June 17 , President Donald Trump signed a bill into law to punish China over its treatment of its Uyghur citizens through sanctioning individuals and entities the United States deems as responsible .
Nury Turkel , the USCIR commissioner , called this an important step in the fight against `` the modern slavery of Uyghur and other Muslims . ''
`` With this business advisory , American companies can no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights violations in their supply chains , '' Turkel said in a statement .
The move is expected to further deteriorate the relationship between the two nations and comes in the wake of the United States condemning China for imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong that Pompeo described as the `` death knell '' for the autonomy of the former British colony .
China has repeatedly balked at the United States ' human rights accusations and has threatened to pursue retaliatory actions .

The U.S. business advisory issued Wednesday warns Americans against doing business in China with links to human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
July 1 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has issued an advisory warning Americans over the risks of doing business in China due to human rights abuses it accuses the communist government of committing against its Muslim-minority population in the northwestern Xinjiang region. Issued by the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security, the advisory warns Americans that their businesses could be exposed to far-reaching risks due to their supply chains' potential links to forced labor and other human rights abuses in Xinjiang and throughout the Asian nation. Advertisement
"CEOs should read this notice closely and be aware of the reputational, economic and legal risks of supporting such assaults on human dignity," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
The State Department said the three primary types of supply chain risks are assisting in developing surveillance tools for China, relying on labor or goods sourced in Xinjiang or from Chinese factories implicated in the use of forced labor from the region and aiding in the construction of internment facilities used to detain Muslim minority groups and nearby facilities.
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China has been accused by rights groups and countries, including the United States of the United Nations, of detaining some 1 million Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in concentration camps in the northwestern territory under the pretext of countering terrorism and religious extremism.
A State Department report details the human rights abuses committed against this demographic to include unlawful killings, forced disappearances, torture, arbitrary detention and severe restrictions on religious freedoms, among others including forced labor.
Days before the advisory was issued, a new study was published alleging the Chinese Communist Party was practicing forced sterilization, forced abortion and coercive family planning against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said might meet the legal criteria for genocide under intentional law.
"This shocking news is sadly consistent with the CCP's decades-long callous disregard for the sanctity of human life," Pompeo said, calling on the international community and advocacy groups to stand against China on this matter. "The Chinese Communist Party's brutality affects the rest of the world, too."
China's alleged treatment of its Uyghur population has been a contributing factor for the fraying relations between Beijing and Washington as the Trump administration has repeatedly chastised it over human rights abuses.
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On June 17, President Donald Trump signed a bill into law to punish China over its treatment of its Uyghur citizens through sanctioning individuals and entities the United States deems as responsible.
Nury Turkel, the USCIR commissioner, called this an important step in the fight against "the modern slavery of Uyghur and other Muslims."
"With this business advisory, American companies can no longer claim ignorance of the gross human rights violations in their supply chains," Turkel said in a statement.
The move is expected to further deteriorate the relationship between the two nations and comes in the wake of the United States condemning China for imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong that Pompeo described as the "death knell" for the autonomy of the former British colony.
China has repeatedly balked at the United States' human rights accusations and has threatened to pursue retaliatory actions.


upi--2020-07-01--Britain creates citizenship path for Hong Kong residents after China imposes new law

July 1 ( UPI ) -- Britain will create a path to citizenship for some 3 million Hong Kong residents , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday following through on a plan his government made to overhaul its visa system if China imposed a draconian national security law upon the former British colony .
`` We made it clear that if China continued down this path , we would introduce a new route for those with British national overseas status to enter the U.K. , granting them limited leave to remain with the ability to live and work in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is precisely what we will do now , '' Johnson told lawmakers in Parlament .
Britain announced the plan early last month after China 's rubber-stamp parliament passed the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region National Security Law that criminalizes acts of secession , sedition , subversion , terrorism and working with foreign agencies to undermine the national security of the People 's Republic of China in Hong Kong .
Once a British colony , Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 after signing a U.N.-filed joint declaration with Britain promising to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autonomy from the mainland for 50 years .
Johnson said the new law `` constitutes a clear and serious breach '' of their agreement while also being in direct conflict with Hong Kong 's mini-constitution known as the Hong Kong Basic Law that created the so-called One County , Two System government it functioned under .
`` The national security law also threatens the freedoms and rights protected by the joint declaration , '' he said .
The announcement came in retaliation to China imposing the new law Tuesday night , attracting widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who say it all but spells the end for the unique governmental framework that permitted it rights mainland China lacked .
Dominic Raab , Britain 's foreign secretary , explained in Parliament that the new law violates their agreement and Hong Kong 's own constitution , including shifting the power from picking judges from the chief justice to Hong Kong 's political leader , threatening the independence of its legal system ; creating a Chinese government office to safeguard national security that is run by mainland authorities ; and that it was imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among a slew of other issues .
`` China has broken its promise to the people of Hong Kong under its own laws and has breached its international obligations to the United Kingdom under the joint declaration , '' he said .
Under the new visa rules , Britain will permit Hong Kong residents with British national overseas status and their dependants to work and study in the European country for five years after which they will be able to apply for a one-year settlement status before they will be eligible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bespoke set of arrangements developed for the unique circumstances we face and in the light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong , '' he said .
In the first day the law was instituted , Hong Kong police said at least 10 people had been charged under it for waving pro-independence flags or having material supporting the movement .
Lisa Nandy , a member of Parliament , called the new law `` deeply shocking . ''
`` This will have a chilling effect on democracy , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they can impose targeted sanctions against those who breach human rights in Hong Kong .
`` Overnight , pepper spray and water cannon were used against the pro-democracy protesters , '' she said .
`` It is now time for Britain to lead on an inquiring into police brutality . ''
China has yet to respond to the move but has repeatedly accused nations of meddling in its internal affairs .
After Britain made the threat in early June , China 's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said `` China reserves the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A massive crowd of protesters turned out for an anti-government rally in Hong Kong on October 1, 2019. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
July 1 (UPI) -- Britain will create a path to citizenship for some 3 million Hong Kong residents, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday following through on a plan his government made to overhaul its visa system if China imposed a draconian national security law upon the former British colony. "We made it clear that if China continued down this path, we would introduce a new route for those with British national overseas status to enter the U.K., granting them limited leave to remain with the ability to live and work in the U.K. and thereafter apply for citizenship and that is precisely what we will do now," Johnson told lawmakers in Parlament. Advertisement
Britain announced the plan early last month after China's rubber-stamp parliament passed the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region National Security Law that criminalizes acts of secession, sedition, subversion, terrorism and working with foreign agencies to undermine the national security of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong.
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Once a British colony, Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 after signing a U.N.-filed joint declaration with Britain promising to maintain Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy from the mainland for 50 years.
Johnson said the new law "constitutes a clear and serious breach" of their agreement while also being in direct conflict with Hong Kong's mini-constitution known as the Hong Kong Basic Law that created the so-called One County, Two System government it functioned under.
"The national security law also threatens the freedoms and rights protected by the joint declaration," he said.
The announcement came in retaliation to China imposing the new law Tuesday night, attracting widespread condemnation from Western countries and rights groups who say it all but spells the end for the unique governmental framework that permitted it rights mainland China lacked.
Dominic Raab, Britain's foreign secretary, explained in Parliament that the new law violates their agreement and Hong Kong's own constitution, including shifting the power from picking judges from the chief justice to Hong Kong's political leader, threatening the independence of its legal system; creating a Chinese government office to safeguard national security that is run by mainland authorities; and that it was imposed by Beijing, not by Hong Kong, among a slew of other issues.
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"China has broken its promise to the people of Hong Kong under its own laws and has breached its international obligations to the United Kingdom under the joint declaration," he said.
Under the new visa rules, Britain will permit Hong Kong residents with British national overseas status and their dependants to work and study in the European country for five years after which they will be able to apply for a one-year settlement status before they will be eligible for citizenship.
"This is a special, bespoke set of arrangements developed for the unique circumstances we face and in the light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong," he said.
In the first day the law was instituted, Hong Kong police said at least 10 people had been charged under it for waving pro-independence flags or having material supporting the movement.
Lisa Nandy, a member of Parliament, called the new law "deeply shocking."
"This will have a chilling effect on democracy," she said, calling for legislation to pass so they can impose targeted sanctions against those who breach human rights in Hong Kong.
"Overnight, pepper spray and water cannon were used against the pro-democracy protesters," she said. "It is now time for Britain to lead on an inquiring into police brutality."
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China has yet to respond to the move but has repeatedly accused nations of meddling in its internal affairs. After Britain made the threat in early June, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said "China reserves the right to take corresponding measures."


upi--2020-07-02--CBP officers seize 13-tons of human hair products imported from China

July 2 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers seized a 13-ton shipment of products and accessories suspected to be made from human hair .
CBP officers at the Port of New York/Newark on Wednesday detained the shipment worth more than $ 800,000 that originated in Xinjiang , China .
The order was seized in accordance with a Withhold Release order on hair products manufactured by Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd. that instructed ports of entry nationwide to detain such products due to information they were made under potential human rights abuses of forced child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these goods constitutes a very serious human rights violation and the detention order is intended to send a clear and direct message to all entities seeking to do business with the United States that illicit and inhumane practices will not be tolerated in U.S. supply chains , '' Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP Office of Trade said .
In March , U.S. lawmakers proposed tightening restrictions on goods from Xinjiang , amid reports documenting how Muslim Uyghur and Kazakh minorities have been recruited into forced labor in the autonomous region in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under forced labor are prohibited under U.S. law but the bill would make it so that only goods from Xinjiang with `` clear and convincing evidence '' showing they did not involve forced labor would be permitted to be imported .
`` It is absolutely essential that American importers ensure that the integrity of their supply chain meets the humane and ethical standards expected by the American government and by American consumers , '' said Smith .
The seizure occurred as the Trump administration issued a business advisory warning Americans that they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal risks if their supply chains are found to be connected to forced labor and other human rights abuses in Xinjiang and throughout the Asian nation .
Last month , President Donald Trump signed a law to punish China over its treatment of its Uyghur citizens amid allegations by former national security adviser John Bolton that he supported their internment camps where some 1 million of the Muslim-minority population have been detained .

July 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers seized a 13-ton shipment of products and accessories suspected to be made from human hair. CBP officers at the Port of New York/Newark on Wednesday detained the shipment worth more than $800,000 that originated in Xinjiang, China. Advertisement
The order was seized in accordance with a Withhold Release order on hair products manufactured by Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd. that instructed ports of entry nationwide to detain such products due to information they were made under potential human rights abuses of forced child labor and imprisonment.
"The production of these goods constitutes a very serious human rights violation and the detention order is intended to send a clear and direct message to all entities seeking to do business with the United States that illicit and inhumane practices will not be tolerated in U.S. supply chains," Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP Office of Trade said.
In March, U.S. lawmakers proposed tightening restrictions on goods from Xinjiang, amid reports documenting how Muslim Uyghur and Kazakh minorities have been recruited into forced labor in the autonomous region in northwest China.
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Import of goods made under forced labor are prohibited under U.S. law but the bill would make it so that only goods from Xinjiang with "clear and convincing evidence" showing they did not involve forced labor would be permitted to be imported.
"It is absolutely essential that American importers ensure that the integrity of their supply chain meets the humane and ethical standards expected by the American government and by American consumers," said Smith.
The seizure occurred as the Trump administration issued a business advisory warning Americans that they could be exposed to reputational, economic and legal risks if their supply chains are found to be connected to forced labor and other human rights abuses in Xinjiang and throughout the Asian nation.
Last month, President Donald Trump signed a law to punish China over its treatment of its Uyghur citizens amid allegations by former national security adviser John Bolton that he supported their internment camps where some 1 million of the Muslim-minority population have been detained.


upi--2020-07-02--NFL to play black national anthem before Week 1 games

July 2 ( UPI ) -- The NFL plans to play `` Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing , '' traditionally known as the black national anthem , before every Week 1 game this season .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that the song will be played or performed before `` The Star-Spangled Banner . ''
The league 's regular-season opener is scheduled for Sept. 10 , with the Houston Texans visiting the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs .
In addition , the NFL is discussing with players the possibility of wearing helmet decals or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by systemic racism and police brutality , according to NFL Media .
The league also may produce educational programs about victims -- among other ideas -- in its ongoing efforts to address social injustices .
Last month , NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the league was `` wrong '' for not listening to its players earlier about racial injustice .
In the video , he condemned racism and said he would reach out to players who have previously raised their voices about racial inequality .
Also in June , the NFL announced it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by pledging $ 250 million over a 10-year period .

"Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing," traditionally known as the black national anthem, will be played before "The Star-Spangled Banner" in Week 1 NFL games. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
July 2 (UPI) -- The NFL plans to play "Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing," traditionally known as the black national anthem, before every Week 1 game this season. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that the song will be played or performed before "The Star-Spangled Banner." The league's regular-season opener is scheduled for Sept. 10, with the Houston Texans visiting the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Advertisement
In addition, the NFL is discussing with players the possibility of wearing helmet decals or jersey patches in honor of those impacted by systemic racism and police brutality, according to NFL Media.
The league also may produce educational programs about victims -- among other ideas -- in its ongoing efforts to address social injustices.
Last month, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the league was "wrong" for not listening to its players earlier about racial injustice. In the video, he condemned racism and said he would reach out to players who have previously raised their voices about racial inequality.
Also in June, the NFL announced it plans to increase its social justice footprint by pledging $250 million over a 10-year period.


upi--2020-07-02--Court denies Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro access to gold in Bank of England

July 2 ( UPI ) -- A British court on Thursday denied Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro access to $ 1.8 billion worth of gold held in the Bank of England , ruling that the British government does not recognize him as Venezuela 's leader .
High Court Judge Nigel Teare ruled that the Venezuelan Central Bank , whose board is appointed by Maduro , was not entitled to make the request as Britain instead recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country 's president .
`` Her majesty 's government does recognize Guaido in the capacity of the constitutional interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow , does not recognize Maduro as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela , '' Teare said .
The Venezuelan Central Bank sought to withdraw the gold to forward proceeds to the United Nations ' efforts to combat COVID-19 but the Bank of England refused to release it , claiming it received conflicting instructions from both entities claiming to serve as Venezuela 's government .
Venezuela responded by issuing a legal challenge and Sarosh Zaiwalla , a partner at the firm representing the bank said his clients would appeal while condemning the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation on the ground '' saying the ruling would delay funds meant to help the people of Venezuela .
`` Maduro 's government is in complete control of Venezuela and its administrative institutions , and only it can ensure the distribution of the humanitarian relief and medical supplies needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic , '' Zaiwalla said .
The Maduro government and the opposition have been engaged in a battle for control over the country since Guaido declared himself interim president in January 2019 .
Dozens of countries , including Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed Guaido as Venezuela 's leader .

A British court denied the Venezuelan Central Bank access to $1.8 billion worth of gold in the Bank of England, stating that Britain does not recognize Nicolas Maduro as the country's leader. Photo by Miraflores Presidential Palace/EPA-EFE
July 2 (UPI) -- A British court on Thursday denied Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro access to $1.8 billion worth of gold held in the Bank of England, ruling that the British government does not recognize him as Venezuela's leader. High Court Judge Nigel Teare ruled that the Venezuelan Central Bank, whose board is appointed by Maduro, was not entitled to make the request as Britain instead recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's president. Advertisement
"Her majesty's government does recognize Guaido in the capacity of the constitutional interim president of Venezuela and, it must follow, does not recognize Maduro as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela," Teare said.
The Venezuelan Central Bank sought to withdraw the gold to forward proceeds to the United Nations' efforts to combat COVID-19 but the Bank of England refused to release it, claiming it received conflicting instructions from both entities claiming to serve as Venezuela's government.
Venezuela responded by issuing a legal challenge and Sarosh Zaiwalla, a partner at the firm representing the bank said his clients would appeal while condemning the court for "entirely ignoring the reality of the situation on the ground" saying the ruling would delay funds meant to help the people of Venezuela.
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"Maduro's government is in complete control of Venezuela and its administrative institutions, and only it can ensure the distribution of the humanitarian relief and medical supplies needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic," Zaiwalla said.
The Maduro government and the opposition have been engaged in a battle for control over the country since Guaido declared himself interim president in January 2019.
Dozens of countries, including Britain and the United States, have since backed Guaido as Venezuela's leader.


upi--2020-07-02--Rocket Mortgage Classic: Doc Redman, Scott Stallings, Kevin Kisner share lead

July 2 ( UPI ) -- Doc Redman , who is searching for his first PGA Tour win , shot a 7-under 65 in Thursday 's opening round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic to share the lead with Scott Stallings and Kevin Kisner .
Redman , 22 , finished with four consecutive birdies -- including seven over his last eight holes -- at the Detroit Golf Club .
Stallings also had eight birdies and one bogey , while Kisner had seven birdies .
At the Travelers Championship last week , Redman -- who finished second at the inaugural Rocket Mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 63 to tie for 11th , his best finish this season .
In the week before that , he tied for 21st at the RBC Heritage .
`` I 've come off two good finishes and a really good finish last year at this event , which has never really happened to me , '' Redman said .
`` So , I 've never had this kind of expectation externally or even internally . ''
Bryson DeChambeau , the only player with top-10 finishes in each of the past three events , topped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lead .
He surged up the leaderboard with four birdies and an eagle over an eight-hole stretch on the back nine .
DeChambeau recorded four bogeys , though , including one on hole No .
18 after pushing an 8-foot putt to the right .
`` That really got me a little agitated , '' DeChambeau said .
`` It 's going to put a little fire in my belly . ''
Rickie Fowler , who failed to make the cut in the two tournaments he has played since the PGA Tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was among the group another shot back .

Kevin Kisner recorded seven birdies in the opening round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Thursday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 2 (UPI) -- Doc Redman, who is searching for his first PGA Tour win, shot a 7-under 65 in Thursday's opening round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic to share the lead with Scott Stallings and Kevin Kisner. Redman, 22, finished with four consecutive birdies -- including seven over his last eight holes -- at the Detroit Golf Club. Stallings also had eight birdies and one bogey, while Kisner had seven birdies. Advertisement
At the Travelers Championship last week, Redman -- who finished second at the inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic last year -- closed with a 63 to tie for 11th, his best finish this season. In the week before that, he tied for 21st at the RBC Heritage.
"I've come off two good finishes and a really good finish last year at this event, which has never really happened to me," Redman said. "So, I've never had this kind of expectation externally or even internally."
Bryson DeChambeau, the only player with top-10 finishes in each of the past three events, topped the group sitting one shot back of the lead. He surged up the leaderboard with four birdies and an eagle over an eight-hole stretch on the back nine.
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DeChambeau recorded four bogeys, though, including one on hole No. 18 after pushing an 8-foot putt to the right.
"That really got me a little agitated," DeChambeau said. "It's going to put a little fire in my belly."
Peter Malnati, Emiliano Grillo, Chase Seiffert, J.J. Spaun, Matt Wallace and Chris Stroud equaled DeChambeau's first-round 66.
Rickie Fowler, who failed to make the cut in the two tournaments he has played since the PGA Tour's restart, shot a 5-under 67 and was among the group another shot back.


upi--2020-07-02--How is the weather shaping up for Fourth of July fireworks displays?

July 2 ( UPI ) -- As the United States prepares to celebrate its 244th birthday , this year 's time-honored festivities , like barbecues , lawn games and fireworks , may look and feel a little different than usual for many .
Amid a pandemic and social distancing concerns , smaller groups and fewer parties may mean more eyes from home will be looking toward the skies -- or the flatscreen TVs -- to see the annual firework displays .
However , not every area of the country will enjoy an equally great view of the spectacular pyrotechnics shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Independence Day celebration has been turned into a weeklong affair with fireworks starting to light up the sky on Monday night and running through July Fourth on Saturday .
In South Dakota , current plans include a firework display over Mount Rushmore for the first time since 2009 , and President Donald Trump plans to be in attendance .
Annual shows in some major cities , like Washington , D.C. , are still on , but the weather in other cities , such as Denver and Santa Fe , N.M. , has forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the coronavirus pandemic has forced many other cities to shutter celebrations as well .
For those cities still putting on events , read on to see how the weather and conditions may affect the celebration : Some places in the Northeast , like Boston , have canceled annual shows weeks ago because of the pandemic , but New York City went in the opposite direction and ramped up its celebrations to make this year 's Fourth of July a weeklong event that aims to discourage people from congregating on one specific night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on television , however , the start of the week 's weather may not be cooperative .
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dean Devore stated : `` Some models think it could be pretty nice this holiday weekend , '' referring to computer weather models meteorologists look at when formulating a forecast , but that `` there are other models that there may be some chances of thunderstorms popping up in the afternoons and evenings .
We 'll have to wait to see how it plays out . ''
Devore said more stormy concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great Lakes .
`` There 's a system that will come through the Great Lakes and bring just general thunderstorm and shower chances into the weekend , '' Devore said .
`` The concern is towards the weekend : Is enough of the system going to stamp itself out towards the Eastern Seaboard ?
We could get , in addition to daily thunderstorm chances , an enhancement of even more than that . ''
After 11 years of celebrating the Fourth of July without fireworks , the Independence Day show is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the president in attendance .
Daytime hours should be sunny and warm with an AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature of 93 , and there 's a chance for a spotty thunderstorm in the afternoon .
At night , the weather should be mainly clear and mild with temperatures dropping to the lower 60s , but the heat during the day could make for a volatile atmosphere heading into the evening .
`` Spotty showers and thunderstorms are forecast to fire up across the area Friday afternoon and evening before they push eastward across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Longley went on to say that storms could `` hinder viewing conditions for a time , '' but added that `` the rain is much needed to prevent any fires from breaking out at the fireworks display . ''
However , fire danger concerns have some experts worried about the Mount Rushmore show .
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Kottlowski explained that the sap of the black cedar trees commonly found in Black Hills National Forest , which surrounds the national memorial , make for a very effective wildfire fuel that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very dangerous situation .
Drought conditions have lessened slightly in recent weeks thanks to a near-normal rainfall total in June and recent thunderstorms , Kottlowski explained .
`` There 's been some scattered thunderstorms around there which is good news , '' he said .
Longley said that a few `` rounds of rain and thunderstorms preceding the fireworks display over the next several days will aid in lowering the fire risk across the area . ''
According to the National Weather Service office in Custer , S.D.
, the area surrounding Mount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , totaling 2.88 inches of rainwater .
That amounts to 102 percent of the normal rainfall to date for June , which is 2.83 inches .
In recent weeks , temperatures in the area have also trended above normal on several days , as they will likely be throughout the holiday week , potentially driving more spectators out to see the fireworks .
The drought conditions , increased temperature and lower relative humidity are a recipe for increased wildfire risk .
On top of that , winds could present a concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the number one thing .
It does n't matter how wet or how dry an area is , if a fire gets going and you get lots of wind , it 's going to spread , '' Kottlowski said .
`` It looks like the moisture that 's in the soil is probably going to be a negative factor for fire development , but the wind and maybe the low relative humidity certainly contribute to the possibility of there being a little bit higher-than-normal fire danger . ''
Fires may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , but people will need `` to focus on personal responsibility , '' South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem said in an interview with Fox News .
The thousands of spectators will not be required to practice social distancing and masks will be optional , according to NBC News .
The event website explained that an online lottery will be used to limit the number of participants .
The annual fireworks extravaganza in the nation 's capital famously draws large crowds and is one of the premiere fireworks shows in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as dense this year , the weather may make for a tough year for the spectators that do attend .
AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures in D.C. will near the triple digits during the day and cool off only to the lower to middle 80s during the evening hours .
Devore said the aforementioned system moving in from the Great Lakes may clash with the warm and stickier air gripping the Southeast , making for a potentially stormy week for cities such as Washington , D.C. , caught in the middle .
`` D.C. will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get later into the week , '' he said .
`` There 's a pretty good bet there may be some showers and thunderstorms towards the weekend . ''
In the Southwest , particularly in states that have already seen heightened wildfire risks , many locations are canceling fireworks plans due to drought conditions .
New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order earlier this week urging New Mexico cities and counties to ban the retail sale of fireworks due to drought as the state face high risks of wildfires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexican , the Bureau of Land Management , U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service also have bans .
Farther north in Colorado , most communities around Denver have also canceled fireworks shows due to a mix of coronavirus and wildfire risk concerns .
Keep an eye on the forecast Throughout the nation and particularly in the East , Devore said residents should keep an updated eye on the forecasts as holiday plans may need to be shifted around with Mother Nature 's plans .
Android users and iPhone users can do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which offers minute-by-minute forecasts and fast delivery of severe weather alerts .
`` As your weekend plans evolve including fireworks or a trip to the beach , this will be one of those patterns where you 'll need to continue checking in because the amount and frequency of thunderstorms can change by day and even times of the day , '' Devore said .
`` There may be some days where it 'll be really nice in the morning and then get not so nice by the afternoon , or vice versa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things that people should keep checking back with us for as we get towards the end of the week . ''

Fireworks for the annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show light up the sky on the Hudson River near One World Trade Center and the Manhattan skyline on Tuesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 2 (UPI) -- As the United States prepares to celebrate its 244th birthday, this year's time-honored festivities, like barbecues, lawn games and fireworks, may look and feel a little different than usual for many. Amid a pandemic and social distancing concerns, smaller groups and fewer parties may mean more eyes from home will be looking toward the skies -- or the flatscreen TVs -- to see the annual firework displays. However, not every area of the country will enjoy an equally great view of the spectacular pyrotechnics shows. Advertisement
In New York City, the Independence Day celebration has been turned into a weeklong affair with fireworks starting to light up the sky on Monday night and running through July Fourth on Saturday. In South Dakota, current plans include a firework display over Mount Rushmore for the first time since 2009, and President Donald Trump plans to be in attendance.
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Annual shows in some major cities, like Washington, D.C., are still on, but the weather in other cities, such as Denver and Santa Fe, N.M., has forced planned events to be canceled. Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic has forced many other cities to shutter celebrations as well.
For those cities still putting on events, read on to see how the weather and conditions may affect the celebration:
New York City and Northeast
Some places in the Northeast, like Boston, have canceled annual shows weeks ago because of the pandemic, but New York City went in the opposite direction and ramped up its celebrations to make this year's Fourth of July a weeklong event that aims to discourage people from congregating on one specific night.
For the millions watching in person and on television, however, the start of the week's weather may not be cooperative.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dean Devore stated: "Some models think it could be pretty nice this holiday weekend," referring to computer weather models meteorologists look at when formulating a forecast, but that "there are other models that there may be some chances of thunderstorms popping up in the afternoons and evenings. We'll have to wait to see how it plays out."
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Devore said more stormy concerns could arrive from a system moving through the Great Lakes.
"There's a system that will come through the Great Lakes and bring just general thunderstorm and shower chances into the weekend," Devore said. "The concern is towards the weekend: Is enough of the system going to stamp itself out towards the Eastern Seaboard? We could get, in addition to daily thunderstorm chances, an enhancement of even more than that."
Mount Rushmore
After 11 years of celebrating the Fourth of July without fireworks, the Independence Day show is set to return this year on Friday, with the president in attendance. Daytime hours should be sunny and warm with an AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature of 93, and there's a chance for a spotty thunderstorm in the afternoon. At night, the weather should be mainly clear and mild with temperatures dropping to the lower 60s, but the heat during the day could make for a volatile atmosphere heading into the evening.
"Spotty showers and thunderstorms are forecast to fire up across the area Friday afternoon and evening before they push eastward across the state," AccuWeather meteorologist Isaac Longley said. Longley went on to say that storms could "hinder viewing conditions for a time," but added that "the rain is much needed to prevent any fires from breaking out at the fireworks display."
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However, fire danger concerns have some experts worried about the Mount Rushmore show.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Kottlowski explained that the sap of the black cedar trees commonly found in Black Hills National Forest, which surrounds the national memorial, make for a very effective wildfire fuel that can easily turn any fire risk into a very dangerous situation.
Drought conditions have lessened slightly in recent weeks thanks to a near-normal rainfall total in June and recent thunderstorms, Kottlowski explained.
"There's been some scattered thunderstorms around there which is good news," he said. Longley said that a few "rounds of rain and thunderstorms preceding the fireworks display over the next several days will aid in lowering the fire risk across the area."
According to the National Weather Service office in Custer, S.D., the area surrounding Mount Rushmore has had 13 days with rain this month, totaling 2.88 inches of rainwater. That amounts to 102 percent of the normal rainfall to date for June, which is 2.83 inches.
In recent weeks, temperatures in the area have also trended above normal on several days, as they will likely be throughout the holiday week, potentially driving more spectators out to see the fireworks.
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The drought conditions, increased temperature and lower relative humidity are a recipe for increased wildfire risk. On top of that, winds could present a concern too.
"That's going to be the number one thing. It doesn't matter how wet or how dry an area is, if a fire gets going and you get lots of wind, it's going to spread," Kottlowski said. "It looks like the moisture that's in the soil is probably going to be a negative factor for fire development, but the wind and maybe the low relative humidity certainly contribute to the possibility of there being a little bit higher-than-normal fire danger."
Fires may not be the only concern for participants amid the pandemic, but people will need "to focus on personal responsibility," South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said in an interview with Fox News. The thousands of spectators will not be required to practice social distancing and masks will be optional, according to NBC News. The event website explained that an online lottery will be used to limit the number of participants.
Washington, D.C.
The annual fireworks extravaganza in the nation's capital famously draws large crowds and is one of the premiere fireworks shows in the country. While the crowds won't be as dense this year, the weather may make for a tough year for the spectators that do attend. AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures in D.C. will near the triple digits during the day and cool off only to the lower to middle 80s during the evening hours.
Advertisement
Devore said the aforementioned system moving in from the Great Lakes may clash with the warm and stickier air gripping the Southeast, making for a potentially stormy week for cities such as Washington, D.C., caught in the middle.
"D.C. will be one of those battlezones as we get later into the week," he said. "There's a pretty good bet there may be some showers and thunderstorms towards the weekend."
Southwest
In the Southwest, particularly in states that have already seen heightened wildfire risks, many locations are canceling fireworks plans due to drought conditions.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order earlier this week urging New Mexico cities and counties to ban the retail sale of fireworks due to drought as the state face high risks of wildfires. According to The Santa Fe New Mexican, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service also have bans.
Farther north in Colorado, most communities around Denver have also canceled fireworks shows due to a mix of coronavirus and wildfire risk concerns.
Keep an eye on the forecast
Throughout the nation and particularly in the East, Devore said residents should keep an updated eye on the forecasts as holiday plans may need to be shifted around with Mother Nature's plans. Android users and iPhone users can do that easily by using the free AccuWeather app, which offers minute-by-minute forecasts and fast delivery of severe weather alerts.
Advertisement
"As your weekend plans evolve including fireworks or a trip to the beach, this will be one of those patterns where you'll need to continue checking in because the amount and frequency of thunderstorms can change by day and even times of the day," Devore said. "There may be some days where it'll be really nice in the morning and then get not so nice by the afternoon, or vice versa. So those are the kinds of things that people should keep checking back with us for as we get towards the end of the week."


upi--2020-07-02--Chicago Cubs' Jose Quintana has surgery after dishwashing accident

July 2 ( UPI ) -- Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana needed thumb surgery after suffering a laceration while washing dishes , the team announced Thursday .
The Cubs said the All-Star pitcher was injured at his home in Miami , sustaining a cut on his left thumb that required five stitches .
`` This morning in Chicago , Quintana underwent microscopic surgery on his left thumb to further determine the extent of his injury , '' the team said in a statement Thursday .
`` The procedure identified a lacerated digital sensory nerve in his left thumb , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to resume his throwing program in approximately two weeks , after which time a further determination will be made on expected length of absence . ''
MLB teams are preparing for a 60-game season that will begin in late July after the coronavirus pandemic halted the sport in spring training .
The Cubs start workouts Friday .
Quintana is expected to be part of a rotation that includes Jon Lester , Kyle Hendricks and Yu Darvish .
In Quintana 's absence , Alec Mills could enter the Cubs ' rotation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the mix .
`` This injury certainly challenges our depth in an area where we had some concerns already about our depth , '' Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein told reporters .
`` So it 's going to be important for certain players to step up and make the most of this opportunity .
`` Clearly , somebody like Alec Mills is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and establish himself as a starting pitcher in this league . ''
Quintana , 31 , posted a 13-9 record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third with the Cubs .
He was an All-Star selection with the Chicago White Sox in 2016 .

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jose Quintana posted a 13-9 record and 4.68 ERA last season, his third with the Cubs. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
July 2 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana needed thumb surgery after suffering a laceration while washing dishes, the team announced Thursday. The Cubs said the All-Star pitcher was injured at his home in Miami, sustaining a cut on his left thumb that required five stitches. Advertisement
"This morning in Chicago, Quintana underwent microscopic surgery on his left thumb to further determine the extent of his injury," the team said in a statement Thursday. "The procedure identified a lacerated digital sensory nerve in his left thumb, which was surgically repaired.
"Quintana is expected to resume his throwing program in approximately two weeks, after which time a further determination will be made on expected length of absence."
MLB teams are preparing for a 60-game season that will begin in late July after the coronavirus pandemic halted the sport in spring training. The Cubs start workouts Friday.
Quintana is expected to be part of a rotation that includes Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and Yu Darvish. In Quintana's absence, Alec Mills could enter the Cubs' rotation. Right-handers Adbert Alzolay and Colin Rea also are in the mix.
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"This injury certainly challenges our depth in an area where we had some concerns already about our depth," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein told reporters. "So it's going to be important for certain players to step up and make the most of this opportunity.
"Clearly, somebody like Alec Mills is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and establish himself as a starting pitcher in this league."
Quintana, 31, posted a 13-9 record and 4.68 ERA last season, his third with the Cubs. He was an All-Star selection with the Chicago White Sox in 2016.


upi--2020-07-02--Top lawmakers briefed on reports of Russian bounties on U.S. troops

July 2 ( UPI ) -- Democrats said President Donald Trump should have taken action regarding intelligence suggesting Russia offered bounties to the Taliban to kill U.S. troops after they were briefed on the matter Thursday .
CIA Director Gina Haspel led a group of intelligence officials in a briefing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy , Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer along with the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees -- the so-called Gang of Eight .
Pelosi , D-Calif. , said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' on the intelligence .
`` I thought that before the hearing and it has nothing to do with anything that we were presented at the hearing , '' she said .
`` Of course , the president should have been briefed .
This is of the highest priority .
Force protection , a threat to our men and women in uniform . ''
Pelosi also referenced news reports saying that the intelligence was included in Trump 's presidential daily brief .
Pelosi and Schumer also issued a joint statement declaring that any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursued relentlessly '' and criticized Trump for `` being soft '' on Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` Our Armed Forces would be better served if President Trump spent more time reading his daily briefing and less time planning military parades and defending relics of the Confederacy , '' they wrote .
The New York Times first reported over the weekend that U.S. intelligence officials briefed Trump on their findings that Russia had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces -- including targeting U.S. troops -- in Afghanistan .
Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence were briefed on the matter and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and national security adviser Robert O'Brien have both said the report was inaccurate and neither leader was made aware of the intelligence .
Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Horono , who were also briefed on the matter as members of the Senate armed services committee , on Thursday sent a letter to O'Brien , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe seeking information on their knowledge of and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If true and President Trump did nothing , it represents a shocking betrayal of a commander-in-chief : to keep deployed American troops safe from those who would try to kill them , '' the wrote .
`` President Trump appears to be knowingly echoing what appears to be false denials of the Russian government while its spy unit allegedly pays Taliban-linked militants to kill American soldiers . ''

Democrats on Thursday stated that President Donald Trump should have taken action regarding reports that Russia offered bounties to the Taliban to kill American troops. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 2 (UPI) -- Democrats said President Donald Trump should have taken action regarding intelligence suggesting Russia offered bounties to the Taliban to kill U.S. troops after they were briefed on the matter Thursday. CIA Director Gina Haspel led a group of intelligence officials in a briefing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer along with the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees -- the so-called Gang of Eight. Advertisement
Pelosi, D-Calif., said that Trump "should have been verbally briefed" on the intelligence.
"I thought that before the hearing and it has nothing to do with anything that we were presented at the hearing," she said. "Of course, the president should have been briefed. This is of the highest priority. Force protection, a threat to our men and women in uniform."
Pelosi also referenced news reports saying that the intelligence was included in Trump's presidential daily brief.
Pelosi and Schumer also issued a joint statement declaring that any threats against U.S. troops "must be pursued relentlessly" and criticized Trump for "being soft" on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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"Our Armed Forces would be better served if President Trump spent more time reading his daily briefing and less time planning military parades and defending relics of the Confederacy," they wrote.
The New York Times first reported over the weekend that U.S. intelligence officials briefed Trump on their findings that Russia had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces -- including targeting U.S. troops -- in Afghanistan.
Trump has denied that he and Vice President Mike Pence were briefed on the matter and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and national security adviser Robert O'Brien have both said the report was inaccurate and neither leader was made aware of the intelligence.
Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Horono, who were also briefed on the matter as members of the Senate armed services committee, on Thursday sent a letter to O'Brien, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe seeking information on their knowledge of and actions regarding the alleged bounties.
"If true and President Trump did nothing, it represents a shocking betrayal of a commander-in-chief: to keep deployed American troops safe from those who would try to kill them," the wrote. "President Trump appears to be knowingly echoing what appears to be false denials of the Russian government while its spy unit allegedly pays Taliban-linked militants to kill American soldiers."


upi--2020-07-02--Number of COVID-19 cases among military service members doubled in June

July 2 ( UPI ) -- The number of cases of coronavirus among active-duty military personnel has more than doubled in the past three weeks , according to information published by the Department of Defense .
As of Wednesday , 6,493 U.S. service members currently have the virus -- up from 2,807 on June 10 .
The number of cumulative cases listed on the departments 's website Thursday was 12,521 , up from 6,864 cumulative cases on June 3 .
The Army has surpassed the Navy in terms of the number of cases , with 3,836 as of Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lives of three service members since the pandemic began .
According to Johns Hopkins University 's running totals , there have been at least 2.7 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States , with 128,651 deaths .
Pentagon officials say the increase in cases at military installations happened in areas seeing increased case counts among the civilian population .
Thomas McCaffery , assistant secretary of defense for health affairs , named Florida , Texas , Arizona and some parts of California as showing increased case counts .
McCaffery also said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not have symptoms .

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin receive a second COVID-19 test during quarantine on Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin in Australia June 12. The number of cases of coronavirus among active-duty service members doubled in the month of June, according to Defense Department data. Photo by Natalie Greenwood/U.S. Marines
July 2 (UPI) -- The number of cases of coronavirus among active-duty military personnel has more than doubled in the past three weeks, according to information published by the Department of Defense. As of Wednesday, 6,493 U.S. service members currently have the virus -- up from 2,807 on June 10. Advertisement
The number of cumulative cases listed on the departments's website Thursday was 12,521, up from 6,864 cumulative cases on June 3.
The Army has surpassed the Navy in terms of the number of cases, with 3,836 as of Thursday, compared to 3,662.
COVID-19 has claimed the lives of three service members since the pandemic began.
According to Johns Hopkins University's running totals, there have been at least 2.7 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States, with 128,651 deaths.
Pentagon officials say the increase in cases at military installations happened in areas seeing increased case counts among the civilian population.
Thomas McCaffery, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, named Florida, Texas, Arizona and some parts of California as showing increased case counts.
McCaffery also said the military is increasing testing for individuals who do not have symptoms.