upi--2020-06-09--On This Day, June 9: Secretariat wins Triple Crown

On this date in history : In 1534 , French navigator Jacques Cartier became the first European explorer to discover the St. Lawrence River in present-day Quebec .
In 1898 , Britain leased Hong Kong from China for 99 years .
The territory returned to Chinese rule in 1997 .
In 1934 , Donald Duck made his first screen appearance in `` The Wise Little Hen . ''
In 1973 , Secretariat , having won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness , captured racing 's Triple Crown with a spectacular victory in the Belmont Stakes .
The big chestnut colt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first horse to do so since Citation in 1948 .
In 1982 , Gen. Efrain Rios Montt declared himself president of Guatemala .
He overthrew the government in a coup d'etat in March 1982 , and was himself overthrown in August 1983 by Defense Minister Oscar Humberto Mejia Victores .
In 1993 , Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito married former diplomat Masako Owada in Tokyo in a Shinto ceremony .
In 1997 , recognizing the findings of The National Bioethics Advisory Commission , which unanimously recommended a new federal law banning the creation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton urged Congress to ban human cloning , saying it reflects `` our humanity and it is the right thing to do . ''
In 1998 , Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar was sworn in as Nigeria 's military ruler , one day after the death of Gen. Sani Abacha of a heart attack .
In 2005 , after weeks of protests , Bolivian President Carlos Mesa resigned .
In 2008 , Internet providers Verizon , Sprint and Time Warner agreed to block access to websites that distribute child pornography .
In 2014 , actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appear on the cover of Time .
`` People need to be willing to let go of what they think they know about what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman .
Because that does n't necessarily mean anything inherently , '' she told the magazine .
In 2018 , Justify won the Belmont Stakes , becoming the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown and only the second to do so while still undefeated .
In 2019 , Ali Stroker became the first actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting Tony Award .
She won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Oklahoma !

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Fans gather around a poster of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat on June 7, 2014. On June 9, 1973, Secretariat, having won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, captured racing's Triple Crown with a spectacular victory in the Belmont Stakes. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
On this date in history: In 1534, French navigator Jacques Cartier became the first European explorer to discover the St. Lawrence River in present-day Quebec. Advertisement
In 1898, Britain leased Hong Kong from China for 99 years. The territory returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
In 1934, Donald Duck made his first screen appearance in "The Wise Little Hen."
File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI
In 1973, Secretariat, having won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, captured racing's Triple Crown with a spectacular victory in the Belmont Stakes. The big chestnut colt, ridden by Ron Turcotte, was the first horse to do so since Citation in 1948.
In 1982, Gen. Efrain Rios Montt declared himself president of Guatemala. He overthrew the government in a coup d'etat in March 1982, and was himself overthrown in August 1983 by Defense Minister Oscar Humberto Mejia Victores.
In 1993, Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito married former diplomat Masako Owada in Tokyo in a Shinto ceremony.
In 1997, recognizing the findings of The National Bioethics Advisory Commission, which unanimously recommended a new federal law banning the creation of human babies through cloning, President Bill Clinton urged Congress to ban human cloning, saying it reflects ''our humanity and it is the right thing to do."
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In 1998, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar was sworn in as Nigeria's military ruler, one day after the death of Gen. Sani Abacha of a heart attack.
File Photo by Ralph Ginzburg/UPI
In 2005, after weeks of protests, Bolivian President Carlos Mesa resigned.
In 2008, Internet providers Verizon, Sprint and Time Warner agreed to block access to websites that distribute child pornography.
In 2014, actor Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of Time. "People need to be willing to let go of what they think they know about what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman. Because that doesn't necessarily mean anything inherently," she told the magazine.
In 2018, Justify won the Belmont Stakes, becoming the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown and only the second to do so while still undefeated.
In 2019, Ali Stroker became the first actor who uses a wheelchair to win an acting Tony Award. She won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Oklahoma!
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upi--2020-06-09--Famous birthdays for June 9: Johnny Depp, Michael J. Fox

June 9 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- Robert @ @ @ @ @ defense secretary/World Bank president , in 1916

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Johnny Depp arrives at Narita International Airport in Chiba prefecture, Japan, on September 13, 2018. The actor turns 57 on June 9. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- Russian Czar Peter the Great in 1672
-- Composer Cole Porter in 1891
-- Composer/conductor/inventor Fred Waring in 1900
-- Guitarist/recording pioneer Les Paul in 1915
-- Robert S. McNamara, former U.S. defense secretary/World Bank president, in 1916
UPI File Photo
-- Comedian Jackie Mason in 1928 (age 92)
-- Journalist Marvin Kalb in 1930 (age 90)
-- Soul singer Jackie Wilson in 1934
-- Sportscaster Dick Vitale in 1939 (age 81)
-- Writer Patricia Cornwell in 1956 (age 64)
-- Religious leader T. D. Jakes in 1957 (age 63)
-- Writer/producer Aaron Sorkin in 1961 (age 59)
-- Actor Michael J. Fox in 1961 (age 59)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Actor Johnny Depp in 1963 (age 57)
-- Actor Gloria Reuben in 1964 (age 56)
-- Actor Tamela Mann in 1966 (age 54)
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-- Rock musician Matthew Bellamy in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Natalie Portman in 1981 (age 39)
-- Actor Mae Whitman in 1988 (age 32)
-- Actor Logan Browning in 1989 (age 31)
-- U.S. Olympic gold medal gymnast Laurie Hernandez in 2000 (age 20)


upi--2020-06-09--Kentucky governor announces plan to reduce racial inequality in healthcare, policing

June 9 ( UPI ) -- Amid nationwide protests against police brutality , Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear launched a new plan to reduce racial inequality in the state , including initiatives to provide healthcare to all black residents and to strengthen police training .
`` This is just the first commitment in making up for the inequality that [ Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. , ] said was one of the most severe : inequality in healthcare , '' Beshear said .
`` We 're going to be putting dollars behind it , we 're going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is time , especially during COVID-19 . ''
Beshear explained during a daily briefing on Monday that the goal is to have 100 percent of the state 's black community enrolled in health insurance , whether that be Medicaid , Medicare or some sort of comparable coverage .
Issues of access , quality and other societal concerns that impact the health of the black community will still exist , but what the state can do right now , he said , is put forward efforts to get everyone covered .
Early April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention said statistics show that black people disproportionately suffer worst outcomes from the coronavirus .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease , said COVID-19 is exasperating the existing `` health disparity '' affecting minority groups .
Members of the black community , he said , suffer disproportionately from underlying health conditions , which puts them at greater risk of the coronavirus .
In Kentucky , members of the black community account for 15.44 percent of all recorded COVID-19 infections and 16.44 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making up only 8.4 percent of the state 's population , according to the U.S. Census Bureau .
As of afternoon Monday , there were 11,476 cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky , resulting in 472 , Kentucky Public Health said in an update .
Along with the healthcare initiative , J. Michael Brown , secretary for the Governor 's Executive Cabinet , announced that the Justice Department is reviewing and assessing its police training curriculum due to nationwide protests against police brutality .
The review consists of examining police training procedures with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course that will cover implicit bias , use of force , deadly force , civil rights laws , emotional intelligence , community relationships and firearm deployment .
`` Kentucky has one of the highest requirements in the country for officer training , and it has served us very well , '' Brown said .
`` We are committed to providing at least eight hours of in-service training to all of our officers by the end of the calendar year focused on specific and timely topics . ''
Protests throughout the United States erupted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
Floyd , a black man , died while being arrested by a white police officer .
Video of the incident shows former officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into the back of the neck of a prostrate and handcuffed Floyd for more than eight minutes .

June 9 (UPI) -- Amid nationwide protests against police brutality, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear launched a new plan to reduce racial inequality in the state, including initiatives to provide healthcare to all black residents and to strengthen police training.
"This is just the first commitment in making up for the inequality that [Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,] said was one of the most severe: inequality in healthcare," Beshear said. "We're going to be putting dollars behind it, we're going to have a multifaceted campaign to do it. It is time, especially during COVID-19."
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Beshear explained during a daily briefing on Monday that the goal is to have 100 percent of the state's black community enrolled in health insurance, whether that be Medicaid, Medicare or some sort of comparable coverage.
Issues of access, quality and other societal concerns that impact the health of the black community will still exist, but what the state can do right now, he said, is put forward efforts to get everyone covered.
Early April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said statistics show that black people disproportionately suffer worst outcomes from the coronavirus.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said COVID-19 is exasperating the existing "health disparity" affecting minority groups.
Members of the black community, he said, suffer disproportionately from underlying health conditions, which puts them at greater risk of the coronavirus.
In Kentucky, members of the black community account for 15.44 percent of all recorded COVID-19 infections and 16.44 percent of all deaths linked to the pandemic despite making up only 8.4 percent of the state's population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
As of afternoon Monday, there were 11,476 cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky, resulting in 472, Kentucky Public Health said in an update.
Along with the healthcare initiative, J. Michael Brown, secretary for the Governor's Executive Cabinet, announced that the Justice Department is reviewing and assessing its police training curriculum due to nationwide protests against police brutality.
The review consists of examining police training procedures with a plan to develop an eight-hour online training course that will cover implicit bias, use of force, deadly force, civil rights laws, emotional intelligence, community relationships and firearm deployment.
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"Kentucky has one of the highest requirements in the country for officer training, and it has served us very well," Brown said. "We are committed to providing at least eight hours of in-service training to all of our officers by the end of the calendar year focused on specific and timely topics."
Protests throughout the United States erupted following the death of George Floyd late last month. Floyd, a black man, died while being arrested by a white police officer. Video of the incident shows former officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into the back of the neck of a prostrate and handcuffed Floyd for more than eight minutes.


upi--2020-06-09--Experts surprised by high rate of opioid prescriptions after childbirth

Many women are prescribed opioid painkillers after giving birth , and it may in some cases lead to addiction and overdose , a new study finds .
Looking at data on more than 200,000 births in Tennessee , researchers found that nearly all women who had a C-section were prescribed an opioid like oxycodone , or OxyContin .
The drugs were also prescribed in 59 percent of vaginal births .
Experts said the numbers are surprisingly high , particularly for vaginal deliveries , which can generally be managed with painkillers like ibuprofen , such as Advil and Motrin .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,600 women had what the researchers call a serious opioid-related event -- persistent use of the drug , opioid dependence or an overdose .
The findings raise concerns about overprescribing to new mothers , especially those who deliver vaginally , according to lead researcher Dr. Sarah Osmundson .
`` For those women , it 's probably not necessary , '' said Osmundson , an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville , Tenn. That point was echoed by Dr. Eleazar Soto , a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically do n't prescribe a narcotic after a vaginal delivery , '' said Soto , who was not involved in the study .
He called the 59 percent rate in this study `` very high . ''
The findings , published June 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine , are based on data from Tennessee 's Medicaid program , which covers the state 's poor residents .
It 's not clear if the patterns would hold true more generally .
But , the researchers write , almost half of all U.S. births @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's happening in that `` vulnerable population '' is important .
For the study , Osmundson 's team analyzed state records from 2007 to 2014 , which included 209,215 births .
Over 30 percent were cesarean deliveries , and doctors prescribed an opioid in 91 percent of cases .
One-quarter of the time , women ended up getting a refill .
Refills were less common after vaginal delivery , but they happened with more than 10 percent of births .
`` We do n't know why second prescriptions were made , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be expected to improve with the first prescription .
The finding suggests doctors need to better monitor new mothers ' ongoing pain-relief needs , Osmundson said .
Overall , 4,582 women went on to have serious complications related to opioids .
For 69 percent , that meant persistent use -- filling more than a 90-day supply of the prescription .
Another 18.5 percent were diagnosed with a substance use disorder , while 2 percent suffered an opioid overdose and 0.2 percent died .
The findings are based on relatively old data .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ still commonly prescribed after a C-section in the United States .
Yet there 's evidence that even after those surgical deliveries , women 's pain can be effectively treated with non-opioid options , Soto said .
In a study reported last year , he and his colleagues randomly assigned women to receive either opioids or ibuprofen/acetaminophen after having a C-section .
Overall , women given ibuprofen/acetaminophen had better pain control and fewer side effects .
Soto said there are some women who may need an opioid after giving birth -- when a difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example .
`` But , '' he added , `` I believe that with good counseling and setting some expectations with the patient , the use of [ opioids ] can be reduced significantly after discharge from the hospital . ''
Osmundson agreed .
`` I think it 's important to set up expectations , '' she said .
`` We can talk about the number of days [ women ] can expect to be in the hospital , and say , here 's what we usually do for pain management , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or ask for more . ''
As for non-drug options , Soto said that some women who undergo a C-section find pain relief from wearing an abdominal binder for a time afterward .
`` I also recommend plenty of hydration and to avoid constipation , as this may aggravate the pain , '' he said .
The March of Dimes has more on pain after childbirth .

Many women are prescribed opioid painkillers after giving birth, and it may in some cases lead to addiction and overdose, a new study finds.
Looking at data on more than 200,000 births in Tennessee, researchers found that nearly all women who had a C-section were prescribed an opioid like oxycodone, or OxyContin.
Advertisement
The drugs were also prescribed in 59 percent of vaginal births.
Experts said the numbers are surprisingly high, particularly for vaginal deliveries, which can generally be managed with painkillers like ibuprofen, such as Advil and Motrin.
Even more concerning were the consequences: Nearly 4,600 women had what the researchers call a serious opioid-related event -- persistent use of the drug, opioid dependence or an overdose.
The findings raise concerns about overprescribing to new mothers, especially those who deliver vaginally, according to lead researcher Dr. Sarah Osmundson.
"For those women, it's probably not necessary," said Osmundson, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
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That point was echoed by Dr. Eleazar Soto, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UT Physicians/UTHealth in Houston.
"We typically don't prescribe a narcotic after a vaginal delivery," said Soto, who was not involved in the study. He called the 59 percent rate in this study "very high."
The findings, published June 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, are based on data from Tennessee's Medicaid program, which covers the state's poor residents.
It's not clear if the patterns would hold true more generally. But, the researchers write, almost half of all U.S. births are covered by Medicaid, and understanding what's happening in that "vulnerable population" is important.
For the study, Osmundson's team analyzed state records from 2007 to 2014, which included 209,215 births. Over 30 percent were cesarean deliveries, and doctors prescribed an opioid in 91 percent of cases. One-quarter of the time, women ended up getting a refill.
Refills were less common after vaginal delivery, but they happened with more than 10 percent of births.
"We don't know why second prescriptions were made," Osmundson said, noting that post-childbirth pain would be expected to improve with the first prescription.
The finding suggests doctors need to better monitor new mothers' ongoing pain-relief needs, Osmundson said.
Advertisement
Overall, 4,582 women went on to have serious complications related to opioids. For 69 percent, that meant persistent use -- filling more than a 90-day supply of the prescription. Another 18.5 percent were diagnosed with a substance use disorder, while 2 percent suffered an opioid overdose and 0.2 percent died.
The findings are based on relatively old data. But, Osmundson said, opioids are still commonly prescribed after a C-section in the United States.
Yet there's evidence that even after those surgical deliveries, women's pain can be effectively treated with non-opioid options, Soto said. In a study reported last year, he and his colleagues randomly assigned women to receive either opioids or ibuprofen/acetaminophen after having a C-section.
Overall, women given ibuprofen/acetaminophen had better pain control and fewer side effects.
Soto said there are some women who may need an opioid after giving birth -- when a difficult vaginal delivery causes tissue damage, for example. "But," he added, "I believe that with good counseling and setting some expectations with the patient, the use of [opioids] can be reduced significantly after discharge from the hospital."
Osmundson agreed. "I think it's important to set up expectations," she said. "We can talk about the number of days [women] can expect to be in the hospital, and say, here's what we usually do for pain management, and you can refuse [the medication] or ask for more."
Advertisement
As for non-drug options, Soto said that some women who undergo a C-section find pain relief from wearing an abdominal binder for a time afterward.
"I also recommend plenty of hydration and to avoid constipation, as this may aggravate the pain," he said.
More information
The March of Dimes has more on pain after childbirth.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-09--France to ban police from using chokeholds after protests erupt against police brutality

June 8 ( UPI ) -- Police officers in France will be prohibited from using chokeholds when arresting suspects , the European nation 's interior minister said on Monday amid protests against police brutality .
Christophe Castaner , France 's interior minister , made the announcement during a televised address on Monday to address concerns over biased policing and racism .
`` No one should risk their life during an arrest , '' he said in a statement .
`` I asked that the so-called choke technique be abandoned . ''
Among other changes law enforcement will undergo include strengthened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annually , he said .
`` No breach of ethics can be tolerated .
No racist can wear the police or gendarme uniform with dignity .
I asked that a suspension be systematically considered for each proven suspicion of racist act or remark , '' he said .
The bar on chokeholds follows mass protests in the United States over the police-involved killing of George Floyd on May 25 that has since spread throughout the world calling for the end of police brutality and systemic racism .
In France , protesters also called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black man who died while in police custody in 2016 .
Traore 's family said Monday through their justice campaign account , `` Truth for Adama , '' on Twitter , that they had been approached to meet with Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet but have turned down the offer .
The family has been waiting for four years for those responsible for Traore 's death to be `` summoned to justice , question and charged '' without having been contacted , the group said .
`` The family of Adama Traore reminds them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not invitations to discussion , which would have no procedural purpose , '' the group said , calling for a national protest to be held on Saturday .
In the United States , protests have resulted in several law enforcement agencies banning chokeholds , including more than a dozen in San Diego last week followed by California Gov .
Gavin Newsom calling for the practice to be abandoned statewide .
Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , was killed late May while being arrested by a white police officer .
Video of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been charged with murder for Floyd 's death , holding a handcuffed and prostrate Floyd to the ground with a knee to the neck for more than eight minutes .

June 8 (UPI) -- Police officers in France will be prohibited from using chokeholds when arresting suspects, the European nation's interior minister said on Monday amid protests against police brutality.
Christophe Castaner, France's interior minister, made the announcement during a televised address on Monday to address concerns over biased policing and racism.
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"No one should risk their life during an arrest," he said in a statement. "I asked that the so-called choke technique be abandoned."
Among other changes law enforcement will undergo include strengthened training that officers will have to undergo annually, he said.
"No breach of ethics can be tolerated. No racist can wear the police or gendarme uniform with dignity. I asked that a suspension be systematically considered for each proven suspicion of racist act or remark," he said.
The bar on chokeholds follows mass protests in the United States over the police-involved killing of George Floyd on May 25 that has since spread throughout the world calling for the end of police brutality and systemic racism.
In France, protesters also called for justice for Adama Traore, a black man who died while in police custody in 2016.
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Traore's family said Monday through their justice campaign account, "Truth for Adama," on Twitter, that they had been approached to meet with Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet but have turned down the offer.
The family has been waiting for four years for those responsible for Traore's death to be "summoned to justice, question and charged" without having been contacted, the group said.
"The family of Adama Traore reminds them that they are awaiting legal advances, not invitations to discussion, which would have no procedural purpose," the group said, calling for a national protest to be held on Saturday.
In the United States, protests have resulted in several law enforcement agencies banning chokeholds, including more than a dozen in San Diego last week followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom calling for the practice to be abandoned statewide.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed late May while being arrested by a white police officer. Video of the arrest shows Derek Chauvin, who has since been charged with murder for Floyd's death, holding a handcuffed and prostrate Floyd to the ground with a knee to the neck for more than eight minutes.


upi--2020-06-08--Shaquille O'Neal urged Saints to remain unified after Drew Brees comments

June 8 ( UPI ) -- NBA great Shaquille O'Neal urged the New Orleans Saints last week to stay together in the wake of quarterback Drew Brees ' national anthem comments .
League sources told ESPN and NBC Sports on Monday that O'Neal addressed the Saints in a virtual meeting Thursday .
The former NBA star warned the team that the media will `` try to divide you . ''
`` They 're going to try to divide you , just like they divided us with the Lakers !
Me and Kobe [ Bryant ] , we had a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our team , '' O'Neal said during the Saints ' virtual team meeting .
`` We could have won five more championships !
`` Stay strong .
Do n't let the media divide you !
Do n't let social media divide you ! ''
The Pro Basketball Hall of Fame center was booked more than two weeks ago to be a guest speaker for the Saints ' virtual meeting last week .
After Brees ' divisive comments regarding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem Wednesday , the subject of the meeting became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apologize to the team .
O'Neal talked about being in attendance for the Saints ' meeting Thursday on TNT .
He did n't disclose his message to the team , but he did discuss how Saints players accepted Brees ' apology .
`` They said , 'Drew , we know your character .
We know you stepped in some stuff that you ca n't get out of .
But guess what , we want you to do more positive things and less talking . '
And they all said we accept your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologized twice on social media for his comments last week , once on Thursday before the Saints ' meeting and again on Friday .
He also stood by his apology Friday night after President Donald Trump criticized the quarterback for changing his stance .
O'Neal and Bryant , who won three straight NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-02 , had numerous arguments through the media over their respective roles on the team .
The issues between the duo led to a trade that sent O'Neal to the Miami Heat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Years later , the pair of NBA legends repaired their relationship .
When Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January , O'Neal paid his respects to the guard on multiple occasions .

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said Wednesday that he believed players who knelt during the national anthem were disrespecting the flag and the military. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- NBA great Shaquille O'Neal urged the New Orleans Saints last week to stay together in the wake of quarterback Drew Brees' national anthem comments. League sources told ESPN and NBC Sports on Monday that O'Neal addressed the Saints in a virtual meeting Thursday. The former NBA star warned the team that the media will "try to divide you." Advertisement
"They're going to try to divide you, just like they divided us with the Lakers! Me and Kobe [Bryant], we had a great thing going, but the media divided our team," O'Neal said during the Saints' virtual team meeting. "We could have won five more championships!
"Stay strong. Don't let the media divide you! Don't let social media divide you!"
The Pro Basketball Hall of Fame center was booked more than two weeks ago to be a guest speaker for the Saints' virtual meeting last week. After Brees' divisive comments regarding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem Wednesday, the subject of the meeting became a forum for the Pro Bowl quarterback to apologize to the team.
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O'Neal talked about being in attendance for the Saints' meeting Thursday on TNT. He didn't disclose his message to the team, but he did discuss how Saints players accepted Brees' apology.
"They said, 'Drew, we know your character. We know you stepped in some stuff that you can't get out of. But guess what, we want you to do more positive things and less talking.' And they all said we accept your apology," O'Neal said.
Brees apologized twice on social media for his comments last week, once on Thursday before the Saints' meeting and again on Friday. He also stood by his apology Friday night after President Donald Trump criticized the quarterback for changing his stance.
O'Neal and Bryant, who won three straight NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-02, had numerous arguments through the media over their respective roles on the team. The issues between the duo led to a trade that sent O'Neal to the Miami Heat in 2004 and a long-term extension for Bryant.
Years later, the pair of NBA legends repaired their relationship. When Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January, O'Neal paid his respects to the guard on multiple occasions.


upi--2020-06-08--U.S. sanctions imposed against Iranian shipping go into effect

June 8 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration imposed sanctions against Iran on Monday that target the Middle Eastern nation 's shipping network over allegations of supporting Tehran 's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction .
The sanctions , previously announced in December , went into effect Monday against the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and its Shanghai-based subsidiary E-Sail Shipping Company after a 180-day wind-down period to allow humanitarian goods companies time to find alternative methods to ship their wares into the Middle Eastern nation , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to an end , those in the commercial and maritime industries doing business with Iran must use carriers or shipping methods other than IRISL or E-Sail ; any government , entity or individual that chooses to continue doing business with IRISL and/or E-Sail now risks exposure to U.S. WMD sanctions , '' he said .
In December , Pompeo told reporters IRISL was `` the shipping line of choice '' for Iranian procuring agents and has contributed to Tehran 's proliferation of WMDs .
ESAIL , he said , ships `` illicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization that oversees its weapons industry .
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani balked at the round of sanctions when they were announced late last year , vowing to either bypass them or `` compel the enemy to repent . ''
The Trump administration has repeatedly imposed sanctions against Tehran as part of its so-called maximum pressure campaign to force it back to the negotiation table over a new nuclear pact after President Donald Trump withdrew from an Obama-era multination nuclear accord with Iran in May 2018 .
On Monday , Pompeo urged international authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with the two Iranian shipping companies and to `` take appropriate action to put a halt to it . ''
`` The world must be vigilant and take action to prevent Iran from acquiring proliferation-sensitive items that further threaten regional stability and security , '' he said .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attends a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C. on May 19. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- The Trump administration imposed sanctions against Iran on Monday that target the Middle Eastern nation's shipping network over allegations of supporting Tehran's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The sanctions, previously announced in December, went into effect Monday against the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and its Shanghai-based subsidiary E-Sail Shipping Company after a 180-day wind-down period to allow humanitarian goods companies time to find alternative methods to ship their wares into the Middle Eastern nation, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. Advertisement
"Now that this generous delay has come to an end, those in the commercial and maritime industries doing business with Iran must use carriers or shipping methods other than IRISL or E-Sail; any government, entity or individual that chooses to continue doing business with IRISL and/or E-Sail now risks exposure to U.S. WMD sanctions," he said.
Sanctions against IRISL and E-Sail Shipping Company come into effect today. Despite Iran's claims that it will never develop nuclear weapons and associated delivery systems, the Iranian regime has continued to pursue and procure proliferation-sensitive items.— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 8, 2020 Advertisement
In December, Pompeo told reporters IRISL was "the shipping line of choice" for Iranian procuring agents and has contributed to Tehran's proliferation of WMDs. ESAIL, he said, ships "illicit materials" from Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization that oversees its weapons industry.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani balked at the round of sanctions when they were announced late last year, vowing to either bypass them or "compel the enemy to repent."
The Trump administration has repeatedly imposed sanctions against Tehran as part of its so-called maximum pressure campaign to force it back to the negotiation table over a new nuclear pact after President Donald Trump withdrew from an Obama-era multination nuclear accord with Iran in May 2018.
On Monday, Pompeo urged international authorities to investigate all activity in their ports associated with the two Iranian shipping companies and to "take appropriate action to put a halt to it."
"The world must be vigilant and take action to prevent Iran from acquiring proliferation-sensitive items that further threaten regional stability and security," he said.


upi--2020-06-08--North Korea to cut communication lines with the South

SEOUL , June 8 ( UPI ) -- North Korea said it will sever all communications with South Korea after days of angry rhetoric over leaflets being sent across its border by defectors , state-run media reported on Tuesday morning .
Pyongyang will cut communication lines at the inter-Korean liaison office at the border city of Kaesong as well as military and presidential hotlines at noon local time on Tuesday , the report by Korean Central News Agency said .
`` We have reached a conclusion that there is no need to sit face to face with the [ S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no issue to discuss with them , as they have only aroused our dismay , '' the report said .
North Korean officials have repeatedly expressed outrage in recent days over information leaflets floated on balloons by defectors in South Korea .
Kim Yo Jong , sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un , called the leaflet-sending a `` sordid and wicked act of hostility '' committed by `` human scum '' on Thursday .
She warned that the North would withdraw from an inter-Korean military agreement and would not restart joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halted .
South Korean officials responded quickly , with the Ministry of Unification , which oversees inter-Korean relations , announcing on Thursday that the government was considering legislation to ban the `` tension-causing acts . ''
However , reports in North Korean state media continued to condemn the practice and warn of retaliation .
Tuesday 's KCNA report accused the South Korean government of `` connivance '' with the defectors to send the leaflets .
`` The disgusting riff-raff have committed hostile acts against the DPRK by taking advantage of the [ S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with their connivance , '' the report said .
The Democratic People 's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea .
`` They dared to hurt the dignity of our supreme leadership and mock the sacred mental core of all our people , '' the report said .
`` They should be forced to pay dearly for this . ''
The decision to cut off communications was made at a meeting attended by Kim Yo Jong and top official Kim Yong Chol , according to KCNA .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the enemy in order to make the betrayers and riff-raff pay for their crimes , and then , to begin with , gave an instruction to completely cut off all the communication and liaison lines between the [ N ] orth and the [ S ] outh , '' the report said .
After a period of rapprochement that began in 2018 , relations between the two Koreas have cooled , particularly since a summit in February last year when U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un failed to produce an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 17-month hiatus , Pyongyang began testing missiles throughout the latter half of 2019 .
At the end of the year , Kim Jong Un announced that there was no longer any reason for North Korea to be `` unilaterally bound '' to its commitment to halt nuclear and inter-continental ballistic missile tests and warned of a `` new strategic weapon '' coming soon .
The communist state has continued to conduct weapons tests throughout 2020 while rebuffing efforts from South Korea for new talks and joint economic and tourism projects .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first in a series of actions that North Korea will take to cut all communication ties with the South .
`` This measure is the first step of the determination to completely shut down all contact means with [ S ] outh Korea and get rid of unnecessary things , '' the report said .

North Korean state media announced Tuesday that the country would begin cutting off all communications ties with South Korea. Photo by KCNA/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, June 8 (UPI) -- North Korea said it will sever all communications with South Korea after days of angry rhetoric over leaflets being sent across its border by defectors, state-run media reported Tuesday morning. Pyongyang will cut communication lines at the inter-Korean liaison office at the border city of Kaesong, as well as military and presidential hotlines at noon local time on Tuesday, the report by Korean Central News Agency said. Advertisement
"We have reached a conclusion that there is no need to sit face to face with the [S]outh Korean authorities and there is no issue to discuss with them, as they have only aroused our dismay," the report said.
North Korean officials have repeatedly expressed outrage in recent days over information leaflets floated on balloons by defectors in South Korea.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called the leaflet-sending a "sordid and wicked act of hostility" committed by "human scum" on Thursday. She warned that the North would withdraw from an inter-Korean military agreement and would not restart joint economic projects if the practice was not halted.
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South Korean officials responded quickly, with the Ministry of Unification, which oversees inter-Korean relations, announcing on Thursday that the government was considering legislation to ban the "tension-causing acts."
However, reports in North Korean state media continued to condemn the practice and warn of retaliation.
Tuesday's KCNA report accused the South Korean government of "connivance" with the defectors to send the leaflets.
"The disgusting riff-raff have committed hostile acts against the DPRK by taking advantage of the [S]outh Korean authorities' irresponsible stance and with their connivance," the report said.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.
"They dared to hurt the dignity of our supreme leadership and mock the sacred mental core of all our people," the report said. "They should be forced to pay dearly for this."
The decision to cut off communications was made at a meeting attended by Kim Yo Jong and top official Kim Yong Chol, according to KCNA.
"They discussed phased plans for the work against the enemy in order to make the betrayers and riff-raff pay for their crimes, and then, to begin with, gave an instruction to completely cut off all the communication and liaison lines between the [N]orth and the [S]outh," the report said.
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After a period of rapprochement that began in 2018, relations between the two Koreas have cooled, particularly since a summit in February last year when U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un failed to produce an agreement on denuclearization and sanctions relief.
After a 17-month hiatus, Pyongyang began testing missiles throughout the latter half of 2019. At the end of the year, Kim Jong Un announced that there was no longer any reason for North Korea to be "unilaterally bound" to its commitment to halt nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and warned of a "new strategic weapon" coming soon.
The communist state has continued to conduct weapons tests throughout 2020 while rebuffing efforts from South Korea for new talks and joint economic and tourism projects.
The KCNA report said that Tuesday's move is the first in a series of actions that North Korea will take to cut all communication ties with the South.
"This measure is the first step of the determination to completely shut down all contact means with [S]outh Korea and get rid of unnecessary things," the report said.


upi--2020-06-09--Va. judge temporarily blocks Gov. Northam's removal of confederate statue

June 9 ( UPI ) -- A Richmond judge temporarily blocked a plan by Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam 's administration to remove a Confederate statue of General Robert E. Lee from a local monument for 10 days .
A descendent of the family that donated the statue of Lee on horseback for the monument in 1890 filed a lawsuit against Northam and the director of the Department of General Services , which would remove the statue .
A second lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond claims removing the statue would violate landmark protections .
Richmond Circuit Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injunction to stop the state from removing the statue while the merits of the first case were determined .
Northam announced last week he would use powers under Virginia code to remove the monument and other Confederate icons in the state capitol , after the unrest following the police-involved killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Rita Davis , Northam 's attorney , said Tuesday that the governor 's office was expecting to lawsuits over the removal of the statue and was prepared to litigate in court .
`` Though this monument was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ E. Lee , the purpose of this monument was to recast Virginia 's history to fit a narrative that minimized a devastating evil perpetrated on African Americans during the darkest part of our past , '' Davis said .
Northam said Tuesday that he remains committed to removing the monument .
`` This is a statue that is divisive .
It needs to come down and we are on very legal solid grounds to have it taken down , '' he said .
In December , Democratic lawmakers urged Northam to remove a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Capitol in Washington , D.C. Lee 's presence in the National Statuary Hall Collection `` serves as a prevalent reminder of Virginia 's disturbing racial legacy , '' lawmakers wrote in a letter .

A judge temporary blocked Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's plan to remove a Richmond monument to Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Photo by Martin Falbisoner/ Wikimedia Commons
June 9 (UPI) -- A Richmond judge temporarily blocked a plan by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's administration to remove a Confederate statue of General Robert E. Lee from a local monument for 10 days. A descendent of the family that donated the statue of Lee on horseback for the monument in 1890 filed a lawsuit against Northam and the director of the Department of General Services, which would remove the statue. Advertisement
A second lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond claims removing the statue would violate landmark protections.
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Cavedo granted a temporary injunction to stop the state from removing the statue while the merits of the first case were determined.
Northam announced last week he would use powers under Virginia code to remove the monument and other Confederate icons in the state capitol, after the unrest following the police-involved killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Rita Davis, Northam's attorney, said Tuesday that the governor's office was expecting to lawsuits over the removal of the statue and was prepared to litigate in court.
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"Though this monument was cast in the image of General Robert E. Lee, the purpose of this monument was to recast Virginia's history to fit a narrative that minimized a devastating evil perpetrated on African Americans during the darkest part of our past," Davis said.
Northam said Tuesday that he remains committed to removing the monument.
"This is a statue that is divisive. It needs to come down and we are on very legal solid grounds to have it taken down," he said.
In December, Democratic lawmakers urged Northam to remove a statue of Lee that represents Virginia in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Lee's presence in the National Statuary Hall Collection "serves as a prevalent reminder of Virginia's disturbing racial legacy," lawmakers wrote in a letter.


upi--2020-06-09--Michael Jordan, crew reel in 442-pound marlin in Big Rock tournament

June 9 ( UPI ) -- NBA legend Michael Jordan and the crew on his boat caught a 442.3-pound marlin on Tuesday during the second day of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City , N.C. Video from the event captured Jordan 's boat -- named `` Catch 23 '' -- pulling in toward the docks .
The former Chicago Bulls great drew cheers and whistles when he emerged on the deck of his 80-foot Viking .
The crew 's marlin then was raised for the weigh-in and came in with an official listing of 442.3 pounds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his crew posed for pictures with cigars in hand .
`` It 's been awhile since I 've been back in Morehead City .
It 's only about 100 miles from Wilmington , and it 's always great for me to be able to come back , '' Jordan said .
`` I 'm happy to be back .
Thank you for inviting me . ''
The North Carolina tournament pays out for the three largest blue marlins caught , with the winner of the event earning $ 1.1 million .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first crew to nab a 500-pound marlin .
As of Tuesday afternoon , Jordan 's marlin was the fifth-heaviest pulled in and not eligible for prize money .
Jordan and his `` Catch 23 '' crew have two more days to reel in a bigger fish .
The leading blue marlin weighed 494.2 pounds .
Jordan said this year 's Big Rock tournament is n't his first fishing competition , but it is the first marlin tournament in which he has competed in his home state of North Carolina .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back home , '' Jordan said .
`` Every chance I get , I love to come back home . ''

June 9 (UPI) -- NBA legend Michael Jordan and the crew on his boat caught a 442.3-pound marlin on Tuesday during the second day of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City, N.C.
Video from the event captured Jordan's boat -- named "Catch 23" -- pulling in toward the docks. The former Chicago Bulls great drew cheers and whistles when he emerged on the deck of his 80-foot Viking.
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The crew's marlin then was raised for the weigh-in and came in with an official listing of 442.3 pounds, drawing another round of applause as Jordan and his crew posed for pictures with cigars in hand.
"It's been awhile since I've been back in Morehead City. It's only about 100 miles from Wilmington, and it's always great for me to be able to come back," Jordan said. "I'm happy to be back. Thank you for inviting me."
Excitement was in the AIR when Michael Jordan's CATCH 23 backed in with their 442.3-pound blue marlin! Posted by The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament on Tuesday, June 9, 2020
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The North Carolina tournament pays out for the three largest blue marlins caught, with the winner of the event earning $1.1 million. There is also a $550,000 prize for the first crew to nab a 500-pound marlin.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Jordan's marlin was the fifth-heaviest pulled in and not eligible for prize money. Jordan and his "Catch 23" crew have two more days to reel in a bigger fish. The leading blue marlin weighed 494.2 pounds.
Jordan said this year's Big Rock tournament isn't his first fishing competition, but it is the first marlin tournament in which he has competed in his home state of North Carolina.
"This is a chance for me to come back home," Jordan said. "Every chance I get, I love to come back home."


upi--2020-06-09--Lockheed nabs $70.2M for Aegis development for Navy, foreign partners

June 9 ( UPI ) -- Lockheed Martin was awarded a $ 70.2 million contract to support Aegis development for @ @ @ @ @ as the governments of Japan , South Korea and Norway , the Pentagon announced Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ weapon system upgrades to the U.S.S .
Ticonderoga and U.S.S .
Arleigh Burke , as @ @ @ @ @ defense and foreign military sales requirements .
It also supports continued technical engineering , configuration @ @ @ @ @ quality assurance , information assurance and other operations and maintenance efforts required for the Aegis @ @ @ @ @ The Aegis combat system is capable of simultaneous operations against multi-mission threats : anti-air , @ @ @ @ @ It was first installed on the USS Ticonderoga , which was commissioned in 1983 , @ @ @ @ @ Ticonderoga and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers .
Work on the contract will be performed in Moorestown @ @ @ @ @ expected completion date of June 2021 .

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf sails alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb in this May 2019 photo. Photo by MC3 Amber Smalley/U.S. Navy/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin was awarded a $70.2 million contract to support Aegis development for the Navy, as well as the governments of Japan, South Korea and Norway, the Pentagon announced Tuesday. The contract funds Aegis weapon system upgrades to the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and U.S.S. Arleigh Burke, as well as Aegis ballistic missile defense and foreign military sales requirements. Advertisement
It also supports continued technical engineering, configuration management, associated equipment/supplies, quality assurance, information assurance and other operations and maintenance efforts required for the Aegis development and test sites.
The Aegis combat system is capable of simultaneous operations against multi-mission threats: anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
It was first installed on the USS Ticonderoga, which was commissioned in 1983, and is still used on Ticonderoga and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Work on the contract will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., with an expected completion date of June 2021.


upi--2020-06-09--Federal judge stays execution of Texas death row inmate Ruben Gutierrez

June 9 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge on Tuesday granted a stay to a Texas death row inmate who was scheduled to be executed next week .
U.S. District Court Judge Hilda Tagel granted a stay of execution to Ruben Gutierrez , 42 , after his attorneys have requested additional DNA testing in the case and challenged a Texas Department of Criminal Justice statute prohibiting all religious or spiritual advisors from entering the execution chamber .
`` The Court concludes that Gutierrez has made a showing of likelihood of success on the merits of at least one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tagle .
Gutierrez was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1998 murder of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison , who was 82 .
He was 20 years old at the time of the murder .
He has requested a post-conviction DNA test of nail scrapings and loose hairs taken from the victim , a shirt belonging to a family member of Harrison and other clothing items , saying testing would prove his innocence .
Last week , attorneys for Guttierrez filed a motion stating it would be `` irresponsible and against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary investigation during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Attorneys have also argued that the state 's refusal to allow a Christian chaplain to accompany him into the execution chamber is a violation of his First Amendment rights .

A federal judge on Tuesday granted a stay of execution to Texas death row inmate Ruben Gutierrez who was sentenced to die next week after being convicted in the 1998 murder of Escolastica Harrison. File Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
June 9 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Tuesday granted a stay to a Texas death row inmate who was scheduled to be executed next week. U.S. District Court Judge Hilda Tagel granted a stay of execution to Ruben Gutierrez, 42, after his attorneys have requested additional DNA testing in the case and challenged a Texas Department of Criminal Justice statute prohibiting all religious or spiritual advisors from entering the execution chamber. Advertisement
"The Court concludes that Gutierrez has made a showing of likelihood of success on the merits of at least one of his DNA or execution-chamber claims," said Tagle.
Gutierrez was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1998 murder of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison, who was 82. He was 20 years old at the time of the murder.
He has requested a post-conviction DNA test of nail scrapings and loose hairs taken from the victim, a shirt belonging to a family member of Harrison and other clothing items, saying testing would prove his innocence.
Last week, attorneys for Guttierrez filed a motion stating it would be "irresponsible and against the public's interest" to conduct the necessary investigation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Attorneys have also argued that the state's refusal to allow a Christian chaplain to accompany him into the execution chamber is a violation of his First Amendment rights.


upi--2020-06-09--UFC president Dana White reveals location, schedule for 'Fight Island'

June 9 ( UPI ) -- UFC president Dana White revealed the location and upcoming schedule for his mysterious `` Fight Island '' on Tuesday .
White appeared on ESPN 's First Take and said the island venue is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates .
The island will help the UFC accommodate some of its international fighters who have difficulties entering the United States because of travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We 're literally just going to Yas Island right now to pull off these fights , because the hardest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get people into the country from other parts of the world , '' White said Tuesday .
`` We are a true global business .
We 're the only ones that are pulling off live sports right now .
`` And if I continue to do fights in the United States , I 'm going to burn out all my American talent .
So now we 've got Yas Island ready to go ; it 's set up . ''
The UFC will host four events on `` Fight Island '' next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UFC 251 on July 11 .
UFC Fight Night cards are scheduled for July 15 , 18 and 25 .
UFC 251 will feature three championship bouts , according to White .
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will defend his title against Gilbert Burns in the main event , while Alex Volkanovski and Max Holloway will square off in a featherweight title rematch .
In the third championship match , Petr Yan will take on Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight belt .
`` Fight Island '' will include an arena , hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the UFC .
The designated area on Yas Island will also feature a `` safety zone '' of 10 square miles in which the only individuals permitted will be coaches , fighters , UFC staff and other limited personnel .
The UFC has strong ties to Abu Dhabi and previously held three cards at Yas Island .
The most recent event at the venue was UFC 242 in September , headlined by a lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier .
In 2019 , the company signed a five-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UFC postponed six events in March , April and May because of the COVID-19 outbreak , but the promotion has resumed a consistent schedule since its return to action May 9 in Florida .
The company promoted three cards in a span of eight days in Florida and has since held two more over the last two weeks in Las Vegas .

UFC president Dana White announced Tuesday that his mysterious "Fight Island" is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. File Photo by Pete Marovich/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- UFC president Dana White revealed the location and upcoming schedule for his mysterious "Fight Island" on Tuesday. White appeared on ESPN's First Take and said the island venue is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The island will help the UFC accommodate some of its international fighters who have difficulties entering the United States because of travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
"We're literally just going to Yas Island right now to pull off these fights, because the hardest thing to do right now is to get people into the country from other parts of the world," White said Tuesday. "We are a true global business. We're the only ones that are pulling off live sports right now.
"And if I continue to do fights in the United States, I'm going to burn out all my American talent. So now we've got Yas Island ready to go; it's set up."
The UFC will host four events on "Fight Island" next month, starting with a loaded card for UFC 251 on July 11. UFC Fight Night cards are scheduled for July 15, 18 and 25.
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UFC 251 will feature three championship bouts, according to White. UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will defend his title against Gilbert Burns in the main event, while Alex Volkanovski and Max Holloway will square off in a featherweight title rematch.
In the third championship match, Petr Yan will take on Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight belt.
"Fight Island" will include an arena, hotel, training facilities and dining establishments, according to the UFC. The designated area on Yas Island will also feature a "safety zone" of 10 square miles in which the only individuals permitted will be coaches, fighters, UFC staff and other limited personnel.
The UFC has strong ties to Abu Dhabi and previously held three cards at Yas Island. The most recent event at the venue was UFC 242 in September, headlined by a lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier.
In 2019, the company signed a five-year deal to hold annual events there.
The UFC postponed six events in March, April and May because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but the promotion has resumed a consistent schedule since its return to action May 9 in Florida. The company promoted three cards in a span of eight days in Florida and has since held two more over the last two weeks in Las Vegas.


upi--2020-06-09--Navy orders removal of Confederate flag; Army bases may be renamed

June 9 ( UPI ) -- Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday announced Tuesday that he has directed staff to begin preparing an order that would prohibit the Confederate battle flag from all public spaces and work areas aboard Navy installations , ships , aircraft and submarines .
Also on Tuesday , Army leadership expressed an openness to renaming posts named in honor of the Confederacy .
`` The order is meant to ensure unit cohesion , preserve good order and discipline , and uphold the Navy 's core values of honor , courage and commitment , '' Gilday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Army official told POLITICO that the service is `` open '' to renaming the service 's 10 bases and facilities that are named after Confederate leaders , and Tuesday Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley endorsed efforts to `` explore the issue '' of renaming those 10 bases .
Last week the U.S. Marine Corps issued detailed guidance on the removal of Confederate imagery from Marine Corps installations , which Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger ordered in February .
In April Berger issued a memo explaining the directive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has shown it has the power to inflame feelings of division .
I can not have that inside our Corps , '' Berger wrote .
As recently as February Army officials said there was no interest in renaming Army posts with Confederate-inspired names , but Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy has since signaled his interest in a `` bipartisan discussion '' about potential name changes .
The posts in question are : Camp Beauregard and Fort Polk in Louisiana , Fort Benning and Fort Gordon in Georgia , Fort Bragg in North Carolina , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fort Pickett in Virginia , Fort Rucker in Alabama , and Fort Hood in Texas .
Most of the installations -- like the statues of Confederate leaders that have come under renewed national scrutiny in the last five years and again in the two weeks since the death of George Floyd -- were named decades after the end of the Civil War .
The Navy still has several vessels named in honor of the Confederacy .

A counter demonstrating group burns a Confederate flag in Washington, D.C. on August 12, 2018. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday has directed his staff to order the removal of Confederate flags displayed in public spaces on Navy property. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday announced Tuesday that he has directed staff to begin preparing an order that would prohibit the Confederate battle flag from all public spaces and work areas aboard Navy installations, ships, aircraft and submarines. Also on Tuesday, Army leadership expressed an openness to renaming posts named in honor of the Confederacy. Advertisement
"The order is meant to ensure unit cohesion, preserve good order and discipline, and uphold the Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment," Gilday wrote on Twitter Tuesday.
On Monday an Army official told POLITICO that the service is "open" to renaming the service's 10 bases and facilities that are named after Confederate leaders, and Tuesday Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley endorsed efforts to "explore the issue" of renaming those 10 bases.
Last week the U.S. Marine Corps issued detailed guidance on the removal of Confederate imagery from Marine Corps installations, which Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger ordered in February.
In April Berger issued a memo explaining the directive in more detail.
"This symbol has shown it has the power to inflame feelings of division. I cannot have that inside our Corps," Berger wrote.
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As recently as February Army officials said there was no interest in renaming Army posts with Confederate-inspired names, but Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy has since signaled his interest in a "bipartisan discussion" about potential name changes.
The posts in question are: Camp Beauregard and Fort Polk in Louisiana, Fort Benning and Fort Gordon in Georgia, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Lee and Fort Pickett in Virginia, Fort Rucker in Alabama, and Fort Hood in Texas.
Most of the installations -- like the statues of Confederate leaders that have come under renewed national scrutiny in the last five years and again in the two weeks since the death of George Floyd -- were named decades after the end of the Civil War.
The Navy still has several vessels named in honor of the Confederacy.


upi--2020-06-09--Idaho man tied to missing children held after human remains found on property

June 9 ( UPI ) -- Police on Tuesday arrested an Idaho `` doomsday '' author , whose wife is in custody in connection with the disappearance of her two children , after investigators found evidence of human remains on his property .
Chad Daybell was taken into custody after investigators with a search warrant used backhoes to dig near his Rexburg , Idaho , home .
Police have been searching for the two children of Daybell 's wife , Lori Vallow , 46 , since last year .
Rexburg Assistant Chief of Police Gary Hagen said the remains had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in custody since she was arrested in Hawaii in March after family members became concerned about the whereabouts of Tylee Ryan , 17 , and Joshua , `` J.J. '' Vallow , 7 , who were last seen together in September .
She was charged with child abandonment and obstruction .
The FBI and Idaho authorities have been searching for the children .
Police investigators say the Daybells lied about the children 's whereabouts and then fled from Idaho .
Investigators also have followed the couple through the mysterious deaths of both of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past year .
Vallow married Daybell two weeks after the October 2019 death of his first wife , Tammy Daybell , who was described in an obituary as dying of natural causes .
In April , the Idaho attorney general 's office announced it was investigating Chad Daybell in connection with Tammy 's death .
Chad and Tammy Daybell were the parents of five children .
Vallow 's estranged late husband , Charles Vallow , was shot and killed by her brother , Alex Cox , in Phoenix in July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divorce , claiming Lori Vallow believed she had god-like powers connected to the biblical end times , the Salt Lake Tribune reported .
Cox then died in December 2019 of unknown causes , investigators said .
Police are investigating the death .
Daybell , who was affiliated with a sect of the Church of the Latter Day Saints , is the author of more than a dozen apocalyptic-themed novels that have been called religiously extreme by former co-workers , who said he claimed he could `` cast out demons . ''
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Yellowstone National Park on a family vacation with Lori Vallow and a relative .
Joshua was later seen at school in Idaho .

Idaho police arrested "doomsday" author Chad Daybell, whose wife is in custody in connection with the disappearance of her two children, after human remains were found on his Rexburg property. Photo courtesy of the Rexburg Police Department
June 9 (UPI) -- Police on Tuesday arrested an Idaho "doomsday" author, whose wife is in custody in connection with the disappearance of her two children, after investigators found evidence of human remains on his property. Chad Daybell was taken into custody after investigators with a search warrant used backhoes to dig near his Rexburg, Idaho, home. Police have been searching for the two children of Daybell's wife, Lori Vallow, 46, since last year. Advertisement
Rexburg Assistant Chief of Police Gary Hagen said the remains had not been identified.
Vallow has been in custody since she was arrested in Hawaii in March after family members became concerned about the whereabouts of Tylee Ryan, 17, and Joshua, "J.J." Vallow, 7, who were last seen together in September. She was charged with child abandonment and obstruction.
The FBI and Idaho authorities have been searching for the children.
Police investigators say the Daybells lied about the children's whereabouts and then fled from Idaho. Investigators also have followed the couple through the mysterious deaths of both of their first spouses and Vallow's brother over the past year.
Vallow married Daybell two weeks after the October 2019 death of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, who was described in an obituary as dying of natural causes.
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In April, the Idaho attorney general's office announced it was investigating Chad Daybell in connection with Tammy's death. Chad and Tammy Daybell were the parents of five children.
Vallow's estranged late husband, Charles Vallow, was shot and killed by her brother, Alex Cox, in Phoenix in July, 2019.
Charles Vallow had filed for divorce, claiming Lori Vallow believed she had god-like powers connected to the biblical end times, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. Cox then died in December 2019 of unknown causes, investigators said. Police are investigating the death.
Daybell, who was affiliated with a sect of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, is the author of more than a dozen apocalyptic-themed novels that have been called religiously extreme by former co-workers, who said he claimed he could "cast out demons."
The two children were last seen together in September at Yellowstone National Park on a family vacation with Lori Vallow and a relative. Joshua was later seen at school in Idaho.


upi--2020-06-09--Former Rams RB Todd Gurley passes physical with Falcons

June 9 ( UPI ) -- Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley , who agreed to a one-year , $ 5.5 million contract earlier this off-season , passed his physical with his new team .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Tuesday that Gurley finally took his physical Monday in Atlanta and passed it .
Gurley reached an agreement with the Falcons more than two months ago , but the league stopped player physicals and temporarily closed team facilities because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Gurley previously said he was n't concerned about passing the physical despite lingering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I did n't tear my ACL last year .
This was six years ago , '' Gurley said after joining the Falcons .
`` So , just been able to maintain that and just keep going each year . ''
The Los Angeles Rams released Gurley , the 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year , in mid-March to create additional salary-cap space .
Before his release , the tailback faced numerous questions about the status of his knee .
Gurley appeared in 15 of 16 regular-season games in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' front office never confirmed reports about Gurley , 25 , having arthritis in the knee , which was surgically repaired in 2014 .
Despite Gurley 's injury history , Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff expressed confidence the three-time Pro Bowl selection would pass his physical .
`` He really takes care of his body well , and he 'll continue to work on it , '' Dimitroff told the Falcons ' official website in April .
`` We 'll continue to be very mindful about what we are dealing with .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's a hard-charging runner , and he 's an excellent football player . ''
The Falcons signed Gurley to replace two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman , who was released this off-season .
The team 's current group of running backs includes Gurley , Ito Smith , Qadree Ollison and Brian Hill .

Former Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this off-season. File Photo by Nell Redmond/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley, who agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract earlier this off-season, passed his physical with his new team. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Tuesday that Gurley finally took his physical Monday in Atlanta and passed it. Gurley reached an agreement with the Falcons more than two months ago, but the league stopped player physicals and temporarily closed team facilities because of the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
Gurley previously said he wasn't concerned about passing the physical despite lingering questions regarding his surgically repaired left knee.
"I didn't tear my ACL last year. This was six years ago," Gurley said after joining the Falcons. "So, just been able to maintain that and just keep going each year."
The Los Angeles Rams released Gurley, the 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, in mid-March to create additional salary-cap space. Before his release, the tailback faced numerous questions about the status of his knee.
Gurley appeared in 15 of 16 regular-season games in 2019, although his touches decreased. The Rams' front office never confirmed reports about Gurley, 25, having arthritis in the knee, which was surgically repaired in 2014.
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Despite Gurley's injury history, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff expressed confidence the three-time Pro Bowl selection would pass his physical.
"He really takes care of his body well, and he'll continue to work on it," Dimitroff told the Falcons' official website in April. "We'll continue to be very mindful about what we are dealing with. We feel very comfortable with it. ... He's a hard-charging runner, and he's an excellent football player."
The Falcons signed Gurley to replace two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman, who was released this off-season. The team's current group of running backs includes Gurley, Ito Smith, Qadree Ollison and Brian Hill.


upi--2020-06-09--In Photos: Mourners gather for George Floyd memorial services

Moruners gather in Houston during funeral services for George Floyd on Tuesday , June 9 , 2020 .
Rev .
@ @ @ @ @ as Floyd 's family gathered a day after a viewing in Houston , his hometown @ @ @ @ @ .
Floyd was killed on Memorial Day in Minneapolis after an officer kneeled on his @ @ @ @ @ , sparking international protests .

A horse-drawn carriage carries a golden casket containing the body of George Floyd to a cemetery in Pearland, Texas, to buried next to his mother on Tuesday. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI


upi--2020-06-09--Fauci: COVID-19 pandemic was his 'worst nightmare' and is not yet over

June 9 ( UPI ) -- White House health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci on Tuesday described the COVID-19 pandemic as his `` worst nightmare , '' adding that the threat of the virus is not yet over .
During an interview with the BIO Digital virtual health care conference , Fauci said he was stunned by the speed at which the coronavirus spread and `` how rapidly it just took over the planet . ''
`` That 's millions and millions of infections worldwide and it is n't over yet .
And it 's very condensed in a very , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` You know , first notice at the end of December , hit China in January , hit the rest of the world in February , March , April , May , early June . ''
Fauci noted an efficiently transmitted disease can spread throughout the world in six months or a year but `` this took about a month . ''
Fauci said the state of modern travel was part of what allowed the virus to spread so quickly .
`` It 's a testimony to not only the extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel capability we have , '' he said .
`` I mean , it stared in a very well-defined place in a city in China called Wuhan .
`` And China is a big country .
A lot of people travel all over the world .
They travel to the United States .
They travel to Europe . ''
Since emerging in late 2019 , COVID-19 has infected 7,185,573 people and resulted in 408,953 deaths worldwide , according to figures by John 's Hopkins University .
The United States has reported the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,973,803 confirmed cases and 111,751 deaths .
Despite stating that the transmissibility of COVID-19 makes it more threatening than Ebola or HIV , Fauci said he was `` very heartened '' by efforts by the pharmaceutical community to develop a vaccine .
`` The industry is not stupid .
They figured it out , '' Fauci said .
`` There 's going to be more than one winner in the vaccine field because we 're going to need vaccines for the entire world .
Billions and billions of doses .
`` So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have multiple candidates that make it to the goal line , get approved and get widely used . ''

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases warned Tuesday that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, describing the quickly spreading virus as his "worst nightmare." File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- White House health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci on Tuesday described the COVID-19 pandemic as his "worst nightmare," adding that the threat of the virus is not yet over. During an interview with the BIO Digital virtual health care conference, Fauci said he was stunned by the speed at which the coronavirus spread and "how rapidly it just took over the planet." Advertisement
"That's millions and millions of infections worldwide and it isn't over yet. And it's very condensed in a very, very small time frame," Fauci said. "You know, first notice at the end of December, hit China in January, hit the rest of the world in February, March, April, May, early June."
Fauci noted an efficiently transmitted disease can spread throughout the world in six months or a year but "this took about a month."
Fauci said the state of modern travel was part of what allowed the virus to spread so quickly.
"It's a testimony to not only the extraordinary capability of transmission but of the extraordinary travel capability we have," he said. "I mean, it stared in a very well-defined place in a city in China called Wuhan.
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"And China is a big country. A lot of people travel all over the world. They travel to the United States. They travel to Europe."
Since emerging in late 2019, COVID-19 has infected 7,185,573 people and resulted in 408,953 deaths worldwide, according to figures by John's Hopkins University. The United States has reported the most cases and deaths in the world with 1,973,803 confirmed cases and 111,751 deaths.
Despite stating that the transmissibility of COVID-19 makes it more threatening than Ebola or HIV, Fauci said he was "very heartened" by efforts by the pharmaceutical community to develop a vaccine.
"The industry is not stupid. They figured it out," Fauci said. "There's going to be more than one winner in the vaccine field because we're going to need vaccines for the entire world. Billions and billions of doses.
"So, I'm almost certain that we're going to have multiple candidates that make it to the goal line, get approved and get widely used."


upi--2020-06-09--Sharpton: George Floyd's life won't matter until someone pays the cost for taking it

June 9 ( UPI ) -- The Rev .
Al Sharpton asked for support for the family of George Floyd and called for police reform at a funeral service Tuesday at The Fountain of Praise church in Floyd 's hometown of Houston .
`` We must commit to all of this family .
When the last TV truck is gone , we 'll still be here , '' Sharpton said .
The minister thanked former U.S. President Barack Obama and athletes and celebrities who had reached out to Floyd 's family , including actor Jamie Foxx and singer Al B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the congregation .
Sharpton said the police-involved death of Floyd , 46 , was a case of an `` institutional , systemic problem that has been allowed to permit since we came to these shores .
... We have permitted people to become officers of the law that ought to be somewhere else .
`` How are you going to scare a bad cop , when bad cops do n't go to jail ? ''
he asked rhetorically .
Sharpton called for a quick trial of the Minneapolis officers accused in the Memorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like George 's will not matter unless someone pays the cost for taking their lives , '' Sharpton added .
The funeral for Floyd , whose death has spurred a global movement against police brutality , began Tuesday with six men bearing his gold casket into the church .
In the congregation were parents of other African Americans killed by police or hate-crime violence , including mothers of Trayvon Martin , killed at age 17 in 2012 by George Zimmerman and Eric Garner , who died in Baltimore police custody in 2014 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown , who was shot unarmed by a police officer in Ferguson , Mo.
, in 2014 , and Ahmaud Arbery , who was allegedly shot and killed by a retired police officer and his son while jogging in Georgia in February .
Floyd , 46 , died on Memorial Day during an arrest by Minneapolis police officers responding to a report of a man passing a counterfeit bill at a store .
Video captured a white officer kneeling on the neck of the unarmed black man for nearly nine minutes before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
U.S. Rep. Al Green , D-Texas , addressed mourners at Floyd 's funeral , callling for the creation of a federal Department of Reconciliation to atone for historic and systemic racism against African Americans .
`` We have got to have reconciliation .
This country has not reconciled its differences with us , '' Green said .
`` We survived slavery , but we did n't reconcile .
We survived segregation , but we did n't reconcile .
`` It 's time for a Department of Reconciliation in the highest land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` It 's time to have someone who 's going to make it his business to seek reconciliation for black people in the United States of America every day of his life . ''
Former Vice President Joe Biden offered condolences for Floyd 's family and encouraged the country to take action against systemic racism in a taped address played at the service .
`` To George 's family and friends ...
I know the deep hole in your hearts when you bury a piece of your soul deep in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video address .
`` As I 've said to you privately , we know , we know you will never feel the same again .
For most people , the numbness you feel now will slowly turn day after day , season after season , into purpose , through the memory of the one you lost .
`` But for you , that day has come before you can fully grieve , and unlike most , you must grieve in public , and it 's a burden .
A burden that is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the better in the name of George Floyd . ''
Biden added : `` I know you miss that bear hug that only he could give , the pure joy of riding on his shoulders , so you could touch the sky '' in referring to his daughter , Gianna , 6 .
`` The countless hours he spent playing any game you wanted because your smile , your laugh , your love , is the only thing that mattered at the moment .
I know you have a lot of questions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask questions that too many black children have had to ask for generations .
Why ?
Why is daddy gone ?
... Why in this nation do too many black Americans wake up knowing that they could lose their life in the course of just living their life ? ''
Biden continued : `` Now is the time for racial justice .
That 's the answer we must give to our children when they ask why .
Because when there is justice for George Floyd , we will truly be on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And then , as you said , Gianna , your daddy will have changed the world . ''
Tuesday 's funeral was private , but was broadcast and live-streamed .
Following the service , Floyd 's body was taken by horse-drawn carriage to Houston Memorial Gardens in suburban Pearland , Texas , to be buried next to his mother , Larcenia Floyd .
A vigil was planned for Tuesday night at First Christian Church in Houston .
`` We invite the Houston community to join us outside to honor the life of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives lost due to injustice , '' church leaders wrote in a Facebook post .
A similar vigil was held Monday at Floyd 's alma mater , Jack Yates High School , where he starred in football and helped win the Texas state championship in 1992 .
Hundreds attended the candlelight event , including former teammates , alumni and members of the Floyd family .
Four former Minneapolis officers have been charged in Floyd 's death , including Derek Chauvin , who was seen on the video pressing his knee onto Floyd 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asphyxiated him .
Chauvin faces a charge of second-degree murder .
Three other officers are charged as accomplices .
All four have been fired from the Police Department .
Chauvin made his first court appearance via video link on Monday .
Hennepin County District Judge Jeannice Reding raised his conditional bail from $ 750,000 to $ 1 million and his unconditional bail from $ 1 million to $ 1.25 million .

A horse-drawn carriage carries a golden casket containing the body of George Floyd to a cemetery in Pearland, Texas, to buried next to his mother on Tuesday. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- The Rev. Al Sharpton asked for support for the family of George Floyd and called for police reform at a funeral service Tuesday at The Fountain of Praise church in Floyd's hometown of Houston. "We must commit to all of this family. When the last TV truck is gone, we'll still be here," Sharpton said. Advertisement
The minister thanked former U.S. President Barack Obama and athletes and celebrities who had reached out to Floyd's family, including actor Jamie Foxx and singer Al B. Sure!, who were in the congregation.
Sharpton said the police-involved death of Floyd, 46, was a case of an "institutional, systemic problem that has been allowed to permit since we came to these shores. ... We have permitted people to become officers of the law that ought to be somewhere else.
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"How are you going to scare a bad cop, when bad cops don't go to jail?" he asked rhetorically.
Sharpton called for a quick trial of the Minneapolis officers accused in the Memorial Day death of Floyd.
"Lives like George's will not matter unless someone pays the cost for taking their lives," Sharpton added.
The funeral for Floyd, whose death has spurred a global movement against police brutality, began Tuesday with six men bearing his gold casket into the church.
In the congregation were parents of other African Americans killed by police or hate-crime violence, including mothers of Trayvon Martin, killed at age 17 in 2012 by George Zimmerman and Eric Garner, who died in Baltimore police custody in 2014.
Also attending were the fathers of Michael Brown, who was shot unarmed by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014, and Ahmaud Arbery, who was allegedly shot and killed by a retired police officer and his son while jogging in Georgia in February.
Floyd, 46, died on Memorial Day during an arrest by Minneapolis police officers responding to a report of a man passing a counterfeit bill at a store.
Video captured a white officer kneeling on the neck of the unarmed black man for nearly nine minutes before he died, setting off protests around the world.
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U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, addressed mourners at Floyd's funeral, callling for the creation of a federal Department of Reconciliation to atone for historic and systemic racism against African Americans.
"We have got to have reconciliation. This country has not reconciled its differences with us," Green said. "We survived slavery, but we didn't reconcile. We survived segregation, but we didn't reconcile.
"It's time for a Department of Reconciliation in the highest land, the highest office," he added. "It's time to have someone who's going to make it his business to seek reconciliation for black people in the United States of America every day of his life."
Former Vice President Joe Biden offered condolences for Floyd's family and encouraged the country to take action against systemic racism in a taped address played at the service.
"To George's family and friends ... I know the deep hole in your hearts when you bury a piece of your soul deep in this earth," Biden said in the video address.
"As I've said to you privately, we know, we know you will never feel the same again. For most people, the numbness you feel now will slowly turn day after day, season after season, into purpose, through the memory of the one you lost.
Advertisement
"But for you, that day has come before you can fully grieve, and unlike most, you must grieve in public, and it's a burden. A burden that is now your purpose to change the world for the better in the name of George Floyd."
Biden added: "I know you miss that bear hug that only he could give, the pure joy of riding on his shoulders, so you could touch the sky" in referring to his daughter, Gianna, 6.
"The countless hours he spent playing any game you wanted because your smile, your laugh, your love, is the only thing that mattered at the moment. I know you have a lot of questions, honey.
"No child should have to ask questions that too many black children have had to ask for generations. Why? Why is daddy gone? ... Why in this nation do too many black Americans wake up knowing that they could lose their life in the course of just living their life?"
Biden continued: "Now is the time for racial justice. That's the answer we must give to our children when they ask why. Because when there is justice for George Floyd, we will truly be on our way way to racial justice in America. And then, as you said, Gianna, your daddy will have changed the world."
Advertisement
Tuesday's funeral was private, but was broadcast and live-streamed. Following the service, Floyd's body was taken by horse-drawn carriage to Houston Memorial Gardens in suburban Pearland, Texas, to be buried next to his mother, Larcenia Floyd.
A contingent of Houston police escorted the funeral procession.
A vigil was planned for Tuesday night at First Christian Church in Houston.
"We invite the Houston community to join us outside to honor the life of George Floyd and all the other Black lives lost due to injustice," church leaders wrote in a Facebook post.
A similar vigil was held Monday at Floyd's alma mater, Jack Yates High School, where he starred in football and helped win the Texas state championship in 1992. Hundreds attended the candlelight event, including former teammates, alumni and members of the Floyd family.
Four former Minneapolis officers have been charged in Floyd's death, including Derek Chauvin, who was seen on the video pressing his knee onto Floyd's neck. A private autopsy concluded that asphyxiated him.
Chauvin faces a charge of second-degree murder. Three other officers are charged as accomplices. All four have been fired from the Police Department.
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Chauvin made his first court appearance via video link on Monday. Hennepin County District Judge Jeannice Reding raised his conditional bail from $750,000 to $1 million and his unconditional bail from $1 million to $1.25 million.


upi--2020-06-09--Airborne dust makes faraway planets more habitable

June 9 ( UPI ) -- The presence of airborne dust on alien planets increases the odds of habitability , according to new research .
The findings could help planetary scientists hone in on exoplanets most likely to host alien life .
The habitability of a rocky planet depends on its ability to host liquid water .
The planet ca n't be too cold , or water will remain perpetually frozen .
If the planet is too hot , all the water will boil away .
The type of host star and how far away a planet is from it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planet 's surface .
New planetary models developed by scientists at the University of Exeter , the Met Office and the University of East Anglia showed that the presence of dust can also influence surface temperatures .
Scientists detailed their findings in a new paper , published this week in the journal Nature Communications .
Dust cools the hot side of the planet , the side facing the sun , while warming the dark side of the planet , the side facing away from the sun .
In effect , dust expands the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth and Mars , dust storms have both cooling and warming effects on the surface , with the cooling effect typically winning out .
But these 'synchronized orbit ' planets are very different , '' lead study author Ian Boutle , researcher at both Exeter and the Met Office , said in a news release .
`` Here , the dark sides of these planets are in perpetual night , and the warming effect wins out , whereas on the dayside , the cooling effect wins out . ''
`` The effect is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the planet more habitable , '' Boutle said .
The effect likely has the greatest effect on planets that exist quite close to their host stars .
Planets with intimate orbits often exist right on the inner edge of habitability .
The new research suggests some that previously appeared too hot for liquid water , might actually be habitable -- thanks to the cooling effect of airborne dust .
Even seemingly dust-free inner worlds could become friendlier to life over time .
As their oceans bubble away , models suggest atmospheric dust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new research also suggests the presence of dust could complicate efforts to spot biomarkers that might signify the presence of alien life .
For multiple reasons , planetary scientists must now consider the lack or presence of dust when gauging the habitability of distant planets .
`` Airborne dust is something that might keep planets habitable , but also obscures our ability to find signs of life on these planets , '' said study co-author Manoj Joshi , a professor at the University of East Anglia .
`` These effects need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

New planetary models suggest the presence of airborne dust could help moderate and stabilize temperatures on faraway planets, making them more likely to habitable. Photo by University of Exeter
June 9 (UPI) -- The presence of airborne dust on alien planets increases the odds of habitability, according to new research. The findings could help planetary scientists hone in on exoplanets most likely to host alien life. The habitability of a rocky planet depends on its ability to host liquid water. The planet can't be too cold, or water will remain perpetually frozen. If the planet is too hot, all the water will boil away. The type of host star and how far away a planet is from it determines the range of temperatures on the planet's surface. Advertisement
New planetary models developed by scientists at the University of Exeter, the Met Office and the University of East Anglia showed that the presence of dust can also influence surface temperatures.
Scientists detailed their findings in a new paper, published this week in the journal Nature Communications.
Dust cools the hot side of the planet, the side facing the sun, while warming the dark side of the planet, the side facing away from the sun. In effect, dust expands the planet's habitable zone.
"On Earth and Mars, dust storms have both cooling and warming effects on the surface, with the cooling effect typically winning out. But these 'synchronized orbit' planets are very different," lead study author Ian Boutle, researcher at both Exeter and the Met Office, said in a news release. "Here, the dark sides of these planets are in perpetual night, and the warming effect wins out, whereas on the dayside, the cooling effect wins out."
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"The effect is to moderate the temperature extremes, thus making the planet more habitable," Boutle said.
The effect likely has the greatest effect on planets that exist quite close to their host stars.
Planets with intimate orbits often exist right on the inner edge of habitability. The new research suggests some that previously appeared too hot for liquid water, might actually be habitable -- thanks to the cooling effect of airborne dust.
Even seemingly dust-free inner worlds could become friendlier to life over time. As their oceans bubble away, models suggest atmospheric dust concentrations rise, helping to moderate temperatures.
The new research also suggests the presence of dust could complicate efforts to spot biomarkers that might signify the presence of alien life.
For multiple reasons, planetary scientists must now consider the lack or presence of dust when gauging the habitability of distant planets.
"Airborne dust is something that might keep planets habitable, but also obscures our ability to find signs of life on these planets," said study co-author Manoj Joshi, a professor at the University of East Anglia. "These effects need to be considered in future research."