upi--2020-05-22--Soccer: FC Cincinnati names Jaap Stam as new manager

May 22 ( UPI ) -- Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati has named Jaap Stam as its new manager .
The club announced the move Thursday .
Stam , 47 , had previous stints as manager for Reading in England and in Holland at PEC Swolle and Feyenoord .
He also had a 15-year playing career at PSV Eindhoven , Manchester United , Lazio , A.C. Milan and AJax .
FC Cincinnati was 0-2 this season before the MLS suspended play in March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The club finished with the worst record in MLS during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are very happy and pleased to have Jaap Stam become FC Cincinnati 's new head coach , '' FC Cincinnati General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said .
`` He has an extensive background in being part of some of the most successful clubs in the world as a player and has also proven that he can guide teams through transitionary periods as a head coach . ''
Stam will be introduced to the media in an online video call at 10 a.m. EDT Friday .
The news conference will stream on the FC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited to welcome Jaap to the club , '' Carl H. Lindner III , FC Cincinnati CEO and Controlling Owner , said .
`` Through this search process , we were very focused on ensuring we had aligned ambitions with our next head coach , and we believe we 've found a perfect candidate for FC Cincinnati 's next phase .
We 're pleased to have Jaap as part of the family and look forward to him joining us soon . ''
Stam will be FC Cincinnati 's fourth coach since the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
Alan Koch was the club 's first coach before he was fired in May 2019 .
Yoann Damet served as interim coach before Ron Jans joined the club .
Jans resigned in February before Damet had a second stint as interim coach .

Jaap Stam, shown in 2019, joined the FC Cincinnati coaching staff Thursday after stints at England's Reading and in Holland at PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord. File Photo by Robert Perry/EPA-EFE
May 22 (UPI) -- Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati has named Jaap Stam as its new manager. The club announced the move Thursday. Stam, 47, had previous stints as manager for Reading in England and in Holland at PEC Swolle and Feyenoord. He also had a 15-year playing career at PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lazio, A.C. Milan and AJax. Advertisement
FC Cincinnati was 0-2 this season before the MLS suspended play in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The club finished with the worst record in MLS during its inaugural season in 2019.
"We are very happy and pleased to have Jaap Stam become FC Cincinnati's new head coach," FC Cincinnati General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said. "He has an extensive background in being part of some of the most successful clubs in the world as a player and has also proven that he can guide teams through transitionary periods as a head coach."
Stam will be introduced to the media in an online video call at 10 a.m. EDT Friday. The news conference will stream on the FC Cincinnati Facebook page.
"We're excited to welcome Jaap to the club," Carl H. Lindner III, FC Cincinnati CEO and Controlling Owner, said. "Through this search process, we were very focused on ensuring we had aligned ambitions with our next head coach, and we believe we've found a perfect candidate for FC Cincinnati's next phase. We're pleased to have Jaap as part of the family and look forward to him joining us soon."
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Stam will be FC Cincinnati's fourth coach since the club started MLS play on March 2, 2019. Alan Koch was the club's first coach before he was fired in May 2019. Yoann Damet served as interim coach before Ron Jans joined the club. Jans resigned in February before Damet had a second stint as interim coach.
Assistant coach Said Bakkati will join Stam's FC Cincinnati coaching staff.


upi--2020-05-22--Listen: Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande join forces on 'Rain On Me'

May 22 ( UPI ) -- Lady Gaga released her new single with Ariana Grande Friday , titled `` Rain @ @ @ @ @ track will appear on Gaga 's upcoming sixth studio album , titled Chromatica , out @ @ @ @ @ Rain On Me '' was uploaded to Gaga 's YouTube page and is available on @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Apple Music , Amazon Music , Deezer , and Pandora .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ free ride/ I only asked you to show me a real good time/ I never @ @ @ @ @ least I showed up , you showed me nothing at all , '' Gaga sings @ @ @ @ @ songs in total including `` Sour Candy '' featuring Black Pink and `` Sine From @ @ @ @ @ .

May 22 (UPI) -- Lady Gaga released her new single with Ariana Grande Friday, titled "Rain On Me."
The track will appear on Gaga's upcoming sixth studio album, titled Chromatica, out on May 29.
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"Rain On Me" was uploaded to Gaga's YouTube page and is available on music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Pandora.
"I didn't ask for a free ride/ I only asked you to show me a real good time/ I never asked for the rainfall/ At least I showed up, you showed me nothing at all," Gaga sings.
Chromatica will feature 16 songs in total including "Sour Candy" featuring Black Pink and "Sine From Above" featuring Elton John.
Gaga last released Chromatica single "Stupid Love" in February alongside a music video.
Moments from Lady Gaga's music career


upi--2020-05-22--Jamal Khashoggi's son says family forgives father's killers

May 22 ( UPI ) -- The son of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Friday his family has forgiven those who killed his father more than a year ago .
Salah Khashoggi said on social media his family `` pardons '' those who killed Khashoggi on Oct. 2 , 2018 during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul , Turkey , where he 'd gone to pick up documents for his forthcoming marriage to Hatice Cengiz .
`` In this blessed night of the blessed month [ of Ramadan ] we remember God 's saying : If a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reward is due from Allah , '' he wrote .
`` Therefore , we the sons of the martyr Jamal Khashoggi announce that we pardon those who killed our father , seeking reward God almighty . ''
The dissident writer 's fiancee , however , was not forgiving .
She rejected the `` pardon '' for those connected to Khashoggi 's death .
`` Jamal Khashoggi has become an international symbol bigger than any of us , admired and loved , '' Cengiz tweeted .
`` His ambush and heinous murder does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one has the right to pardon his killers .
I and others will not stop until we get [ justice for Jamal ] . ''
`` Jamal was killed inside his country 's consulate while getting the docs to complete our marriage .
The killers came from Saudi with premeditation to lure , ambush and kill him .
Nobody has the right to pardon the killers .
We will not pardon the killers nor those who ordered the killing , '' she added .
Last December , a Saudi court sentenced five people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body has never been recovered .
The five were among 11 indicted for the slaying .
The CIA has suggested that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered Khashoggi 's death because he 'd been critical of the royal family in columns that appeared in The Washington Post .

Jamal Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 2018. File Photo by Ali Haider/EPA-EFE
May 22 (UPI) -- The son of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Friday his family has forgiven those who killed his father more than a year ago. Salah Khashoggi said on social media his family "pardons" those who killed Khashoggi on Oct. 2, 2018 during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, where he'd gone to pick up documents for his forthcoming marriage to Hatice Cengiz. Advertisement
"In this blessed night of the blessed month [of Ramadan] we remember God's saying: If a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah," he wrote. "Therefore, we the sons of the martyr Jamal Khashoggi announce that we pardon those who killed our father, seeking reward God almighty."
The dissident writer's fiancee, however, was not forgiving. She rejected the "pardon" for those connected to Khashoggi's death.
"Jamal Khashoggi has become an international symbol bigger than any of us, admired and loved," Cengiz tweeted. "His ambush and heinous murder does not have a statute of limitations and no one has the right to pardon his killers. I and others will not stop until we get [justice for Jamal]."
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"Jamal was killed inside his country's consulate while getting the docs to complete our marriage. The killers came from Saudi with premeditation to lure, ambush and kill him. Nobody has the right to pardon the killers. We will not pardon the killers nor those who ordered the killing," she added.
Last December, a Saudi court sentenced five people to death for killing Khashoggi, whose body has never been recovered. The five were among 11 indicted for the slaying.
The CIA has suggested that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's death because he'd been critical of the royal family in columns that appeared in The Washington Post.


upi--2020-05-22--Alaska lifts restrictions on all businesses; N.Y., N.J. reopen state beaches

May 22 ( UPI ) -- All businesses in Alaska will be allowed to reopen Friday , as will some beaches in New York , New Jersey and other neighboring states as officials ease more coronavirus-related restrictions .
In Alaska , all businesses and places of worship will be allowed to open starting Friday .
Under Phases 3 and 4 of Gov .
Mike Dunleavy 's reopening plan , bars , restaurants , gyms , retail stores and all other businesses can welcome in-person customers ahead of the Memorial Day weekend .
The state released new guidelines Thursday for reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the policies required under earlier phases such as requiring face coverings , supplying hand sanitizer and social distancing practices .
The governors of New York , New Jersey , Connecticut and Delaware agreed this week to a coordinated reopening of their state park beaches beginning Friday .
Beaches , however , will be at 50 percent capacity and masks will be required when social distancing is not possible .
Along the popular Jersey Shore in New Jersey , local officials are required to enforce the capacity limits and to prohibit contact sports and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state on Friday moved on to a new phase in Gov .
Roy Cooper 's reopening plan .
Under the new provisions , a stay-at-home order will be lifted while restaurants , salons and swimming pools will be able to reopen at 50 percent capacity .
Bars , nightclubs , gyms and indoor fitness facilities , however , will remain closed .
Indoor gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people also remained banned in North Carolina .
State health officials expect the new phase to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after which increased capacity could be allowed at restaurants , bars and other businesses .
In Maryland , Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said retail stores and some personal services will be allowed to reopen beginning Friday .
The reopened businesses , however , must limit the number of people -- including customers and staff -- in their stores to 10 , and everyone must wear face masks and adhere to proper social distancing , Olszewski said at a Thursday news conference .
Barbershops and hair salons will be allowed to see customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants are allowed to reopen for indoor dining at 33 percent capacity beginning Friday .
Gov .
Andy Beshear 's reopening strategy also allows outdoor seating .
Eateries , however , must limit parties to 10 or fewer guests while tables must be separated by at least six feet .
Employees will be required to wear masks while serving customers .

Two men wear face masks as they walk a dog Thursday in Domino Park in New York City. State beaches in New York can reopen starting Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 22 (UPI) -- All businesses in Alaska will be allowed to reopen Friday, as will some beaches in New York, New Jersey and other neighboring states as officials ease more coronavirus-related restrictions. In Alaska, all businesses and places of worship will be allowed to open starting Friday. Advertisement
Under Phases 3 and 4 of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's reopening plan, bars, restaurants, gyms, retail stores and all other businesses can welcome in-person customers ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.
The state released new guidelines Thursday for reopening and urged businesses to keep many of the policies required under earlier phases such as requiring face coverings, supplying hand sanitizer and social distancing practices.
The governors of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware agreed this week to a coordinated reopening of their state park beaches beginning Friday. Beaches, however, will be at 50 percent capacity and masks will be required when social distancing is not possible.
Along the popular Jersey Shore in New Jersey, local officials are required to enforce the capacity limits and to prohibit contact sports and organized events.
In North Carolina, the state on Friday moved on to a new phase in Gov. Roy Cooper's reopening plan.
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Under the new provisions, a stay-at-home order will be lifted while restaurants, salons and swimming pools will be able to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Bars, nightclubs, gyms and indoor fitness facilities, however, will remain closed.
Indoor gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people also remained banned in North Carolina.
State health officials expect the new phase to last from four to six weeks, after which increased capacity could be allowed at restaurants, bars and other businesses.
In Maryland, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said retail stores and some personal services will be allowed to reopen beginning Friday.
The reopened businesses, however, must limit the number of people -- including customers and staff -- in their stores to 10, and everyone must wear face masks and adhere to proper social distancing, Olszewski said at a Thursday news conference.
Barbershops and hair salons will be allowed to see customers by appointment only.
In Kentucky, restaurants are allowed to reopen for indoor dining at 33 percent capacity beginning Friday.
Gov. Andy Beshear's reopening strategy also allows outdoor seating. Eateries, however, must limit parties to 10 or fewer guests while tables must be separated by at least six feet.
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Employees will be required to wear masks while serving customers.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-22--Watch: 'Tenet': John David Washington messes with time in new trailer

May 22 ( UPI ) -- John David Washington gets the ability to alter the flow of time in the @ @ @ @ @ Nolan 's upcoming action-thriller , Tenet .
Washington , in the clip released on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ Pattinson in order to stop World War III from happening .
Washington has a unique @ @ @ @ @ with the future in order to aid him in his mission .
The ability is @ @ @ @ @ and differs from time travel .
The duo also crash a plane into a building @ @ @ @ @ inside a concert hall full of people .
`` This reversing the flow of time @ @ @ @ @ here now mean it never happened ?
, '' Washington 's unnamed character asks .
@ @ @ @ @ arrive in theaters on July 17 .
Elizabeth Debicki , Dimple Kapadia , Aaron Taylor-Johnson @ @ @ @ @ Caine and Kenneth Branagh also star .

May 22 (UPI) -- John David Washington gets the ability to alter the flow of time in the latest trailer for director Christopher Nolan's upcoming action-thriller, Tenet.
Washington, in the clip released on Thursday, teams up with Robert Pattinson in order to stop World War III from happening.
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Washington has a unique and mysterious ability to communicate with the future in order to aid him in his mission. The ability is referred to as Inversion, and differs from time travel.
The duo also crash a plane into a building and get into a shootout inside a concert hall full of people.
"This reversing the flow of time. Doesn't us being here now mean it never happened?," Washington's unnamed character asks.
Tenet is still scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 17. Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Clemence Posey, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh also star.


upi--2020-05-22--South Korea proposes communication with North on sharing waterways

May 22 ( UPI ) -- South Korea may be open to allowing North Korean ships pass through a southern area of the peninsula , currently banned under Seoul 's May 24 measures .
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Yeo Sang-gi said Friday at a press briefing maritime communication would be `` necessary '' between North and South should a North Korean vessel seek access to a South Korean route near Jeju Island , local newspaper Asia Business reported .
The ministry did not rule out granting North Korean ships permission to pass through South Korean waters .
North Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North in 2010 , following the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan .
On Friday Yeo suggested inter-Korea communication could provide the foundation for allowing North Korean ships to use South Korean waterways .
`` If an agreement on maritime communication procedures is reached , the navigation between North and South , the navigation of ships , will become possible , '' Yeo said .
South Korea 's assessment of prospective communication with the North comes at a time when Kim Jong Un has not been seen in public for 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not out of the ordinary .
Kim was also absent for 21 days in January , the spokesman said , according to local news service Newsis .
The South Korean spokesman added it is `` inappropriate '' for the ministry to publicly comment on the whereabouts of the North Korean leader .
He said the ministry is monitoring news reports regarding Kim .
Seoul may be willing to exercise flexibility on North Korean vessels , but the statement does not indicate the South Korean government plans to lift the 2010 sanctions immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the South have advocated for the lifting of sanctions that canceled inter-Korea trade , prohibited business expansion in the North , and suspended all aid projects .

South Korea's unification ministry commented on the May 24 measures on Friday, ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the sanctions that were enforced following the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan. Photo by Inter-Korean Summit Press Corps/UPI | License Photo
May 22 (UPI) -- South Korea may be open to allowing North Korean ships pass through a southern area of the peninsula, currently banned under Seoul's May 24 measures. South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Yeo Sang-gi said Friday at a press briefing maritime communication would be "necessary" between North and South should a North Korean vessel seek access to a South Korean route near Jeju Island, local newspaper Asia Business reported. Advertisement
The ministry did not rule out granting North Korean ships permission to pass through South Korean waters. North Korean ships are prohibited since South Korea sanctioned the North in 2010, following the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan.
On Friday Yeo suggested inter-Korea communication could provide the foundation for allowing North Korean ships to use South Korean waterways.
"If an agreement on maritime communication procedures is reached, the navigation between North and South, the navigation of ships, will become possible," Yeo said.
South Korea's assessment of prospective communication with the North comes at a time when Kim Jong Un has not been seen in public for 21 days.
Yeo suggested Friday the absence was not out of the ordinary.
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Kim was also absent for 21 days in January, the spokesman said, according to local news service Newsis.
The South Korean spokesman added it is "inappropriate" for the ministry to publicly comment on the whereabouts of the North Korean leader. He said the ministry is monitoring news reports regarding Kim.
Seoul may be willing to exercise flexibility on North Korean vessels, but the statement does not indicate the South Korean government plans to lift the 2010 sanctions immediately, according to Newsis. Pro-engagement groups in the South have advocated for the lifting of sanctions that canceled inter-Korea trade, prohibited business expansion in the North, and suspended all aid projects.


upi--2020-05-22--China scraps 2020 growth target amid coronavirus uncertainty

May 22 ( UPI ) -- China on Friday announced it would not be setting an economic growth target for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic making such predictions difficult .
China 's Premier Li Keqiang delivered the prepared remarks before 3,000 lawmakers at the 13th National People 's Congress on Friday , ending precedent of establishing the year 's economic goal during the annual government gathering in Beijing .
In the government work report , Li said China will continue to prioritize lowering poverty and building a modern , prosperous society but would not set a growth target to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment , the financial sector , domestic investment , expectations and foreign trade and investment .
`` I would like to point out that we have not set a specific target for economic growth this year , '' Li said .
`` This is because our country will face some factors that are difficult to predict in its development due to the great uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the world economic and trade environment . ''
The pandemic has not ended , he said , and the government must redouble efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement came more than a month after the National Bureau of Statistics of China reported an economic contraction of nearly 7 percent , which was also its first economic contraction since it started reporting such figures in 1992 .
It also came on the heels of Hong Kong 's Hang Seng Index dropping by more than 5 percent on news that China was to introduce a sweeping national security law that is expected to essentially do away with the One Country , Two Systems governmental framework it functions under .
Li made no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will establish `` sound legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security '' in Hong Kong and Macao , both special administrative regions , `` and see that the governments of the two regions fulfill their constitutional responsibilities . ''
`` We will support Hong Kong and Macao in growing their economies , improving living standards and better integrating their development into China 's overall development , and help them maintain long-term prosperity and stability , '' he said .
Li also said the fiscal deficit would increase by more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent deficit-to-GDP ratio , and an additional roughly $ 140 billion will be issued as government bonds for `` COVID-19 control . ''
`` Governments at all levels must truly tighten their belt , '' he said .
`` The central government will take the lead by committing to negative growth in its budgetary spending , with a more than 50 percent cut to outlays and non-essential and non-obligatory items .
All types of surplus , idle and carryover funds that should be taken back will be withdrawn and reallocated . ''
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political event was postponed in February as China 's number of coronavirus continued to climb .
Once the epicenter of the pandemic , China has since stabilized its outbreak reporting few daily cases for weeks .
On Friday , Chinese health officials reported zero deaths and four confirmed COVID-19 cases , two of which were imported , increasing its totals to 4,634 deaths and 78,255 infections .

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L, bottom) delivers the government work report during the opening session of China's National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Friday. Photo by Ng Han Guan/EPA-EFE
May 22 (UPI) -- China on Friday announced it would not be setting an economic growth target for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic making such predictions difficult. China's Premier Li Keqiang delivered the prepared remarks before 3,000 lawmakers at the 13th National People's Congress on Friday, ending precedent of establishing the year's economic goal during the annual government gathering in Beijing. Advertisement
In the government work report, Li said China will continue to prioritize lowering poverty and building a modern, prosperous society but would not set a growth target to allow the government to focus on stabilizing employment, the financial sector, domestic investment, expectations and foreign trade and investment.
"I would like to point out that we have not set a specific target for economic growth this year," Li said. "This is because our country will face some factors that are difficult to predict in its development due to the great uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the world economic and trade environment."
The pandemic has not ended, he said, and the government must redouble efforts to minimize losses incurred by it.
The announcement came more than a month after the National Bureau of Statistics of China reported an economic contraction of nearly 7 percent, which was also its first economic contraction since it started reporting such figures in 1992.
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It also came on the heels of Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropping by more than 5 percent on news that China was to introduce a sweeping national security law that is expected to essentially do away with the One Country, Two Systems governmental framework it functions under.
Li made no direct mention to the legislation but said they will establish "sound legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security" in Hong Kong and Macao, both special administrative regions, "and see that the governments of the two regions fulfill their constitutional responsibilities."
"We will support Hong Kong and Macao in growing their economies, improving living standards and better integrating their development into China's overall development, and help them maintain long-term prosperity and stability," he said.
Li also said the fiscal deficit would increase by more than $140 billion, creating a 3.6 percent deficit-to-GDP ratio, and an additional roughly $140 billion will be issued as government bonds for "COVID-19 control."
"Governments at all levels must truly tighten their belt," he said. "The central government will take the lead by committing to negative growth in its budgetary spending, with a more than 50 percent cut to outlays and non-essential and non-obligatory items. All types of surplus, idle and carryover funds that should be taken back will be withdrawn and reallocated."
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Though normally held in early March, the political event was postponed in February as China's number of coronavirus continued to climb. Once the epicenter of the pandemic, China has since stabilized its outbreak reporting few daily cases for weeks.
On Friday, Chinese health officials reported zero deaths and four confirmed COVID-19 cases, two of which were imported, increasing its totals to 4,634 deaths and 78,255 infections.


upi--2020-05-22--Blood test may predict worsening MS

Blood test may predict worsening MS

A new blood test might help doctors predict whether someone 's multiple sclerosis may soon get worse .
The test looks for a substance called neurofilament light chain .
It 's a nerve protein that can be detected when nerve cells die .
People with higher levels of it were more likely to have worsening MS effects within the next year .
`` In a disease like MS that is so unpredictable and varies so much from one person to the next , having a noninvasive blood test like this could be very valuable , especially since treatments are most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease , '' lead investigator Ali Manouchehrinia said in a news release from the journal Neurology , where the study was published online May 20 .
Manouchehrinia is an assistant professor of clinical neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm , Sweden .
His study of the neurofilament light chain blood test included almost 4,400 people with multiple sclerosis and a control group of more than 1,000 people without it .
In MS , the body 's immune system attacks the central nervous system , commonly leading to problems with balance and walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , volunteers provided blood samples and their health was followed to see whose disability worsened .
Researchers also checked for signs of a more serious form of MS called secondary progressive MS , in which disability gets worse little by little and then becomes more constant .
The study controlled the data to account for factors that might lead to worsening disability , such as length of time with MS. People with MS had far more neurofilament light chain in their blood than did people without the disease , the study found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nerve protein were 40 percent to 70 percent more likely to see their disability get worse within the next year compared to those with low levels .
Higher protein levels also translated to a 50 percent greater chance for a moderate disability that affected everyday life , but not people 's ability to walk .
People with higher protein levels were also 50 percent more likely to develop a disability that impaired walking , but could still walk about one-third of a mile without help or taking a break .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moderate level of disability during the five-year study .
Nine percent -- 352 people -- developed significant disability .
While the test could predict a much higher risk of disability , it could n't definitively show whether or not someone would have a disability .
Manouchehrinia said that it 's possible that other medical conditions not studied may affect neurofilament light chain levels .
More study is needed .
Dr. Asaff Harel , a neurologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City , said the blood test may have a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and physical exams .
`` These results add to the growing body of literature looking at blood neurofilament light chain levels as a tool to predict long-term prognosis in MS , '' Harel said .
Mark Allegretta , vice president of research for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society , noted that the study was a large one , with more than 1,000 controls .
`` This study adds a lot of confidence that neurofilament light chain levels will be useful in MS , '' he said .
Like Harel , Allegretta also predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used in combination with other tests .
`` With many of these tools , the information is additive .
We 're not looking to rely on any single test , '' he said .
Right now , MRI is used to track the course of the disease .
But Allegretta said a blood test has advantages : It 's more standardized than an imaging test and could be done more often and for a lower cost .
Allegretta said the test could be useful in clinical studies to see whether someone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least a few years away , he added .
Learn more about MS from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society .

A new blood test might help doctors predict whether someone's multiple sclerosis may soon get worse.
The test looks for a substance called neurofilament light chain. It's a nerve protein that can be detected when nerve cells die. People with higher levels of it were more likely to have worsening MS effects within the next year.
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"In a disease like MS that is so unpredictable and varies so much from one person to the next, having a noninvasive blood test like this could be very valuable, especially since treatments are most effective in the earliest stages of the disease," lead investigator Ali Manouchehrinia said in a news release from the journal Neurology, where the study was published online May 20.
Manouchehrinia is an assistant professor of clinical neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
His study of the neurofilament light chain blood test included almost 4,400 people with multiple sclerosis and a control group of more than 1,000 people without it.
Advertisement
In MS, the body's immune system attacks the central nervous system, commonly leading to problems with balance and walking that come and go.
Over five years, volunteers provided blood samples and their health was followed to see whose disability worsened. Researchers also checked for signs of a more serious form of MS called secondary progressive MS, in which disability gets worse little by little and then becomes more constant.
The study controlled the data to account for factors that might lead to worsening disability, such as length of time with MS.
People with MS had far more neurofilament light chain in their blood than did people without the disease, the study found.
And those with high levels of the nerve protein were 40 percent to 70 percent more likely to see their disability get worse within the next year compared to those with low levels.
Higher protein levels also translated to a 50 percent greater chance for a moderate disability that affected everyday life, but not people's ability to walk. People with higher protein levels were also 50 percent more likely to develop a disability that impaired walking, but could still walk about one-third of a mile without help or taking a break.
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Overall, 16 percent -- 525 people -- had a moderate level of disability during the five-year study. Nine percent -- 352 people -- developed significant disability.
While the test could predict a much higher risk of disability, it couldn't definitively show whether or not someone would have a disability.
Manouchehrinia said that it's possible that other medical conditions not studied may affect neurofilament light chain levels. More study is needed.
Dr. Asaff Harel, a neurologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said the blood test may have a place with current MS monitoring such as MRI and physical exams. "These results add to the growing body of literature looking at blood neurofilament light chain levels as a tool to predict long-term prognosis in MS," Harel said.
Mark Allegretta, vice president of research for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, noted that the study was a large one, with more than 1,000 controls. "This study adds a lot of confidence that neurofilament light chain levels will be useful in MS," he said.
Like Harel, Allegretta also predicted that the blood screening would one day be used in combination with other tests. "With many of these tools, the information is additive. We're not looking to rely on any single test," he said.
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Right now, MRI is used to track the course of the disease. But Allegretta said a blood test has advantages: It's more standardized than an imaging test and could be done more often and for a lower cost.
Allegretta said the test could be useful in clinical studies to see whether someone is responding to a treatment. It is at least a few years away, he added.
More information
Learn more about MS from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-22--University of California to end use of SAT, ACT in admissions

May 22 ( UPI ) -- The University of California has suspended the use of SAT and ACT exams as part of admission requirements until 2024 .
The university 's Board of Regents voted unanimously Thursday to suspend the standardized test requirement for all California freshman applicants , it announced in a release .
`` Today 's decision by the board marks a significant change for the university 's undergraduate admissions , '' said University of California President Janet Napolitano .
The removal of the exams , Napolitano said , was done as the school develops its own to better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to known before they enter post-secondary education .
The university said if a new test does not meet specified criteria by the fall 2025 admission seasons , it will eliminate the standardized test requirement .
`` I think this is an incredible step in the right direction toward aligning our admissions policy with the broad-based values of the university , '' Board of Regents Chair John A. Perez said prior to the vote .
`` I see our role as fiduciaries and stewards of the public good and this proposal before us is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In March , the university temporarily suspended the standardized test requirement for fall 2021 applicants due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The school said the tests will be optional through 2022 and for 2023 and 2024 , students will have the option of submitting a test score but it will only be considered for the purpose of course placement , certain scholarships and eligibility for statewide admissions guarantee .
Thursday 's decision follows a two-year research effort to evaluate the value of standardized tests in admissions that began in July 2018 @

May 22 (UPI) -- The University of California has suspended the use of SAT and ACT exams as part of admission requirements until 2024.
The university's Board of Regents voted unanimously Thursday to suspend the standardized test requirement for all California freshman applicants, it announced in a release.
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"Today's decision by the board marks a significant change for the university's undergraduate admissions," said University of California President Janet Napolitano.
The removal of the exams, Napolitano said, was done as the school develops its own to better align with what the university expects students to known before they enter post-secondary education.
The university said if a new test does not meet specified criteria by the fall 2025 admission seasons, it will eliminate the standardized test requirement.
"I think this is an incredible step in the right direction toward aligning our admissions policy with the broad-based values of the university," Board of Regents Chair John A. Perez said prior to the vote. "I see our role as fiduciaries and stewards of the public good and this proposal before us is an incredible step in the right direction."
In March, the university temporarily suspended the standardized test requirement for fall 2021 applicants due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The school said the tests will be optional through 2022 and for 2023 and 2024, students will have the option of submitting a test score but it will only be considered for the purpose of course placement, certain scholarships and eligibility for statewide admissions guarantee.
Thursday's decision follows a two-year research effort to evaluate the value of standardized tests in admissions that began in July 2018.


upi--2020-05-22--Woods, Manning vs. Brady, Mickelson in golf, NASCAR race top live sports on weekend

May 22 ( UPI ) -- Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will take on Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson in a charity golf match Sunday as part of a very limited live sports schedule this weekend .
The weekend TV slate also includes a NASCAR Cup Series race , horse racing , soccer from Germany and baseball from South Korea .
Manning and Brady , who were rivals in the NFL , will team up with respective golf rivals Woods and Mickelson at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound , Fla. No fans will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
The Match : Champions for Charity will air on TNT , TBS , truTV and HLN .
The event is expected to raise more than $ 10 million for COVID-19 relief efforts .
Meanwhile , NASCAR will hold the Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 Sunday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte , N.C .
It will be broadcast on Fox .
The German Bundesliga , the only active major soccer league in the world , will have a full schedule for a second consecutive weekend since its return from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record viewership , as fans around the world tuned in to see the German soccer stars on FS1 in the United States and on BT Sport in the United Kingdom .
Ten Bundesliga squads will take the field for five games on Saturday .
Sunday 's slate includes three games .
Hertha Berlin battles Union Berlin in the first game of Bundesliga Matchday 27 at 2:30 p.m. EDT Friday Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions at 4 a.m. EDT ON ESPN2 VfL Wolfsburg vs. Borussia Dortmund at 9:30 a.m. EDT on FS1 Borussia Monchengladbach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on FS2 Freiburg vs. Werder Bremen at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Fox Soccer Plus Paderborn vs. Hoffenheim at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Fox Soccer Match Pass Bayern Munich vs. Eintracht Frankfurt at 12:30 p.m. EDT on FS1 Hanwha Eagles vs. NC Dinos at 1 a.m. EDT on ESPN2 Schalke vs. Augsburg at 7:30 a.m. EDT on FS1 Mainz vs. RB Leipzig at 9:30 a.m. EDT on FS1 FC Koln vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf at 11:30 a.m. EDT on FS1 The Match : Champions for Charity at 2 p.m. EDT on TNT , TBS , @ @ @

Tiger Woods will partner with Peyton Manning for a charity golf match against Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson called The Match: Champions for Charity at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday. Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
May 22 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will take on Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson in a charity golf match Sunday as part of a very limited live sports schedule this weekend. The weekend TV slate also includes a NASCAR Cup Series race, horse racing, soccer from Germany and baseball from South Korea. Advertisement
Manning and Brady, who were rivals in the NFL, will team up with respective golf rivals Woods and Mickelson at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla. No fans will be allowed to attend the event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Match: Champions for Charity will air on TNT, TBS, truTV and HLN. The event is expected to raise more than $10 million for COVID-19 relief efforts.
Meanwhile, NASCAR will hold the Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 Sunday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. It will be broadcast on Fox.
The German Bundesliga, the only active major soccer league in the world, will have a full schedule for a second consecutive weekend since its return from suspension.
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Last week's matches drew record viewership, as fans around the world tuned in to see the German soccer stars on FS1 in the United States and on BT Sport in the United Kingdom.
Ten Bundesliga squads will take the field for five games on Saturday. Sunday's slate includes three games. Hertha Berlin battles Union Berlin in the first game of Bundesliga Matchday 27 at 2:30 p.m. EDT Friday
Saturday
Korean Baseball Organization
Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions at 4 a.m. EDT ON ESPN2
Bundesliga
VfL Wolfsburg vs. Borussia Dortmund at 9:30 a.m. EDT on FS1
Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Bayer Leverkusen at 9:30 a.m. EDT on FS2
Freiburg vs. Werder Bremen at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Fox Soccer Plus
Paderborn vs. Hoffenheim at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Fox Soccer Match Pass
Bayern Munich vs. Eintracht Frankfurt at 12:30 p.m. EDT on FS1
Horse Racing
Daytona Stakes at 5:30 p.m. EDT on NBCSN
Matt Winn Stakes at 5:44 p.m. EDT on FS1
Charles Whittingham Stakes at 7 p.m. EDT ON NBCSN
Sunday
Korean Baseball Organization
Hanwha Eagles vs. NC Dinos at 1 a.m. EDT on ESPN2
Bundesliga
Schalke vs. Augsburg at 7:30 a.m. EDT on FS1
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Mainz vs. RB Leipzig at 9:30 a.m. EDT on FS1
FC Koln vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf at 11:30 a.m. EDT on FS1
Golf
The Match: Champions for Charity at 2 p.m. EDT on TNT, TBS, truTV and HLN
NASCAR
Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at 6 p.m. EDT on Fox


upi--2020-05-22--UPI News Quiz: Astronauts, Tiffany Trump, inflatable spectators

U.S. News // 6 hours ago
Search for victims of Maui wildfire ongoing as death toll climbs to 101
Aug. 15 (UPI) -- The death toll from the Maui wildfires has risen to 101, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday night, as he announced plans to reopen the Lahaina Bypass for several hours a day to "reunite the pieces of Maui."


upi--2020-05-22--Janelle Monae: 'Homecoming' makes her 'stronger as an actor'

LOS ANGELES , May 22 ( UPI ) -- Julia Roberts did not return for Season 2 of Amazon Prime 's series Homecoming , though she remains an executive producer .
The show cast Janelle Monae as a new character .
The Homecoming program is an experimental protocol to erase traumatic memories in military veterans , so they can be deployed again .
When Season 2 begins , Jackie ( Monae ) wakes up in a canoe in the middle of a lake .
She gets to shore , but ca n't remember how she ended up in the canoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience different characters and embody them in different stories .
She said she often researches characters when she 's unfamiliar with their background .
`` I think it makes me have more compassion for many characters around this world , especially the ones that I 've had to portray , '' Monae said on a Television Critics Association panel prior to the COVID-19 pandemic .
When Monae writes , records or performs music , she says , she is reflecting herself .
`` It 's motivated by my honesty and where I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Wherever I am , whatever my thoughts are , that 's what you 're pretty much getting . ''
Jackie is a mysterious new character , and Monae was not about to offer any spoilers .
She discussed how the role will challenge her after roles she 's played in Moonlight , Hidden Figures and the upcoming Gloria Steinem biopic The Glorias .
`` She 's a complex character , '' Monae said .
`` I was really excited about going there and knowing I was going to come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as a storyteller . ''
In addition to the challenge of embodying a new character , Homecoming had some basic technical challenges .
Monae said she had to adjust to the sheer amount of dialogue she had in Season 2 .
Returning Season 1 star Stephan James helped Monae with remembering her lines , she said .
`` There 's some pretty long scenes where the dialogue is long , '' Monae said .
`` [ James and I ] were both like , 'OK , be patient .
Let 's be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also found new challenges in the role of Walter Cruz .
In Season 1 , Heidi Bergman ( Roberts ) helped Cruz escape the Homecoming program and its medication .
`` I do n't even feel like we got to see the full scope of who Walter Cruz was , '' James said on the panel .
`` This season , he 's being introduced to you guys in the way that he really is . ''
The nature of Homecoming meant James played a man with piecemeal memories .
James said Season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fully formed character .
`` I think I was able to bring an identity to Walter that I 'm proud of -- a humanity to Walter that I 'm proud of , '' James said .
`` Walter [ is ] on this new journey on this new mission to figure out all the things that happened to him in the first season . ''
Although the Homecoming project is science fiction , Walter Cruz still represents struggling veterans .
James was touched by veterans ' response to the first season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would have on veterans until we made the show , '' James said .
`` I had people coming up to me telling me that it really touched them just to see Walter go through this whole experience . ''

1/4
Janelle Monáe joins the cast of "Homecoming" as a new character. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
LOS ANGELES, May 22 (UPI) -- Julia Roberts does not return for Season 2 of Amazon Prime's series Homecoming, streaming Friday, though she remains an executive producer. The show cast Janelle Monae as a new character. The Homecoming program is an experimental protocol to erase traumatic memories in military veterans, so they can be deployed again. When Season 2 begins, Jackie (Monae) wakes up in a canoe in the middle of a lake. She gets to shore, but can't remember how she ended up in the canoe. Advertisement
Monae said acting allows her to experience different characters and embody them in different stories. She said she often researches characters when she's unfamiliar with their background.
"I think it makes me have more compassion for many characters around this world, especially the ones that I've had to portray," Monae said on a Television Critics Association panel prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advertisement
When Monae writes, records or performs music, she says, she is reflecting herself.
"It's motivated by my honesty and where I am at that particular moment," Monae said. "Wherever I am, whatever my thoughts are, that's what you're pretty much getting."
Jackie is a mysterious new character, and Monae was not about to offer any spoilers. She discussed how the role will challenge her after roles she's played in Moonlight, Hidden Figures and the upcoming Gloria Steinem biopic The Glorias.
"She's a complex character," Monae said. "I was really excited about going there and knowing I was going to come out the other side stronger as an actor and as a storyteller."
In addition to the challenge of embodying a new character, Homecoming had some basic technical challenges. Monae said she had to learn some long dialogue.
Returning Season 1 star Stephan James helped Monae with remembering her lines, she said.
"There's some pretty long scenes where the dialogue is long," Monae said. "[James and I] were both like, 'OK, be patient. Let's be patient with each other."
James also found new challenges in the role of Walter Cruz. In Season 1, Heidi Bergman (Roberts) helped Cruz escape the Homecoming program and its medication.
Advertisement
"I don't even feel like we got to see the full scope of who Walter Cruz was," James said on the panel. "This season, he's being introduced to you guys in the way that he really is."
The nature of Homecoming meant James played a man with piecemeal memories. James said Season 2 allows him to present more of a fully formed character.
"I think I was able to bring an identity to Walter that I'm proud of -- a humanity to Walter that I'm proud of," James said. "Walter [is] on this new journey on this new mission to figure out all the things that happened to him in the first season."
Although the Homecoming project is science fiction, Cruz represents struggling veterans. James was touched by veterans' response to the first season.
"I never realized the effect that it would have on veterans until we made the show," James said. "I had people coming up to me telling me that it really touched them just to see Walter go through this whole experience."
Janelle Monáe turns 37: a look back


upi--2020-05-22--Fantasy football: Chiefs' Edwards-Helaire, Vikings' Jefferson should produce as rookies

May 22 ( UPI ) -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire are among the top rookies I expect to breakout for fantasy football teams in 2020 .
The 2020 NFL Draft featured several former college football stars with supreme talent , but talent is just one factor for success when you get to the NFL .
Players must also land in the right system , have enough opportunity and stay healthy if they want to have a succesful fantasy football season .
Edwards-Helaire and Jefferson , former LSU teammates , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Vikings at No .
22 overall and Edwards-Helaire going to the Chiefs at No .
32 .
Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was the No .
1 overall pick in the draft , but it 's typically difficult for rookie quarterbacks to make an immediate fantasy football impact .
The same could be said for Tua Tagovailoa , who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins , and Los Angeles Chargers rookie Justin Herbert .
I expect rookie wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy to also be worthy of fantasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 season .
The Chiefs rookie running back should make an immediate impact for the Super Bowl champions .
Edwards-Helaire wo n't have to deal with a ton of defenders in the box as the Chiefs boast weapons all over the field and have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL .
Edwards-Helaire will likely be selected in the middle rounds of your fantasy football draft and should be looked at as a low-end RB2 or flex .
The ultra-shifty running back has been compared to LeSean McCoy and Devonta Freeman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told me at the NFL Combine that he modeled his game after Marshall Faulk , Kevin Faulk and Maurice Jones-Drew before he got to the NFL .
If those comparisons pan out , Edwards-Helaire could be a fantasy football superstar for a long time .
Edwards-Helaire should be a monster in PPR fantasy formats .
I expect the former Tigers star to compete for touches early on with veteran Damien Williams , but he should work into a bigger role as the season progresses .
`` Edwards-Helaire is just a unique talent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said after the draft .
`` He 's explosive , he has the ability to make something out of nothing and that 's what you look at with these running backs .
`` This guy can consistently make plays when there is really nothing to be made , and now throwing him in there with [ wide receiver ] Tyreek Hill , [ wide receiver ] Sammy Watkins , [ tight end ] Travis Kelce , [ wide receiver Mecole Hardman ] and [ tailback ] Damien Williams , we think it 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help you win your fantasy league if your team has enough depth to weather the storm of his limited opportunities early on .
You might have to take him a round or two earlier than you would like , so make sure to grab another running back , who will get touches in their offense early in the season , in the rounds after you select the Chiefs rookie .
The Vikings traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills in March before they drafted Jefferson in the first round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jefferson should have plenty of opportunities to put up fantasy points .
He likely will line up opposite Adam Thielen and see a lot of targets from Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins .
The Vikings also have weapons at tight end and running back , which should help Jefferson see more one-on-one matchups from the secondary .
I do n't expect Jefferson to reel in a ton of catches in 2020 , but he could score at least six touchdowns and be a fantasy football starter during a bye week or if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his draft stock soar before the Las Vegas Raiders made him the first receiver selected in the 2020 NFL Draft .
He slides into the offense with a ton of opportunity , but his success will likely depend on quarterback Derek Carr and the team 's ability to sustain drives .
Ruggs ' speed should give defenders a ton of trouble .
He is a great player to pick late in your fantasy football draft .
Ruggs is a lottery-ticket type option who should stay on your bench until you learn how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by a strong running game in 2019 and could have more balance in 2020 after they picked up Ruggs and wide receiver Bryan Edwards in the draft .
The Raiders also made several additions at tight end , which should help Carr spread the ball out and keep defenses honest .
Ruggs has the potential to post a 1,000-yard season if he stays healthy .
`` He can run the deep routes , '' Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said of Ruggs .
`` He also gets the manufactured touches , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think if you force defenses to roll coverage , it opens up our run game .
You respect our deep routes , it opens up Darren Waller .
`` I just think it does an awful lot of things for us offensively and I think the most important thing is I think coach Gruden and the staff will get everything out of him . ''
Akers is one of my favorite rookie sleepers for the 2020 fantasy football season .
The former Florida State running back was a second-round pick and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Los Angeles Rams ' backfield .
The Rams released Todd Gurley this off-season , a move that will lead to a competition for the starting job .
The Rams also have Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown on their roster but Akers should get a lot of chances as a runner and pass catcher .
He should be a very late pick or go undrafted in your fantasy football draft but will be a player to watch as the season progresses .
I expect Rams coach Sean McVay to find very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offense .
Ruggs ' college teammate at Alabama was arguably the best wide receiver prospect in the draft class .
He ended up being the second wide receiver off the board .
Jeudy fits in nicely with the Denver Broncos offense .
Broncos quarterback Drew Lock took a step forward toward the end of his rookie year .
The Broncos picked Jeudy in the first round before they added wide receiver K.J .
Hamler in the second round .
Denver also signed former Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon in free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courtland Sutton in the Broncos ' offense .
I do n't expect the Broncos to have a great season , in terms of wins and losses , but the offense should be potent enough to make Jeudy a reliable WR3 in good matchups .
`` I feel like I 'm a wide receiver who can play inside , outside or wherever they put me at to get the ball , '' Jeudy said after the draft .
`` I do n't feel like I 'm a better inside receiver than outside receiver .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know how to get open and press off against whoever is guarding me .
I just know how to get open .
That 's it . ''

Former LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire should be very productive as a rookie in the Kansas City Chiefs' high-octane offense. File Photo by Alex Butler/UPI
May 22 (UPI) -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire are among the top rookies I expect to breakout for fantasy football teams in 2020. The 2020 NFL Draft featured several former college football stars with supreme talent, but talent is just one factor for success when you get to the NFL. Players must also land in the right system, have enough opportunity and stay healthy if they want to have a succesful fantasy football season. Advertisement
Edwards-Helaire and Jefferson, former LSU teammates, were each first-round picks, with Jefferson going to the Vikings at No. 22 overall and Edwards-Helaire going to the Chiefs at No. 32.
Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, but it's typically difficult for rookie quarterbacks to make an immediate fantasy football impact. The same could be said for Tua Tagovailoa, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Chargers rookie Justin Herbert.
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I expect rookie wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy to also be worthy of fantasy football starter status at some point during the 2020 season.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
The Chiefs rookie running back should make an immediate impact for the Super Bowl champions. Edwards-Helaire won't have to deal with a ton of defenders in the box as the Chiefs boast weapons all over the field and have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Edwards-Helaire will likely be selected in the middle rounds of your fantasy football draft and should be looked at as a low-end RB2 or flex. The ultra-shifty running back has been compared to LeSean McCoy and Devonta Freeman due to his dynamic skill set.
He told me at the NFL Combine that he modeled his game after Marshall Faulk, Kevin Faulk and Maurice Jones-Drew before he got to the NFL. If those comparisons pan out, Edwards-Helaire could be a fantasy football superstar for a long time.
Edwards-Helaire should be a monster in PPR fantasy formats. I expect the former Tigers star to compete for touches early on with veteran Damien Williams, but he should work into a bigger role as the season progresses.
"Edwards-Helaire is just a unique talent," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said after the draft. "He's explosive, he has the ability to make something out of nothing and that's what you look at with these running backs.
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"This guy can consistently make plays when there is really nothing to be made, and now throwing him in there with [wide receiver] Tyreek Hill, [wide receiver] Sammy Watkins, [tight end] Travis Kelce, [wide receiver Mecole Hardman] and [tailback] Damien Williams, we think it'll be really exciting."
Edwards-Helaire could help you win your fantasy league if your team has enough depth to weather the storm of his limited opportunities early on. You might have to take him a round or two earlier than you would like, so make sure to grab another running back, who will get touches in their offense early in the season, in the rounds after you select the Chiefs rookie.
Justin Jefferson
The Vikings traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills in March before they drafted Jefferson in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Like Edwards-Helaire, Jefferson should have plenty of opportunities to put up fantasy points.
He likely will line up opposite Adam Thielen and see a lot of targets from Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Vikings also have weapons at tight end and running back, which should help Jefferson see more one-on-one matchups from the secondary.
I don't expect Jefferson to reel in a ton of catches in 2020, but he could score at least six touchdowns and be a fantasy football starter during a bye week or if he has a great matchup.
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Henry Ruggs III
Ruggs watched his draft stock soar before the Las Vegas Raiders made him the first receiver selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He slides into the offense with a ton of opportunity, but his success will likely depend on quarterback Derek Carr and the team's ability to sustain drives. Ruggs' speed should give defenders a ton of trouble.
He is a great player to pick late in your fantasy football draft. Ruggs is a lottery-ticket type option who should stay on your bench until you learn how the team uses him.
The Raiders were led by a strong running game in 2019 and could have more balance in 2020 after they picked up Ruggs and wide receiver Bryan Edwards in the draft.
The Raiders also made several additions at tight end, which should help Carr spread the ball out and keep defenses honest.
Ruggs has the potential to post a 1,000-yard season if he stays healthy.
"He can run the deep routes," Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said of Ruggs. "He also gets the manufactured touches, the bubble screens, the jet sweeps. I think if you force defenses to roll coverage, it opens up our run game. You respect our deep routes, it opens up Darren Waller.
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"I just think it does an awful lot of things for us offensively and I think the most important thing is I think coach Gruden and the staff will get everything out of him."
Cam Akers
Akers is one of my favorite rookie sleepers for the 2020 fantasy football season. The former Florida State running back was a second-round pick and has a ton of opportunity to make plays in the Los Angeles Rams' backfield.
The Rams released Todd Gurley this off-season, a move that will lead to a competition for the starting job.
The Rams also have Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown on their roster but Akers should get a lot of chances as a runner and pass catcher. He should be a very late pick or go undrafted in your fantasy football draft but will be a player to watch as the season progresses.
I expect Rams coach Sean McVay to find very creative ways to involve this rookie in the offense.
Jerry Jeudy
Ruggs' college teammate at Alabama was arguably the best wide receiver prospect in the draft class. He ended up being the second wide receiver off the board. Jeudy fits in nicely with the Denver Broncos offense.
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Broncos quarterback Drew Lock took a step forward toward the end of his rookie year. The Broncos picked Jeudy in the first round before they added wide receiver K.J. Hamler in the second round.
Denver also signed former Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon in free agency. Jeudy will line up opposite Courtland Sutton in the Broncos' offense.
I don't expect the Broncos to have a great season, in terms of wins and losses, but the offense should be potent enough to make Jeudy a reliable WR3 in good matchups.
"I feel like I'm a wide receiver who can play inside, outside or wherever they put me at to get the ball," Jeudy said after the draft.
"I don't feel like I'm a better inside receiver than outside receiver. I'm a good receiver overall. I know how to get open and press off against whoever is guarding me. I just know how to get open. That's it."
Rookie sleepers
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Chase Claypool, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Denzel Mims, WR, New York Jets
Devin Asiasi, TE, New England Patriots


upi--2020-05-22--On This Day, May 22: North, South Yemen unify

On this date in history : In 1868 , seven members of the Reno gang stole $ 98,000 from a railway car at Marshfield , Ind .
It was the original `` Great Train Robbery . ''
In 1972 , Richard Nixon became the first U.S president to visit Moscow .
In 1990 , after 150 apart , South Yemen and North Yemen united , forming the new Yemeni Arab Republic .
In 1992 , Johnny Carson ended his nearly 30-year career as host of The Tonight Show .
In 2002 , authorities in Birmingham , Ala. , convicted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that killed four black girls .
Bobby Frank Cherry , 71 , a former Ku Klux Klansman , was sentenced to life in prison .
In 2003 , Annika Sorenstam became the first woman in 59 years to compete in a PGA event but her 5-over-par 145 through two rounds of the Bank of America Colonial tournament failed to make the cut .
In 2011 , the deadliest tornado to strike the United States in half a century roared into the heart of Joplin , Mo.
, with winds of 200 mph .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 1,100 others and destroyed nearly one-third of the city .
Damage was estimated in the $ 3 billion range .
In 2015 , voters in Ireland overwhelmingly approved a measure to allow civil same-sex marriage , making it the first nation in the world to legalize gay unions through a popular vote .
In 2017 , a suicide bomber killed 22 people attending an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester , England .
More than 500 people sustained injuries .
In 2019 , Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned of a severe crackdown on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of failed presidential candidate Prabowo Subinato .

1/2
Yemeni President Ali Saleh raises the Yemeni flag on May 22, 1990, at a ceremony marking the unification of North Yemen and South Yemen. File Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
On this date in history: In 1868, seven members of the Reno gang stole $98,000 from a railway car at Marshfield, Ind. It was the original "Great Train Robbery." Advertisement
In 1972, Richard Nixon became the first U.S president to visit Moscow.
In 1987, a tornado flattened Saragosa, Texas, population 185, killing 29 residents and injuring 121.
In 1990, South Yemen and North Yemen united, forming the new Yemeni Arab Republic.
In 1992, Johnny Carson ended his nearly 30-year career as host of The Tonight Show.
File Photo by Mike Hill/UPI
In 2002, authorities in Birmingham, Ala., convicted a fourth suspect in a 1963 church bombing that killed four black girls. Bobby Frank Cherry, 71, a former Ku Klux Klansman, was sentenced to life in prison.
In 2003, Annika Sorenstam became the first woman in 59 years to compete in a PGA event but her 5-over-par 145 through two rounds of the Bank of America Colonial tournament failed to make the cut.
Advertisement
In 2011, the deadliest tornado to strike the United States in half a century roared into the heart of Joplin, Mo., with winds of 200 mph. It killed nearly 160 people, injured about 1,100 others and destroyed nearly one-third of the city. Damage was estimated in the $3 billion range.
File Photo by Rick Meyer/UPI
In 2015, voters in Ireland overwhelmingly approved a measure to allow civil same-sex marriage, making it the first nation in the world to legalize gay unions through a popular vote.
In 2017, a suicide bomber killed 22 people attending an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. More than 500 people sustained injuries.
In 2019, Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned of a severe crackdown on the second day of protests by supporters of failed presidential candidate Prabowo Subinato.


upi--2020-05-22--Judge sanctions Trump administration over failure to disclose documents in census case

May 22 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge has sanctioned the Trump administration for its failure to produce hundreds of documents during legal proceedings over a controversial though now-barred 2020 census question .
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of the Southern District of New York ordered the Justice Department on Thursday to cover the legal fees and other costs incurred by a group of non-governmental organizations during a legal challenge over the missing documents .
Furman said in his 23-page ruling that while the failure to produce the hundreds of documents may have been inadvertent , it was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly for the Department of Justice . ''
`` To be sure , this was not DOJ 's finest hour , '' he wrote .
The Department of Justice attempted to argue the reason it failed to produce at least 900 documents , or more than 10 percent of the documents they were required to produce , was due to a technical error .
The documents had been collected and loaded on to a document-review platform , the defendants said , according to court documents , but a coding error led to incomplete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , defendants ' failure to produce the documents was caused by a lapse that would make a first-year litigation associate wince , '' he said .
The ruling follows the American Civil Liberties Union and others seeking the court to block the inclusion of a controversial citizenship question in the 2020 census that opponents said was discriminatory and would prevent immigrants from filling out the form .
Last year , the court ruled to block the question 's inclusion , a decision that was backed by the Supreme Court .
However , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained documents they said prove the motive behind the question 's inclusion was not to uphold the Voting Rights Act as was claimed but to support gerrymandering to benefit Republicans and non-Hispanic white people .
As part of the sanctions lawsuit , the plaintiffs had requested the court for further sanctions and to force the Trump administration to hand over more documents concerning the case , which Furman ruled were not warranted .
Furman said his ruling does not find the defendants ' most troubling allegation that the Trump administration attempted to conceal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court 's power .
`` Even if plaintiffs ' allegations are accurate , that would not have changed the outcome of this litigation , '' he wrote .
`` As defendants themselves acknowledge , plaintiffs prevailed at trial and in the Supreme Court . ''
Dale Ho , director of the ACLU 's Voting Rights Project , said the judge 's ruling will finally bring this litigation to an end .
`` The court has reaffirmed that the Trump administration 's 'official story concealed their true reasons ' for attempting to add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote in a statement .

Demonstrators march in front of the Supreme Court, on its final day in session, on Capitol Hill on Thursday, June 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
May 22 (UPI) -- A federal judge has sanctioned the Trump administration for its failure to produce hundreds of documents during legal proceedings over a controversial though now-barred 2020 census question. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of the Southern District of New York ordered the Justice Department on Thursday to cover the legal fees and other costs incurred by a group of non-governmental organizations during a legal challenge over the missing documents. Advertisement
Furman said in his 23-page ruling that while the failure to produce the hundreds of documents may have been inadvertent, it was "nevertheless unacceptable for any litigant, and particularly for the Department of Justice."
"To be sure, this was not DOJ's finest hour," he wrote.
The Department of Justice attempted to argue the reason it failed to produce at least 900 documents, or more than 10 percent of the documents they were required to produce, was due to a technical error.
The documents had been collected and loaded on to a document-review platform, the defendants said, according to court documents, but a coding error led to incomplete search results.
"In other words, defendants' failure to produce the documents was caused by a lapse that would make a first-year litigation associate wince," he said.
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The ruling follows the American Civil Liberties Union and others seeking the court to block the inclusion of a controversial citizenship question in the 2020 census that opponents said was discriminatory and would prevent immigrants from filling out the form.
Last year, the court ruled to block the question's inclusion, a decision that was backed by the Supreme Court. However, while the case was pending, the plaintiffs obtained documents they said prove the motive behind the question's inclusion was not to uphold the Voting Rights Act as was claimed but to support gerrymandering to benefit Republicans and non-Hispanic white people.
As part of the sanctions lawsuit, the plaintiffs had requested the court for further sanctions and to force the Trump administration to hand over more documents concerning the case, which Furman ruled were not warranted.
Furman said his ruling does not find the defendants' most troubling allegation that the Trump administration attempted to conceal evidence was wrong but that it exceeds the court's power.
"Even if plaintiffs' allegations are accurate, that would not have changed the outcome of this litigation," he wrote. "As defendants themselves acknowledge, plaintiffs prevailed at trial and in the Supreme Court."
Dale Ho, director of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project, said the judge's ruling will finally bring this litigation to an end.
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"The court has reaffirmed that the Trump administration's 'official story concealed their true reasons' for attempting to add a citizenship question to the census," he wrote in a statement.


upi--2020-05-22--Yoga may improve mental health during social distancing

Many people under stay-at-home orders have turned to online yoga as a way to manage the stress .
And a new research review suggests they 're onto something .
The review , of 19 clinical trials , focused on the benefits of yoga for people with clinical mental health conditions ranging from anxiety disorders to alcohol dependence to schizophrenia .
Overall , it found yoga classes helped ease those patients ' depression symptoms .
And while the trials focused on in-person classes for people with formal diagnoses , there are broader implications , the researchers said .
`` Definitely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now is a great time to take the opportunity , '' said Jacinta Brinsley , lead author on the review and a doctoral candidate at the University of South Australia School of Health Sciences in Adelaide .
With yoga teachers worldwide now offering live-stream classes , she noted , people have a chance to find something that is right for them in their own homes .
`` Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right type [ of yoga ] , '' Brinsley said .
`` Enjoyment is a really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit . ''
In general , physical activity is a recommended part of managing mental health disorders , according to Brinsley .
Yoga -- which combines physical movement with breathing exercises , meditation and other `` mindfulness '' practices -- has been the subject of many studies .
Some have found it can ease depression .
That said , there are questions .
Yoga comes in many styles .
Brinsley said it 's not clear whether particular ones are more or less beneficial for depression symptoms : How much depends on specifics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or gentle ?
Does the practice need to include breathing exercises or meditation ?
But in general , Brinsley said , there is evidence that both exercise alone , and mindfulness practices alone , can help ease depression .
`` So we infer that these practices combined , as yoga , are effective , '' she said .
The review , published May 18 online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine , covered 19 clinical trials from six countries .
All tested the effects of yoga among people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , alcohol use disorders and schizophrenia .
The specifics varied , but each yoga program was at least 50 percent physical movement .
Participants were randomly assigned to either add yoga to their usual treatment , go on a waitlist for yoga or to stick with standard care alone .
Overall , Brinsley 's team found , people practicing yoga showed a greater reduction in depression symptoms than those in the comparison groups .
Researchers said the average effect was `` moderate , '' not dramatic .
And the studies were short-term , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So it 's not clear how long the benefits last , according to Brinsley .
But , she said , like other therapies , yoga is not a quick fix .
`` Often , we do n't take a course of medication for 12 weeks and are cured , so we need to think about exercise and yoga and mindfulness in the same way , '' Brinsley said .
`` It 's not necessarily a cure .
To get the benefits , you 're going to have to keep doing it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Culpeper , Va. , who specializes in working with cancer patients and trauma survivors .
She agreed that consistency is crucial and stressed that yoga practice need not involve the `` acrobatics '' characteristic of some styles .
`` Just the simple act of breathing properly can bring a change .
You see it in people 's faces , '' said Miles , a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists .
Even a series of simple poses , she said , can be powerful , partly because it `` distracts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' and also because of the movement itself .
`` If I cue someone to 'feel the stability of your feet , ' and they feel it , that sends a message to the brain , 'Hey , you 're OK. You 're grounded , ' '' Miles said .
She agreed that now could be a good time to find online opportunities for yoga -- with some classes being offered for free .
Miles urged prospective students to check out teachers ' credentials and find out if their yoga style is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also encouraged people to keep an open mind .
`` If you try a class and it works for you , fantastic , '' Miles said .
`` If it does n't , it might be the style , or the teacher .
Or you might not have been ready that day because you did n't get enough sleep the night before .
So try again tomorrow . ''
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has more on exercise and mental health .

Many people under stay-at-home orders have turned to online yoga as a way to manage the stress. And a new research review suggests they're onto something.
The review, of 19 clinical trials, focused on the benefits of yoga for people with clinical mental health conditions ranging from anxiety disorders to alcohol dependence to schizophrenia. Overall, it found yoga classes helped ease those patients' depression symptoms.
Advertisement
And while the trials focused on in-person classes for people with formal diagnoses, there are broader implications, the researchers said.
"Definitely, if you've thought about trying yoga, now is a great time to take the opportunity," said Jacinta Brinsley, lead author on the review and a doctoral candidate at the University of South Australia School of Health Sciences in Adelaide.
With yoga teachers worldwide now offering live-stream classes, she noted, people have a chance to find something that is right for them in their own homes.
Advertisement
"Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right type [of yoga]," Brinsley said. "Enjoyment is a really great indicator that it's a good fit."
In general, physical activity is a recommended part of managing mental health disorders, according to Brinsley. Yoga -- which combines physical movement with breathing exercises, meditation and other "mindfulness" practices -- has been the subject of many studies. Some have found it can ease depression.
That said, there are questions. Yoga comes in many styles. Brinsley said it's not clear whether particular ones are more or less beneficial for depression symptoms: How much depends on specifics of the physical movement: Is it vigorous or gentle? Does the practice need to include breathing exercises or meditation?
But in general, Brinsley said, there is evidence that both exercise alone, and mindfulness practices alone, can help ease depression.
"So we infer that these practices combined, as yoga, are effective," she said.
The review, published May 18 online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, covered 19 clinical trials from six countries. All tested the effects of yoga among people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions like major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol use disorders and schizophrenia.
The specifics varied, but each yoga program was at least 50 percent physical movement. Participants were randomly assigned to either add yoga to their usual treatment, go on a waitlist for yoga or to stick with standard care alone.
Advertisement
Overall, Brinsley's team found, people practicing yoga showed a greater reduction in depression symptoms than those in the comparison groups.
Researchers said the average effect was "moderate," not dramatic. And the studies were short-term, generally lasting a couple of months. So it's not clear how long the benefits last, according to Brinsley.
But, she said, like other therapies, yoga is not a quick fix. "Often, we don't take a course of medication for 12 weeks and are cured, so we need to think about exercise and yoga and mindfulness in the same way," Brinsley said. "It's not necessarily a cure. To get the benefits, you're going to have to keep doing it."
Terri Miles is a registered yoga teacher in Culpeper, Va., who specializes in working with cancer patients and trauma survivors.
She agreed that consistency is crucial and stressed that yoga practice need not involve the "acrobatics" characteristic of some styles.
"Just the simple act of breathing properly can bring a change. You see it in people's faces," said Miles, a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Even a series of simple poses, she said, can be powerful, partly because it "distracts the mind from whatever was bothering it," and also because of the movement itself.
Advertisement
"If I cue someone to 'feel the stability of your feet,' and they feel it, that sends a message to the brain, 'Hey, you're OK. You're grounded,'" Miles said.
She agreed that now could be a good time to find online opportunities for yoga -- with some classes being offered for free. Miles urged prospective students to check out teachers' credentials and find out if their yoga style is what you're looking for. She also encouraged people to keep an open mind.
"If you try a class and it works for you, fantastic," Miles said. "If it doesn't, it might be the style, or the teacher. Or you might not have been ready that day because you didn't get enough sleep the night before. So try again tomorrow."
More information
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has more on exercise and mental health.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-22--FBI: Texas Navy base shooting 'terrorism-related'

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The FBI said a Thursday morning shooting at a U.S. Navy base in southeastern Texas was terrorism-related and a second suspect may be at large .
A member of the Naval Security Forces was injured Thursday when a suspect opened fire at around 6:15 a.m. at Naval Air Station Corpus Cristi , authorities said .
They added the shooter had been `` neutralized . ''
FBI Senior Supervisory Special Agent Leah Greeves announced during a press briefing later Thursday that the suspect was dead and it was being treated as a terrorism-related incident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this morning at Naval Air Station Corpus is terrorism-related , '' Greeves said .
`` We may have a potential second related person of interest at large in the community , but we would encourage the public to remain calm and if you see something , say something . ''
The base , about 120 miles southeast of San Antonio , was locked down and officials were investigating .
The injured sailor was in `` good condition '' and was released from the hospital , the Navy said in a statement .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shooter has opened fire at a U.S. naval facility .
A U.S. sailor killed two people and himself in a shooting at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii on Dec. 4 .
Two days later , a Royal Saudi Air Force member shot three sailors to death at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida .
On Monday , federal authorities said the Pensacola suspect , Mohammed Saeed Alshamarani , was in contact with an al-Qaida figure prior to the attack and that it was motivated by jihadist ideology .

May 21 (UPI) -- The FBI said a Thursday morning shooting at a U.S. Navy base in southeastern Texas was terrorism-related and a second suspect may be at large.
A member of the Naval Security Forces was injured Thursday when a suspect opened fire at around 6:15 a.m. at Naval Air Station Corpus Cristi, authorities said. They added the shooter had been "neutralized."
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FBI Senior Supervisory Special Agent Leah Greeves announced during a press briefing later Thursday that the suspect was dead and it was being treated as a terrorism-related incident.
"We have determined that the incident this morning at Naval Air Station Corpus is terrorism-related," Greeves said. "We may have a potential second related person of interest at large in the community, but we would encourage the public to remain calm and if you see something, say something."
The base, about 120 miles southeast of San Antonio, was locked down and officials were investigating.
The injured sailor was in "good condition" and was released from the hospital, the Navy said in a statement.
The shooting marked the third time since December a shooter has opened fire at a U.S. naval facility.
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A U.S. sailor killed two people and himself in a shooting at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii on Dec. 4. Two days later, a Royal Saudi Air Force member shot three sailors to death at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.
On Monday, federal authorities said the Pensacola suspect, Mohammed Saeed Alshamarani, was in contact with an al-Qaida figure prior to the attack and that it was motivated by jihadist ideology.


upi--2020-05-21--China to propose sweeping security law in Hong Kong

May 21 ( UPI ) -- After nearly a year of violent protests in Hong Kong , Chinese lawmakers on Friday are set to pass sweeping national security laws that threaten the autonomy of the semi-autonomous region , attracting the ire of the United States .
Chinese state-run media Xihuannet reported Thursday that the Communist government plans submit to the 13th National People 's Congress for deliberation legislation that aims to safeguard national security .
NPC spokesperson Zhang Yesui described the law as `` highly necessary '' during a press conference , stating it was in the fundamental interest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Safeguarding national security serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese , our Hong Kong compatriots included , '' Zhang said .
`` The Hong Kong [ Special Administrative Region ] is an inseparable part of the People 's Republic of China . ''
Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times described the legislation as `` an overdue remedy '' that will close legal loopholes and prevent `` internal and external forces from using the region as a tool or creating situations that threaten national security . ''
However , opponents see its banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and bypassing the Hong Kong legislature as the end of the One Country , Two Systems governmental framework that affords Hong Kong freedoms the mainland does not enjoy , which it has functioned under since returning to Chinese rule from Britain in 1997 .
Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong said via Twitter the new law will allow Beijing to impose China 's `` draconian laws '' upon Hong Kong without legislative scrutiny , describing it as `` scrapping its promise of One County , Two Systems . ''
Protests erupted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now-withdrawn extradition law that would have allowed for Beijing to remove some fugitives from the region to face Communist courts on the mainland .
Opponents viewed it as a stripping away of freedoms they 're afforded under the governmental framework .
The law was eventually repealed , but not after protests grew to encompass larger pro-democracy issues following reports of police using excessive force against protesters .
Wong said the new law will have disastrous consequences for foreign journalists , academics and human rights organizations , which China has blamed for fueling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign organizations & investors is deadly dangerous since this arbitrarily defined law targets any ties with foreign bodies & organizations , '' he said , vowing that protests will continue .
`` HKers will not scare off in the face of wolf warrior policies on HK , '' he said .
`` We will continue our international advocacy & tell the truth of China 's authoritarianism to the world !
Deep down HKProtesters know , we insist on not because we are strong , but because we have no other choice . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations between Beijing and Washington , which have been fracturing due to passing legislation in support of the protesters last year and the Trump administration accusing China of covering up its initial response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The U.S. State Department on Thursday accused China of reneging on commitments to the citizens of Hong Kong by introducing this law .
`` Any effort to impose national security legislation that does not reflect the will of the people of Hong Kong would be highly destabilizing , and would be met with strong condemnation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , '' State Department spokeswoman Morgan Orgatugs said in a statement , urging Beijing to adhere to commitments it made when it signed the Sino-British Joint declaration that returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this week they have delayed presenting a report assessing Hong Kong 's autonomy to Congress to see what occurs at China 's parliament session this week , with this law expected to play heavily on whether the United States continues to grant special trade status to the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to certify Hong Kong as having a high degree of autonomy from China is still pending , '' Pomepo told reporters Wednesday .
`` We 're closely watching what 's going on there . ''
Following the law 's announcement , Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, introduced legislation to call on the international community to stand in opposition of the Chinese Communist Party 's `` campaign to destroy Hongkonger 's basic liberties and human rights . ''
`` We must stand up to China 's continued imperialism , and if the Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to be ready to respond strongly , including by reconsidering their trade status , '' Hawley said in a statement .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , tweeted the move by China shows `` a complete disrespect '' for the rule of law .
`` Beijing 's announcement of yet another attempt to bring an end to the 'one country , two systems ' framework in Hong Kong is deeply alarming , '' she said .
Asked about the move , President Donald Trump told reporters he was n't aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it happens `` we 'll address that issue very strongly . ''

A massive crowd of protesters under umbrellas leave an anti-government rally in Hong Kong's Victoria Park on August 18. Organizers estimated 1.7 million people turned out for the demonstration. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- After nearly a year of violent protests in Hong Kong, Chinese lawmakers on Friday are set to pass sweeping national security laws that threaten the autonomy of the region, attracting the ire of the United States. Chinese state-run media Xihuannet reported Thursday that the Communist government plans submit to the 13th National People's Congress for deliberation legislation that aims to safeguard national security. Advertisement
NPC spokesman Zhang Yesui described the law as "highly necessary" during a press conference, stating it was in the fundamental interest of all Chinese, including Hong Kong citizens.
"Safeguarding national security serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese, our Hong Kong compatriots included," Zhang said. "The Hong Kong [Special Administrative Region] is an inseparable part of the People's Republic of China."
Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times described the legislation as "an overdue remedy" that will close legal loopholes and prevent "internal and external forces from using the region as a tool or creating situations that threaten national security."
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However, opponents see its banning of seditious acts against the central Beijing government and bypassing the Hong Kong legislature as the end of the One Country, Two Systems governmental framework that affords Hong Kong freedoms the mainland does not enjoy, which it has functioned under since returning to Chinese rule from Britain in 1997.
Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong said via Twitter the new law will allow Beijing to impose China's "draconian laws" upon Hong Kong without legislative scrutiny, describing it as "scrapping its promise of One County, Two Systems."
Protests erupted in Hong Kong starting last summer over a now-withdrawn extradition law that would have allowed for Beijing to remove some fugitives from the region to face Communist courts on the mainland. Opponents viewed it as a stripping away of freedoms they're afforded under the governmental framework.
The law was eventually repealed after protests grew to encompass larger pro-democracy issues following reports of police using excessive force against protesters.
Wong said the new law will have disastrous consequences for foreign journalists, academics and human rights organizations, which China has blamed for fueling the protests.
"The implication for all foreign organizations & investors is deadly dangerous since this arbitrarily defined law targets any ties with foreign bodies & organizations," he said, vowing that protests will continue.
Advertisement
"HKers will not scare off in the face of wolf warrior policies on HK," he said. "We will continue our international advocacy & tell the truth of China's authoritarianism to the world! Deep down HKProtesters know, we insist on not because we are strong, but because we have no other choice."
The law is expected to further fray relations between Beijing and Washington, which have been fracturing due to Congress passing legislation in support of the protesters last year and the Trump administration accusing China of covering up its initial response to the coronavirus outbreak, which grew into a pandemic.
The U.S. State Department on Thursday accused China of reneging on commitments to the citizens of Hong Kong by introducing this law.
"Any effort to impose national security legislation that does not reflect the will of the people of Hong Kong would be highly destabilizing, and would be met with strong condemnation from the United States and the international community," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, urging Beijing to adhere to commitments it made when it signed the Sino-British Joint declaration that returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this week they have delayed presenting a report assessing Hong Kong's autonomy to Congress to see what occurs at China's parliament session this week, with this law expected to play heavily on whether the United States continues to grant special trade status to the region.
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"Our decision on whether or not to certify Hong Kong as having a high degree of autonomy from China is still pending," Pompeo told reporters Wednesday. "We're closely watching what's going on there."
Following the law's announcement, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced legislation to call on the international community to stand in opposition of the Chinese Communist Party's "campaign to destroy Hong Kongers' basic liberties and human rights."
"We must stand up to China's continued imperialism, and if the Beijing government goes through with this, then we need to be ready to respond strongly, including by reconsidering their trade status," Hawley said in a statement.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., tweeted the move by China shows "a complete disrespect" for the rule of law.
"Beijing's announcement of yet another attempt to bring an end to the 'one country, two systems' framework in Hong Kong is deeply alarming," she said.
Asked about the move, President Donald Trump told reporters he wasn't aware of what the law was, but if it happens "we'll address that issue very strongly."


upi--2020-05-21--New Orleans Saints signing ex-Pittsburgh Steelers LB Anthony Chickillo

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo is signing a short-term contract with the New @ @ @ @ @ told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that Chickillo agreed to a one-year deal with @ @ @ @ @ of the agreement were n't disclosed .
Chickillo , 27 , signed a two-year extension @ @ @ @ @ months ago , but he was released earlier this off-season after lackluster production in the @ @ @ @ @ 19 total tackles and a half-sack in 11 games .
Chickillo missed five total games @ @ @ @ @ and a brief stay on the Commissioner 's Exempt List .
The 6-foot-3 , 255-pound @ @ @ @ @ list after an alleged domestic incident with his girlfriend .
He was cleared because of @ @ @ @ @ were dropped .
The Steelers selected Chickillo in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL @ @ @ @ @ Since entering the league , he has recorded 97 career tackles , 7.5 sacks , @ @ @ @ @ fumble recoveries .

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo (56) recorded 19 total tackles in 11 games with the Steelers last season. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo is signing a short-term contract with the New Orleans Saints. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that Chickillo agreed to a one-year deal with the Saints. Financial details of the agreement weren't disclosed. Advertisement
Chickillo, 27, signed a two-year extension with the Steelers about 14 months ago, but he was released earlier this off-season after lackluster production in the 2019 campaign. He notched 19 total tackles and a half-sack in 11 games.
Chickillo missed five total games last season due to injuries and a brief stay on the Commissioner's Exempt List. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound linebacker was placed on the list after an alleged domestic incident with his girlfriend. He was cleared because of insufficient evidence and the charges were dropped.
The Steelers selected Chickillo in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Miami. Since entering the league, he has recorded 97 career tackles, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.