upi--2020-02-10--High testosterone takes different health toll on men, women

High levels of the sex hormone testosterone may trigger different health problems in men and women , a new study reveals .
In women , testosterone may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes , while in men it lowers that risk .
But high levels of testosterone increase the risk for breast and endometrial cancer in women and prostate cancer in men , the researchers reported .
`` Our findings provide unique insights into the disease impacts of testosterone .
In particular , they emphasize the importance of considering men and women separately in studies , as we saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said lead researcher Katherine Ruth , of the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom .
`` Caution is needed in using our results to justify use of testosterone supplements until we can do similar studies of testosterone with other diseases , especially cardiovascular disease , '' Ruth explained in a University of Cambridge news release .
Dr. Joel Zonszein , an emeritus professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City , said there is a `` sweet spot '' of normal values for men and women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and too little is also bad , '' he explained .
`` Testosterone supplementation is widely used in both men and women with normal values with no good evidence of benefit .
Testosterone replacement in truly deficient individuals is something else , '' said Zonszein , who had no role in the study .
For the study , British researchers collected genetic data on more than 425,000 men and women listed in the UK Biobank .
The investigators found more than 2,500 genetic variations associated with levels of testosterone and the protein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The researchers checked their results with analyses of other relevant studies and used a randomization method to see if associations between testosterone and disease are causal .
In women , a high level of testosterone was tied to a 37 percent increased risk for type 2 diabetes and a 51 percent increased risk for polycystic ovary syndrome .
In men , however , a high testosterone level was linked to a 14 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes , the findings showed .
`` The findings in men that higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk of type 2 diabetes is news to me , '' Zonszein said .
`` This needs to be shown by other studies and its mechanism needs to be elucidated . ''
Dr. Minisha Sood , an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City , said that testosterone may not be as protective in women because it converts to estradiol , which is related to the risk for breast cancer .
`` High levels of testosterone in women have also been shown to increase visceral fat , which is linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sood said .
That men with high testosterone are at lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes is likely related to having more lean muscle mass , which improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the likelihood of type 2 diabetes , she said .
But Sood is n't a fan of men using testosterone supplements to ward off diabetes .
`` Testosterone therapy comes with potential risks , including a high red blood cell count and higher rates of high-grade prostate cancer if a man is already predisposed to develop prostate cancer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with type 2 diabetes would benefit more from lifestyle changes to improve testosterone levels , namely , weight loss , healthy diet and exercise .
`` This approach is preferred in that population over testosterone replacement whenever possible , '' Sood said .
The report was published Feb. 10 in the journal Nature Medicine .
Harvard Medical School has more on testosterone .

High levels of the sex hormone testosterone may trigger different health problems in men and women, a new study reveals.
In women, testosterone may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, while in men it lowers that risk. But high levels of testosterone increase the risk for breast and endometrial cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, the researchers reported.
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"Our findings provide unique insights into the disease impacts of testosterone. In particular, they emphasize the importance of considering men and women separately in studies, as we saw opposite effects for testosterone on diabetes," said lead researcher Katherine Ruth, of the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.
"Caution is needed in using our results to justify use of testosterone supplements until we can do similar studies of testosterone with other diseases, especially cardiovascular disease," Ruth explained in a University of Cambridge news release.
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Dr. Joel Zonszein, an emeritus professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, said there is a "sweet spot" of normal values for men and women. "Too much is not good, and too little is also bad," he explained.
"Testosterone supplementation is widely used in both men and women with normal values with no good evidence of benefit. Testosterone replacement in truly deficient individuals is something else," said Zonszein, who had no role in the study.
For the study, British researchers collected genetic data on more than 425,000 men and women listed in the UK Biobank. The investigators found more than 2,500 genetic variations associated with levels of testosterone and the protein that binds it -- sex hormone-binding globulin.
The researchers checked their results with analyses of other relevant studies and used a randomization method to see if associations between testosterone and disease are causal.
In women, a high level of testosterone was tied to a 37 percent increased risk for type 2 diabetes and a 51 percent increased risk for polycystic ovary syndrome.
In men, however, a high testosterone level was linked to a 14 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the findings showed.
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"The findings in men that higher testosterone has a protective effect and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes is news to me," Zonszein said. "This needs to be shown by other studies and its mechanism needs to be elucidated."
Dr. Minisha Sood, an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said that testosterone may not be as protective in women because it converts to estradiol, which is related to the risk for breast cancer.
"High levels of testosterone in women have also been shown to increase visceral fat, which is linked to the components of metabolic syndrome," Sood said.
That men with high testosterone are at lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes is likely related to having more lean muscle mass, which improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, she said.
But Sood isn't a fan of men using testosterone supplements to ward off diabetes.
"Testosterone therapy comes with potential risks, including a high red blood cell count and higher rates of high-grade prostate cancer if a man is already predisposed to develop prostate cancer," she said.
Obese men or those with type 2 diabetes would benefit more from lifestyle changes to improve testosterone levels, namely, weight loss, healthy diet and exercise.
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"This approach is preferred in that population over testosterone replacement whenever possible," Sood said.
The report was published Feb. 10 in the journal Nature Medicine.
More information
Harvard Medical School has more on testosterone.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-10--109 U.S. service members diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after Iran strike

Feb. 10 ( UPI ) -- More than 100 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries after an Iranian missile attack on a military base in Iraq in January , the Pentagon said Monday .
The Department of Defense released a statement on Monday confirming that 109 service members involved in a Jan. 8 missile attack on the al Asad military base in Iraq had been diagnosed with TBI .
Of those injured , 76 have been returned to duty .
`` We are grateful to the efforts of our medical professionals who have worked diligently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our service members , which has enabled nearly 70 percent of those diagnosed to return to duty .
We must continue to address physical and mental health together , '' Pentagon press secretary Alyssa Farah said .
The total increased by 45 from an update in January .
`` Our efforts must address the total picture -- before , during and after any blast exposure or injury , '' Farah said .
`` This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change .
We will continue to provide updates as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles at two Iraqi airbases in early January in retaliation to a U.S. airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani , the commander of Iran 's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Crops .
At the time of the attack , President Donald Trump said in televised remarks that no U.S. soldier was hurt and Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley noted casualties were averted as they received early warning of the strikes .
Secretary of State Mark Esper said their initial reporting at the time was accurate and Milley said that TBI can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to screen for it following the incident .

Feb. 10 (UPI) -- More than 100 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries after an Iranian missile attack on a military base in Iraq in January, the Pentagon said Monday.
The Department of Defense released a statement on Monday confirming that 109 service members involved in a Jan. 8 missile attack on the al Asad military base in Iraq had been diagnosed with TBI.
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Of those injured, 76 have been returned to duty.
"We are grateful to the efforts of our medical professionals who have worked diligently to ensure the appropriate level of care for our service members, which has enabled nearly 70 percent of those diagnosed to return to duty. We must continue to address physical and mental health together," Pentagon press secretary Alyssa Farah said.
The total increased by 45 from an update in January.
"Our efforts must address the total picture -- before, during and after any blast exposure or injury," Farah said. "This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change. We will continue to provide updates as they become available."
Iran launched 16 missiles at two Iraqi airbases in early January in retaliation to a U.S. airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Crops.
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At the time of the attack, President Donald Trump said in televised remarks that no U.S. soldier was hurt and Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley noted casualties were averted as they received early warning of the strikes.
Secretary of State Mark Esper said their initial reporting at the time was accurate and Milley said that TBI can take time to manifest so they continued to screen for it following the incident.


upi--2020-02-10--Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers mutually agree to part ways after 16-year run

Feb. 10 ( UPI ) -- Philip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers mutually agreed to part ways after 16 seasons , allowing the quarterback to enter free agency this off-season .
Rivers and the Chargers jointly announced the news Monday , with general manager Tom Telesco saying the timing of the decision will `` allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020 . ''
`` After stepping back a bit from last season , we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out , assess our future goals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties , '' Telesco said in a statement .
`` As we talked through various scenarios , it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run .
`` We agreed that making this decision well before free agency would allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020 . ''
Rivers , 38 , signaled last month that his time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end when he `` permanently '' moved his family from San Diego to Florida .
Rivers , an eight-time Pro Bowl selection , passed for 4,615 yards with 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions last season .
The 23 passing scores marked his fewest since the 2007 campaign .
`` I am very grateful to the Spanos family and the Chargers organization for the last 16 years , '' Rivers said in a statement .
`` In anything you do , it 's the people you do it with that make it special .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coaches , support staff and teammates that will last forever , and for that I am so thankful .
`` I never took for granted the opportunity to lead this team out on to the field for 235 games .
We had a lot of great moments , beginning in San Diego and then finishing in L.A .
I wish my teammates and coaches nothing but the best moving forward .
I 'm not sure what the future holds , but my family and I look forward to seeing what God has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Giants selected Rivers with the No .
4 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft but traded him to the Chargers in a draft-day deal for Eli Manning .
Rivers went on to set numerous franchise records with the Chargers , and his 123 career wins are ninth most among quarterbacks in league history .
Rivers is sixth in NFL history in career passing yards ( 59,271 ) and touchdown throws ( 397 ) .
He guided the Chargers to the postseason six times in his 14 years as the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the 2007 AFC Championship Game .
Rivers will be one of the top quarterbacks available in a free-agent market that also could include Tom Brady , Drew Brees , Teddy Bridgewater , Jameis Winston and Ryan Tannehill .

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection with the franchise. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Philip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers mutually agreed to part ways after 16 seasons, allowing the quarterback to enter free agency this off-season. Rivers and the Chargers jointly announced the news Monday, with general manager Tom Telesco saying the timing of the decision will "allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020." Advertisement
"After stepping back a bit from last season, we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out, assess our future goals, evaluate the current state of the roster and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties," Telesco said in a statement. "As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run.
"We agreed that making this decision well before free agency would allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020."
Rivers, 38, signaled last month that his time with the Chargers was coming to an end when he "permanently" moved his family from San Diego to Florida.
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Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, passed for 4,615 yards with 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions last season. The 23 passing scores marked his fewest since the 2007 campaign.
"I am very grateful to the Spanos family and the Chargers organization for the last 16 years," Rivers said in a statement. "In anything you do, it's the people you do it with that make it special. There are so many relationships and memories with coaches, support staff and teammates that will last forever, and for that I am so thankful.
"I never took for granted the opportunity to lead this team out on to the field for 235 games. We had a lot of great moments, beginning in San Diego and then finishing in L.A. I wish my teammates and coaches nothing but the best moving forward. I'm not sure what the future holds, but my family and I look forward to seeing what God has planned for us next."
For every ... minicamp practice game throw touchdown win dadgummit memory #ThankYouPhilip pic.twitter.com/4z2yUiuqrA— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) February 10, 2020
The New York Giants selected Rivers with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft but traded him to the Chargers in a draft-day deal for Eli Manning. Rivers went on to set numerous franchise records with the Chargers, and his 123 career wins are ninth most among quarterbacks in league history.
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Rivers is sixth in NFL history in career passing yards (59,271) and touchdown throws (397). He guided the Chargers to the postseason six times in his 14 years as the team's starting quarterback, including a trip to the 2007 AFC Championship Game.
Rivers will be one of the top quarterbacks available in a free-agent market that also could include Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston and Ryan Tannehill.


upi--2020-02-11--Lockheed Martin lands $67.6M deal to upgrade F-16s for Singapore

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $ 67.6 million contract modification to upgrade F-16s @ @ @ @ @ , the Department of Defense announced Thursday .
The deal modifies a contract awarded in @ @ @ @ @ if exercised , would bring the total value of the contract to $ 980.4 million.Upgrades @ @ @ @ @ F-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon fighter jets were approved earlier that year through the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ The aircraft are equipped with with Advanced Medium Range air-to-air missiles linked to a DASH-3 @ @ @ @ @ this contract will be performed in Singapore and at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth @ @ @

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during routine training at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 16, 2020. Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $67.6 million deal to to upgrade F-16s for Singapore's government. Photo by Anthony Hetlage/U.S. Air Force
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $67.6 million contract modification to upgrade F-16s for the government of Singapore, the Department of Defense announced Thursday. The deal modifies a contract awarded in 2015 with options that, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to $980.4 million.Upgrades for 60 of Singapore's F-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon fighter jets were approved earlier that year through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. Advertisement
The aircraft are equipped with with Advanced Medium Range air-to-air missiles linked to a DASH-3 Mounted Sight.
Work on this contract will be performed in Singapore and at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas.


upi--2020-02-11--Seattle Mariners signing veteran OF Carlos Gonzalez to minor league deal

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Seattle Mariners agreed to a minor league contract with former All-Star slugger Carlos Gonzalez on Tuesday , adding depth to the team 's outfield .
League sources told USA Today Sports and MLB Media that Gonzalez agreed to a minor league deal that will pay him $ 750,000 if he makes the Mariners ' major league roster .
The agreement , which has n't been disclosed by the club , is pending a successful physical .
Gonzalez was a three-time All-Star selection and three-time National League Gold Glove Award winner during his 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34-year-old outfielder played with the Rockies through 2018 , when he recorded a .276 batting average with 16 home runs and 64 RBIs in 132 games .
In the 2019 season , Gonzalez signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians and was called up to the majors in mid-April .
He appeared in 30 games with the club before being cut .
Gonzalez signed with the Chicago Cubs in May but lasted only 15 games before being released in late June .
He had a .200 batting average with three homers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the Indians and Cubs last season .
Gonzalez is considered a long shot to make the Mariners ' roster , but the uncertain status of Mitch Haniger has created an opening in right field .
Haniger underwent core muscle surgery at the end of January .
Gonzalez has a career batting average of .285 with 234 home runs and 785 RBIs in his MLB career .

Former Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez was an All-Star with the club in 2012-13 and 2016. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners agreed to a minor league contract with former All-Star slugger Carlos Gonzalez on Tuesday, adding depth to the team's outfield. League sources told USA Today Sports and MLB Media that Gonzalez agreed to a minor league deal that will pay him $750,000 if he makes the Mariners' major league roster. The agreement, which hasn't been disclosed by the club, is pending a successful physical. Advertisement
Gonzalez was a three-time All-Star selection and three-time National League Gold Glove Award winner during his 10 seasons with the Colorado Rockies. The 34-year-old outfielder played with the Rockies through 2018, when he recorded a .276 batting average with 16 home runs and 64 RBIs in 132 games.
In the 2019 season, Gonzalez signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians and was called up to the majors in mid-April. He appeared in 30 games with the club before being cut.
Gonzalez signed with the Chicago Cubs in May but lasted only 15 games before being released in late June. He had a .200 batting average with three homers and 10 RBIs in 166 plate appearances between the Indians and Cubs last season.
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Gonzalez is considered a long shot to make the Mariners' roster, but the uncertain status of Mitch Haniger has created an opening in right field. Haniger underwent core muscle surgery at the end of January.
Gonzalez has a career batting average of .285 with 234 home runs and 785 RBIs in his MLB career.


upi--2020-02-11--Jussie Smollett indicted on six counts of disorderly conduct

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- A Cook County , Ill. , grand jury on Tuesday indicted actor Jussie Smollett on six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly making false reports to police about an assault last year .
The indictment comes after a six-month investigation by special prosecutor Dan Webb .
`` The grand jury 's investigation revealed that Jussie Smollett planned and participated in a staged hate crime attack , and thereafter made numerous false statements to Chicago Police Department officers on multiple occasions , reporting a heinous crime that he , in fact , knew had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Empire cast member told police he was confronted Jan. 29 , 2019 , near his Chicago home by two masked attackers who poured a chemical substance on him , wrapped a rope around his neck and made comments suggesting that he , a gay African American , was unwelcome in the area .
Doubts about Smollett 's story led to the arrest of two men who were allegedly paid to perform a fake attack .
A 16-count indictment against Smollett , which included a charge of felony disorderly conduct in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced to $ 10,000 and community service .
The city later demanded $ 130,160 in a lawsuit for civil penalties , damages and attorney 's fees arising from the incident .
Smollett countersued the city of Chicago in November for malicious prosecution , saying the city filed criminal charges against him `` without probable cause . ''
Webb said the Cook County State 's Attorney 's Office could n't give him evidence to explain why it dropped the 16 charges against Smollett last year .

Jussie Smollett faces six counts of disorderly conduct. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- A Cook County, Ill., grand jury on Tuesday indicted actor Jussie Smollett on six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly making false reports to police about an assault last year. The indictment comes after a six-month investigation by special prosecutor Dan Webb. Advertisement
"The grand jury's investigation revealed that Jussie Smollett planned and participated in a staged hate crime attack, and thereafter made numerous false statements to Chicago Police Department officers on multiple occasions, reporting a heinous crime that he, in fact, knew had not occurred," Webb said.
The former Empire cast member told police he was confronted Jan. 29, 2019, near his Chicago home by two masked attackers who poured a chemical substance on him, wrapped a rope around his neck and made comments suggesting that he, a gay African American, was unwelcome in the area.
Doubts about Smollett's story led to the arrest of two men who were allegedly paid to perform a fake attack. A 16-count indictment against Smollett, which included a charge of felony disorderly conduct in relation to filing a false report, was later reduced to $10,000 and community service. The city later demanded $130,160 in a lawsuit for civil penalties, damages and attorney's fees arising from the incident.
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Smollett countersued the city of Chicago in November for malicious prosecution, saying the city filed criminal charges against him "without probable cause."
Webb said the Cook County State's Attorney's Office couldn't give him evidence to explain why it dropped the 16 charges against Smollett last year.


upi--2020-02-11--Boston Red Sox promote bench coach Ron Roenicke to interim manager

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Boston Red Sox named bench coach Ron Roenicke as the club 's interim manager for the upcoming season , the team announced Tuesday .
The move comes one day before the Red Sox 's first scheduled workout for pitchers and catchers .
Boston entered spring training without a manager after the team parted ways with Alex Cora last month in the wake of Major League Baseball 's investigation into an illegal sign-stealing scheme operated by the Houston Astros .
Cora was the Astros ' bench coach in 2017 .
Red Sox chief baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization used the `` interim '' label out of respect for MLB 's ongoing investigation into alleged sign stealing by the Red Sox in 2018 .
Once the league completes its probe , Roenicke could become the permanent manager .
`` Ron 's extensive coaching and managerial experience , in addition to his familiarity with our players and staff , make him an ideal fit as we prepare for the 2020 season , '' Bloom said in a statement .
`` He has the respect of everyone in the clubhouse , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a positive influence on our entire organization .
`` We are confident that Ron will hit the ground running , and we 're excited to work closely with him as he leads our group forward . ''
Roenicke , 63 , managed the Milwaukee Brewers for five years ( 2011-15 ) and has 21 years of coaching experience in the majors .
After spending time with the Brewers , he served as the third-base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels from 2015 through 2017 .
Roenicke arrived in Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has coordinated the Red Sox 's spring training camp the last two years .
During his tenure with the Brewers , Roenicke tallied a 342-331 record .
His best season came in 2011 , when Milwaukee won the National League Central with a 96-66 record and reached the NL Championship Series .

Former Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke has served as the Boston Red Sox's bench coach since 2018. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox named bench coach Ron Roenicke as the club's interim manager for the upcoming season, the team announced Tuesday. The move comes one day before the Red Sox's first scheduled workout for pitchers and catchers. Boston entered spring training without a manager after the team parted ways with Alex Cora last month in the wake of Major League Baseball's investigation into an illegal sign-stealing scheme operated by the Houston Astros. Cora was the Astros' bench coach in 2017. Advertisement
Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom told reporters Tuesday that the organization used the "interim" label out of respect for MLB's ongoing investigation into alleged sign stealing by the Red Sox in 2018. Once the league completes its probe, Roenicke could become the permanent manager.
"Ron's extensive coaching and managerial experience, in addition to his familiarity with our players and staff, make him an ideal fit as we prepare for the 2020 season," Bloom said in a statement. "He has the respect of everyone in the clubhouse, and the way he carries himself and communicates will be a positive influence on our entire organization.
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"We are confident that Ron will hit the ground running, and we're excited to work closely with him as he leads our group forward."
Congrats to Interim Manager Ron Roenicke! pic.twitter.com/W8I89GRDdw— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 11, 2020
Roenicke, 63, managed the Milwaukee Brewers for five years (2011-15) and has 21 years of coaching experience in the majors. After spending time with the Brewers, he served as the third-base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels from 2015 through 2017.
Roenicke arrived in Boston with Cora before the 2018 campaign. He has coordinated the Red Sox's spring training camp the last two years.
During his tenure with the Brewers, Roenicke tallied a 342-331 record. His best season came in 2011, when Milwaukee won the National League Central with a 96-66 record and reached the NL Championship Series.


upi--2020-02-11--At least 15 Rohingya migrants killed as boat sinks off Bangladesh coast

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- At least 15 people died after a small wooden boat carrying Rohingya Muslim migrants @ @ @ @ @ Bangladesh on Tuesday .
The boat capsized while traveling to Malaysia in the Bay of @ @ @ @ @ of Bangladesh at about 3 a.m. , killing 11 women and four children , Cmdr @ @ @ @ @ Bangladesh navy said .
Authorities in Bangladesh have rescued at least 69 people but passengers @ @ @ @ @ people on board .
Coast guard spokesman Hamidul Islam said the chance of finding survivors @ @ @ @ @ and rescue operations were underway .
The Rohingya are a Muslim minority in predominantly Buddhist @ @ @ @ @ of sanctioned discrimination .
More than 730,000 Rohingya left Myanmar after a military campaign against @ @ @ @ @ since lived in crowded camps on the border of Bangladesh .
Smugglers seeking to offer @ @ @ @ @ which has a Muslim majority population , are commonly found in the refugee camps in @ @

At least 15 people died when a small wooden boat carrying more than 100 Rohingya migrants traveling from Bangladesh to Malaysia capsized and sank on Tuesday. Photo courtesy EPA-EFE
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- At least 15 people died after a small wooden boat carrying Rohingya Muslim migrants sank off the coast of Bangladesh on Tuesday. The boat capsized while traveling to Malaysia in the Bay of Bengal off the southeast coast of Bangladesh at about 3 a.m., killing 11 women and four children, Cmdr. Joynal Abedin of the Bangladesh navy said. Advertisement
Authorities in Bangladesh have rescued at least 69 people but passengers estimated there were about 130 people on board.
Coast guard spokesman Hamidul Islam said the chance of finding survivors is slim, but search and rescue operations were underway.
The Rohingya are a Muslim minority in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar that have faced decades of sanctioned discrimination.
More than 730,000 Rohingya left Myanmar after a military campaign against them in 2017 and have since lived in crowded camps on the border of Bangladesh.
Smugglers seeking to offer illegal journeys to Malaysia, which has a Muslim majority population, are commonly found in the refugee camps in Bangladesh.


upi--2020-02-11--Justice Department lowers Roger Stone sentencing request; prosecutors quit case

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- Hours after the Department of Justice announced plans to lower a sentencing request for former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone on Tuesday , four prosecutors quit the case .
Prosecutors on Monday asked a federal judge to sentence Stone , 67 , to up to nine years in prison for obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election .
President Donald Trump voiced his displeasure over the request Tuesday , calling it `` disgraceful '' in one early-morning tweet , and `` horrible and very unfair '' and a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shortly after the tweets , a senior Justice Department official told CBS News the department was `` shocked '' by the length of the sentencing recommendation .
`` This is not what was briefed to the department , '' the official said .
`` The department believes the recommendation is extreme and excessive and is grossly disproportionate to Stone 's offenses . ''
Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec denied any communication between the White House and the department about the sentencing recommendation , saying department leadership decided to lower the prison term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday evening .
Hours after the Justice Department 's announcement to lower the recommendation , four of the federal prosecutors working on the case , Adam Jed , Jonathan Kravis , Michael Marando and Aaron S.J .
Zelinsky , quit .
Two of them -- Kravis and Zelinsky -- resigned entirely as employees of the U.S. Attorney 's Office in Washington , D.C. Federal prosecutors told a U.S. district court judge in a sentencing memorandum that Stone should be sentenced to seven years to nine years as a `` general deterrence '' due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he knew exactly what he was doing when he committed them .
`` Roger Stone obstructed Congress ' investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election , lied under oath and tampered with a witness , '' the prosecution wrote in the filing .
`` And when his crimes were revealed by the indictment in this case , he displayed contempt for this court and the rule of law .
For that , he should be punished in accord with the advisory guidelines . ''
The memorandum detailed how Stone made `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WikiLeaks , which had published a trove of emails stolen from Trump 's then-political rival , Hillary Clinton .
Stone then told the Congressional committee investigating Russian interference in the election five lies designed to conceal his communications with the Trump campaign about the controversial website .
They also said he tampered with a witness , Randy Credico , for months through `` badgering and threatening Credico 's reputation , friend , life and dog '' to convince him to lie to Congress to prevent it from learning of his communications with WikiLeaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered an order prohibiting Stone from making comments about the case , which he ignored .
Three days after the order was issued , Stone posted an image to Instagram of the presiding judge with crosshairs next to her head with a comment that suggested he was being set up .
He then lied to the court about who published the image .
The filing states Stone should be sentenced for up to nine years as his actions deserve adequate punishment and to deter potential future crimes .
`` Stone 's criminal conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the prosecutors said .
`` He is a man of substantial means , and he has enjoyed a modicum of fame from his years of being a political advisor and confidant to powerful politicians , and from being an author and host of his own political radio show .
Rather , his conduct was undertaken purposefully , by someone who knew exactly what he was doing . ''
Stone is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 20 after it was delayed late last year for his lawyers to arrange his financial situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his lawyers said he should receive no more than 15 months in prison .
Stone was found guilty in November on seven criminal counts , making him the sixth Trump staffer to be convicted on charges related to former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
Trump , speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon , blamed the original sentencing proposal of up to nine years on the federal prosecutors who worked on the Mueller probe .
`` They ought to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think it 's been disgraceful . ''
He declined to comment on whether he 's considering commuting Stone 's sentence .

Roger Stone, a former advisor to President Donald Trump, arrives with his wife Nydia for his trial at the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C., on November 7. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Hours after the Department of Justice announced plans to lower a sentencing request for former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone on Tuesday, four prosecutors quit the case. Prosecutors on Monday asked a federal judge to sentence Stone, 67, to up to nine years in prison for obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Advertisement
President Donald Trump voiced his displeasure over the request Tuesday, calling it "disgraceful" in one early-morning tweet, and "horrible and very unfair" and a "miscarriage of justice" in another tweet.
Shortly after the tweets, a senior Justice Department official told CBS News the department was "shocked" by the length of the sentencing recommendation.
"This is not what was briefed to the department," the official said. "The department believes the recommendation is extreme and excessive and is grossly disproportionate to Stone's offenses."
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Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec denied any communication between the White House and the department about the sentencing recommendation, saying department leadership decided to lower the prison term recommendation after the court filing became available Monday evening.
Hours after the Justice Department's announcement to lower the recommendation, four of the federal prosecutors working on the case, Adam Jed, Jonathan Kravis, Michael Marando and Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, quit. Two of them -- Kravis and Zelinsky -- resigned entirely as employees of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C.
Late Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Trump of having engaged in political interference in the sentencing of Stone.
"It is outrageous that DOJ has deeply damaged the rule of law by withdrawing its recommendation," she said in a statement. "Stepping down of prosecutors should be commended and actions of DOJ should be investigated."
Federal prosecutors told a U.S. district court judge in a sentencing memorandum that Stone should be sentenced to seven years to nine years as a "general deterrence" due to the seriousness of his offenses and that he knew exactly what he was doing when he committed them.
"Roger Stone obstructed Congress' investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, lied under oath and tampered with a witness," the prosecution wrote in the filing. "And when his crimes were revealed by the indictment in this case, he displayed contempt for this court and the rule of law. For that, he should be punished in accord with the advisory guidelines."
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The memorandum detailed how Stone made "repeated efforts" to obtain information from WikiLeaks, which had published a trove of emails stolen from Trump's then-political rival, Hillary Clinton. Stone then told the Congressional committee investigating Russian interference in the election five lies designed to conceal his communications with the Trump campaign about the controversial website.
They also said he tampered with a witness, Randy Credico, for months through "badgering and threatening Credico's reputation, friend, life and dog" to convince him to lie to Congress to prevent it from learning of his communications with WikiLeaks.
Following being indicted, the court entered an order prohibiting Stone from making comments about the case, which he ignored.
Three days after the order was issued, Stone posted an image to Instagram of the presiding judge with crosshairs next to her head with a comment that suggested he was being set up. He then lied to the court about who published the image.
The filing states Stone should be sentenced for up to nine years as his actions deserve adequate punishment and to deter potential future crimes.
"Stone's criminal conduct was not an act of desperation," the prosecutors said. "He is a man of substantial means, and he has enjoyed a modicum of fame from his years of being a political advisor and confidant to powerful politicians, and from being an author and host of his own political radio show. Rather, his conduct was undertaken purposefully, by someone who knew exactly what he was doing."
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Stone is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 20 after it was delayed late last year for his lawyers to arrange his financial situation.
In Stone's sentencing memorandum, his lawyers said he should receive no more than 15 months in prison.
Stone was found guilty in November on seven criminal counts, making him the sixth Trump staffer to be convicted on charges related to former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon, blamed the original sentencing proposal of up to nine years on the federal prosecutors who worked on the Mueller probe.
"They ought to be ashamed of themselves," he said. "I think it's been disgraceful."
He declined to comment on whether he's considering commuting Stone's sentence.


upi--2020-02-11--Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas rejects U.S. peace plan at U.N. Security Council meeting

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that although he rejects the United States ' proposed Mideast peace plan , he 's willing to negotiate with Israel under certain circumstances .
Abbas reiterated his criticisms of the Trump administration plan , which proposes separate Israeli and Palestinian states and allows Israel to annex territory in the West Bank it occupied after the 1967 Six-Day War .
The Palestinians and the United Nations consider the occupation , and the building of Jewish settlements there , to be illegal , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state be mapped out along pre-1967 lines with Jerusalem as its capital .
Palestinian leaders also rejected the plan because they were n't involved in drawing up the proposal .
`` I came to all of you today to affirm the Palestinian position which rejects the American-Israeli deal , '' Abbas told the council Tuesday at U.N. headquarters in New York City .
`` It legalized what is illegal : settlement building and confiscation and annexation of Palestinian lands , '' he added .
`` I affirm , here , that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it not be considered an international reference for negations . ''
At an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo this month , Abbas announced plans to cut ties with the United States and Israel and the league unanimously adopted a resolution rejected the peace plan .
The Arab League 's closing statement said the U.S. plan contradicts peace process principles and U.N. resolutions .
Before the Security Council Tuesday , Abbas described the U.S.-Israeli vision of a future state of Palestine as `` Swiss cheese '' because it `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` This deal carries within it dictates , reinforcement of the occupation , annexation by military force and anchoring of an apartheid system , '' he said .
Abbas did say he would welcome negotiations with the Quartet , a group including the United States , Russia , United Nations and the European Union .
`` I am serious about what I say .
I am prepared to stay here in the headquarters of international legitimacy to begin these negotiations immediately , '' he said .
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Middle East in recent months .
`` This volatile context only underscores the need for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict , which has lasted for far too long , and which remains crucial to sustainable peace in the Middle East , '' he said .
`` I reiterate my full personal commitment -- and the commitment of the United Nations -- to supporting the parties in their efforts to achieve a two-state solution . ''

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Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas raises a poster that shows change in Palestinian territory in an address Tuesday to the U.N. Security Council at U.N. headquarters in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that although he rejects the United States' proposed Mideast peace plan, he's willing to negotiate with Israel under certain circumstances. Abbas reiterated his criticisms of the Trump administration plan, which proposes separate Israeli and Palestinian states and allows Israel to annex territory in the West Bank it occupied after the 1967 Six-Day War. The Palestinians and the United Nations consider the occupation, and the building of Jewish settlements there, to be illegal, and Palestinians have long demanded that any future state be mapped out along pre-1967 lines with Jerusalem as its capital. Advertisement
Palestinian leaders also rejected the plan because they weren't involved in drawing up the proposal.
"I came to all of you today to affirm the Palestinian position which rejects the American-Israeli deal," Abbas told the council Tuesday at U.N. headquarters in New York City.
"It legalized what is illegal: settlement building and confiscation and annexation of Palestinian lands," he added. "I affirm, here, that it is necessary that this deal or any part of it not be considered an international reference for negations."
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At an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo this month, Abbas announced plans to cut ties with the United States and Israel and the league unanimously adopted a resolution rejected the peace plan. The Arab League's closing statement said the U.S. plan contradicts peace process principles and U.N. resolutions.
Before the Security Council Tuesday, Abbas described the U.S.-Israeli vision of a future state of Palestine as "Swiss cheese" because it "transforms our homeland into fragmented residential encampments."
"This deal carries within it dictates, reinforcement of the occupation, annexation by military force and anchoring of an apartheid system," he said.
Abbas did say he would welcome negotiations with the Quartet, a group including the United States, Russia, United Nations and the European Union.
"I am serious about what I say. I am prepared to stay here in the headquarters of international legitimacy to begin these negotiations immediately," he said.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted a growing tension and re-escalation of violence in the Middle East in recent months.
"This volatile context only underscores the need for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has lasted for far too long, and which remains crucial to sustainable peace in the Middle East," he said. "I reiterate my full personal commitment -- and the commitment of the United Nations -- to supporting the parties in their efforts to achieve a two-state solution."


upi--2020-02-11--Americans quarantined in California for coronavirus to be released

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- The 195 Americans quarantined at a California military base following their evacuation from China after the coronavirus outbreak are scheduled to be released , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said Tuesday .
The quarantined , mostly State Department employees and their families , have been housed at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside , Calif. since late January .
They will be allowed to return to their homes Tuesday .
`` Today is the 14th day of the quarantine of the individuals who were on the first charter flight returning from Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure they remain symptom-free , '' Anne Schuchat , principal deputy director of the CDC , said during a press briefing .
In all , the State Department has evacuated more than 800 American citizens from Wuhan , ground zero for the Covid-19 outbreak , as well as surrounding areas in Hubei province , since the outbreak began in earnest in January .
Most of them have been quarantined at military bases across the country .
Although 13 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the United States to date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantined at March .
All but two of the confirmed cases involved people who had recently traveled to China .
The mandatory quarantine of the Hubei evacuees was the first time the CDC had enacted the measure in more than 50 years .
However , Schuchat said Tuesday that the quarantines and travel restrictions imposed have `` slowed the arrival of this virus '' into the United States .
Among the travel restrictions were those in place by American Airlines .
The company suspended all flights to and from mainland China and Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions Tuesday , suspending flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport to mainland China , and from LAX to Hong Kong International Airport through April 24 .
Suspension of flights from DFW to Hong Kong also was extended through April 23 .

Passengers are taken off of the Kalitta Air Boeing 747-400 freighter and shuttled onto waiting busses at the March Air Reserve Base carrying 195 American evacuees in Riverside, California, on January 29, 2020. All 195 people evacuees, quarantined at the base since their arrival, will be released Tuesday, CDC officials said. Photo by Etienne Laurent/EPA-EFE
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The 195 Americans quarantined at a California military base following their evacuation from China after the coronavirus outbreak are scheduled to be released, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said Tuesday. The quarantined, mostly State Department employees and their families, have been housed at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif. since late January. They will be allowed to return to their homes Tuesday. Advertisement
"Today is the 14th day of the quarantine of the individuals who were on the first charter flight returning from Wuhan province and they are currently being assessed to make sure they remain symptom-free," Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the CDC, said during a press briefing.
In all, the State Department has evacuated more than 800 American citizens from Wuhan, ground zero for the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as surrounding areas in Hubei province, since the outbreak began in earnest in January. Most of them have been quarantined at military bases across the country.
Although 13 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the United States to date, none of them was among the 195 quarantined at March. All but two of the confirmed cases involved people who had recently traveled to China.
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The mandatory quarantine of the Hubei evacuees was the first time the CDC had enacted the measure in more than 50 years. However, Schuchat said Tuesday that the quarantines and travel restrictions imposed have "slowed the arrival of this virus" into the United States.
Among the travel restrictions were those in place by American Airlines. The company suspended all flights to and from mainland China and Hong Kong last month.
The airline extended the restrictions Tuesday, suspending flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport to mainland China, and from LAX to Hong Kong International Airport through April 24. Suspension of flights from DFW to Hong Kong also was extended through April 23.


upi--2020-02-11--U.S. approves $1.9B deal to sell air defense system to India

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- The State Department has approved potential sale of an integrated air defense weapon system to India for an estimated cost of $ 1.867 billion , according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency .
According to the DCSA , India 's government requested an air defense system including five AN/MPQ-64FI Sentinel radar systems , 118 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles , AMRAAM guidance and control sections and 134 Stinger FIM-92L missiles .
India 's request also includes 32 M4A1 rifles , 41,322 M855 5.56mm cartridges as well as fire distribution centers and electrical optical/infrared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentation , training and maintenance and infrastructure improvement .
According to DSCA , the principal contractors for this program are Raytheon and Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace .
The United States will send 60 government or contractor representatives to India for six weeks for training and technical and logistics support to implement the sale .
`` India intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces , and to expand its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack , '' DSCA said in a press release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India , the U.S. , and other allies .
India will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces . ''
In 2018 India expressed interest in acquiring an updated missile shield system to defend against military or 9/11-like terror attacks from aircraft , missiles and drones .
In the past year , DSCA has announced the approval of four other foreign military sales to India , including a $ 1 billion deal for an MK 45 gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters .

F-35A Lightning II test aircraft assigned to the 31st Test Evaluation Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, California, release AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X missiles during a June 2018 test. Photo by Michael Jackson/U.S. Air Force
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The State Department has approved potential sale of an integrated air defense weapon system to India for an estimated cost of $1.867 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. According to the DCSA, India's government requested an air defense system including five AN/MPQ-64FI Sentinel radar systems, 118 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles, AMRAAM guidance and control sections and 134 Stinger FIM-92L missiles. Advertisement
India's request also includes 32 M4A1 rifles, 41,322 M855 5.56mm cartridges as well as fire distribution centers and electrical optical/infrared sensor systems, communications systems, technical documentation, training and maintenance and infrastructure improvement.
According to DSCA, the principal contractors for this program are Raytheon and Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace.
The United States will send 60 government or contractor representatives to India for six weeks for training and technical and logistics support to implement the sale.
"India intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces, and to expand its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack," DSCA said in a press release. "This will contribute to India's military goal to update its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India, the U.S., and other allies. India will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces."
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In 2018 India expressed interest in acquiring an updated missile shield system to defend against military or 9/11-like terror attacks from aircraft, missiles and drones.
In the past year, DSCA has announced the approval of four other foreign military sales to India, including a $1 billion deal for an MK 45 gun system and a $2.6 billion deal for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters.


upi--2020-02-11--Man charged with psychological, physical abuse of Sarah Lawrence students

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- A man whose daughter attended Sara Lawrence College in New York is accused of subjecting students to psychological and physical abuse over the course of a decade on Tuesday .
Lawrence Ray , 60 , was charged with nine counts , including extortion , sex trafficking , forced labor and money laundering , according to an indictment from federal prosecutors in Manhattan .
Ray is accused of targeting students after he moved into his daughter 's on-campus dormitory with her male and female roommates in 2010 after he was released from a prison sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan .
He positioned himself as a father figure to the students and began so-called therapy sessions with students `` during which he learned intimate details about their private lives , vulnerabilities and mental health struggles , '' the indictment states .
The indictment alleges he then alienated the students from their parents and convinced several that they were `` broken '' and `` in need of fixing '' by him .
Ray also allegedly made up lies about the students and when they would deny them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleep deprivation , psychological and sexual humiliation , verbal abuse , threats of physical violence , physical violence and threats of criminal legal action '' to draw out false confessions that he captured on video .
In some cases , he also took explicit photos of the students .
He then used these false confessions to extort them for money , unpaid labor and forced prostitution and would order them to drain thousands of dollars out of their parents ' savings accounts , open lines of credit or engage in real estate fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the indictment , he is believed to have laundered about $ 1 million from his victims .
Sarah Lawrence College said it had just learned of the indictment but had previously conducted an investigation into claims made against Ray in a New York Magazine article last year .
`` The charges contained in the indictment are serious , wide-ranging , disturbing and upsetting , '' it said .
`` As always the safety and well-being of our students and alumni is a priority for the College . ''

Lawrence Ray, 60, was charged with psychologically and physically abusing students at Sarah Lawrence College while living with his daughter and her roommates. Photo courtesy U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- A man whose daughter attended Sara Lawrence College in New York is accused of subjecting students to psychological and physical abuse over the course of a decade on Tuesday. Lawrence Ray, 60, was charged with nine counts, including extortion, sex trafficking, forced labor and money laundering, according to an indictment from federal prosecutors in Manhattan. Advertisement
Ray is accused of targeting students after he moved into his daughter's on-campus dormitory with her male and female roommates in 2010 after he was released from a prison sentence for securities fraud. The group later moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan.
He positioned himself as a father figure to the students and began so-called therapy sessions with students "during which he learned intimate details about their private lives, vulnerabilities and mental health struggles," the indictment states.
The indictment alleges he then alienated the students from their parents and convinced several that they were "broken" and "in need of fixing" by him.
Ray also allegedly made up lies about the students and when they would deny them would subject them to interrogations including "sleep deprivation, psychological and sexual humiliation, verbal abuse, threats of physical violence, physical violence and threats of criminal legal action" to draw out false confessions that he captured on video. In some cases, he also took explicit photos of the students.
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He then used these false confessions to extort them for money, unpaid labor and forced prostitution and would order them to drain thousands of dollars out of their parents' savings accounts, open lines of credit or engage in real estate fraud if they were unable to pay.
According to the indictment, he is believed to have laundered about $1 million from his victims.
Sarah Lawrence College said it had just learned of the indictment but had previously conducted an investigation into claims made against Ray in a New York Magazine article last year.
"The charges contained in the indictment are serious, wide-ranging, disturbing and upsetting," it said. "As always the safety and well-being of our students and alumni is a priority for the College."


upi--2020-02-11--Border enforcement actions down for 8th straight month

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- The number of migrants stopped at the border declined for the eighth consecutive month in January , U.S. border officials said Tuesday .
The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol conducted 36,679 enforcement actions at the border in January , including 29,200 apprehensions and 7,479 inadmissibility decisions .
This represents an 11 percent decline in apprehensions compared to December and a 4 percent drop in inadmissibility decisions at legal ports of entry .
Compared to January 2019 , border enforcement actions were down 37 percent .
`` We continue to see positive results because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control the border and uphold the rule of law , '' CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan said .
`` We 've seen eight straight months of decline , but as we see from the seizure of the longest-ever tunnel between the U.S. and Mexico and significant drug seizures , much work remains .
We hope that Congress will finally act to address the ongoing crisis on the Southwest border and pass meaningful legislation to strengthen our immigration system . ''
Speaking to reporters about the figures , Morgan warned CBP is seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be on the rise for February .
He said there will likely be a spring surge in migration at the southern border .
He said the overall decline in recent months is due to the Trump administration 's actions to limit immigration .
The majority of people crossing the border in recent months have been single adults from Mexico .
Previously , there was an uptick in unaccompanied minors and families from Central America .

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials said they're seeking an uptick in enforcement actions in February. File Photo by Justin Hamel/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The number of migrants stopped at the border declined for the eighth consecutive month in January, U.S. border officials said Tuesday. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol conducted 36,679 enforcement actions at the border in January, including 29,200 apprehensions and 7,479 inadmissibility decisions. This represents an 11 percent decline in apprehensions compared to December and a 4 percent drop in inadmissibility decisions at legal ports of entry. Advertisement
Compared to January 2019, border enforcement actions were down 37 percent.
"We continue to see positive results because of the steps taken by the Trump Administration to control the border and uphold the rule of law," CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan said. "We've seen eight straight months of decline, but as we see from the seizure of the longest-ever tunnel between the U.S. and Mexico and significant drug seizures, much work remains. We hope that Congress will finally act to address the ongoing crisis on the Southwest border and pass meaningful legislation to strengthen our immigration system."
Speaking to reporters about the figures, Morgan warned CBP is seeing an indication the number of enforcement actions may be on the rise for February. He said there will likely be a spring surge in migration at the southern border.
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He said the overall decline in recent months is due to the Trump administration's actions to limit immigration. The majority of people crossing the border in recent months have been single adults from Mexico. Previously, there was an uptick in unaccompanied minors and families from Central America.


upi--2020-02-11--Hyundai recalls nearly 430,000 Elantras over potential fire risk

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- Hyundai has recalled nearly 430,000 Elantras over possibility of moisture entering the anti-lock brake system module , shorting it and sparking an engine fire .
The recall has been issued for 429,686 of its Elantra 2006-2011 sedans and 2007-2011 Touring hatchback wagons , a Safety Recall Report said , which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published .
The electrical short circuit could develop if moisture enters the ABS module , which may cause an engine compartment fire and increase risk of an injury , the report said .
The engine could ignite when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ABS module remains energized , but to date , there have been only a few reports of such fires and no reports to Hyundai of injuries , a timeline report shows .
Hyundai Motor America discovered the problem after an October 2017 claim alleging an engine compartment fire in a 2007 Hyundai Elantra .
`` The source of the ignition could not be determined due to the extent of the damage ; however , various fuses related to the ABS module were found open indicating the possibility of an internal short , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fix is a new relay that will power down the ABS module when the vehicle 's ignition switch is turned off .
After years of inspection and analysis , Hyundai has been unable to find a `` discernible trend relating to a design or manufacturing defect , '' that would cause moisture to enter the ABS , leaving the vehicle at risk for fire while it is on .
`` While the vehicle is on , short circuits are preceded by other noticeable symptoms such as noise [ or ] ABS warning lights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Driver .
`` So with the vehicle on , the driver is present and will detect preceding symptoms if a short circuit were to occur .
In this situation , the foundation brakes continue to be operational . ''
Dealers and owners will be notified of the recall in April .
Owners can check the NHTSA recall site , to see if their vehicle is included in the recall .

Hyundai has recalled nearly 430,000 Elantras over a potential electrical short that could cause an engine fire. File Photo by Earl S. Cryer/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Hyundai has recalled nearly 430,000 Elantras over possibility of moisture entering the anti-lock brake system module, shorting it and sparking an engine fire. The recall has been issued for 429,686 of its Elantra 2006-2011 sedans and 2007-2011 Touring hatchback wagons, a Safety Recall Report said, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published. Advertisement
The electrical short circuit could develop if moisture enters the ABS module, which may cause an engine compartment fire and increase risk of an injury, the report said.
The engine could ignite when the car is on or off since the ABS module remains energized, but to date, there have been only a few reports of such fires and no reports to Hyundai of injuries, a timeline report shows.
Hyundai Motor America discovered the problem after an October 2017 claim alleging an engine compartment fire in a 2007 Hyundai Elantra.
"The source of the ignition could not be determined due to the extent of the damage; however, various fuses related to the ABS module were found open indicating the possibility of an internal short," the report said.
Hyundai's fix is a new relay that will power down the ABS module when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off. After years of inspection and analysis, Hyundai has been unable to find a "discernible trend relating to a design or manufacturing defect," that would cause moisture to enter the ABS, leaving the vehicle at risk for fire while it is on.
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"While the vehicle is on, short circuits are preceded by other noticeable symptoms such as noise [or] ABS warning lights," a Hyundai spokesperson told Car and Driver. "So with the vehicle on, the driver is present and will detect preceding symptoms if a short circuit were to occur. In this situation, the foundation brakes continue to be operational."
Dealers and owners will be notified of the recall in April.
Owners can check the NHTSA recall site, to see if their vehicle is included in the recall.


upi--2020-02-11--Scientists say solar system affects Earth's carbon cycle

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have discovered evidence that Earth 's carbon cycle and global climate is influenced by periodic changes in the shape of Earth 's path around the sun .
According to a new study , published this week in the journal PNAS , scientists found the evidence hiding in ancient layers of mudstone .
Chemical analysis of the ancient mudstone revealed links between past orbital changes and two major extinction events , the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event , around 201 million years ago , and the Toarcian extinction event , or Toarcian turnover , around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work shows that for the 18 million years or so in between the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction and the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event , Earth 's global carbon cycle was in a constant state of change , '' Micha Ruhl , assistant professor in sedimentology at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland , said in a news release .
`` Periodic changes in the shape of Earth 's orbit around the sun impacted on the amount of energy received by Earth from the sun , which in turn impacted climatic and environmental processes , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local , regional and global scales . ''
Across shorter timescales , tectonic shifts and the eruption of large igneous provinces look like the primary drivers of shifts in Earth 's climate .
These factors work to drive the planet 's carbon cycle , researchers of the new study said , but when Earth 's carbon cycle is examined across larger timescales , the influence of larger planetary processes is revealed .
Previous studies have demonstrated the influence of orbital shifts on more recent periods of glaciation , but the latest findings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were influencing the planet 's ancient carbon cycles .
According to the latest analysis , ancient carbon-cycle patterns suggest Earth today should be cooling .
However , the influence of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions has overpowered the influence of the cosmos on Earth 's carbon cycle , causing Earth to rapidly warm .
By studying the fluctuations of certain carbon isotopes across large timescales , scientists can develop improved models for distinguishing the different processes that dictate the global carbon cycle and climate change .
The authors of the latest study hope to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis of ancient rock samples , recovered from a soon-to-be-drilled one-kilometer borehole .

By measuring shifts in the concentrations of carbon isotopes in ancient mudstone layers, scientists have identified the influence of planetary processes on Earth's ancient carbon cycles and climate change. Photo by Micha Ruhl/Trinity College Dublin
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Scientists have discovered evidence that Earth's carbon cycle and global climate is influenced by periodic changes in the shape of Earth's path around the sun. According to a new study, published this week in the journal PNAS, scientists found the evidence hiding in ancient layers of mudstone. Advertisement
Chemical analysis of the ancient mudstone revealed links between past orbital changes and two major extinction events, the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event, around 201 million years ago, and the Toarcian extinction event, or Toarcian turnover, around 183 million years ago.
"Our work shows that for the 18 million years or so in between the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction and the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event, Earth's global carbon cycle was in a constant state of change," Micha Ruhl, assistant professor in sedimentology at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, said in a news release. "Periodic changes in the shape of Earth's orbit around the sun impacted on the amount of energy received by Earth from the sun, which in turn impacted climatic and environmental processes, as well as the carbon cycle, on local, regional and global scales."
Across shorter timescales, tectonic shifts and the eruption of large igneous provinces look like the primary drivers of shifts in Earth's climate. These factors work to drive the planet's carbon cycle, researchers of the new study said, but when Earth's carbon cycle is examined across larger timescales, the influence of larger planetary processes is revealed.
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Previous studies have demonstrated the influence of orbital shifts on more recent periods of glaciation, but the latest findings are the first to show external forcing mechanisms were influencing the planet's ancient carbon cycles.
According to the latest analysis, ancient carbon-cycle patterns suggest Earth today should be cooling. However, the influence of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions has overpowered the influence of the cosmos on Earth's carbon cycle, causing Earth to rapidly warm.
By studying the fluctuations of certain carbon isotopes across large timescales, scientists can develop improved models for distinguishing the different processes that dictate the global carbon cycle and climate change.
The authors of the latest study hope to build upon their most recent findings through analysis of ancient rock samples, recovered from a soon-to-be-drilled one-kilometer borehole.


upi--2020-02-11--In photos: Highlights from the week of February 10, 2020 in Washington, D.C.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the House Financial Service Committee on the monetary policy and the state of @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

President Donald Trump holds up a photo of his border wall as he speaks on border security before the National Border Patrol Council at the White House on Friday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI


upi--2020-02-11--Squirrel blamed for Pennsylvania power outage

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- A squirrel climbed a utility pole in Pennsylvania and knocked out electricity to about @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said .
Todd Meyers , spokesman for power provider Penelec , said about 765 @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Monday in Granville Township and Lewistown Borough .
Repair crews determined the cause of @ @ @ @ @ that climbed a utility pole near an intersection and came into contact with electrical equipment @ @ @ @ @ 10:30 a.m. Meyers said the crews installed animal protection gear on the repaired equipment to @ @ @ @ @ A much larger animal -- a snake -- was found to be the cause of @ @ @ @ @ County , Ky. , in August 2019 .
Utility officials said repair crews found the @ @ @ @ @ some equipment inside a power transformer .

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Feb. 11 (UPI) -- A squirrel climbed a utility pole in Pennsylvania and knocked out electricity to about 765 customers, a utility spokesman said.
Todd Meyers, spokesman for power provider Penelec, said about 765 people lost power about 9:43 a.m. Monday in Granville Township and Lewistown Borough.
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Repair crews determined the cause of the outage was a squirrel that climbed a utility pole near an intersection and came into contact with electrical equipment. Power was restored by 10:30 a.m.
Meyers said the crews installed animal protection gear on the repaired equipment to prevent a repeat incident.
A much larger animal -- a snake -- was found to be the cause of a power outage in Meade County, Ky., in August 2019. Utility officials said repair crews found the barbecued snake coiled up with some equipment inside a power transformer.


upi--2020-02-11--Look: Former Iowa governor wins $150,000 Powerball jackpot

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- The winner of a $ 150,000 Powerball prize in Iowa is no stranger to the public eye -- he used to be the state 's governor .
Former Gov .
Tom Vilsack , who served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the Obama administration , told Iowa Lottery officials he occasionally plays the Powerball when the jackpot gets high .
`` Occasionally when the Powerball gets above $ 250 million , I think , 'What the heck ? '
You know , you can dream , like everybody else , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances of me winning anything are next to none and so the money is going to go to education or veterans or the state fund for natural resources or infrastructure , or all the good things that the lottery does .
So , I figure it 's a good contribution . ''
Vilsack bought a ticket for the Jan. 22 drawing , when the jackpot was estimated at $ 347 million , at the Hy-Vee store in Waukee .
He paid an extra $ 1 for the Power Play option , which acts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he forgot about the ticket for 10 days .
He finally checked his numbers online and discovered he had matched 4 of the 5 white balls in the drawing , and the Power Play number was three , earning him a $ 150,000 jackpot .
`` I know that this lottery is really important to the state and it 's certainly important to the state budget , '' Vilsack said `` It 's something that I certainly understand from my experience as a state senator and as a governor and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , you do n't win if you do n't play . ''

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack won a $150,000 prize from a Powerball drawing. Photo courtesy of the Iowa Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The winner of a $150,000 Powerball prize in Iowa is no stranger to the public eye -- he used to be the state's governor. Former Gov. Tom Vilsack, who served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the Obama administration, told Iowa Lottery officials he occasionally plays the Powerball when the jackpot gets high. Advertisement
"Occasionally when the Powerball gets above $250 million, I think, 'What the heck?' You know, you can dream, like everybody else," he said. "And I also know that the chances of me winning anything are next to none and so the money is going to go to education or veterans or the state fund for natural resources or infrastructure, or all the good things that the lottery does. So, I figure it's a good contribution."
Vilsack bought a ticket for the Jan. 22 drawing, when the jackpot was estimated at $347 million, at the Hy-Vee store in Waukee. He paid an extra $1 for the Power Play option, which acts as a multiplier.
The former governor said he forgot about the ticket for 10 days. He finally checked his numbers online and discovered he had matched 4 of the 5 white balls in the drawing, and the Power Play number was three, earning him a $150,000 jackpot.
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"I know that this lottery is really important to the state and it's certainly important to the state budget," Vilsack said "It's something that I certainly understand from my experience as a state senator and as a governor and I think it's great. And as you say, you don't win if you don't play."


upi--2020-02-11--FTC seeks documents on large tech firms' smaller acquisitions

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday ordered several large tech companies to submit documentation about acquisitions they 've made but not reported to the government .
The agency said it required information on the terms , scope , structure and purpose of acquisitions made by Alphabet , Google 's parent company , Amazon , Apple , Facebook and Microsoft .
`` Digital technology companies are a big part of the economy and our daily lives , '' FTC Chairman Joe Simons said .
`` This initiative will enable the commission to take a closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and also to evaluate whether the federal agencies are getting adequate notice of transactions that might harm competition .
This will help us continue to keep tech markets open and competitive , for the benefit of consumers . ''
Companies are n't required to report all acquisitions -- specifically of smaller companies -- to federal anti-trust agencies under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act .
But the FTC said it wants to evaluate whether these smaller acquisitions are potentially anti-competitive .
The FTC said it also wants information on the companies ' corporate acquisition strategies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements to hire key personnel from other companies and post-employment covenants not to compete .
Additionally , the order seeks information related to post-acquisition product development and pricing .
The order affects all transactions made between Jan. 1 , 2010 , and Dec. 31 .
`` The FTC has a statutory right under the HSR Act to review acquisitions and mergers over a certain size before they are consummated , and the study will help the commission consider whether additional transactions should be subject to premerger notification requirements , '' the FTC said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadly to the FTC 's understanding of technology markets , and thereby support the FTC 's program of vigorous and effective enforcement to promote competition and protect consumers in digital markets . ''

The FTC sought information from companies including Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday ordered several large tech companies to submit documentation about acquisitions they've made but not reported to the government. The agency said it required information on the terms, scope, structure and purpose of acquisitions made by Alphabet, Google's parent company, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Advertisement
"Digital technology companies are a big part of the economy and our daily lives," FTC Chairman Joe Simons said. "This initiative will enable the commission to take a closer look at acquisitions in this important sector, and also to evaluate whether the federal agencies are getting adequate notice of transactions that might harm competition. This will help us continue to keep tech markets open and competitive, for the benefit of consumers."
Companies aren't required to report all acquisitions -- specifically of smaller companies -- to federal anti-trust agencies under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. But the FTC said it wants to evaluate whether these smaller acquisitions are potentially anti-competitive.
The FTC said it also wants information on the companies' corporate acquisition strategies, voting and board appointment agreements, agreements to hire key personnel from other companies and post-employment covenants not to compete. Additionally, the order seeks information related to post-acquisition product development and pricing.
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The order affects all transactions made between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31.
"The FTC has a statutory right under the HSR Act to review acquisitions and mergers over a certain size before they are consummated, and the study will help the commission consider whether additional transactions should be subject to premerger notification requirements," the FTC said. "The orders will also contribute broadly to the FTC's understanding of technology markets, and thereby support the FTC's program of vigorous and effective enforcement to promote competition and protect consumers in digital markets."


upi--2020-02-11--Middle school teachers report high stress levels

From hormonal changes to new schedules and altered expectations , children face a variety of challenges when they enter middle school .
But students and their parents are n't the only ones stressing out .
Researchers from the University of Missouri found that 94 percent of middle school teachers experience high stress levels .
Reducing this burden could improve student success , researchers say .
`` Many studies of teacher stress have used samples from elementary schools , '' said study author Keith Herman , a professor in the MU College of Education .
`` However , middle school is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives as they transition from elementary school and have many different teachers .
It 's critical that we understand how stress impacts middle school teachers so we can find ways to support them . ''
Herman and his colleagues analyzed data from nine middle schools in the Midwest .
They looked at teachers ' self-reported stress and coping ability , as well as student behavior and parent involvement .
While nearly all teachers experienced high stress levels , their coping abilities varied .
Sixty-six percent reported high stress and high coping and 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just 6 percent reported low stress and high coping .
`` Unfortunately our findings suggest many teachers are not getting the support they need to adequately cope with the stressors of their job , '' Herman said in a university news release .
`` The evidence is clear that teacher stress is related to student success , so it is critical that we find ways to reduce stressful school environments while also helping teachers cope with the demands of their jobs . ''
He encourages school districts to provide resources and support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health .
`` There are research-based tools that can help screen and identify teachers who might be at risk for problems with stress , coping and the risk of burnout , '' said Herman .
`` Knowing what we know about how teacher stress can impact students , it is imperative that district and school leaders examine policies and practices that make the job less burdensome while also supporting teacher well-being . ''
The study was published in the February issue of the Journal of School Psychology .
The American Institute of @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Pixabay Nearly all middle school teachers in a recent study experienced high stress levels, but their coping abilities varied. Photo by Gerd Altmann
From hormonal changes to new schedules and altered expectations, children face a variety of challenges when they enter middle school. But students and their parents aren't the only ones stressing out. Researchers from the University of Missouri found that 94 percent of middle school teachers experience high stress levels. Reducing this burden could improve student success, researchers say. Advertisement
"Many studies of teacher stress have used samples from elementary schools," said study author Keith Herman, a professor in the MU College of Education. "However, middle school is a particularly important time in students' lives as they transition from elementary school and have many different teachers. It's critical that we understand how stress impacts middle school teachers so we can find ways to support them."
Herman and his colleagues analyzed data from nine middle schools in the Midwest. They looked at teachers' self-reported stress and coping ability, as well as student behavior and parent involvement.
While nearly all teachers experienced high stress levels, their coping abilities varied. Sixty-six percent reported high stress and high coping and 28 percent reported high stress and low coping. Just 6 percent reported low stress and high coping.
"Unfortunately our findings suggest many teachers are not getting the support they need to adequately cope with the stressors of their job," Herman said in a university news release. "The evidence is clear that teacher stress is related to student success, so it is critical that we find ways to reduce stressful school environments while also helping teachers cope with the demands of their jobs."
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He encourages school districts to provide resources and support for middle school teachers to promote their mental health.
"There are research-based tools that can help screen and identify teachers who might be at risk for problems with stress, coping and the risk of burnout," said Herman. "Knowing what we know about how teacher stress can impact students, it is imperative that district and school leaders examine policies and practices that make the job less burdensome while also supporting teacher well-being."
The study was published in the February issue of the Journal of School Psychology.
More information
The American Institute of Stress has more on stress management.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-11--Another round of flooding rain to hit South before drier pattern takes over

One more round of heavy rain will drench parts of the saturated South and aggravate flooding before a sweep of drier and colder air provides a break from wet weather later this week .
Enough rain is forecast to fall from Tuesday night to Wednesday night to lead to flash and urban flooding and cause an additional rise on some of the rivers .
Flood advisories , watches and warnings are in effect for parts of the southern United States .
The same storm system will renew the risk of severe weather in part of the region .
Large portions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rainfall this winter .
`` Some locations from central Mississippi to central and northern Alabama , Tennessee , Kentucky , northern Georgia , upstate South Carolina , western and central North Carolina and southwestern Virginia have received twice their average rainfall in 2020 , '' AccuWeather Meteorologist Nicole LoBiondo said .
In some cases , this same magnitude of above-average rainfall extends into late autumn of 2019 .
For example , since Dec. 1 , 2019 , Jackson , Mississippi , has received 22 inches of rain with nearly 21 inches in Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Columbia , South Carolina .
Due to the combination of the ground being saturated and low evaporation rates during the wintertime , much of the rain that has been falling in recent days has been immediately running off into streams and rivers .
In some cases a mere 0.25 of an inch of rain in an hour can be enough to trigger rapid flooding of small streams , according to National Weather Service hydrologists .
`` A second dose of drenching rain will follow in the footsteps of rain that soaked parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' LoBiondo stated .
`` The rain will spread from parts of Texas and the lower portions of the southern Plains during Tuesday night and early Wednesday to parts of the lower Mississippi , lower Ohio and Tennessee valleys as well as the southern Appalachians during Wednesday afternoon and night , '' she added .
A general 1-3 inches of rain is forecast from the storm in this swath with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 6 inches .
The StormMax with this particular storm is expected to occur in northeastern Texas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not quite as wet and less prone to rapid flooding .
Local amounts to 4 and 5 inches can occur farther east where hourly rainfall can also exceed the threshold of 0.25 of an inch .
According to the Tennessee Valley Authority , rainfall in the Tennessee Valley is more than 400 percent above normal for the year so far .
`` River flows and lake levels are elevated at most tributaries and along the main river and will continue rising with this week 's additional rainfall , '' James Everett , senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
Spanning Thursday to Friday , a push of colder air will mark an end to the train of rainstorms for the South .
Temperatures will be slashed by an average of 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit .
Forecasters say that although the core of this Arctic air will remain over the Midwest and Northeast , it will still slash temperatures .
Some areas west of the Appalachians , such as Nashville , Tennessee , may have their lowest temperatures of the season so far .
The air will have much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four- to six-day stretch of dry weather soon arrives in the region .
This extended period of dry weather will allow streams to recede .
Flooding along some of the larger rivers will take more time to cycle through the flooding process .
The storm from last week was the main catalyst in terms of high water along the river system in the region .
Some rivers are forecast to crest even as the latest rainstorm moves through the region .
Other rivers may not crest until late next week or in late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain this week .
This is because the major rivers in the lowlands of the South take many days to respond to flooding after a heavy rain event .
To some extent , officials can mitigate the flow of water along the rivers where there are dams in operation .
Such is the case in the Tennessee Valley .
Even after the spell of dry weather that moves in later this week , the region may still be somewhat prone to flooding due to the high water table and the ongoing potential for @ @ @

One more round of heavy rain will drench parts of the saturated South and aggravate flooding before a sweep of drier and colder air provides a break from wet weather later this week.
Enough rain is forecast to fall from Tuesday night to Wednesday night to lead to flash and urban flooding and cause an additional rise on some of the rivers. Flood advisories, watches and warnings are in effect for parts of the southern United States.
This graphic shows current flash flood watches (dark green) and flood warnings (bright green) across the southern U.S. (AccuWeather)
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The same storm system will renew the risk of severe weather in part of the region.
Large portions of the South have been drowning in rainfall this winter.
"Some locations from central Mississippi to central and northern Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, northern Georgia, upstate South Carolina, western and central North Carolina and southwestern Virginia have received twice their average rainfall in 2020," AccuWeather Meteorologist Nicole LoBiondo said.
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In some cases, this same magnitude of above-average rainfall extends into late autumn of 2019. For example, since Dec. 1, 2019, Jackson, Mississippi, has received 22 inches of rain with nearly 21 inches in Birmingham, Alabama, and 18 inches in Columbia, South Carolina.
Due to the combination of the ground being saturated and low evaporation rates during the wintertime, much of the rain that has been falling in recent days has been immediately running off into streams and rivers.
In some cases a mere 0.25 of an inch of rain in an hour can be enough to trigger rapid flooding of small streams, according to National Weather Service hydrologists.
This image shows how much rain is needed to trigger flash flooding as of Tuesday morning, Feb. 11, 2020. (NOAA / Flash Flood Guidance)
"A second dose of drenching rain will follow in the footsteps of rain that soaked parts of the South from Monday to early Tuesday," LoBiondo stated.
"The rain will spread from parts of Texas and the lower portions of the southern Plains during Tuesday night and early Wednesday to parts of the lower Mississippi, lower Ohio and Tennessee valleys as well as the southern Appalachians during Wednesday afternoon and night," she added.
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A general 1-3 inches of rain is forecast from the storm in this swath with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 6 inches. The StormMax with this particular storm is expected to occur in northeastern Texas and southwestern Arkansas, where the ground is not quite as wet and less prone to rapid flooding. Local amounts to 4 and 5 inches can occur farther east where hourly rainfall can also exceed the threshold of 0.25 of an inch.
According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, rainfall in the Tennessee Valley is more than 400 percent above normal for the year so far.
"River flows and lake levels are elevated at most tributaries and along the main river and will continue rising with this week's additional rainfall," James Everett, senior manager at the TVA River Forecast Center said in a statement.
Spanning Thursday to Friday, a push of colder air will mark an end to the train of rainstorms for the South. Temperatures will be slashed by an average of 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Forecasters say that although the core of this Arctic air will remain over the Midwest and Northeast, it will still slash temperatures. Some areas west of the Appalachians, such as Nashville, Tennessee, may have their lowest temperatures of the season so far.
Advertisement
The air will have much more impact on flooding concerns as a four- to six-day stretch of dry weather soon arrives in the region.
This extended period of dry weather will allow streams to recede. Flooding along some of the larger rivers will take more time to cycle through the flooding process.
The storm from last week was the main catalyst in terms of high water along the river system in the region. Some rivers are forecast to crest even as the latest rainstorm moves through the region. Other rivers may not crest until late next week or in late February due in part to the additional rain this week. This is because the major rivers in the lowlands of the South take many days to respond to flooding after a heavy rain event.
To some extent, officials can mitigate the flow of water along the rivers where there are dams in operation. Such is the case in the Tennessee Valley.
Even after the spell of dry weather that moves in later this week, the region may still be somewhat prone to flooding due to the high water table and the ongoing potential for occasional rainstorms.


upi--2020-02-11--Watch: Skateboarding French bulldog draws attention at Russian skate park

Feb. 11 ( UPI ) -- A Russian man 's pet French bulldog is going viral after showing off her @ @ @ @ @ skate park .
The video shows 5-year-old French bulldog Sonya skateboarding around the indoor park @ @ @ @ @ back legs to push off and then standing with all four feet on the board @ @ @ @ @ owner , Dmitry , said the canine first started skateboarding when she was a puppy @ @ @ @ @ his board .
The owner said the dog now accompanies him to the skate park @ @ @ @ @ and has displayed a natural talent .

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Feb. 11 (UPI) -- A Russian man's pet French bulldog is going viral after showing off her skateboarding skills at an indoor skate park.
The video shows 5-year-old French bulldog Sonya skateboarding around the indoor park, using one of her back legs to push off and then standing with all four feet on the board while gliding.
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Sonya's owner, Dmitry, said the canine first started skateboarding when she was a puppy and would climb up on his board.
The owner said the dog now accompanies him to the skate park up to twice a week and has displayed a natural talent.