upi--2020-06-16--Whales are disturbed by engine noise from whale watching boats

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Whale watching vessels need to do more than keep their distance .
New research suggests whales in need of peace and quiet are disturbed by the engine noise of encroaching boats .
To get their patrons the best possible view , whale watching companies and the captains of their ships tend to position vessels as close as they can .
Policy makers and regulators have worked to develop rules to protect whales , mandating that whale watching vessels keep a certain distance away , travel at slow speeds and position themselves to the rear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boats keeping their distance can alter the behavior of whales .
For the new study , scientists conducted a series of underwater sound tests to better understand the effects of engine noise on whale behavior .
The experiments -- the results of which were published Tuesday in the journal eLife -- showed whale watching boats can minimize their impacts on resting whales by keeping noise levels below 150 decibels .
`` Unlike humans , the dominant sense in whales is not sight -- it is hearing , '' Australian biologist Kate R. Sprogis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denmark , said in a news release .
`` As such , a whale may not be able to see a whale-watch boat at 100 meter distance , but they are likely to hear it , so it makes sense to consider this when stipulating whale-watching guidelines . ''
Using underwater speakers and drone cameras , scientists tested the effects of different decibel levels on the behavior of humpback whales in the Exmouth Gulf , located off the western coast of Australia .
For Humpbacks in the region , the gulf is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their calves until they 're strong enough to embark on the summertime migration to colder waters where they feed on krill and small fish .
When researchers subjected mothers and calves to boat-noise levels of 172 decibels , a very loud boat , from a distance of 100 meters , the mothers and calves spent 30 percent less time resting , swam at faster speeds and doubled their breathing rates .
When the boats moved further away , disturbed whales usually returned to resting .
However , previous studies suggest repeated disturbances can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their calves and evade predators .
`` For the calves , multiple disturbances can also mean that they do n't get enough milk : In a short time , they have to grow big and strong enough to be able to cope with the migration to colder regions and to minimize the risk of being predated upon by sharks and killer whales , '' said Sprogis .
Authors of the new study recommend that regulators institute noise standards for whale watching vessels .

June 16 (UPI) -- Whale watching vessels need to do more than keep their distance. New research suggests whales in need of peace and quiet are disturbed by the engine noise of encroaching boats.
To get their patrons the best possible view, whale watching companies and the captains of their ships tend to position vessels as close as they can.
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Policy makers and regulators have worked to develop rules to protect whales, mandating that whale watching vessels keep a certain distance away, travel at slow speeds and position themselves to the rear of whales.
Previous studies suggest even boats keeping their distance can alter the behavior of whales.
For the new study, scientists conducted a series of underwater sound tests to better understand the effects of engine noise on whale behavior.
The experiments -- the results of which were published Tuesday in the journal eLife -- showed whale watching boats can minimize their impacts on resting whales by keeping noise levels below 150 decibels.
"Unlike humans, the dominant sense in whales is not sight -- it is hearing," Australian biologist Kate R. Sprogis, research fellow at Aarhus University in Denmark, said in a news release. "As such, a whale may not be able to see a whale-watch boat at 100 meter distance, but they are likely to hear it, so it makes sense to consider this when stipulating whale-watching guidelines."
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Using underwater speakers and drone cameras, scientists tested the effects of different decibel levels on the behavior of humpback whales in the Exmouth Gulf, located off the western coast of Australia.
For Humpbacks in the region, the gulf is a place of rest, where mothers nurse their calves until they're strong enough to embark on the summertime migration to colder waters where they feed on krill and small fish.
When researchers subjected mothers and calves to boat-noise levels of 172 decibels, a very loud boat, from a distance of 100 meters, the mothers and calves spent 30 percent less time resting, swam at faster speeds and doubled their breathing rates.
When the boats moved further away, disturbed whales usually returned to resting. However, previous studies suggest repeated disturbances can leave moms without the energy to feed their calves and evade predators.
"For the calves, multiple disturbances can also mean that they don't get enough milk: In a short time, they have to grow big and strong enough to be able to cope with the migration to colder regions and to minimize the risk of being predated upon by sharks and killer whales," said Sprogis.
Authors of the new study recommend that regulators institute noise standards for whale watching vessels.


upi--2020-06-16--Package containing 32 bags of marijuana delivered to wrong home

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Authorities in Texas were called to a family 's home when they received an @ @ @ @ @ of marijuana .
The Harris County Sheriff 's Office said deputies were called to a @ @ @ @ @ reported receiving a package they had n't ordered that was filled with cannabis .
`` @ @ @ @ @ contact the Harris County Sheriff 's Office to claim it , '' the sheriff wrote @ @ @ @ @ Marijuana is illegal to possess in Texas .

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June 16 (UPI) -- Authorities in Texas were called to a family's home when they received an unexpected package containing 32 bags of marijuana.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to a Houston home after the residents reported receiving a package they hadn't ordered that was filled with cannabis.
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"If it is yours please contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office to claim it," the sheriff wrote in an Instagram post.
Marijuana is illegal to possess in Texas.


upi--2020-06-17--Dale Earnhardt Jr., Farmer, Stefanik named to NASCAR Hall of Fame

June 17 ( UPI ) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. , one of the most-popular race car drivers in the sport 's history , has joined Red Farmer and Mike Stefanik as part of the 2021 class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame .
NASCAR announced the honor for the trio on Tuesday .
`` When the [ announcement ] show started , that 's when it all started , '' Earnhardt told NBC Sports .
`` I did n't think I was going to be this emotional .
But it 's a great feeling and it was very emotional to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included Bobby Labonte , Joe Gibbs , Tony Stewart , Waddell Wilson and Buddy Baker .
The legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. , who was killed at age 49 in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500 , was inducted in 2010 .
`` Junior , '' who won NASCAR 's Most Popular Driver award a record 15 consecutive times , began his career with back-to-back Xfinity Series titles and won 13 races in two seasons before he moved to the Cup Series .
Earnhardt then won his first Cup Series race in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup Series races , with 10 wins at Daytona and Talladega .
He won the Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014 .
Earnhardt , 45 , became a team owner in 2006 when he founded JR Motorsports , retired from full-time racing in 2017 and is now an analyst for NBC Sports .
Stefanik , one of the best NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers , won seven championships and 74 races in 453 starts .
He also had 223 Top-5 finishes , 301 Top-10 finishes and won back-to-back K & N Pro Series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also competed in the Xfinity Series and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series .
He died in a plane crash last September at age 61 .
Farmer , who gained notoriety in short track racing , also competed in almost every other form of racing , including the Cup Series .
He is estimated to have won as many as 900 events from the 1950s through the 2000s and took three consecutive championships in NASCAR 's National Late Model Sportsman division , now known as the Xfinity Series , from 1969 through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most Popular Driver four times .
Farmer later became Davey Allison 's crew chief in the Busch Series .
The 87-year old plans to race this weekend at the Talladega Short Track at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama .
The date for the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony has not yet been announced .
Induction for the 2020 class occurred between Jan. 30 and Feb. 1 .

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was named as one of three inductees on Tuesday for the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame class. File Photo by Ed Locke/UPI | License Photo
June 17 (UPI) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of the most-popular race car drivers in the sport's history, has joined Red Farmer and Mike Stefanik as part of the 2021 class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR announced the honor for the trio on Tuesday. Advertisement
"When the [announcement] show started, that's when it all started," Earnhardt told NBC Sports. "I didn't think I was going to be this emotional. But it's a great feeling and it was very emotional to be chosen."
The 2020 class included Bobby Labonte, Joe Gibbs, Tony Stewart, Waddell Wilson and Buddy Baker. The legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was killed at age 49 in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500, was inducted in 2010.
"Junior," who won NASCAR's Most Popular Driver award a record 15 consecutive times, began his career with back-to-back Xfinity Series titles and won 13 races in two seasons before he moved to the Cup Series. Earnhardt then won his first Cup Series race in his 12th start. He ultimately won 26 Cup Series races, with 10 wins at Daytona and Talladega. He won the Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014.
Advertisement "There's one person outsmiling everybody else up there (in Heaven) right now, and that's your dad." A chat between @DaleJr and @DaleJarrett, and Earnhardt's push to make people proud en route to making the @NASCARHall. pic.twitter.com/2ASPa8nHRA— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) June 16, 2020
Earnhardt, 45, became a team owner in 2006 when he founded JR Motorsports, retired from full-time racing in 2017 and is now an analyst for NBC Sports.
Stefanik, one of the best NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers, won seven championships and 74 races in 453 starts. He also had 223 Top-5 finishes, 301 Top-10 finishes and won back-to-back K&N Pro Series East titles in 1997 and 1998. He also competed in the Xfinity Series and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. He died in a plane crash last September at age 61.
Farmer, who gained notoriety in short track racing, also competed in almost every other form of racing, including the Cup Series. He is estimated to have won as many as 900 events from the 1950s through the 2000s and took three consecutive championships in NASCAR's National Late Model Sportsman division, now known as the Xfinity Series, from 1969 through 1971. Farmer was named NASCAR's Most Popular Driver four times.
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Farmer later became Davey Allison's crew chief in the Busch Series. The 87-year old plans to race this weekend at the Talladega Short Track at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
The date for the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony has not yet been announced. Induction for the 2020 class occurred between Jan. 30 and Feb. 1.


upi--2020-06-17--New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern: 'No excuse' for letting COVID-19 patients out of isolation

June 17 ( UPI ) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called on a top military leader Wednesday to oversee coronavirus quarantines after two patients entered from Britain and were released without being tested .
Earlier this month , New Zealand had said COVID-19 was eliminated within its borders and lifted all business restrictions and distancing requirements .
Now , health officials are tracing hundreds of people who have been in close contact with the travelers from Britain , who are both New Zealand residents .
The women had traveled to Britain but returned to New Zealand to visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were given an exemption and released early from a mandatory 14-day quarantine in Auckland on compassionate grounds , although one had already shown symptoms of COVID-19 .
When the women arrived in Wellington , they tested positive for the virus .
Before their cases , New Zealand had gone three weeks with no new infections .
`` I can not allow the gains we have all made to be squandered by processes that are not followed , '' Ardern said Wednesday .
`` This represents an unacceptable failure of the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two tests to be undertaken at those facilities .
It did not , and there are no excuses . ''
Ardern insisted , however , that the `` elimination '' declaration has n't changed .
`` Our definition always assumed there would be cases at the border , '' she said .
Ardern appointed Assistant Chief of Defense Digby Webb , New Zealand 's assistant chief of defense , to lead quarantine efforts and to manage isolation facilities .
She said the military will be at his disposal for logistics , operational expertise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases illustrate very vividly how quickly rules and guidelines can unravel when they collide with real life , '' said Amanda Kvalsvig , an epidemiologist at New Zealand 's University of Otago .
`` There is an enormous amount of 'mopping up ' to do to make sure that all potential transmission chains have been extinguished . ''

A health worker walks in central London, Britain, on May 2. Officials said the infected women, New Zealand's first new cases in three weeks, flew in from London on June 7. File Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE
June 17 (UPI) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called on a top military leader Wednesday to oversee coronavirus quarantines after two patients entered from Britain and were released without being tested. Earlier this month, New Zealand had said COVID-19 was eliminated within its borders and lifted all business restrictions and distancing requirements. Now, health officials are tracing hundreds of people who have been in close contact with the travelers from Britain, who are both New Zealand residents. Advertisement
The women had traveled to Britain but returned to New Zealand to visit a dying parent in Wellington. Officials said they were given an exemption and released early from a mandatory 14-day quarantine in Auckland on compassionate grounds, although one had already shown symptoms of COVID-19.
When the women arrived in Wellington, they tested positive for the virus. Before their cases, New Zealand had gone three weeks with no new infections.
"I cannot allow the gains we have all made to be squandered by processes that are not followed," Ardern said Wednesday. "This represents an unacceptable failure of the system.
"We require not one but two tests to be undertaken at those facilities. It did not, and there are no excuses."
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Ardern insisted, however, that the "elimination" declaration hasn't changed.
"Our definition always assumed there would be cases at the border," she said.
Ardern appointed Assistant Chief of Defense Digby Webb, New Zealand's assistant chief of defense, to lead quarantine efforts and to manage isolation facilities. She said the military will be at his disposal for logistics, operational expertise and personnel.
"These two new cases illustrate very vividly how quickly rules and guidelines can unravel when they collide with real life," said Amanda Kvalsvig, an epidemiologist at New Zealand's University of Otago. "There is an enormous amount of 'mopping up' to do to make sure that all potential transmission chains have been extinguished."
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-06-17--Lionel Messi scores goal No. 699 in Barcelona shutout of Leganes

June 17 ( UPI ) -- Lionel Messi climbed closer to another career milestone in Barcelona 's latest victory when he scored goal No .
699 in a 2-0 shutout of Leganes in La Liga .
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner scored on a 69th-minute penalty kick in the victory Tuesday at Camp Nou in Barcelona .
The game was Barcelona 's second clash since the Spanish soccer league returned from a coronavirus pandemic suspension last week .
Barcelona and Leganes remained scoreless for most of the first half before teen phenom Ansu Fati put the La Liga leaders ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run as left back Junior Firpo and Messi did a give-and-go passing sequence on the left side of the field , above the Leganes box .
Firpo juggled around several defenders before he turned and spotted Fati inside the box .
He slid a pass to the striker before Fati found the right side of the net with a grounded shot past Leganes keeper Ivan Cuellar .
Barcelona took the 1-0 edge into the break before Messi added some insurance about 24 minutes into the second act .
Barcelona earned the penalty kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box .
The star striker stepped up to the penalty spot and smashed a shot into the right side of the net as Cuellar dove to the left side .
Messi will have a shot to become the seventh player to record 700 career goals for club and country when Barcelona battles Sevilla at 4 p.m. EDT Friday in Seville , Spain .
Portugal and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo reached 700 career scores in October .
Former Austria/Czechoslovakia striker Josef Bican has the most career scores with 805 .

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored goal No. 699 on June 16, 2020, in Barcelona. Photo by Alberto Estevez/EPA-EFE
June 17 (UPI) -- Lionel Messi climbed closer to another career milestone in Barcelona's latest victory when he scored goal No. 699 in a 2-0 shutout of Leganes in La Liga. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner scored on a 69th-minute penalty kick in the victory Tuesday at Camp Nou in Barcelona. The game was Barcelona's second clash since the Spanish soccer league returned from a coronavirus pandemic suspension last week. Advertisement
Barcelona and Leganes remained scoreless for most of the first half before teen phenom Ansu Fati put the La Liga leaders ahead. The 17-year-old forward made a backdoor run as left back Junior Firpo and Messi did a give-and-go passing sequence on the left side of the field, above the Leganes box.
Firpo juggled around several defenders before he turned and spotted Fati inside the box. He slid a pass to the striker before Fati found the right side of the net with a grounded shot past Leganes keeper Ivan Cuellar.
Barcelona took the 1-0 edge into the break before Messi added some insurance about 24 minutes into the second act. Barcelona earned the penalty kick after Messi was taken down inside the box.
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The star striker stepped up to the penalty spot and smashed a shot into the right side of the net as Cuellar dove to the left side.
Messi will have a shot to become the seventh player to record 700 career goals for club and country when Barcelona battles Sevilla at 4 p.m. EDT Friday in Seville, Spain. Portugal and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo reached 700 career scores in October. Former Austria/Czechoslovakia striker Josef Bican has the most career scores with 805.


upi--2020-06-17--Kim Yo Jong demands South Korea president apologize for ‘inaction’

June 17 ( UPI ) -- North Korean senior official Kim Yo Jong blamed the South for the decline in inter-Korea relations on Wednesday , a day after Pyongyang demolished the Inter-Korean Liaison Office and threatened to move troops into the disarmed areas of the Korean demilitarized zone .
Kim , the powerful younger sister of Kim Jong Un , said on state media the South has not done enough to curb the activities of defectors .
Activists have sent rice and anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border by balloon .
They recently pledged to launch more balloons in defiance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged the defectors with violating inter-Korea cooperation laws .
On Wednesday , Kim said the South 's actions , which critics say could infringe on free speech , was not enough .
Leaflet distribution `` occurred because of the connivance of the South Korean authorities , '' Kim said .
The North Korean official also said South Korean President Moon Jae-in should have apologized and reflected for his actions during his speech on Monday , the 20th anniversary of a historic agreement .
Moon `` should have made a firm commitment to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim said .
The South Korean president also did apply `` firm resolve '' when carrying out declarations he and Kim Jong Un signed in 2018 , Kim Yo Jong added .
The North Korean official took issue with a U.S.-South Korea working group , and claimed bilateral intelligence sharing was interfering with inter-Korea ties .
Earlier on Wednesday Seoul warned Pyongyang against further provocations .
During a meeting with North Korean experts and local politicians , Moon said he `` personally feels disappointed , angry and frustrated '' following the North 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would not give up on engaging the North , however .
`` If necessary , I will start again from the beginning , '' Moon said .
On Monday Moon had called for a `` breakthrough '' on North Korea .
The following day , North Korea went ahead with the demolition of the liaison office .

North Korean official Kim Yo Jong (L) condemned the South and President Moon Jae-in (R) on Wednesday for not carrying out past agreements. File Photo by Yonhap/EPA-EFE
June 17 (UPI) -- North Korean senior official Kim Yo Jong blamed the South for the decline in inter-Korea relations on Wednesday, a day after Pyongyang demolished the Inter-Korean Liaison Office and threatened to move troops into the disarmed areas of the Korean demilitarized zone. Kim, the powerful younger sister of Kim Jong Un, said on state media the South has not done enough to curb the activities of defectors. Activists have sent rice and anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border by balloon. They recently pledged to launch more balloons in defiance of the North. Advertisement
Last week South Korea charged the defectors with violating inter-Korea cooperation laws. On Wednesday, Kim said the South's actions, which critics say could infringe on free speech, was not enough.
Leaflet distribution "occurred because of the connivance of the South Korean authorities," Kim said.
The North Korean official also said South Korean President Moon Jae-in should have apologized and reflected for his actions during his speech on Monday, the 20th anniversary of a historic agreement.
Moon "should have made a firm commitment to prevent the recurrence" of leaflet activism, Kim said.
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The South Korean president also did apply "firm resolve" when carrying out declarations he and Kim Jong Un signed in 2018, Kim Yo Jong added.
The North Korean official took issue with a U.S.-South Korea working group, and claimed bilateral intelligence sharing was interfering with inter-Korea ties.
Earlier on Wednesday Seoul warned Pyongyang against further provocations.
During a meeting with North Korean experts and local politicians, Moon said he "personally feels disappointed, angry and frustrated" following the North's actions, Newsis reported.
Moon added he would not give up on engaging the North, however.
"If necessary, I will start again from the beginning," Moon said.
On Monday Moon had called for a "breakthrough" on North Korea. The following day, North Korea went ahead with the demolition of the liaison office.


upi--2020-06-17--Watch: 'Fortnite' Season 3 brings water theme, Jason Momoa's Aquaman

June 17 ( UPI ) -- Jason Momoa 's Aquaman is joining Fortnite in the game 's newly released third @ @ @ @ @ Season 3 , which launched for Fortnite on Wednesday , revolves around the game 's @ @ @ @ @ Players will get to play on new areas and travel by boat or sharks which @ @ @ @ @ a fishing rod .
New enemies known as Marauders have also arrived along with a @ @ @ @ @ upgraded by completing challenges .
Momoa 's Aquaman is a part of the Season 3 @ @ @ @ @ Comics superhero arriving later in the season .
Aquaman will come with two outfits , @ @ @ @ @ a shirtless version with jeans .
Fortnite previously featured Marvel 's Deadpool for Season 2 @ @ @ @ @ available to purchase in February .

June 17 (UPI) -- Jason Momoa's Aquaman is joining Fortnite in the game's newly released third season, titled Splashdown.
Season 3, which launched for Fortnite on Wednesday, revolves around the game's battle island being flooded.
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Players will get to play on new areas and travel by boat or sharks which can be latched onto using a fishing rod.
New enemies known as Marauders have also arrived along with a customizable umbrella which can be upgraded by completing challenges.
Momoa's Aquaman is a part of the Season 3 Battle Pass with the DC Comics superhero arriving later in the season. Aquaman will come with two outfits, his traditional superhero armor and a shirtless version with jeans.
Fortnite previously featured Marvel's Deadpool for Season 2. Harley Quinn was also available to purchase in February.


upi--2020-06-17--Watch live: House, Senate to take up competing proposals for police reform

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House judiciary committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York and ranking Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio appear at a markup session Wednesday for the Justice in Policing Act, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 17 (UPI) -- House Democrats and Senate Republicans on Wednesday took up competing proposals to reform policing in the United States. The proposals follow more than three weeks of protest in the United States that was spurred by recent police killings of George Floyd in Minnesota and other African Americans. Advertisement
The chamber's judiciary committee convened Wednesday to begin debating the House proposal, in what was expected to be a marathon markup session for the Justice in Policing Act. The hearing will be followed by a panel vote.
The reform package includes measures to make it easier to prosecute officers in criminal and civil court, to limit the transfer of military-grade weapons and bar "no-knock" warrants in drug cases.
"George Floyd mattered. Breonna Taylor mattered. Eric Garner, Amadou Diallo, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott, and LaQuan McDonald mattered. Rayshard Brooks mattered," said committee Chair Rep. Jerry Nadler. "For far too long, pleas for justice and reform have fallen on deaf ears in Congress, but that changes today."
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The bill is expected to pass in committee, but Republican members of the panel are also expected to introduce amendments to the proposed legislation, which could delay its approval.
"The vast majority of police officers do a great job," said Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the panel's ranking Republican. "They are the individuals who put on their uniforms every single shift and risk their lives.
"I hope today that you will embrace our thoughtful amendments that we plan to offer."
Senate Republicans led by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina also unveiled their proposal on Wednesday, one day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order instituting new federal incentives to bolster police training and create a national database to track misconduct.
Like Trump's order, the Senate proposal avoids mandates, like an outright ban of chokeholds, but relies on leveraging financial incentives to encourage compliance among local police departments.
The Senate bill requires departments to share disciplinary actions taken against officers when they apply for new jobs, but it doesn't establish a national tracing database like the House version does.
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"We find ourselves at a place with a package that I think speaks to the families ... that lost loved ones: We hear you," said Scott, one of three African Americans in the Senate. "I think this package speaks very clearly to the young person who's concerned when he's stopped by law enforcement officers: We see you."
Scott said the Senate bill prioritizes three main areas -- data collection, training and police transparency.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the bill will come to the Senate floor next week. He has been vocal this week about his opposition to the House version.
"Our Democratic friends, if they want to make a law, and not just make a point, I hope they will join us in getting on the bill," he said at a news conference Wednesday unveiling the proposal.
Tuesday, the Kentucky Republican criticized the House version as "typical Democratic overreach" that attempts to "control everything in Washington." He also vowed that the House bill won't pass in his chamber and said he won't negotiate with Democrats before he brings the Senate version to the floor for a vote.
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Democratic lawmakers have criticized the Senate bill as a watered-down version that falls far short of what is needed to stamp out racial inequality in police departments nationwide.
"We have only had the bill for a few hours and are reviewing it," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Wednesday. "But what's clear is that the Senate Republican proposal on policing does not rise to the moment."
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd


upi--2020-06-17--Film Independent Spirit Awards moves February ceremony to April 24

June 17 ( UPI ) -- The 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony has been delayed until April 24 .
@ @ @ @ @ Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recently moved the 93rd annual Academy Awards from @ @ @ @ @ .
The Film Independent Spirit Awards is traditionally held the day before the Oscars in @ @ @ @ @ The event will also be extending the time frame for awards consideration .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ released between January 1 , 2020 and February 28 , 2021 in acknowledgement of the @ @ @ @ @ cinema , and the world as a whole , is currently experiencing , '' Josh @ @ @ @ @ Independent said in a statement .
The 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards took place in @ @ @ @ @ Best Feature and Best Supporting Actress for star Zhao Shuzhen .
Uncut Gems won Best @ @ @ @ @ Safdie and Best Actor for star Adam Sandler .

"The Farewell" star Awkwafina attends the 25th annual Critics' Choice Awards on January 12. "The Farewell" won Best Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards, which has delayed its 2021 ceremony to April 24. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
June 17 (UPI) -- The 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony has been delayed until April 24. The announcement comes after The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recently moved the 93rd annual Academy Awards from Feb. 28 to April 25. Advertisement
The Film Independent Spirit Awards is traditionally held the day before the Oscars in Santa Monica, Calif.
The event will also be extending the time frame for awards consideration.
"We will recognize films that were released between January 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021 in acknowledgement of the unique challenges the world of cinema, and the world as a whole, is currently experiencing," Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent said in a statement.
The 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards took place in February. The Farewell won Best Feature and Best Supporting Actress for star Zhao Shuzhen. Uncut Gems won Best Director for Benny and Josh Safdie and Best Actor for star Adam Sandler.


upi--2020-06-17--Making America Gaga: Trump, Congress have lost their minds

Donald Trump 's marquis four-letter slogan that got him to the White House and now is central to his re-election campaign is MAGA : Make America Great Again .
Despite the rhetoric flourish , the term is and was oxymoronic .
A more fitting term is `` Making America Gaga . ''
Gaga is a non-technical term referring not to the entertainer but to a condition that is often delusional , irrational and disconnected from reality .
The symptoms do not require an MRI or other expensive medical tests and are readily observable .
Surprisingly , this is a bipartisan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as , to many outside observers , the two parties have collectively lost both souls and minds .
The president has some good instincts .
The United States needed to extricate itself from two losing wars .
So while drawing down from Afghanistan , forces were greatly increased in the Persian Gulf to little effect .
Why ?
That is Gaga .
The president wanted better relations with Russia .
Yet he abrogated the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty and probably will do the same for New START , possibly beginning a new arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president wanted to deny Iran nuclear weapons in perpetuity .
Yet he abrogated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that would have achieved that aim while imposing a campaign of maximum pressure on Tehran to force either regime change or negotiations .
Neither is likely .
That is Gaga .
The president wanted to redress China 's unfair trade practices and theft of intellectual property .
Yet he withdrew from the best tool he had to restrain Beijing , The Trans-Pacific Partnership .
That is Gaga .
With the onset of coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become politicized ?
That is Gaga .
The president refuses to wear a protective mask , take prophylactic drugs the Food and Drug Administration advises are potentially dangerous and dismisses scientific and medical advice .
That is Gaga .
Congress is no better .
The Democratic House impeached the president on charges that were not `` high crimes or misdemeanors . ''
That is Gaga .
As the Democratic Party lurched far left , it embraced the Green New Deal , moving to zero carbon emissions at the cost of many trillions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is Gaga .
After the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the knee of a policeman , a number of Democrats demanded it was time `` to defund police . ''
While the meaning of defund is unclear , some Democrats take that to an extreme .
In Seattle , Black Lives Matter seized part of the city , declaring a `` no-police , autonomous zone . ''
Does defund mean getting rid of the FBI and the national law enforcement agencies ?
Does it mean eliminating state and county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence against minorities ?
You dial 911 .
A voice message replies , `` Our offices are closed .
Please call tomorrow . ''
Traffic breaks down .
A mass shooting breaks out in a school , shopping mall or other large public venue .
Looting breaks out .
Who responds ?
That is Gaga .
The president continues to refuse to recognize that kneeling during the national anthem reflected protests against the injustices and violence committed against black people by police and vigilantes and not disrespect toward the flag .
Flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other side does not accept the importance and symbolism of the flag to millions of Americans .
The failure to understand these genuine differences is Gaga .
Now that the nation is `` reopening , '' too many Americans are acting as if the pandemic is over .
A majority seem not to be taking preventive action by wearing masks and practicing `` social distancing . ''
That is Gaga .
That the president is holding a huge rally in Tulsa , Okla. , on Saturday .
That is Gaga .
Regarding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get 40 to 42 percent of the vote .
Yet in this intractably polarized political environment , Trump could win .
That is Gaga .
The presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden suffers from foot in mouth disease with his frequently confused statements .
Some believe he is Gaga .
Trump will certainly make that diagnosis part of his campaign .
But the greater threat of Gaga is to the Constitution 's checks and balances .
The appointed leadership of the executive branch appears more loyal to Trump than to the Constitution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge the president .
The House has become emotionally obstructive .
With the 300 Trump-appointed federal judges , how will they administer the law ?
Electing a president in 2020 by a 5-4 Supreme Court as occurred in 2000 could irreversibly divide the country .
That is Gaga .
The reality , danger and fear is that , like COVID-19 so far , Gaga has no cure .
Harlan Ullman is UPI 's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist , senior adviser at the Atlantic Council and author of the upcoming book , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Friended or Fought in a MAD-Driven Age . ''

President Donald Trump wanted to redress China’s unfair trade practices and theft of intellectual property. Yet he withdrew from the best tool he had to restrain Beijing, The Trans-Pacific Partnership. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Donald Trump's marquis four-letter slogan that got him to the White House and now is central to his re-election campaign is MAGA: Make America Great Again. Despite the rhetoric flourish, the term is and was oxymoronic. A more fitting term is "Making America Gaga." Gaga is a non-technical term referring not to the entertainer but to a condition that is often delusional, irrational and disconnected from reality. The symptoms do not require an MRI or other expensive medical tests and are readily observable. Advertisement
Surprisingly, this is a bipartisan, Republican and Democratic malaise made worse as, to many outside observers, the two parties have collectively lost both souls and minds.
The president has some good instincts. The United States needed to extricate itself from two losing wars. So while drawing down from Afghanistan, forces were greatly increased in the Persian Gulf to little effect. Why? That is Gaga.
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The president wanted better relations with Russia. Yet he abrogated the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty and probably will do the same for New START, possibly beginning a new arms race. That is Gaga.
The president wanted to deny Iran nuclear weapons in perpetuity. Yet he abrogated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that would have achieved that aim while imposing a campaign of maximum pressure on Tehran to force either regime change or negotiations. Neither is likely. That is Gaga.
The president wanted to redress China's unfair trade practices and theft of intellectual property. Yet he withdrew from the best tool he had to restrain Beijing, The Trans-Pacific Partnership. That is Gaga.
With the onset of coronavirus, how is it possible a pandemic could become politicized? That is Gaga.
The president refuses to wear a protective mask, take prophylactic drugs the Food and Drug Administration advises are potentially dangerous and dismisses scientific and medical advice. That is Gaga.
Congress is no better. The Democratic House impeached the president on charges that were not "high crimes or misdemeanors." That is Gaga.
As the Democratic Party lurched far left, it embraced the Green New Deal, moving to zero carbon emissions at the cost of many trillions of dollars -- financially unaffordable and politically unachievable. That is Gaga.
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After the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the knee of a policeman, a number of Democrats demanded it was time "to defund police." While the meaning of defund is unclear, some Democrats take that to an extreme. In Seattle, Black Lives Matter seized part of the city, declaring a "no-police, autonomous zone."
Does defund mean getting rid of the FBI and the national law enforcement agencies? Does it mean eliminating state and county police? Are city police redundant because of violence against minorities?
You dial 911. A voice message replies, "Our offices are closed. Please call tomorrow." Traffic breaks down. A mass shooting breaks out in a school, shopping mall or other large public venue. Looting breaks out. Who responds? That is Gaga.
The president continues to refuse to recognize that kneeling during the national anthem reflected protests against the injustices and violence committed against African Americans by police and vigilantes and not disrespect toward the flag. Flag burning is free speech. But the other side does not accept the importance and symbolism of the flag to millions of Americans.
The failure to understand these genuine differences is Gaga.
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Now that the nation is "reopening," too many Americans are acting as if the pandemic is over. A majority seem not to be taking preventive action by wearing masks and practicing "social distancing." That is Gaga.
That the president is holding a huge rally in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday. That is Gaga.
Regarding the November election, Trump will be lucky to get 40 to 42 percent of the vote. Yet in this intractably polarized political environment, Trump could win. That is Gaga.
The presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden suffers from foot in mouth disease with his frequently confused statements. Some believe he is Gaga. Trump will certainly make that diagnosis part of his campaign.
But the greater threat of Gaga is to the Constitution's checks and balances. The appointed leadership of the executive branch appears more loyal to Trump than to the Constitution. Fifty-one of 53 Republican senators will not challenge the president. The House has become emotionally obstructive.
With the 300 Trump-appointed federal judges, how will they administer the law? Electing a president in 2020 by a 5-4 Supreme Court as occurred in 2000 could irreversibly divide the country. That is Gaga.
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The reality, danger and fear is that, like COVID-19 so far, Gaga has no cure.
Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist, senior adviser at the Atlantic Council and author of the upcoming book, "The Fifth Horseman: To Be Feared, Friended or Fought in a MAD-Driven Age."


upi--2020-06-17--EU launches two Apple anti-trust investigations

June 17 ( UPI ) -- The European Commission said it is investigating U.S. tech giant Apple over worries its Apple Pay and iOS App Store services stifle competition .
The European Commission announced the two antitrust investigations separately on Tuesday after mounting criticism from Apple 's competitors , such as Spotify .
Concerning the iOS App Store investigation , the commission said it has concerns over Apple 's rule mandating app developers to use its in-app purchase system for when users make purchases at a cost of 30 percent commission .
The other issue is the restriction barring developers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often cheaper ways to buy their products and services .
`` Apple sets the rules for the distribution of apps to users of iPhones and iPads , '' said Margrethe Vestager , executive vice-president in charge of competition policy at the European Commission .
`` It appears that Apple obtained a 'gatekeeper ' role when it comes to the distribution of apps and content to users of Apple 's popular devices .
We need to ensure that Apple 's rules do not distort competition in markets where Apple is competing with other app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streaming service , Apple Music , or with Apple Books . ''
The investigation follows Spotify , a competitor of Appel Music , filing a complaint in March of last year against the two rules , and a preliminary investigation raised concerns that Apple 's restrictions `` may distort competition for music streaming services on Apple 's devices , '' the commission said .
These issues have forced Apple 's competitors to either disable the in-app subscription possibility or to raise their prices in the app , passing on Apple 's fee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , an unnamed e-book and audiobook distributor also filed a complaint with the commission against Apple citing similar concerns as Spotify .
The second investigation concerns Apple 's proprietary mobile payment application on Apple devices and whether its terms limit competition .
The commission said it will look into the issue that Apple Pay is the only payment option that may use the so-called tap-and-go technology on iPhone and iPads as well as complaints from rival services that say they are restricted from selling specific products through Apple Pay .
Vestager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are turning to mobile payment solutions for both in-person and online purchases , but Apple appears to set the conditions on how merchants can use this service in both methods .
`` It is important that Apple 's measures do not deny consumers the benefits of new payment technologies , including better choice , quality , innovation and competitive prices , '' Vestager said .
Apple responded that it follows the law and chastised the EU for `` advancing baseless complaints from a handful of companies who simply want a free ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same rules as everyone else . ''
`` We want to maintain a level playing field where anyone with determination and a great idea can succeed , '' Apple said in a statement .
`` At the end of the day , our goal is simple : for our customers to have access to the best app or service of their choice , in a safe and secure environment .
We welcome the opportunity to show the European Commission all we 've done to make that goal a reality . ''

June 17 (UPI) -- The European Commission said it is investigating U.S. tech giant Apple over worries its Apple Pay and iOS App Store services stifle competition.
The European Commission announced the two antitrust investigations separately on Tuesday after mounting criticism from Apple's competitors, such as Spotify.
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Concerning the iOS App Store investigation, the commission said it has concerns over Apple's rule mandating app developers to use its in-app purchase system for when users make purchases at a cost of 30 percent commission. The other issue is the restriction barring developers from informing users through the app of often cheaper ways to buy their products and services.
"Apple sets the rules for the distribution of apps to users of iPhones and iPads," said Margrethe Vestager, executive vice-president in charge of competition policy at the European Commission. "It appears that Apple obtained a 'gatekeeper' role when it comes to the distribution of apps and content to users of Apple's popular devices. We need to ensure that Apple's rules do not distort competition in markets where Apple is competing with other app developers, for example with its music streaming service, Apple Music, or with Apple Books."
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The investigation follows Spotify, a competitor of Appel Music, filing a complaint in March of last year against the two rules, and a preliminary investigation raised concerns that Apple's restrictions "may distort competition for music streaming services on Apple's devices," the commission said.
These issues have forced Apple's competitors to either disable the in-app subscription possibility or to raise their prices in the app, passing on Apple's fee to their consumers, it said.
Earlier this year, an unnamed e-book and audiobook distributor also filed a complaint with the commission against Apple citing similar concerns as Spotify.
The second investigation concerns Apple's proprietary mobile payment application on Apple devices and whether its terms limit competition.
The commission said it will look into the issue that Apple Pay is the only payment option that may use the so-called tap-and-go technology on iPhone and iPads as well as complaints from rival services that say they are restricted from selling specific products through Apple Pay.
Vestager said amid the coronavirus pandemic, more people are turning to mobile payment solutions for both in-person and online purchases, but Apple appears to set the conditions on how merchants can use this service in both methods.
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"It is important that Apple's measures do not deny consumers the benefits of new payment technologies, including better choice, quality, innovation and competitive prices," Vestager said.
Apple responded that it follows the law and chastised the EU for "advancing baseless complaints from a handful of companies who simply want a free ride and don't want to play by the same rules as everyone else."
"We want to maintain a level playing field where anyone with determination and a great idea can succeed," Apple said in a statement. "At the end of the day, our goal is simple: for our customers to have access to the best app or service of their choice, in a safe and secure environment. We welcome the opportunity to show the European Commission all we've done to make that goal a reality."


upi--2020-06-17--Surgeries for lower back pain have similar outcomes, study shows

Patients with lower back problems often worry about how much time they 'll need to recover if they have surgery .
A new study finds similar results for two common minimally invasive spine procedures .
Surgery may be recommended for degenerative conditions of the lower spine , such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis .
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City compared 117 patients who had minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery and 51 who had minimally invasive lumbar spine fusion surgery .
All the procedures were performed by the same orthopedic surgeon .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look at return to activities and discontinuation of narcotic pain medication after single-level lumbar decompression or single-level lumbar spine fusion performed with a minimally invasive technique , '' said senior investigator Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi , a spine surgeon at the hospital .
It took the 117 decompression patients a median of three days before they no longer required narcotic pain medication , and seven days for the 51 spinal fusion patients .
Among patients who drove before their surgery , decompression patients took a median of 14 days to resume driving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in how long they took to return to work , according to the study .
The findings are important because standard open spinal fusion surgery generally requires a much longer recovery and slower return to activities than standard lumbar decompression , Qureshi noted .
`` In our study , all the patients in both groups were able to resume driving and return to work within three weeks of surgery , '' he said in a hospital news release .
`` When you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard open spinal fusion surgery , it 's really striking .
Patients having a standard spinal fusion could take six months or longer for a full recovery , '' Qureshi said .
Degenerative conditions of the lower spine are common causes of pain and disability , and surgery may be considered when initial treatments such as medication and physical therapy do n't provide relief .
Lumbar decompression surgery involves removal of a small section of bone or part of a herniated , or bulging , disc that is pressing on a nerve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which surgeons join two or more vertebrae together , sometimes using screws and connecting rods .
The findings were presented online earlier this year at a virtual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons .
Data and conclusions released at meetings are usually considered preliminary until peer-reviewed for publication in a medical journal .
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on low back pain .

Patients with lower back problems often worry about how much time they'll need to recover if they have surgery. A new study finds similar results for two common minimally invasive spine procedures.
Surgery may be recommended for degenerative conditions of the lower spine, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
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Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City compared 117 patients who had minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery and 51 who had minimally invasive lumbar spine fusion surgery. All the procedures were performed by the same orthopedic surgeon.
"Our study is the first of its kind to look at return to activities and discontinuation of narcotic pain medication after single-level lumbar decompression or single-level lumbar spine fusion performed with a minimally invasive technique," said senior investigator Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi, a spine surgeon at the hospital.
It took the 117 decompression patients a median of three days before they no longer required narcotic pain medication, and seven days for the 51 spinal fusion patients.
Among patients who drove before their surgery, decompression patients took a median of 14 days to resume driving, and 18 days for the fusion patients.
There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in how long they took to return to work, according to the study.
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The findings are important because standard open spinal fusion surgery generally requires a much longer recovery and slower return to activities than standard lumbar decompression, Qureshi noted.
"In our study, all the patients in both groups were able to resume driving and return to work within three weeks of surgery," he said in a hospital news release. "When you compare this time frame to that of standard open spinal fusion surgery, it's really striking. Patients having a standard spinal fusion could take six months or longer for a full recovery," Qureshi said.
Degenerative conditions of the lower spine are common causes of pain and disability, and surgery may be considered when initial treatments such as medication and physical therapy don't provide relief.
Lumbar decompression surgery involves removal of a small section of bone or part of a herniated, or bulging, disc that is pressing on a nerve. Spinal fusion is a more extensive surgery in which surgeons join two or more vertebrae together, sometimes using screws and connecting rods.
The findings were presented online earlier this year at a virtual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Data and conclusions released at meetings are usually considered preliminary until peer-reviewed for publication in a medical journal.
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More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on low back pain.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-17--Former New Mexico candidate Steven Baca arrested after protest shooting

June 17 ( UPI ) -- Police in Albuquerque have arrested a former city council candidate accused of shooting a man when protests against a controversial statue turned violent as demonstrators and an armed militia clashed , officials said .
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller told reporters during a press conference Tuesday that the suspect , 31-year-old Steven Ray Baca , had been `` agitating '' at the protest against a statue of a Spanish conquistador and that he had `` violently '' thrown a woman to the ground before being pursued by protesters .
Video of the incident posted online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from leaving the scene when he allegedly opened fire .
One person was `` seriously injured '' due to the shooting , police chief Mike Geier said .
The shooting followed a peaceful protest during the day that then moved to the statue where a smaller group of demonstrators attempted to tear it down but were confronted by an armed group called the New Mexico Civil Guard .
It is unclear if Baca was a member of the malitia .
Keller said armed groups have been `` interfering '' with peaceful protests nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These groups are often at protests , and they have been for quite some time attempting to prop up white supremacy , trying to intimate those who speaking out and they are armed with weapons , '' he said .
Following the shooting , some 20 guns were detained from four people , Geier said .
Geier blamed the violence Monday night on those who attempted to interfere in the protest .
`` The continued involvement of agitators , whether it is a single individual or a group of vigilantes , resulted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemnation .
The investigation is ongoing and the district attorney 's office will decide if there will be additional charges , he said .
New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham denounced the armed anti-protests as being the cause of the violence .
`` To menace protester , to present an unsanctioned show of unregulated force .
To menace the people of New Mexico with weaponry -- with an implicit threat of violence -- is on its face unacceptable ; that violence did indeed occur is unspeakable , '' she said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' behind the violence `` will be rooted out '' investigated and held accountable , she said .
`` There is absolutely no space in New Mexico for any violence would-be 'militia ' seeking to terrorize New Mexicans , '' she said .
Martin Heinrich , a New Mexico senator , called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the shooting .
`` This is not the first report of heavily armed civilian militias appearing at protests around New Mexico in recent weeks , '' he tweeted .
`` These extremists can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or inflict violence . ''
Keller said the statue of Juan de Onate at the center of the shooting was to be removed as it now posed a risk to public safety .
The protest was held as demonstrators throughout the country call for the removal of controversial statues and monuments amid protests against inequality and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd , a black man who was killed late last month while in police custody .
Baca , who is the son of a retired Bernalillo County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the city council in 2019 but lost in the six-way race , the Albuquerque Journal reported .

June 17 (UPI) -- Police in Albuquerque have arrested a former city council candidate accused of shooting a man when protests against a controversial statue turned violent as demonstrators and an armed militia clashed, officials said.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller told reporters during a press conference Tuesday that the suspect, 31-year-old Steven Ray Baca, had been "agitating" at the protest against a statue of a Spanish conquistador and that he had "violently" thrown a woman to the ground before being pursued by protesters.
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Video of the incident posted online shows protesters attempting to stop the individual from leaving the scene when he allegedly opened fire.
One person was "seriously injured" due to the shooting, police chief Mike Geier said.
The shooting followed a peaceful protest during the day that then moved to the statue where a smaller group of demonstrators attempted to tear it down but were confronted by an armed group called the New Mexico Civil Guard. It is unclear if Baca was a member of the malitia.
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Keller said armed groups have been "interfering" with peaceful protests nationwide and Albuquerque was no exception.
"These groups are often at protests, and they have been for quite some time attempting to prop up white supremacy, trying to intimate those who speaking out and they are armed with weapons," he said.
Following the shooting, some 20 guns were detained from four people, Geier said.
Geier blamed the violence Monday night on those who attempted to interfere in the protest.
"The continued involvement of agitators, whether it is a single individual or a group of vigilantes, resulted in this violence," he said in condemnation.
The investigation is ongoing and the district attorney's office will decide if there will be additional charges, he said.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham denounced the armed anti-protests as being the cause of the violence.
"To menace protester, to present an unsanctioned show of unregulated force. To menace the people of New Mexico with weaponry -- with an implicit threat of violence -- is on its face unacceptable; that violence did indeed occur is unspeakable," she said in a strongly worded statement.
Those "instigators" behind the violence "will be rooted out" investigated and held accountable, she said.
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"There is absolutely no space in New Mexico for any violence would-be 'militia' seeking to terrorize New Mexicans," she said.
Martin Heinrich, a New Mexico senator, called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the shooting.
"This is not the first report of heavily armed civilian militias appearing at protests around New Mexico in recent weeks," he tweeted. "These extremists cannot be allowed to silence peaceful protests or inflict violence."
Keller said the statue of Juan de Onate at the center of the shooting was to be removed as it now posed a risk to public safety.
The protest was held as demonstrators throughout the country call for the removal of controversial statues and monuments amid protests against inequality and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed late last month while in police custody.
Baca, who is the son of a retired Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy, had campaigned to be on the city council in 2019 but lost in the six-way race, the Albuquerque Journal reported.


upi--2020-06-17--Famous birthdays for June 17: Venus Williams, Will Forte

June 17 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- British @ @ @ @ @ founder of Methodism , in 1703 -- John Robert Gregg , inventor of the Gregg @ @ @ @ @ -- Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1943 ( age 77 )

1/2
Venus Williams plays against fellow American Cori Gauff at Wimbledon on July 1. Williams turns 40 on June 17. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
June 17 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- British clergyman John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, in 1703
-- John Robert Gregg, inventor of the Gregg shorthand system, in 1867
-- Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky in 1882
-- Dutch artist M.C. Escher in 1898
-- Author John Hersey in 1914
-- Director Ken Loach in 1936 (age 84)
File Photo by David Silpa/UPI
-- Egyptian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohamed ElBaradei in 1942 (age 78)
-- Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1943 (age 77)
-- Singer Barry Manilow in 1943 (age 77)
-- Musician/songwriter George S. Clinton in 1947 (age 73)
-- Comedian Joe Piscopo in 1951 (age 69)
-- Actor Mark Linn-Baker in 1954 (age 66)
-- Actor Thomas Haden Church in 1960 (age 60)
-- Actor Greg Kinnear in 1963 (age 57)
-- Olympic gold medal speed skater Dan Jansen in 1965 (age 55)
-- Actor Jason Patric in 1966 (age 54)
-- Fashion designer Tory Burch in 1966 (age 54)
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-- Actor Will Forte in 1970 (age 50)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Singer Paulina Rubio in 1971 (age 49)
-- Tennis star Venus Williams in 1980 (age 40)
-- Actor Jodie Whittaker in 1982 (age 38)
-- Actor Arthur Darvill in 1982 (age 38)
-- Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar in 1987 (age 33)
-- Actor KJ Apa in 1997 (age 23)


upi--2020-06-17--On This Day, June 17: Shooting at AME church in Charleston kills 9

On this date in history : In 1885 , the Statue of Liberty , a gift from France to the United States , arrived in New York Harbor .
In 1972 , the Watergate scandal began with the arrest of five burglars inside Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington .
In 1982 , Argentina 's President Leopoldo Galtieri resigned in response to Britain 's victory in the Falkland Islands war .
In 1991 , a coroner in Kentucky exhumed the remains of the 12th U.S. president , Zachary Taylor , to prove or disprove rumors he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing proved he was n't .
In 1994 , former NFL player O.J .
Simpson led California Highway Patrol on a low-speed chase in his white Bronco .
The 90-minute televised chase occurred shortly after he was charged for the murder of his ex-wife , Nicole Brown Simpson , and her friend , Ronald Goldman .
In 2011 , Ayman al-Zawahiri , an Egyptian surgeon and co-founder of al-Qaida , moved up to assume leadership of the terrorist network six weeks after U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden .
In 2015 , Dylann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston , South Carolina , in a mass shooting .
He was sentenced to death in January 2017 .
In 2017 , the USS Fitzgerald Navy destroyer collided with a container ship in the Pacific off the coast of Japan , killing seven U.S. sailors .
In 2019 , Mohamed Morsi , who became Egypt 's first democratically elected president shortly after the Arab Spring only to be deposed a year later , fainted and died during his trial on espionage charges .

1/3
A memorial is erected outside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 19, 2015 in memory of the the nine people killed in a June 17 shooting inside the church. Dylann Roof, 21, was arrested in connection with the shootings. File Photo by Kevin Liles/UPI | License Photo
On this date in history: In 1885, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, arrived in New York Harbor. Advertisement
In 1967, China announced it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.
In 1972, the Watergate scandal began with the arrest of five burglars inside Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington.
In 1982, Argentina's President Leopoldo Galtieri resigned in response to Britain's victory in the Falkland Islands war.
In 1991, a coroner in Kentucky exhumed the remains of the 12th U.S. president, Zachary Taylor, to prove or disprove rumors he was killed by arsenic poisoning. The testing proved he wasn't.
In 1994, former NFL player O.J. Simpson led California Highway Patrol on a low-speed chase in his white Bronco. The 90-minute televised chase occurred shortly after he was charged for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.
File Photo by Myung J. Chun/UPI
In 2011, Ayman al-Zawahiri, an Egyptian surgeon and co-founder of al-Qaida, moved up to assume leadership of the terrorist network six weeks after U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden.
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In 2015, Dylann Roof killed nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in a mass shooting. He was sentenced to death in January 2017.
In 2017, the USS Fitzgerald Navy destroyer collided with a container ship in the Pacific off the coast of Japan, killing seven U.S. sailors.
File Photo by MC2 Christian Senyk/U.S. Navy
In 2019, Mohamed Morsi, who became Egypt's first democratically elected president shortly after the Arab Spring only to be deposed a year later, fainted and died during his trial on espionage charges.


upi--2020-06-17--Cast says Seth Green's 'Crossing Swords' is the laugh we all need

NEW YORK , June 17 ( UPI ) -- Crossing Swords actor-producer Seth Green says he knew the idea of adorable , armless , peg-people toys trying to survive in a Game of Thrones-style world would make for hilarious entertainment .
Created by Green 's Robot Chicken collaborators John Harvatine IV and Tom Root , Crossing Swords is streaming on Hulu .
The stop-motion animated comedy is set in a debauched , medieval kingdom where good-hearted peasant Patrick ( voiced by Nicholas Hoult from The Great ) is beginning his career as a squire .
`` It originally got pitched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adult comedy , '' Green , who lends his voice to the wizard Blinkerquartz , told UPI in a phone interview Monday .
`` There 's something inherently funny about dramatic situations or a very serious type of circumstance and then offsetting it with incredibly silly visuals , '' Green said .
`` All these subjects the characters are talking about -- violence and sex and a feudal landscape and governing the people , medieval times -- it 's all pretty dramatic . ''
Breckin Meyer , the Clueless , Robot Chicken and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father , Glenn , said Crossing Swords mines for humor what might happen after grave or important events take place on screen .
`` When you watch Game of Thrones , after someone dies and his head explodes , you can imagine the cleanup crew afterwards going : 'Oh , man , did he have to explode his head ?
Alright , just get the mop and the sponge , ' '' Meyer said .
`` Crossing Swords is a fun way to jump into that .
What if they continue the conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Josh , Community and Supermansion alum Yvette Nicole Brown signed up to play Sgt .
Meghan , trainer of squires , because it was a rare risque role for her .
`` I like irreverent humor and I love everything Seth Green has ever put his hands on .
I love the idea of getting to be naughty , but it 's not my face , '' she said of hiding behind a cartoon character .
`` Some of the jokes are a little much , even for me , because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a person .
I saw some things , watching these episodes , [ and ] was thinking , 'Why are they showing that ? '
It 's shocking , but , you know , listen , sometimes you 've got to dip a toe in the naughty realm .
It was just fun , '' she said .
Crossing Swords marks Adam Pally 's first foray into adult animated television .
The Mindy Project and Indebted actor plays Patrick 's best friend , Broth .
`` I like to always do different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ library , so this felt like a nice color , '' Pally said , revealing that he sought inspiration in the performances of John Belushi in Animal House and Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High when crafting Broth 's voice .
`` He 's a maniac , but I like that he is really warm and has all the best intentions ; just sometimes the results do n't come out the best , '' Pally said .
Coco and Legally Blonde actress Alanna Ubach , who plays Queen Tulip , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
`` There was n't one thing I did n't love -- every aspect from the simplicity of the pegs to the raunchy dialogue to the fleshed-out characters , these rich story lines , '' she said .
`` Put all the vulgarity aside , this is an amazing feat .
It 's a work of art . ''
`` To get to go into the studio and say swear words and deal with adult content is so much fun , anyway , but they really do it so masterfully and beautifully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who plays Patrick 's sister , Coral , a pirate .
`` We got to tour the studio and see the sound stages and how meticulously each and every moment of the scenes are shot .
It was pretty cool to see it all come together , '' Strong added .
Crossing Swords premiered as many people were either social distancing at home because of the coronavirus pandemic or out protesting for racial equality and police reform .
The show 's cast members hope their animated comedy offers viewers a brief respite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wonderful blessing , '' Brown said , noting that dialogue for animated projects often is recorded a year in advance of when they premiere on TV or in theaters .
`` It just worked out perfectly that we happened to debut right in the middle of this horrific time for our nation and everybody is home and they need a laugh .
So , I 'm honored , '' Brown said .
`` I feel conflicted about it , with everything that 's going on , but I think people need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been much really silly stuff lately .
It 's nice to have something that is just kind of silly , '' Pally said .
`` Comedy usually thrives in these situations , so I 'm hoping that maybe we are kind of coming to that now . ''
Strong -- whose credits include Rugrats , The Powerpuff Girls , Teen Titans , Batman : Arkham and My Little Pony -- said she was grateful to be able to record her lines at home for various projects when most other TV and film productions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` To have the voice-over stuff is such a gift , '' she said .
`` The fact that I already have a studio set up and it 's ready to go has been so lucky .
I , literally , have been working in my pajamas every day . ''
Green acknowledged it is easier for artists with voice-over roles and the ability to do their jobs remotely to stay safe during the global health crisis than it is for those working on live-action film and television sets where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I also feel like entertainers and artists , as a whole , are consistently adapting to how best to serve their audience , how best to express their ideas , '' he added .
`` That has been an exciting thing , even though there is some frustration or learning curves around it .
It has been exciting and encouraging to see the whole community come together and say , 'Alright how are we going to do this ? '
''

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Seth Green's new animated comedy, "Crossing Swords," is now streaming on Hulu. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
NEW YORK, June 17 (UPI) -- Crossing Swords actor-producer Seth Green says he knew the idea of adorable, armless, peg-people toys trying to survive in a Game of Thrones-style world would make for hilarious entertainment. Created by Green's Robot Chicken collaborators John Harvatine IV and Tom Root, Crossing Swords is streaming on Hulu. The stop-motion animated comedy is set in a debauched, medieval kingdom where good-hearted peasant Patrick (voiced by Nicholas Hoult from The Great) is beginning his career as a squire. Advertisement
"It originally got pitched as these tiny little characters doing very adult comedy," Green, who lends his voice to the wizard Blinkerquartz, told UPI in a phone interview Monday.
"There's something inherently funny about dramatic situations or a very serious type of circumstance and then offsetting it with incredibly silly visuals," Green said. "All these subjects the characters are talking about -- violence and sex and a feudal landscape and governing the people, medieval times -- it's all pretty dramatic."
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Breckin Meyer, the Clueless, Robot Chicken and Designated Survivor actor who plays Patrick's father, Glenn, said Crossing Swords mines for humor what might happen after grave or important events take place on screen.
"When you watch Game of Thrones, after someone dies and his head explodes, you can imagine the cleanup crew afterwards going: 'Oh, man, did he have to explode his head? Alright, just get the mop and the sponge,'" Meyer said. "Crossing Swords is a fun way to jump into that. What if they continue the conversation after the destructive battle?"
Drake & Josh, Community and Supermansion alum Yvette Nicole Brown signed up to play Sgt. Meghan, trainer of squires, because it was a rare risque role for her.
"I like irreverent humor and I love everything Seth Green has ever put his hands on. I love the idea of getting to be naughty, but it's not my face," she said of hiding behind a cartoon character.
"Some of the jokes are a little much, even for me, because I'm PG-13, as a rule, as a person. I saw some things, watching these episodes, [and] was thinking, 'Why are they showing that?' It's shocking, but, you know, listen, sometimes you've got to dip a toe in the naughty realm. It was just fun," she said.
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Crossing Swords marks Adam Pally's first foray into adult animated television. The Mindy Project and Indebted actor plays Patrick's best friend, Broth.
"I like to always do different things and have different tones in my library, so this felt like a nice color," Pally said, revealing that he sought inspiration in the performances of John Belushi in Animal House and Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High when crafting Broth's voice.
"He's a maniac, but I like that he is really warm and has all the best intentions; just sometimes the results don't come out the best," Pally said.
Coco and Legally Blonde actress Alanna Ubach, who plays Queen Tulip, said every aspect of Crossing Swords appealed to her.
"There wasn't one thing I didn't love -- every aspect from the simplicity of the pegs to the raunchy dialogue to the fleshed-out characters, these rich story lines," she said. "Put all the vulgarity aside, this is an amazing feat. It's a work of art."
"To get to go into the studio and say swear words and deal with adult content is so much fun, anyway, but they really do it so masterfully and beautifully," said voice-over legend Tara Strong, who plays Patrick's sister, Coral, a pirate.
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"We got to tour the studio and see the sound stages and how meticulously each and every moment of the scenes are shot. It was pretty cool to see it all come together," Strong added.
Crossing Swords premiered as many people were either social distancing at home because of the coronavirus pandemic or out protesting for racial equality and police reform.
The show's cast members hope their animated comedy offers viewers a brief respite from reality.
"It has been a wonderful blessing," Brown said, noting that dialogue for animated projects often is recorded a year in advance of when they premiere on TV or in theaters.
"It just worked out perfectly that we happened to debut right in the middle of this horrific time for our nation and everybody is home and they need a laugh. So, I'm honored," Brown said.
"I feel conflicted about it, with everything that's going on, but I think people need to laugh and I think there hasn't been much really silly stuff lately. It's nice to have something that is just kind of silly," Pally said. "Comedy usually thrives in these situations, so I'm hoping that maybe we are kind of coming to that now."
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Strong -- whose credits include Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, Teen Titans, Batman: Arkham and My Little Pony -- said she was grateful to be able to record her lines at home for various projects when most other TV and film productions were shut for months because of the pandemic.
"To have the voice-over stuff is such a gift," she said. "The fact that I already have a studio set up and it's ready to go has been so lucky. I, literally, have been working in my pajamas every day."
Green acknowledged it is easier for artists with voice-over roles and the ability to do their jobs remotely to stay safe during the global health crisis than it is for those working on live-action film and television sets where they interact with many different people.
"I also feel like entertainers and artists, as a whole, are consistently adapting to how best to serve their audience, how best to express their ideas," he added.
"That has been an exciting thing, even though there is some frustration or learning curves around it. It has been exciting and encouraging to see the whole community come together and say, 'Alright how are we going to do this?'"


upi--2020-06-17--New blood test may improve liver cancer screening

An experimental blood test may improve screening for the most common form of liver cancer , researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute say .
The test checks people for previous exposure to certain viruses that may interact with the immune system and increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma , or HCC , according to their new study .
`` Together with existing screening tests , the new test could play an important role in screening people who are at risk for developing HCC .
It could help doctors find and treat HCC early , '' said study leader Xin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center for Cancer Research liver cancer program .
`` The method is relatively simple and inexpensive , and it only requires a small blood sample , '' he said in an institute news release .
Many screening tests detect features of cancer cells , but those features can change over time , and not all cancer cells in a tumor have the same characteristics , the authors noted .
Rather than focus on cells , the new test detects features of the cancer 's environment -- signs left behind by past viruses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , or cirrhosis of the liver are among the factors that increase the risk of HCC .
It 's recommended that people with risk factors get screened for HCC every six months , undergoing an ultrasound with or without a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein .
If HCC is caught early , there 's a much better chance that it can be cured .
But most patients are diagnosed when the cancer is advanced and often incurable .
`` We need a better way to identify people who have the highest risk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently , '' Wang said .
Improving early detection and monitoring of HCC are particularly important because HCC rates are rising in the United States .
The researchers are continuing to study their blood test and plan to assess it in clinical trials .
The study was published June 10 in the journal Cell .
The American Cancer Society has more on liver cancer .

An experimental blood test may improve screening for the most common form of liver cancer, researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute say.
The test checks people for previous exposure to certain viruses that may interact with the immune system and increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC, according to their new study.
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"Together with existing screening tests, the new test could play an important role in screening people who are at risk for developing HCC. It could help doctors find and treat HCC early," said study leader Xin Wei Wang, co-leader of the NCI Center for Cancer Research liver cancer program.
"The method is relatively simple and inexpensive, and it only requires a small blood sample," he said in an institute news release.
Many screening tests detect features of cancer cells, but those features can change over time, and not all cancer cells in a tumor have the same characteristics, the authors noted.
Rather than focus on cells, the new test detects features of the cancer's environment -- signs left behind by past viruses.
Infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, or cirrhosis of the liver are among the factors that increase the risk of HCC. It's recommended that people with risk factors get screened for HCC every six months, undergoing an ultrasound with or without a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein.
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If HCC is caught early, there's a much better chance that it can be cured. But most patients are diagnosed when the cancer is advanced and often incurable.
"We need a better way to identify people who have the highest risk for HCC and who should get screened more frequently," Wang said.
Improving early detection and monitoring of HCC are particularly important because HCC rates are rising in the United States.
The researchers are continuing to study their blood test and plan to assess it in clinical trials.
The study was published June 10 in the journal Cell.
More information
The American Cancer Society has more on liver cancer.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-17--U.S. to sanction Syria to block Bashar al-Assad from military victory

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The United States said it will impose sanctions against Syria on Wednesday to force it to comply with U.N.-led negotiations to end the nearly decade-long civil war .
Kelly Craft , the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations , informed the U.N. Security Council via teleconference on Tuesday that the Trump administration would go forward with the sanctions Wednesday to `` prevent the Assad regime from securing a military victory '' and to steer it and its allies back toward the U.N.-led political peace process .
`` Our aim is to deprive the Assad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has used to commit the large-scale atrocities and human rights violations that prevent a political resolution and severely diminish the prospects for peace , '' she said .
The sanctions will be imposed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 , which goes into effect Wednesday .
Signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in December of last year , the bill targets those who are complicit in human rights abuses in the war-torn country and who financially support the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in order to deny him the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence and destruction , '' the U.S. Embassy in Syria said on the law 's passing .
`` The Assad regime has a clear choice to make : pursue the political path established in Resolution 2245 , '' Craft said , referring to the U.N. plan to establish peace in Syria , `` or leave the United States with no other choice but to continue withholding reconstruction funding and impose sanctions against the regime and its financial backers . ''
U.S. adversaries Russia and China balked at the sanctions , with Vassily Nebenzia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative body , telling the council that the measures are an attempt to oust Assad through building unrest within the country 's citizenry .
The United States recognizes `` sanctions imposed allegedly against the Syrian leadership , in fact , hurt ordinary people , '' he said .
`` This said they confirm that the purpose of these measures is to overthrow the legitimate authorities of Syria . ''
Russia has repeatedly said sanctions not only cripple the country 's economy but hinder humanitarian assistance , he said .
Zhang Hun , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , urged the United States to lift sanctions against Syria , stating they will stymie economic and social development , China 's state-run Xinhua reported .
The U.N. 's special envoy for Syria , Geir Pedersen , warned that international armies in the country and sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union will make it difficult for those in Syria to end the war through negotiations alone .
`` Syria is going through a time of great flux , '' Pedersen said .
`` Nobody involved in the conflict should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nobody should be sure that there will be better openings down the road . ''
More than 380,000 people have been killed during the nine-year civil war , according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , which is a Britain-based human rights monitor of the conflict .

The United States said it will impose sanctions on Wednesday against Syria to prevent Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (C) from gaining resources to continue the country's civil war. Photo by EPA-EFE/SANA
June 16 (UPI) -- The United States said it will impose sanctions against Syria on Wednesday to force it to comply with U.N.-led negotiations to end the nearly decade-long civil war. Kelly Craft, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, informed the U.N. Security Council via teleconference on Tuesday that the Trump administration would go forward with the sanctions Wednesday to "prevent the Assad regime from securing a military victory" and to steer it and its allies back toward the U.N.-led political peace process. Advertisement
"Our aim is to deprive the Assad regime of the revenue and the support it has used to commit the large-scale atrocities and human rights violations that prevent a political resolution and severely diminish the prospects for peace," she said.
The sanctions will be imposed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, which goes into effect Wednesday. Signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in December of last year, the bill targets those who are complicit in human rights abuses in the war-torn country and who financially support the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in order to deny him the means to continue "his campaign of violence and destruction," the U.S. Embassy in Syria said on the law's passing.
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"The Assad regime has a clear choice to make: pursue the political path established in Resolution 2245," Craft said, referring to the U.N. plan to establish peace in Syria, "or leave the United States with no other choice but to continue withholding reconstruction funding and impose sanctions against the regime and its financial backers."
U.S. adversaries Russia and China balked at the sanctions, with Vassily Nebenzia, the Kremlin's representative at the legislative body, telling the council that the measures are an attempt to oust Assad through building unrest within the country's citizenry.
The United States recognizes "sanctions imposed allegedly against the Syrian leadership, in fact, hurt ordinary people," he said. "This said they confirm that the purpose of these measures is to overthrow the legitimate authorities of Syria."
Russia has repeatedly said sanctions not only cripple the country's economy but hinder humanitarian assistance, he said.
Zhang Hun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, urged the United States to lift sanctions against Syria, stating they will stymie economic and social development, China's state-run Xinhua reported.
The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, warned that international armies in the country and sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union will make it difficult for those in Syria to end the war through negotiations alone.
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"Syria is going through a time of great flux," Pedersen said. "Nobody involved in the conflict should presume that time is on their side. Nobody should be sure that there will be better openings down the road."
More than 380,000 people have been killed during the nine-year civil war, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is a Britain-based human rights monitor of the conflict.


upi--2020-06-16--U.S. sanctions, charges 6 Nigerians with defrauding $6M from Americans online

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The United States on Tuesday blacklisted and charged six Nigerian nationals who blinked some $ 6 million from Americas by posing as either business executives or romantic partners online .
The Treasury Department said the six Nigerian men either targeted U.S. businesses by impersonating executives and requested wire transfers from legitimate corporate accounts or they used dating sites to foster romantic relationships with Americans to request large sums of money under false pretenses .
The six men blacklisted are Richard Uzuh , Micheal Olorunyomi , Alex Ogunshakin , Felix Okpoh , Nnamdi Benson and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the unsealing of scam indictments on Tuesday charging the men with various wire fraud , fraud and identity theft crimes .
The charges are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $ 250,000 .
Two others involved in the scheme -- Adewale Aniyeloye and Onome Ijomone -- earlier entered plea deals and were sentenced in the District of Nebraska to eight years in jail for wire fraud and five years in jail for conspiracy to commit wire fraud , respectively , prosecutors said .
The six men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been added to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber 's Most Wanted list .
`` We will continue coming after you , no matter where you are , '' said Special Agent in Charge Kristi K. Johnson of the Omaha FBI field office .
According to the unsealed indictments , as early as 2015 , Uzhu and Aniyeloye would send spoofed emails that appeared to come from legitimate business executives to company employees requesting wire transfers to bank accounts , some of which resided outside the United States , including in Nigeria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the wire transfer requests were legitimate , would comply with the wire transfer request and wire the money to the location provided in the wiring instructions , '' the indictments said .
Some 70 U.S. companies were defrauded by the men in this scheme , the Federal Bureau of Investigation said .
In another scheme , Ijomone and Olorunyomi would develop romantic relationships with U.S. targets to scam them of their bank account information to funnel funds into their own accounts or they would convince their victims to send them money via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictments , the men would create fake profiles on dating sites to pose as `` individuals looking for love '' or as financial advisors to those fake accounts .
The men would develop relationships with their victims to obtain funds directly or , in some cases , they would direct their victims to their so-called financial advisor `` who would further help convince the romance scam victim about the legitimacy of the proposed transactions , '' the indictments said .
The pair scammed $ 480,000 from two victims , prosecutors said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive order that targets malicious cyber-enabled crimes bars U.S citizens from doing business with them and freezes all of their assets in the United States .
`` Cybercriminals prey on vulnerable Americans and small businesses to deceive and defraud them , '' said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin in a statement .
`` As technological advancement increasingly offers malicious actors tools that can be used for online attacks and schemes , the United States will continue to protect and defend at-risk Americans and businesses . ''
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens Americans to malicious attacks , and that they will work to protect U.S. citizens from becoming victims .
`` The U.S. will not tolerate such gross misuse of technology , '' Pompeo said in a statement .
`` The United States will use all of the tools at our disposal to defend the American people and businesses from malign actors that seek to target them , including cyber-enabled actors who prey on vulnerable Americans and businesses . ''

Richard Uzuh is one of six men believed to be residing in Nigeria wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for scamming Americans of more than $6 million online. Photo courtesy of Federal Bureau of Investigation/ Cyber's Most Wanted
June 16 (UPI) -- The United States on Tuesday blacklisted and charged six Nigerian nationals who bilked some $6 million from Americans by posing as either business executives or romantic partners online. The Treasury Department said the six Nigerian men either targeted U.S. businesses by impersonating executives and requested wire transfers from legitimate corporate accounts or they used dating sites to foster romantic relationships with Americans to request large sums of money under false pretenses. Advertisement
The six men blacklisted are Richard Uzuh, Micheal Olorunyomi, Alex Ogunshakin, Felix Okpoh, Nnamdi Benson and Abiola Kayode.
The Justice Department also announced the unsealing of scam indictments on Tuesday charging the men with various wire fraud, fraud and identity theft crimes. The charges are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.
Two others involved in the scheme -- Adewale Aniyeloye and Onome Ijomone -- earlier entered plea deals and were sentenced in Nebraska to eight years in jail for wire fraud and five years in jail for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, respectively, prosecutors said.
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The six men are believed to be in Nigeria and have been added to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber's Most Wanted list.
"We will continue coming after you, no matter where you are," said Special Agent in Charge Kristi K. Johnson of the Omaha FBI field office.
According to the unsealed indictments, as early as 2015, Uzhu and Aniyeloye would send spoofed emails that appeared to come from legitimate business executives to company employees requesting wire transfers to bank accounts, some of which resided outside the United States, including in Nigeria.
"The business employees, thinking that the wire transfer requests were legitimate, would comply with the wire transfer request and wire the money to the location provided in the wiring instructions," the indictments said.
Some 70 U.S. companies were defrauded by the men in this scheme, the FBI said.
In another scheme, Ijomone and Olorunyomi would develop romantic relationships with U.S. targets to scam them of their bank account information to funnel funds into their own accounts or they would persuade their victims to send them money via wire transfer.
According to the unsealed indictments, the men would create fake profiles on dating sites to pose as "individuals looking for love" or as financial advisers to those fake accounts.
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The men would develop relationships with their victims to obtain funds directly or, in some cases, they would direct their victims to their so-called financial adviser "who would further help convince the romance scam victim about the legitimacy of the proposed transactions," the indictments said.
The pair scammed $480,000 from two victims, prosecutors said.
The sanctions imposed by the Treasury under an executive order that targets malicious cyber-enabled crimes bars U.S citizens from doing business with them and freezes all of their assets in the United States.
"Cybercriminals prey on vulnerable Americans and small businesses to deceive and defraud them," Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement. "As technological advancement increasingly offers malicious actors tools that can be used for online attacks and schemes, the United States will continue to protect and defend at-risk Americans and businesses."
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said technological advancements provide greater interconnectivity but also open Americans to malicious attacks, and that officials will work to protect U.S. citizens from becoming victims.
"The U.S. will not tolerate such gross misuse of technology," Pompeo said in a statement. "The United States will use all of the tools at our disposal to defend the American people and businesses from malign actors that seek to target them, including cyber-enabled actors who prey on vulnerable Americans and businesses."
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