upi--2020-06-10--Watch live: Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd, to testify at House police reform hearing

June 10 ( UPI ) -- Philonise Floyd , the brother of George Floyd , is scheduled to appear in Congress Wednesday to testify at a hearing about the need for police reforms in the United States .
Philonise Floyd is one of 12 witnesses set to appear before the House judiciary committee for an oversight hearing on `` policing practices and law enforcement accountability '' -- the first congressional after George Floyd 's controversial death last month .
Others scheduled to appear are a family attorney , law enforcement experts , civil rights advocates and the sister of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk about his brother 's death on May 25 during an arrest by Minneapolis police officers , which spawned mass protests worldwide opposing police brutality .
Former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin faces a second-degree murder charge and three others are being charged as accomplices .
The hearing is the first for House Democrats ' Justice in Policing Act , which proposes a series of federal reforms , which include banning police chokeholds , establishes a national database to track police misconduct and prohibits some kinds of `` no-knock '' warrants .
Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. EDT .
Family attorney Ben Crump has represented other families of black Americans who died in controversial circumstances , including relatives of Democrats also invited NCAAP Legal Defense Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill and Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo , who serves as president of the Major City Chiefs Association , to testify .
Panel Republicans invited three witnesses , including former congressional candidate Angela Underwood Jacobs , whose brother , a Federal Protective Services officer , was killed during protests in Oakland , Calif. GOP lawmakers also called Dan Bongino , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commentator .
Senate Republicans have proposed an alternative to the Democratic bill that calls for 10 reforms , including mandatory reporting of uses of force that result in death or serious injury and creating a FBI data collection system .

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Philonise Floyd gets emotional Wednesday as he testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing to discuss police brutality and racial profiling following the death of his brother, George Floyd. Pool Photo by Greg Nash/UPI | License Photo
June 10 (UPI) -- Philonise Floyd told House lawmakers Wednesday that it's their responsibility to ensure the death of his brother last month results in meaningful reforms to policing in the United States. George Floyd's brother, one of 12 witnesses who appeared before the House judiciary committee for an oversight hearing on "policing practices and law enforcement accountability," pleaded with lawmakers to end police brutality. Advertisement
"I couldn't take care of George the day he was killed, but maybe by speaking with you today, I can help make sure that his death isn't in vain."
Philonise Floyd was emotional in his testimony about the police killing of his older brother, which was captured on video.
"I can't tell you the kind of pain you feel when you watch something like that," he said. "When you watch your big brother, who you've looked up to your whole life, die. Die begging for your mom.
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"I hope you found mama and can rest in peace and power."
George Floyd was buried in his hometown of Houston on Tuesday, next to his mother. He died May 25 following an arrest by Minneapolis police officers, an event that spurred mass protests worldwide against police brutality. Former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin faces a second-degree murder charge and three others are being charged as accomplices.
"I'm tired of the pain I'm feeling now and I'm tired of the pain I feel every time another black person is killed for no reason," Floyd added. "I'm here today to ask you to make it stop. Stop the pain."
Wednesday's hearing is the first for House Democrats' Justice in Policing Act, which was unveiled Monday and proposes a series of federal reforms, including a ban on police chokeholds, a national database to track police misconduct and bars some "no-knock" warrants.
Panel Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler opened the hearing by saying the legislative efforts aren't an indictment of all police officers, but attempts to fix "a systemic problem that requires a comprehensive solution."
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Ranking Republican Rep. Jim Jordan denounced calls nationally to defund police departments, which Minneapolis councilors said last weekend they plan to do. Many Democrats, including presidential candidate Joe Biden, have also said dissolving police forces wouldn't be a good idea.
Also at Wednesday's hearing was family attorney Ben Crump, who's represented other families of black Americans who died under controversial circumstances, including Trayvon Martin in Florida in 2012.
"Changing the behavior of police and their relationship with people of color starts at the top," Crump told the panel. "We need a national standard for policing behavior built on transparency and accountability."
Crump called for stripping police officers of "qualified immunity" that shield them from civil lawsuits in accusations of misconduct.
"When there is qualified immunity, police officers know that they act with impunity," he said.
Also testifying at Wednesday's hearing is NCAAP Legal Defense Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill; Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo; civil rights advocate Vanita Gupta; Ohio pastor Darrell Scott; Georgetown law professor Paul Butler; Ron Davis of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; commentator Daniel Bongino; Center for Policing Equity founder Phillip Goff; National Urban League CEO Marc Morial; and Lancaster, Calif., City Councilor Angela Underwood Jacobs, whose brother in federal law enforcement was killed during protests in Oakland, Calif.
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"It is a ridiculous solution to proclaim that defunding police departments is a solution to police brutality and discrimination because it is not a solution," Underwood Jacobs said. "It gets us nowhere as a nation and removes a safety net of protection that every citizen deserves."
Senate Republicans have proposed an alternative to the Democratic bill that calls for 10 reforms, including mandatory reporting of uses of force that result in death or serious injury and creating a FBI data collection system.
Mourners gather for George Floyd memorial services


upi--2020-06-10--Paramount Network cancels 'Cops' amid George Floyd protests

June 10 ( UPI ) -- Paramount Network has announced that long-running reality series Cops has been canceled as protests against police brutality take place worldwide following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
`` Cops is not on the Paramount Network and we do n't have any current or future plans for it return , '' a spokesperson for Paramount Network said to The Hollywood Reporter .
The show was removed from Paramount Network 's schedule following the death of Floyd in May .
Cops began in 1989 and ran for 25 seasons on Fox before it moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paramount Network .
Season 33 of the series was scheduled to premiere on Monday , but no new episodes have aired .
Reruns of Cops still air on WGN America and ViacomCBS ' Pluto TV streaming service .
ViacomCBS also owns Paramount Network .
A & E 's police reality series Live PD , which follows officers in real time , has also been taken off the schedule .
A & E had ordered 160 additional episodes of Live PD in May before the protests started .
Floyd , 46 , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handcuffed and pinned to the ground by police on Memorial Day .
Derek Chauvin , the officer who was videotaped placing his knee on Floyd 's neck , has been fired and charged along with the three other officers .
Floyd was buried Tuesday in his hometown of Houston .

June 10 (UPI) -- Paramount Network has announced that long-running reality series Cops has been canceled as protests against police brutality take place worldwide following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
"Cops is not on the Paramount Network and we don't have any current or future plans for it return," a spokesperson for Paramount Network said to The Hollywood Reporter.
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The show was removed from Paramount Network's schedule following the death of Floyd in May.
Cops began in 1989 and ran for 25 seasons on Fox before it moved to Spike TV, which is now Paramount Network. Season 33 of the series was scheduled to premiere on Monday, but no new episodes have aired.
Reruns of Cops still air on WGN America and ViacomCBS' Pluto TV streaming service. ViacomCBS also owns Paramount Network.
A&E's police reality series Live PD, which follows officers in real time, has also been taken off the schedule. A&E had ordered 160 additional episodes of Live PD in May before the protests started.
Floyd, 46, who was an unarmed black man, died while handcuffed and pinned to the ground by police on Memorial Day. Derek Chauvin, the officer who was videotaped placing his knee on Floyd's neck, has been fired and charged along with the three other officers.
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Floyd was buried Tuesday in his hometown of Houston.


upi--2020-06-10--Bike boom: U.S. sales surge with new business from bored Americans amid COVID-19

June 10 ( UPI ) -- After years of lackluster and declining sales , the U.S. bike industry has received a major push by the COVID-19 pandemic , as distancing rules and other restrictions have led more American families into the outdoors .
Overall bike sales surged by 31 percent to $ 1.3 billion in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first quarter last year , according to the NDP market research group , as people looking for safe recreation embraced bicycling amid strict stay-at-home orders nationwide .
Ridership increased even in areas where movement restrictions were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of non-essential businesses .
The industry is benefiting , experts say , because biking has proven well-suited to new realities of the COVID-19 era .
With bicycling , the risk of transmitting the novel coronavirus is low , it 's compliant with distancing guidelines and can be a family group activity .
Bike shops have been allowed to stay open as an essential transportation industry , and many people have flocked to them , according to figures compiled by the non-profit PeopleForBikes coalition .
The group says online bike purchases near the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 1,400 percent and in-person sales climbed 41 percent year-to-year .
Sales of bike parts , likewise , rose by 466 percent .
The pace of new sales has become so overwhelming that some bike shops have become swamped with buyers clamoring for new outfits or wanting old ones repaired .
The COVID bike boom has been a substantial departure from the norm over the past three years .
Over that period , bike sales nationally were essentially flat or in slight decline .
Now , in what could signal a longer-term shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the type of riders experts say have been drifting away for years -- families and children .
NDP analyst Dirk Sorenson , an expert in the consumer sports industry , said recent figures bear that out .
Sales of lifestyle and leisure bikes , which appeal to causal adult riders , rose more than 120 percent in March , and children 's bike sales spiked 56 percent .
Sales of road bikes -- those that appeal to more serious enthusiasts -- saw only 4 percent growth .
The return of family riders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rethink their core strategies .
`` I certainly think the sales surge is inviting a lot of conversation on how to continue this trend , '' Sorenson said .
`` Finding short-term , practical ways to continue family interest in cycling for the course of the summer is an approachable step . ''
To keep up sales in recent years , the U.S. bike industry has had to focus marketing to a dependable , but smaller , set of serious , committed athletes , and by following trends like e-bikes and fat-tired gravel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional riders , Sorenson said , it should n't take much for dealers to keep the family crowds coming back .
`` Simple efforts like educating retail sales staff on how to help newer riders get out and safely enjoy cycling again can pay big dividends , '' he said .
Longer term , he added , the opportunity is just as rosy .
`` I see an opportunity for marketing to engage both families and enthusiasts .
The challenge for both retailers and manufacturers is how to balance both messages and service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bike Shop in Atlanta , for instance , has been so busy that owners told customers last month they was n't able to answer phone calls or emails any longer .
`` We are thankful for all the business .
...
However , we are experiencing a surge of repairs and sales , '' the shop 's website states .

A bicyclist rides while wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus near Domino Park in New York City on May 17. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 10 (UPI) -- After years of lackluster and declining sales, the U.S. bike industry has received a major push by the COVID-19 pandemic, as distancing rules and other restrictions have led more American families into the outdoors. Overall bike sales surged by 31 percent to $1.3 billion in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first quarter last year, according to the NDP market research group, as people looking for safe recreation embraced bicycling amid strict stay-at-home orders nationwide. Advertisement
Ridership increased even in areas where movement restrictions weren't as tight, due to shutdowns of non-essential businesses.
The industry is benefiting, experts say, because biking has proven well-suited to new realities of the COVID-19 era. With bicycling, the risk of transmitting the novel coronavirus is low, it's compliant with distancing guidelines and can be a family group activity.
Advertisement
Bike shops have been allowed to stay open as an essential transportation industry, and many people have flocked to them, according to figures compiled by the non-profit PeopleForBikes coalition.
The group says online bike purchases near the start of the health crisis in March soared nearly 1,400 percent and in-person sales climbed 41 percent year-to-year. Sales of bike parts, likewise, rose by 466 percent.
The pace of new sales has become so overwhelming that some bike shops have become swamped with buyers clamoring for new outfits or wanting old ones repaired.
The COVID bike boom has been a substantial departure from the norm over the past three years. Over that period, bike sales nationally were essentially flat or in slight decline.
Now, in what could signal a longer-term shift, the industry is seeing a return of the type of riders experts say have been drifting away for years -- families and children.
NDP analyst Dirk Sorenson, an expert in the consumer sports industry, said recent figures bear that out.
Sales of lifestyle and leisure bikes, which appeal to causal adult riders, rose more than 120 percent in March, and children's bike sales spiked 56 percent. Sales of road bikes -- those that appeal to more serious enthusiasts -- saw only 4 percent growth.
Advertisement
The return of family riders is pushing bike builders and sellers to rethink their core strategies.
"I certainly think the sales surge is inviting a lot of conversation on how to continue this trend," Sorenson said. "Finding short-term, practical ways to continue family interest in cycling for the course of the summer is an approachable step."
To keep up sales in recent years, the U.S. bike industry has had to focus marketing to a dependable, but smaller, set of serious, committed athletes, and by following trends like e-bikes and fat-tired gravel bikes.
With the renaissance of more traditional riders, Sorenson said, it shouldn't take much for dealers to keep the family crowds coming back.
"Simple efforts like educating retail sales staff on how to help newer riders get out and safely enjoy cycling again can pay big dividends," he said.
Longer term, he added, the opportunity is just as rosy.
"I see an opportunity for marketing to engage both families and enthusiasts. The challenge for both retailers and manufacturers is how to balance both messages and service both rider groups."
Earl's Bike Shop in Atlanta, for instance, has been so busy that owners told customers last month they weren't able to answer phone calls or emails any longer.
Advertisement
"We are thankful for all the business. ... However, we are experiencing a surge of repairs and sales," the shop's website states.
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-06-10--South Korea to charge defectors with violation of inter-Korea law

June 10 ( UPI ) -- The South Korean government says it is charging two North Korean defector organizations with violation of an inter-Korea cooperation law .
Seoul 's unification ministry said it will also take steps toward revoking the licenses of the organizations , Kuen Saem Education Center and Fighters for a Free North Korea , South Korean news service Financial News reported Wednesday .
The unprecedented measures against the groups that have previously delivered plastic bottles loaded with rice come after senior North Korean official Kim Yo Jong made threats against defectors in the South .
Kim , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Jong Un , had described North Korean refugees as `` garbage , '' and `` traitors . ''
Pyongyang also accused Seoul of not doing enough to curb activism .
The Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act began to be enforced after the Cold War , but it has not been invoked against defector activism , which has taken place at the border for years .
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Yoh Sang-key said Wednesday at a briefing the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets by helium balloon , and other activities , `` violate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating tensions and give rise to dangers that threaten the safety and livelihoods of [ South Korean ] residents . ''
Defector Park Jung-oh , head of Kuen Saem , recently attempted to deliver rice this week , but was met with opposition from residents in South Korea 's Ganghwa county .
Park 's brother , Park Sang-hak , who heads Fighters for a Free North Korea , is speaking out against South Korea 's government after Seoul warned against leaflet distribution .
He also said he plans to launch helium balloons on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 1950-53 Korean War , according to Financial News .
Yonhap reported Wednesday the unification ministry plans to apply Article 13 of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act to the case .
The law requires any `` exports of goods to North Korea '' to receive prior approval from the unification ministry .

Yoh Sang-key, spokesman of South Korea?s Unification Ministry, said Wednesday Seoul is to charge defector groups with violation of local laws. File Photo by Yonhap/EPA-EFE
June 10 (UPI) -- The South Korean government says it is charging two North Korean defector organizations with violation of an inter-Korea cooperation law. Seoul's unification ministry said it will also take steps toward revoking the licenses of the organizations, Kuen Saem Education Center and Fighters for a Free North Korea, South Korean news service Financial News reported Wednesday. Advertisement
The unprecedented measures against the groups that have previously delivered plastic bottles loaded with rice come after senior North Korean official Kim Yo Jong made threats against defectors in the South.
Kim, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, had described North Korean refugees as "garbage," and "traitors." Pyongyang also accused Seoul of not doing enough to curb activism.
The Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act began to be enforced after the Cold War, but it has not been invoked against defector activism, which has taken place at the border for years.
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Yoh Sang-key said Wednesday at a briefing the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets by helium balloon, and other activities, "violate the agreement between the two Koreas, creating tensions and give rise to dangers that threaten the safety and livelihoods of [South Korean] residents."
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Defector Park Jung-oh, head of Kuen Saem, recently attempted to deliver rice this week, but was met with opposition from residents in South Korea's Ganghwa county.
Park's brother, Park Sang-hak, who heads Fighters for a Free North Korea, is speaking out against South Korea's government after Seoul warned against leaflet distribution. He also said he plans to launch helium balloons on June 25, on the 70th anniversary of the 1950-53 Korean War, according to Financial News.
Yonhap reported Wednesday the unification ministry plans to apply Article 13 of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act to the case. The law requires any "exports of goods to North Korea" to receive prior approval from the unification ministry.


upi--2020-06-10--Two June battles that changed history: Midway and Normandy

Last week marked the anniversary of two of the most important battles in American history : Midway June 3-7 , 1942 and the Normandy invasion June 6 , 1944 .
Both battles have been analyzed and re-analyzed in millions of books , research papers and reports .
What has been missing , however , is how seemingly minor , secondary or unexpected events became the hinges on which these battles turned , Midway more than Normandy .
American code breakers concluded from radio intercepts that the combined Japanese fleet under Adm. Isokuro Yamamoto was en route to seize the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even with Washington dissenting on that evaluation , Adm. Chester Nimitz , commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet , ordered the task force with aircraft carriers USS Enterprise and Hornet under the command of Rear Adm. James Spruance to intercept and `` bushwack '' the Japanese fleet .
The USS Yorktown , badly damaged at the May Battle of the Coral Sea , and its task force commanded by Rear Adm. Frank Jack Fletcher would soon follow after a miraculous repair effort made her seaworthy again .
Fletcher was in tactical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spruance assumed command .
The Japanese Strike Group under Vice Adm. Chuichi Nagumo , who led the attack on Pearl Harbor , centered on four aircraft carriers and an accompanying fleet superior in firepower to Spruance 's .
On June 3 , Midway 's bombers , with staggering losses , failed to damage any of Nagumo 's fleet .
Nagumo launched his strikes against Midway early on June 4 .
That morning , further airstrikes from Midway conducted brave but futile attacks , all failing to hit any Japanese warship .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance of war , the effect of the attacks would make a decisive difference .
Nagumo 's carriers were forced to conduct high-speed evasive maneuvers to evade enemy bombs .
During that 45 minutes , none of the Japanese aircraft could be rearmed and refueled as the carriers rapidly changed course .
As bombs were being loaded on Japanese aircraft to press further attacks against Midway , Nagumo received a report sighting enemy aircraft carriers .
The quandary : Continue striking Midway or rearm with torpedoes to attack the approaching enemy fleet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would cost him the battle .
The decks of all four Japanese carriers were awash with bombs , torpedoes and aviation fuel as the aircraft were being rearmed for the new mission .
Spruance launched at his aircraft 's maximum range without regard to fleet battle tactics requiring coordinated attacks .
In theory , the first attack wave was horizontal bombers followed by dive bombers .
Then , torpedo planes flying at wave-top heights would apply the coup de'gras .
Just the reverse happened .
Hornet 's Torpedo Squadron 8 , commanded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first to reach the Japanese fleet and was slaughtered by Japanese fighters .
Only Ensign George Gay survived .
But Japanese fighters lost the advantage of altitude .
The higher-flying American bombing squadrons would face no fighter opposition .
Enterprise 's Bombing 6 led by Lt. Cmdr .
Wade McCluskey should never have found the Japanese fleet .
Running low on fuel , McCluskey disregarded the standard expanding square search pattern and turned the other way .
Fortuitously , the Japanese destroyer Arashi was sighted steaming at high speed , presumably to rejoin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fate , Arashi had been depth- charging the submarine USS Nautilus that had found herself in the middle of the enemy fleet .
Bombing 6 , joined by two other squadrons , pounced on the highly vulnerable Japanese carriers .
A handful of hits sent three to the bottom .
The fourth would be sunk later in the day .
The Navy lost Yorktown and a destroyer .
But the Japanese Navy was dealt a decisive blow , retreating back to Japan and abandoning Operation MI against Midway .
Had the Buffalos not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Navy had attacked according to its tactics ; and had McCluskey not turned the other way , the battle might have had a different outcome .
Normandy was successful in large part because Adolf Hitler was convinced the Pas d'Calais was the objective , given its proximity to the English coast , not Normandy .
Putting Gen. George Patton in command of the phantom First U.S. Army Group , armed with rubber decoy planes , tanks and artillery pieces , was masterful deception confirming the fuhrer 's sense of strategic infallibility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ordered Panzers commanded by the Desert Fox , Field Marshall Erwin Rommel , into action , Normandy might not have succeeded .
But Hitler also left strict orders not to be awakened on June 6 .
His generals , fearful of the fuhrer 's wraith , waited to alert him of the landings .
Too often we forget battles can be won or lost on such details.Harlan Ullman is UPI 's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist , senior adviser at the Atlantic Council and author of the upcoming book , `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friended or Fought in a MAD-Driven Age . ''

French President Emmanuel Macron participates in a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day landing at WWII's Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-mer, France on June 6, 2019. File Photo by Eco Clement/UPI | License Photo
Last week marked the anniversary of two of the most important battles in American history: Midway June 3-7, 1942 and the Normandy invasion June 6, 1944. Both battles have been analyzed and re-analyzed in millions of books, research papers and reports. What has been missing, however, is how seemingly minor, secondary or unexpected events became the hinges on which these battles turned, Midway more than Normandy. American code breakers concluded from radio intercepts that the combined Japanese fleet under Adm. Isokuro Yamamoto was en route to seize the two tiny islands comprising Midway. So alerted, even with Washington dissenting on that evaluation, Adm. Chester Nimitz, commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, ordered the task force with aircraft carriers USS Enterprise and Hornet under the command of Rear Adm. Raymond Spruance to intercept and "bushwack" the Japanese fleet. The USS Yorktown, badly damaged at the May Battle of the Coral Sea, and its task force commanded by Rear Adm. Frank Jack Fletcher would soon follow after a miraculous repair effort made her seaworthy again. Advertisement Advertisement
Fletcher was in tactical command. But after Yorktown was disabled, Spruance assumed command. The Japanese Strike Group under Vice Adm. Chuichi Nagumo, who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, centered on four aircraft carriers and an accompanying fleet superior in firepower to Spruance's.
On June 3, Midway's bombers, with staggering losses, failed to damage any of Nagumo's fleet. Nagumo launched his strikes against Midway early on June 4.
That morning, further airstrikes from Midway conducted brave but futile attacks, all failing to hit any Japanese warship. However, in the fog, friction and chance of war, the effect of the attacks would make a decisive difference.
Nagumo's carriers were forced to conduct high-speed evasive maneuvers to evade enemy bombs. During that 45 minutes, none of the Japanese aircraft could be rearmed and refueled as the carriers rapidly changed course. As bombs were being loaded on Japanese aircraft to press further attacks against Midway, Nagumo received a report sighting enemy aircraft carriers. The quandary: Continue striking Midway or rearm with torpedoes to attack the approaching enemy fleet.
Nagumo chose the latter course. It would cost him the battle. The decks of all four Japanese carriers were awash with bombs, torpedoes and aviation fuel as the aircraft were being rearmed for the new mission.
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Spruance launched at his aircraft's maximum range without regard to fleet battle tactics requiring coordinated attacks. In theory, the first attack wave was horizontal bombers followed by dive bombers. Then, torpedo planes flying at wave-top heights would apply the coup de'gras. Just the reverse happened.
Hornet's Torpedo Squadron 8, commanded by Lt. Cmdr. John Waldron was the first to reach the Japanese fleet and was slaughtered by Japanese fighters. Only Ensign George Gay survived. But Japanese fighters lost the advantage of altitude. The higher-flying American bombing squadrons would face no fighter opposition.
Enterprise's Bombing 6 led by Lt. Cmdr. Wade McCluskey should never have found the Japanese fleet. Running low on fuel, McCluskey disregarded the standard expanding square search pattern and turned the other way. Fortuitously, the Japanese destroyer Arashi was sighted steaming at high speed, presumably to rejoin the fleet. In another act of fate, Arashi had been depth- charging the submarine USS Nautilus that had found herself in the middle of the enemy fleet.
Bombing 6, joined by two other squadrons, pounced on the highly vulnerable Japanese carriers. A handful of hits sent three to the bottom. The fourth would be sunk later in the day. The Navy lost Yorktown and a destroyer. But the Japanese Navy was dealt a decisive blow, retreating back to Japan and abandoning Operation MI against Midway.
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Had the Midway strikes not cost Nagumo time to rearm; if the Navy had attacked according to its tactics; and had McCluskey not turned the other way, the battle might have had a different outcome.
Normandy was successful in large part because Adolf Hitler was convinced the Pas d'Calais was the objective, given its proximity to the English coast, not Normandy. Putting Gen. George Patton in command of the phantom First U.S. Army Group, armed with rubber decoy planes, tanks and artillery pieces, was masterful deception confirming the fuhrer's sense of strategic infallibility.
If Hitler had listened to his generals and ordered Panzers commanded by the Desert Fox, Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, into action, Normandy might not have succeeded. But Hitler also left strict orders not to be awakened on June 6. His generals, fearful of the fuhrer's wraith, waited to alert him of the landings.
Too often we forget battles can be won or lost on such details.Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist, senior adviser at the Atlantic Council and author of the upcoming book, "The Fifth Horseman: To Be Feared, Friended or Fought in a MAD-Driven Age."


upi--2020-06-10--OECD outlook projects worst global recession in almost 100 years

June 10 ( UPI ) -- The economic fallout of the coronavirus could cause the world 's gross domestic product to sink 7.6 percent this year , an international economic organization warned Wednesday .
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said in its latest economic outlook that the COVID-19 pandemic has created `` the most severe recession in nearly a century '' through governments implementing lockdowns that shuttered businesses the world over .
Though many countries have moved to ease lockdown restrictions as coronavirus cases slow , the OECD warned that the economic outlook remains `` highly uncertain '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force the global GDP to dive nearly 8 percent this year .
`` If a second outbreak occurs triggering a return to lockdowns , world economic output is forecast to plummet 7.6 percent this year before climbing back 2.8 percent in 2021 , '' the outlook said in a summary of the report .
`` At its peak , unemployment in the OECD economies would be more than double the rate prior to the outbreaks with little recovery in jobs next year . ''
Even if there is n't a second wave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 percent with unemployment in wealthy countries to reach 9.2 percent from 5.4 percent last year , it said .
`` Living standards fall less sharply than with a second wave but five years of income growth is lost across the economy by 2021 , '' the outlook report said .
The outlook said Europe 's GDP hit is `` particularly harsh , '' plunging some 11.5 percent if a second wave hits and 9 percent if the sole peak is all that happens this year .
In the United States , GDP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second-wave scenario and 7.3 percent in the single-wave case , it said .
Meanwhile , in China where the virus emerged late last year before spreading around the world , its GPD will be relatively less affected taking a 3.7 percent hit or a 2.6 percent drop , depending on if there is either one or two waves of infections .
`` How governments act today will shape the post-COVID world for years to come , '' OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said in a statement .
`` This is true not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foster a resilient , inclusive and sustainable recovery , but also in terms of how countries cooperate to tackle global challenges together . ''
International cooperation has been `` a weak point '' so far in terms of a policy response to the pandemic , but it can create confidence and have important knock-on effects , he said .
To weather the economic impacts of the pandemic , the organization is calling for supply chains to be more resilient by maintaining larger holdings of stock and diversify their sources both locally and internationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Governments must seize this opportunity to build a fairer economy , making competition and regulation smarter , modernizing taxes , government spending and social protection , '' OECD Chief Economist Laurence Boone said .
`` Prosperity comes from dialogue and cooperation .
This holds true at the national and global level . ''

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A woman wears a protective mask and gloves while standing in the shuttered Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem on March 27. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
June 10 (UPI) -- The economic fallout of the coronavirus could cause the world's gross domestic product to sink 7.6 percent this year, an international economic organization warned Wednesday. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said in its latest economic outlook that the COVID-19 pandemic has created "the most severe recession in nearly a century" through governments implementing lockdowns that shuttered businesses the world over. Advertisement
Though many countries have moved to ease lockdown restrictions, the OECD warned that the economic outlook remains "highly uncertain" and a second wave of cases could force the global GDP to dive nearly 8 percent this year.
"If a second outbreak occurs, triggering a return to lockdowns, world economic output is forecast to plummet 7.6 percent this year before climbing back 2.8 percent in 2021," the outlook said in a summary of the report. "At its peak, unemployment in the OECD economies would be more than double the rate prior to the outbreaks, with little recovery in jobs next year."
Even if there isn't a second wave, global GDP is expected to fall 6 percent with unemployment in wealthy countries to reach 9.2 percent from 5.4 percent last year, it said.
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"Living standards fall less sharply than with a second wave, but five years of income growth is lost across the economy by 2021," the report said.
The outlook said Europe's GDP hit is "particularly harsh," plunging some 11.5 percent if a second wave hits and 9 percent if the sole peak is all that happens this year.
In the United States, GDP is forecast to fall 8.5 percent in the second-wave scenario and 7.3 percent in the single-wave case, it said.
Meanwhile, in China, where the virus emerged last year before spreading around the world, the GPD will be relatively less affected, taking a 3.7 percent hit or a 2.6 percent drop, depending on if there is one or two waves of infections.
"How governments act today will shape the post-COVID world for years to come," OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said in a statement. "This is true not only domestically, where the right policies can foster a resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery, but also in terms of how countries cooperate to tackle global challenges together."
International cooperation has been "a weak point" so far in terms of a policy response to the pandemic, but it can create confidence and have important knock-on effects, he said.
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To weather the economic impacts of the pandemic, the organization is calling for supply chains to be more resilient by maintaining larger holdings of stock and diversify their sources both locally and internationally, along with fostering stronger international cooperation.
"Governments must seize this opportunity to build a fairer economy, making competition and regulation smarter, modernizing taxes, government spending and social protection," OECD Chief Economist Laurence Boone said. "Prosperity comes from dialogue and cooperation. This holds true at the national and global level."
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-06-10--Millions displaced by deadly floods in China

June 10 ( UPI ) -- More than 2 million people have been displaced in southern China following heavy flooding that has incurred more than $ 560 million in damages , according to Chinese authorities .
Chinese state-owned news agency Xinhua and China Central Television reported Wednesday the floods led to the destruction of more than 1,300 homes and displaced 2.6 million people .
Provinces affected include Guangdong , Guizhou , Fujian and Jiangxi , in addition to the Guangxi Shuang Autonomous Region .
The region is close to Guangdong province and borders Vietnam .
It is home to China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.627 million people were displaced , and 228,000 people were evacuated as of Tuesday , 2 p.m. , CCTV reported .
Homes affected by heavy rains collapsed and crops were damaged on 146,000 hectares of land .
Chinese news service Beijing News reported downpours began to affect the region on June 2 .
Nine people have died and five people had gone missing by Monday , according to the report .
In Guangdong Province , 13 rivers flooded several villages .
In Shenzhen , a city across the border from Hong Kong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightning strike on Saturday .
Tourists were reportedly stranded at Gupo Mountain National Forest Park in Hezhou City , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , but were `` safely rescued , '' according to Chinese state media .
More than 1 million people have been affected in the region , according to Xinhua .
Changsha , a city in Hunan Province , issued its first heavy rain warning of the year .
A total of 138.2 mm of rain poured into the city for about 4 hours , according to reports .
China 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midstream and downstream parts of the Yangtze River .

China's southern provinces have been heavily impacted by flooding this month, according to state media reports. Photo by Alex Plavevski/EPA-EFE
June 10 (UPI) -- More than 2 million people have been displaced in southern China following heavy flooding that has incurred more than $560 million in damages, according to Chinese authorities. Chinese state-owned news agency Xinhua and China Central Television reported Wednesday the floods led to the destruction of more than 1,300 homes and displaced 2.6 million people. Advertisement
Provinces affected include Guangdong, Guizhou, Fujian and Jiangxi, in addition to the Guangxi Shuang Autonomous Region. The region is close to Guangdong province and borders Vietnam. It is home to China's minority groups.
A total of 2.627 million people were displaced, and 228,000 people were evacuated as of Tuesday, 2 p.m., CCTV reported.
Homes affected by heavy rains collapsed and crops were damaged on 146,000 hectares of land.
Chinese news service Beijing News reported downpours began to affect the region on June 2. Nine people have died and five people had gone missing by Monday, according to the report.
In Guangdong Province, 13 rivers flooded several villages. In Shenzhen, a city across the border from Hong Kong, a woman was reportedly injured in a lightning strike on Saturday.
Tourists were reportedly stranded at Gupo Mountain National Forest Park in Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, but were "safely rescued," according to Chinese state media. More than 1 million people have been affected in the region, according to Xinhua.
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Changsha, a city in Hunan Province, issued its first heavy rain warning of the year. A total of 138.2 mm of rain poured into the city for about 4 hours, according to reports.
China's meteorological agency said more rains are expected in the midstream and downstream parts of the Yangtze River.


upi--2020-06-10--Human rights activist Nabeel Rajab released from Bahrain prison

June 10 ( UPI ) -- Bahrain has released human rights activist Nabeel Rajab after nearly four years in prison on charges of criticizing the government online , his organization confirmed .
The Bahrain Center for Human Rights said its president , Rajab , was released from jail due to health concerns days before the fourth anniversary of his arrest and will serve his remaining three years as a non-custodial sentence .
`` Rajab was released in what is known as alternative sentences , '' the center said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` In a message from one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the health condition of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab was deplorable .
He was released due to his weak immunity and poor health . ''
Rajab was sentenced to five years in prison by a Bahraini criminal court on Feb. 21 , 2018 , over tweets he made in 2015 concerning alleged torture occurring in the country 's infamous Jaw Prison and the alleged killings of civilians in Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition .
His detention attracted widespread condemnation , prompting a U.N. panel on arbitrary detention and nearly 130 rights groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Rajab 's release on Tuesday was cheered by the United States , which said it is an indication that the Middle Eastern kingdom was moving to improve its human rights record .
`` This is a step in the right direction and should be followed by additional releases of political and religious prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic , '' U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Vice Chair Gayle Manchin said in a statement .
In March , Bahrain released nearly 1,500 prisoners due to the COVID-19 pandemic , its Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement from Bahrain 's Ministry of Health says as of Tuesday the kingdom has recorded more than 16,000 confirmed cases and 29 deaths to the deadly and infectious coronavirus .
Lynn Maalouf , Amnesty International 's Middle East research director , said it was `` a relief '' to know that Rajab has been reunited with his family but that the government needs to now nullify his charges .
`` Nabeel 's release must now be accompanied by the quashing of his conviction and sentence , the dropping of any outstanding charges brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of peaceful opinion and an end to the injustice he has been put through , '' Maalouf said in a statement .
`` Instead of releasing him on a non-custodial sentence , the authorities must quash all sentences brought against him and ensure his access to remedy for the violations he has suffered during this time . ''
Husain Abdulla , executive director at Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain , called for the release of all political activists behind bars in Bahrain , many of whom are elderly and suffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's prisons remain crowded with peaceful human rights defenders and opposition leaders , whose lives are threatened by the government 's inadequate response to COVID-19 , '' he said in a statement .
`` Nabeel Rajab 's release must be extended to all political leaders and opposition who remain unjustly incarcerated in Bahrain . ''

Photo courtesy of U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom/ Website
June 10 (UPI) -- Bahrain has released human rights activist Nabeel Rajab after nearly four years in prison on charges of criticizing the government online, his organization confirmed. The Bahrain Center for Human Rights said its president, Rajab, was released from jail due to health concerns days before the fourth anniversary of his arrest and will serve his remaining three years as a non-custodial sentence. Advertisement
"Rajab was released in what is known as alternative sentences," the center said in a statement on Tuesday. "In a message from one of his siblings, it was written that the health condition of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab was deplorable. He was released due to his weak immunity and poor health."
Rajab was sentenced to five years in prison by a Bahraini criminal court on Feb. 21, 2018, over tweets he made in 2015 concerning alleged torture occurring in the country's infamous Jaw Prison and the alleged killings of civilians in Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition.
His detention attracted widespread condemnation, prompting a U.N. panel on arbitrary detention and nearly 130 rights groups to call for his release in August 2018.
Rajab's release on Tuesday was cheered by the United States, which said it is an indication that the Middle Eastern kingdom was moving to improve its human rights record.
"This is a step in the right direction and should be followed by additional releases of political and religious prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic," U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Vice Chair Gayle Manchin said in a statement.
In March, Bahrain released nearly 1,500 prisoners due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
A statement from Bahrain's Ministry of Health says as of Tuesday the kingdom has recorded more than 16,000 confirmed cases and 29 deaths to the deadly and infectious coronavirus.
Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty International's Middle East research director, said it was "a relief" to know that Rajab has been reunited with his family but that the government needs to now nullify his charges.
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"Nabeel's release must now be accompanied by the quashing of his conviction and sentence, the dropping of any outstanding charges brought against him in relation to his expression of peaceful opinion and an end to the injustice he has been put through," Maalouf said in a statement. "Instead of releasing him on a non-custodial sentence, the authorities must quash all sentences brought against him and ensure his access to remedy for the violations he has suffered during this time."
Husain Abdulla, executive director at Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, called for the release of all political activists behind bars in Bahrain, many of whom are elderly and suffer from pre-existing health conditions.
"Bahrain's prisons remain crowded with peaceful human rights defenders and opposition leaders, whose lives are threatened by the government's inadequate response to COVID-19," he said in a statement. "Nabeel Rajab's release must be extended to all political leaders and opposition who remain unjustly incarcerated in Bahrain."


upi--2020-06-10--Black melanoma patients face treatment delays, study says

Black Americans with melanoma , the deadliest form of skin cancer , wait longer for surgery than white patients , a new study finds .
`` We already knew that black patients with melanoma have a worse prognosis and that longer time to treatment is associated with worse survival , but we did n't fully understand the relationship between race and time to treatment after controlling for various other factors , '' said study first author Raghav Tripathi , from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland .
He and his colleagues analyzed data gathered from nearly 234,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Of those , just over 1,200 -- 0.52 percent -- were black .
The rate of melanoma is relatively low in blacks .
The time from diagnosis to surgery was an average of 23.4 days for black patients , compared with 11.7 days for white patients .
Compared to whites , blacks were two times more likely to have to wait 41-60 days , three times more likely to have to wait 61-90 days , and five times more likely to have to wait 91 days or more .
Overall , patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of 60.4 days -- and those with private insurance had the shortest -- 44.6 days .
Health insurance status did n't fully account for the disparities in wait times between blacks and whites , according to the study authors .
`` A more thorough understanding of the factors associated with worse outcomes for black patients is critical in reducing racial disparities in melanoma outcomes , '' Tripathi said in a university news release .
Tripathi noted that blacks typically develop more aggressive melanoma and require more complex surgeries that can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve coordination among several doctors .
Also , there tends to be low awareness about skin cancer among black Americans because it 's relatively rare among them .
`` Ultimately , we hope this study will draw attention to the importance of further understanding the various components of [ time from diagnosis to definitive surgery ] and worse outcomes for black melanoma patients , '' Tripathi said .
Additionally , this study suggests that targeted approaches to improve time to treatment of black patients are necessary in reducing racial disparities in melanoma outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology .
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on melanoma .

Black Americans with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, wait longer for surgery than white patients, a new study finds.
"We already knew that black patients with melanoma have a worse prognosis and that longer time to treatment is associated with worse survival, but we didn't fully understand the relationship between race and time to treatment after controlling for various other factors," said study first author Raghav Tripathi, from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.
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He and his colleagues analyzed data gathered from nearly 234,000 U.S. melanoma patients between 2004 and 2015. Of those, just over 1,200 -- 0.52 percent -- were black. The rate of melanoma is relatively low in blacks.
The time from diagnosis to surgery was an average of 23.4 days for black patients, compared with 11.7 days for white patients. Compared to whites, blacks were two times more likely to have to wait 41-60 days, three times more likely to have to wait 61-90 days, and five times more likely to have to wait 91 days or more.
Overall, patients with Medicaid had the longest wait -- an average of 60.4 days -- and those with private insurance had the shortest -- 44.6 days.
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Health insurance status didn't fully account for the disparities in wait times between blacks and whites, according to the study authors.
"A more thorough understanding of the factors associated with worse outcomes for black patients is critical in reducing racial disparities in melanoma outcomes," Tripathi said in a university news release.
Tripathi noted that blacks typically develop more aggressive melanoma and require more complex surgeries that can take longer to schedule, particularly if they involve coordination among several doctors.
Also, there tends to be low awareness about skin cancer among black Americans because it's relatively rare among them.
"Ultimately, we hope this study will draw attention to the importance of further understanding the various components of [time from diagnosis to definitive surgery] and worse outcomes for black melanoma patients," Tripathi said.
Additionally, this study suggests that targeted approaches to improve time to treatment of black patients are necessary in reducing racial disparities in melanoma outcomes, he added.
The findings were recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
More information
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on melanoma.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-10--Famous birthdays for June 10: Kate Upton, Sasha Obama

June 10 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- Sasha @ @ @ @ @ President Barack Obama , in 2001 ( age 19 )

1/2
Kate Upton smiles after the Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays on October 10 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. She turns 28 on June 10. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
June 10 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- French painter Gustave Courbet in 1819
-- Actor Hattie McDaniel in 1895
-- Broadway composer Frederick Loewe in 1901
-- Nobel literature laureate Saul Bellow in 1915
-- Britain's Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1921 (age 99)
-- Hollywood icon Judy Garland in 1922
-- Children's author/illustrator Maurice Sendak in 1928
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
-- Attorney F. Lee Bailey in 1933 (age 87)
-- Football Hall of Fame member Dan Fouts in 1951 (age 69)
-- Actor Andrew Stevens in 1955 (age 65)
-- Actor Carolyn Hennesy in 1962 (age 58)
-- Model/actor Elizabeth Hurley in 1965 (age 55)
-- Former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal in 1971 (age 49)
-- Singer Faith Evans in 1973 (age 47)
-- Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black in 1974 (age 46)
-- Choreographer/dancer Benjamin Millepied in 1977 (age 43)
Benjamin Millepied and Natalie Portman arrive for the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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-- Actor Shane West in 1978 (age 42)
-- Country singer Lee Brice in 1979 (age 41)
-- Actor Jonathan Bennett in 1981 (age 39)
-- Olympic figure skater Tara Lipinski in 1982 (age 38)
-- Swedish Princess Madeleine in 1982 (age 38)
-- Actor/artist Leelee Sobieski in 1983 (age 37)
-- Actor Tristin Mays in 1990 (age 30)
-- Model/actor Kate Upton in 1992 (age 28)
-- Sasha Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, in 2001 (age 19)


upi--2020-06-10--SpaceX, Amazon, OneWeb seek communications dominance in space

June 10 ( UPI ) -- The developers of new communications satellite constellations -- connecting virtually every part of the Earth -- are engaged in a multibillion-dollar battle to develop dominance in space and the immense revenue that could bring , industry experts say .
Elon Musk 's Starlink is part of a new wave of ventures by several companies to cover the globe with faster , better internet by using constellations of satellites that number in the thousands .
At stake is the future of communications on Earth and in space .
Competitors include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which not long ago filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of U.S. bankruptcy laws .
But the road to profitability is not navigated simply by launching scores of satellites at a single shot .
Other factors come into play .
For example , Musk acknowledged recently that the cost of the user terminal is the biggest challenge for his project .
He previously said he hoped to develop a terminal that would sell for under $ 300 , but analysts say that will be difficult .
`` Getting the signal to the customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with new communications satellite service , '' said Hamed Khorsand , founder of California-based BWS Financial , which provides research on technology and communications companies .
`` You ca n't just put up satellites and think that will solve everything .
You have to have revenue , '' Khorsand said .
Both Starlink and OneWeb began in 2015 .
As OneWeb continued to develop , Starlink launched repeatedly .
As of June 3 , Musk 's SpaceX has launched 480 Starlink spacecraft .
The company has said it anticipates to invest about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential for $ 30 billion to $ 50 billion in annual revenue if the system becomes fully operational .
Musk said on Twitter recently that limited service could be tested by around August -- when SpaceX aims to have 800 satellites in orbit -- in what is called a beta validation .
In technology development , beta validations attempt to demonstrate a new software of service to a limited number of potential users .
Enter Bezos , whose plans for space communications services under the Project Kuiper mantle , are shrouded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bezos ' deep pockets only grew deeper as the coronavirus pandemic sent more people online to shop .
Analysts following the high-tech satellite slugfest say they have no idea how much Bezos -- who consistently ranks among the wealthiest people in the world -- is investing in Project Kuiper .
The Amazon , though , aims to launch more than 3,200 satellites , according to filings with the Federal Communications Commission .
But details of the constellation remain mostly under wraps as the company builds a new headquarters and prototype manufacturing laboratories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it aimed to provide reliable internet service to remote regions .
But OneWeb had only three launches and ran into funding trouble just as the pandemic took hold .
The company was testing and developing technology with 74 satellites in orbit and permits for up to 720 .
In bankruptcy court , OneWeb reported assets of $ 3.3 billion , the most significant of which are radio-frequency licenses and licenses to receive signals in nations around the globe , while its debts and liabilities were $ 2.1 billion .
Despite the positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market fallout from the pandemic interrupted efforts to raise more money for expansion of the satellite network .
As a startup , the company had no significant revenue .
OneWeb , based in Virginia and London , continues to operate with a reduced staff since it filed for bankruptcy in March and laid off about 450 workers -- more than three-fourths of its payroll .
The satellite startup filed a new application with the FCC in late May to boost the number of planned satellites to 48,000 .
OneWeb 's move to seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it more attractive to a new owner , or for a sale of the existing satellites , analyst Khorsand said .
`` It 's really more about whether anyone can use the satellites that are up there already .
I just do n't know if they are compatible with any other company 's technology , because most of the technology is pretty proprietary , '' he said .
Despite backing from major players like Airbus and Richard Branson 's Virgin Group , OneWeb made its bankruptcy filing after a big investor , Japan-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March as the pandemic spread and a recession took hold .
One veteran player had planned to join the fray , as well .
Intelsat , founded in 1964 , has been reborn with new investments several times .
It planned a communications satellite constellation , but filed for bankruptcy protection in May as financial fallout from the pandemic hit many industries .
The company cited only `` substantial legacy debt '' in its bankruptcy announcement .
Observers of the satellite communications industry are well-acquainted with struggling startups and bankruptcy -- due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time needed to become fully operational .
Costs increase more because federal and international regulations require thruster systems on the communications satellites to avoid potential collisions .
Khorsand noted that another firm in the competition , Iridium Communications , went bankrupt in 1999 after launching a communications satellite constellation .
The company later emerged from bankruptcy and now provides service to major customers , including the U.S. military .
It has 75 satellites in orbit .
With lucrative military contracts providing an enticement , SpaceX also is gunning for that market .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Air Force to test the signal from Starlink .
SpaceX eventually wants to have an armada of satellites that would beam data around the globe , using laser optics in the vacuum of space that could move data close to the speed of light .
Iridium is the only commercial provider that presently uses such laser optics , said Chris Quilty , founder of Florida-based Quilty Analytics , an aerospace analyst firm .
Before such space laser connections can happen , Starlink will need a new generation of Starlink satellites , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in orbit are n't designed for that technology , he said .
`` Starlink will have ground stations , but over the ocean , there are no ground stations , so it has to have a crosslink based in space to beam super-fast service around the world , '' Quilty said .
For Musk and Bezos , dominating the future of space communication also could benefit their long-term goals to explore the moon and Mars , Quilty said .
`` You ca n't fund Mars exploration only on the launch business , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of launch dramatically , which is the company 's goal , '' Quilty said .
`` If Musk is successful at establishing a colony on Mars , a good communications link to Earth will be vital , and Starlink would help that . ''

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket boosts the company's Starlink satellites to orbit from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station last Wednesday. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
June 10 (UPI) -- The developers of new communications satellite constellations -- connecting virtually every part of the Earth -- are engaged in a multibillion-dollar battle to develop dominance in space and the immense revenue that could bring, industry experts say. Elon Musk's Starlink is part of a new wave of ventures by several companies to cover the globe with faster, better internet by using constellations of satellites that number in the thousands. At stake is the future of communications on Earth and in space. Advertisement
Competitors include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Project Kuiper and startup company OneWeb, which not long ago filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of U.S. bankruptcy laws.
But the road to profitability is not navigated simply by launching scores of satellites at a single shot. Other factors come into play.
Advertisement
For example, Musk acknowledged recently that the cost of the user terminal is the biggest challenge for his project. He previously said he hoped to develop a terminal that would sell for under $300, but analysts say that will be difficult.
"Getting the signal to the customer [affordably] has always been the issue with new communications satellite service," said Hamed Khorsand, founder of California-based BWS Financial, which provides research on technology and communications companies.
"You can't just put up satellites and think that will solve everything. You have to have revenue," Khorsand said.
Both Starlink and OneWeb began in 2015. As OneWeb continued to develop, Starlink launched repeatedly. As of June 3, Musk's SpaceX has launched 480 Starlink spacecraft.
The company has said it anticipates to invest about $10 billion in Starlink, with a potential for $30 billion to $50 billion in annual revenue if the system becomes fully operational.
Testing soon
Musk said on Twitter recently that limited service could be tested by around August -- when SpaceX aims to have 800 satellites in orbit -- in what is called a beta validation. In technology development, beta validations attempt to demonstrate a new software or service to a limited number of potential users.
Advertisement
Enter Bezos, whose plans for space communications services under the Project Kuiper mantle, are shrouded in secrecy.
In the battle for funding, Bezos' deep pockets only grew deeper as the coronavirus pandemic sent more people online to shop. Analysts following the high-tech satellite slugfest say they have no idea how much Bezos -- who consistently ranks among the wealthiest people in the world -- is investing in Project Kuiper.
Amazon, though, aims to launch more than 3,200 satellites, according to filings with the Federal Communications Commission. But details of the constellation remain mostly under wraps as the company builds a new headquarters and prototype manufacturing laboratories near Seattle.
Like Starlink, OneWeb said it aimed to provide reliable internet service to remote regions. But OneWeb had only three launches and ran into funding trouble just as the pandemic took hold.
The company was testing and developing technology with 74 satellites in orbit and permits for up to 720.
In bankruptcy court, OneWeb reported assets of $3.3 billion, the most significant of which are radio-frequency licenses and licenses to receive signals in nations around the globe, while its debts and liabilities were $2.1 billion.
Pandemic hurt
Despite the positive balance sheet, the company said financial market fallout from the pandemic interrupted efforts to raise more money for expansion of the satellite network. As a startup, the company had no significant revenue.
Advertisement
OneWeb, based in Virginia and London, continues to operate with a reduced staff since it filed for bankruptcy in March and laid off about 450 workers -- more than three-fourths of its payroll.
The satellite startup filed a new application with the FCC in late May to boost the number of planned satellites to 48,000.
OneWeb's move to seek more satellite permits is aimed at making it more attractive to a new owner, or for a sale of the existing satellites, analyst Khorsand said.
"It's really more about whether anyone can use the satellites that are up there already. I just don't know if they are compatible with any other company's technology, because most of the technology is pretty proprietary," he said.
Despite backing from major players like Airbus and Richard Branson's Virgin Group, OneWeb made its bankruptcy filing after a big investor, Japan-based Softbank Group, withheld additional funding in March as the pandemic spread and a recession took hold.
One veteran player had planned to join the fray, as well.
Intelsat reborn
Intelsat, founded in 1964, has been reborn with new investments several times. It planned a communications satellite constellation, but filed for bankruptcy protection in May as financial fallout from the pandemic hit many industries. The company cited only "substantial legacy debt" in its bankruptcy announcement.
Advertisement
Observers of the satellite communications industry are well-acquainted with struggling startups and bankruptcy -- due to the high cost of getting underway and the time needed to become fully operational.
Costs increase more because federal and international regulations require thruster systems on the communications satellites to avoid potential collisions.
Khorsand noted that another firm in the competition, Iridium Communications, went bankrupt in 1999 after launching a communications satellite constellation. The company later emerged from bankruptcy and now provides service to major customers, including the U.S. military. It has 75 satellites in orbit.
With lucrative military contracts providing an enticement, SpaceX also is gunning for that market. The company said it already has worked with the Air Force to test the signal from Starlink.
SpaceX eventually wants to have an armada of satellites that would beam data around the globe, using laser optics in the vacuum of space that could move data close to the speed of light.
Iridium is the only commercial provider that presently uses such laser optics, said Chris Quilty, founder of Florida-based Quilty Analytics, an aerospace analyst firm.
New generation
Before such space laser connections can happen, Starlink will need a new generation of Starlink satellites, Quilty said. The current Starlink satellites in orbit aren't designed for that technology, he said.
Advertisement
"Starlink will have ground stations, but over the ocean, there are no ground stations, so it has to have a crosslink based in space to beam super-fast service around the world," Quilty said.
For Musk and Bezos, dominating the future of space communication also could benefit their long-term goals to explore the moon and Mars, Quilty said.
"You can't fund Mars exploration only on the launch business, especially if SpaceX is successful at shrinking the cost of launch dramatically, which is the company's goal," Quilty said.
"If Musk is successful at establishing a colony on Mars, a good communications link to Earth will be vital, and Starlink would help that."
Astronauts make round trip to space station from U.S. soil


upi--2020-06-10--MLB Draft: Top prospects likened to Mike Trout, Trevor Bauer

June 8 ( UPI ) -- Talented trio Spencer Torkelson , Asa Lacy and Austin Martin headline the college baseball prospect class for the 2020 MLB Draft , which airs at 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday on ESPN and MLB Network .
This year 's prospects are in a unique position , since they did n't get to finish their 2020 college seasons , which were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Torkelson , from Arizona State , is expected to be the No .
1 overall pick .
The power hitter with a short and compact swing obliterated Barry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a season as a freshman when he smashed 25 round-trippers in 2018 , 14 more than the mark set by MLB 's career home run leader .
Torkelson is the top player in Baseball America 's 500 Draft Rankings .
Martin ranks second and Lacy ranks third .
Georgia pitcher Emerson Hancock , New Mexico State 's Nick Gonzales , UCLA outfielder Garrett Mitchell and Spruce Creek High School ( Fla. ) outfielder Zac Veen also should be picked early in the draft .
MLB.com also has Louisville pitcher Reid Detmers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heston Kjerstad ranked as top-10 draft prospects .
The Detroit Tigers have the No .
1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft .
Detroit is expected to snag Torkelson , but Lacy and Martin are both under consideration for the second pick .
The Miami Marlins , Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays also have Top-5 picks .
The Seattle Mariners , Pittsburgh Pirates , San Diego Padres , Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels round out the Top-10 of the draft order .
The Arizona Diamondbacks , St. Louis Cardinals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Los Angeles Dodgers have the final five picks of the first round .
The Houston Astros are the only team without a first-round pick .
Houston forfeited the selection as part of their penalty for illegal sign stealing .
The 2020 MLB Draft will look a lot different than previous drafts .
This year 's process includes just five rounds , instead of 40 like in the past .
That will save MLB team owners millions of dollars in financial player commitments amid the pandemic , which has slashed revenue in MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go undrafted as a result .
The MLB Draft is unlike the NFL Draft in terms of first-round selections who can make an immediate impact .
Most players selected in the first round ultimately spend fewer than three seasons at the MLB level , and many in the draft spend years in the minor leagues and never make it to baseball 's highest level .
The draft order is the reverse order of last year 's MLB standings .
Players this year will also be drafted with uncertainty about when and where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the MLB season remains suspended and minor league seasons are expected to be canceled .
Torkelson , 20 , had a broken hand when he showed up on campus in Tempe , Ariz .
He had n't made an impact on coaches before he got healthy enough to stand in the batter 's box .
`` I did n't think much about him , '' Sun Devils hitting coach Michael Earley said .
`` But I saw something that was different the first day he was on the field .
His aptitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaching was off the charts .
`` He is different than everyone else .
That 's why he 'll probably be the No .
1 pick . ''
Earley , a former Chicago White Sox prospect , said Torkelson 's approach at the plate is similar to that of Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant .
He also compared aspects of his swing to Angels star Mike Trout 's .
Torkelson hit six home runs in 17 appearances for the Sun Devils in 2020 before the season was canceled .
He also hit .340 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career high in walks and had a career-best .780 slugging percentage and .598 on-base percentage .
`` It does n't matter who is on the mound , you just feel like something special is going to happen , '' Earley said .
Lacy had the build of an ace pitcher before he crafted an arsenal of pitches .
The Aggies star is a sponge for knowledge for every detail of the art of pitching .
He studies tapes of the best MLB pitchers and is similar to Cincinnati Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate , velocity , metrics and mechanics can improve his pitches .
Lacy used his upper-90-mph fastball to get hitters out in bullpen stints for the Aggies as a freshman .
He then went to the Alaska Baseball League the summer before the 2019 season and returned to campus with a new pitch , a cutter/slider he can tinker with for increased impact against hitters .
He also had more command of his changeup .
Now the starter has four pitches , and a fifth if you count his 2-seam fastball , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He knows mechanics better than anyone , '' Aggies assistant coach Kyle Simonds said .
`` He has great body awareness and is super athletic .
He is bulletproof and does n't get injured .
The dedication he has to everything is what sets him apart . ''
Lacy , 21 , had a 0.75 ERA and 46 strikeouts in three games in 2020 .
He was 8-4 with a 2.13 ERA in 15 stars in 2019 .
`` He has the dedication to dominate , '' Simonds said .
Martin shined for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series run .
The versatile infielder is also one of the best pure hitters in the 2020 draft class and can play in the outfield .
Martin , 21 , hit .377 with three home runs and just two strikeouts in 16 games this season for Vanderbilt .
He hit .392 with 10 homers , 46 RBIs , 18 stolen bases and 34 strikeouts in 65 games in 2019 .
`` He antagonizes his teammates on the field , and he 's not concerned about the repercussions of the relationship , '' Vanderbilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He 'll mend that inside the locker room .
In a playing environment , he 's not worried about the touchy-feely stuff .
He 'd rather go through that than the angst of coming up short . ''

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Arizona State star Spencer Torkelson is expected to go to the Detroit Tigers as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. Photo courtesy of Arizona State Athletics
June 10 (UPI) -- Talented trio Spencer Torkelson, Asa Lacy and Austin Martin headline the college baseball prospect class for the 2020 MLB Draft, which airs at 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday on ESPN and MLB Network. This year's prospects are in a unique position, since they didn't get to finish their 2020 college seasons, which were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
Torkelson, from Arizona State, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick. The power hitter with a short and compact swing obliterated Barry Bonds' school record for home runs in a season as a freshman when he smashed 25 round-trippers in 2018, 14 more than the mark set by MLB's career home run leader.
Torkelson is the top player in Baseball America's 500 Draft Rankings. Martin ranks second and Lacy ranks third.
Georgia pitcher Emerson Hancock, New Mexico State's Nick Gonzales, UCLA outfielder Garrett Mitchell and Spruce Creek High School (Fla.) outfielder Zac Veen also should be picked early in the draft.
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MLB.com also has Louisville pitcher Reid Detmers, Minnesota pitcher Max Meyer and Arkansas outfielder Heston Kjerstad ranked as top 10 draft prospects.
The Detroit Tigers have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. Detroit is expected to snag Torkelson, but Lacy and Martin are under consideration for the second pick.
The Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays also have Top 5 picks. The Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels round out the Top 10 of the draft order.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers have the final five picks of the first round.
The Houston Astros are the only team without a first-round pick. Houston forfeited the selection as part of its penalty for illegal sign stealing.
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New draft format
The 2020 MLB Draft will look a lot different than previous drafts. This year's process includes just five rounds, instead of 40. That will save MLB team owners millions of dollars in financial player commitments amid the pandemic, which has slashed revenue in the major and minor leagues.
More than 1,000 prospects will go undrafted as a result.
The MLB Draft is unlike the NFL Draft in terms of first-round selections who can make an immediate impact. Most players selected in the first round ultimately spend fewer than three seasons at the MLB level, and many in the draft spend years in the minor leagues and never make it to baseball's highest level.
The draft order is the reverse order of last year's MLB standings.
Players this year will also be drafted with uncertainty about when and where they will get to play in 2020 as the MLB season remains suspended and minor-league seasons are expected to be canceled.
Spencer Torkelson -- 6-foot-1, 220-pound first baseman -- Arizona State
Torkelson, 20, had a broken hand when he showed up on campus in Tempe, Ariz. He hadn't made an impact on coaches before he got healthy enough to stand in the batter's box.
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"I didn't think much about him," Sun Devils hitting coach Michael Earley said. "But I saw something that was different the first day he was on the field. His aptitude and ability to make adjustments and take coaching was off the charts.
"He is different than everyone else. That's why he'll probably be the No. 1 pick."
Earley, a former Chicago White Sox prospect, said Torkelson's approach at the plate is similar to that of Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant.
He also compared aspects of his swing to Angels star Mike Trout's. Torkelson hit six home runs in 17 appearances for the Sun Devils in 2020 before the season was canceled.
He also hit .340, was on pace to set a career high in walks and had a career-best .780 slugging percentage and .598 on-base percentage.
"It doesn't matter who is on the mound, you just feel like something special is going to happen," Earley said.
Asa Lacy -- 6-foot-4, 215-pound left-handed pitcher -- Texas A&M
Lacy had the build of an ace pitcher before he crafted an arsenal of pitches. The Aggies star is a sponge for knowledge for every detail of the art of pitching.
Advertisement
He studies tapes of the best MLB pitchers and is similar to Cincinnati Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer in his thirst for knowledge for how spin rate, velocity, metrics and mechanics can improve his pitches.
Lacy used his upper-90-mph fastball to get hitters out in bullpen stints for the Aggies as a freshman. He then went to the Alaska Baseball League the summer before the 2019 season and returned to campus with a new pitch, a cutter/slider he can tinker with for increased impact against hitters.
He also had more command of his changeup. Now the starter has four pitches, and a fifth if you count his 2-seam fastball, to take to the next level.
"He knows mechanics better than anyone," Aggies assistant coach Kyle Simonds said. "He has great body awareness and is super athletic. He is bulletproof and doesn't get injured. The dedication he has to everything is what sets him apart."
Lacy, 21, had a 0.75 ERA and 46 strikeouts in three games in 2020. He was 8-4 with a 2.13 ERA in 15 stars in 2019.
"He has the dedication to dominate," Simonds said.
Austin Martin -- 6-foot-0, 170-pound infielder -- Vanderbilt
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Martin shined for the Commodores during their 2018-19 College World Series run. The versatile infielder is also one of the best pure hitters in the 2020 draft class and can play in the outfield.
Martin, 21, hit .377 with three home runs and just two strikeouts in 16 games this season for Vanderbilt. He hit .392 with 10 homers, 46 RBIs, 18 stolen bases and 34 strikeouts in 65 games in 2019.
"He antagonizes his teammates on the field, and he's not concerned about the repercussions of the relationship," Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin told MLB Network.
"He'll mend that inside the locker room. In a playing environment, he's not worried about the touchy-feely stuff. He'd rather go through that than the angst of coming up short."


upi--2020-06-10--On This Day, June 10: Norway surrenders to Germany in WWII

On this date in history : In 1692 , Bridget Bishop was found guilty of the practice of witchcraft and hanged in Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony .
She was the first colonist executed during the Salem witch trials .
In 1898 , U.S. Marines invaded Cuba in the Spanish-American War .
In 1916 , whatever momentum former President Theodore Roosevelt had built up as he campaigned for the Republican nomination for president was extinguished when the progressive convention voted for reconciliation with the GOP .
In 1935 , Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron , Ohio .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ during World War II , with King Haakon and members of the government fleeing to Britain .
National Unity Party leader Vidkun Quisling led Norwegian fascist forces to assist the Germans , seizing strategic locations .
In 1942 , the German Gestapo burned the tiny Czech village of Lidice after shooting 173 men and shipping the women and children to concentration camps .
In 1943 , Hungarian Laszlo Biro secured a patent for his invention -- the first successful and widely used ballpoint pen .
In 1943 , President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax payments from salary checks .
In 2000 , Syrian President Hafez Assad died from a heart attack at age 69 .
He had ruled the country since 1970 .
In 2003 , a three-member Ontario Court of Appeal in Canada ordered that full marriage rights be extended to same-sex couples .
In 2006 , three detainees at the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba , hanged themselves .
In 2009 , Chrysler , one of America 's `` Big 3 '' automakers , climbed out of bankruptcy with a reconstruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian carmaker Fiat .
In 2014 , Rep. Eric Cantor , R-Va. , the U.S. House Republican leader , was defeated by Tea Party challenger David Brat , a college economics professor , in one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history .
In 2018 , Rafael Nadal won his 17th career Grand Slam , beating Dominic Thiem in the French Open .
It was his 11th French Open title , the most ever for a men or women 's player .
In 2019 , Pakistani authorities arrested former President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption case in which he was accused of funneling money to two private companies .

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German officers stand before Oslo's National Theater in 1940 after taking control of Norway during World War II. On June 10, 1940, Norway surrendered to Germany during World War II, with King Haakon and members of the government fleeing to Britain. File Photo by Willi Ruge/German Federal Archives
On this date in history: In 1692, Bridget Bishop was found guilty of the practice of witchcraft and hanged in Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. She was the first colonist executed during the Salem witch trials. Advertisement
In 1898, U.S. Marines invaded Cuba in the Spanish-American War.
In 1916, whatever momentum former President Theodore Roosevelt had built up as he campaigned for the Republican nomination for president was extinguished when the progressive convention voted for reconciliation with the GOP.
In 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron, Ohio.
In 1940, Norway surrendered to Germany during World War II, with King Haakon and members of the government fleeing to Britain. National Unity Party leader Vidkun Quisling led Norwegian fascist forces to assist the Germans, seizing strategic locations.
In 1942, the German Gestapo burned the tiny Czech village of Lidice after shooting 173 men and shipping the women and children to concentration camps.
In 1943, Hungarian Laszlo Biro secured a patent for his invention -- the first successful and widely used ballpoint pen.
In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a law authorizing employers to withhold income tax payments from salary checks.
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In 2000, Syrian President Hafez Assad died from a heart attack at age 69. He had ruled the country since 1970.
UPI File Photo
In 2003, a three-member Ontario Court of Appeal in Canada ordered that full marriage rights be extended to same-sex couples.
In 2006, three detainees at the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, hanged themselves.
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
In 2009, Chrysler, one of America's "Big 3" automakers, climbed out of bankruptcy with a reconstruction plan that included a partnership deal with Italian carmaker Fiat.
In 2014, Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., the U.S. House Republican leader, was defeated by Tea Party challenger David Brat, a college economics professor, in one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history.
In 2018, Rafael Nadal won his 17th career Grand Slam, beating Dominic Thiem in the French Open. It was his 11th French Open title, the most ever for a men or women's player.
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In 2019, Pakistani authorities arrested former President Asif Ali Zardari as part of a corruption case in which he was accused of funneling money to two private companies.


upi--2020-06-10--LA police officer charged with repeatedly punching homeless man

June 10 ( UPI ) -- Prosecutors in California said they have charged a Los Angeles police officer for punching an unarmed man more than a dozen times .
Frank Hernandez , 49 , has been charged with one felony count of assault and was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday .
`` This is a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer , '' Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` In this case , we believe the force was neither legally necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a month after the alleged assault occurred on April 27 when Hernandez and his partner responded to a call of a trespasser in a vacant lot in Boyle Heights near downtown Los Angeles .
According to the District Attorney 's Office , Hernandez is accused of punching the unnamed trespassing suspect in the head , neck and body during an encounter that was recorded by a bystander and shared on social media .
The footage led to a use-of-force investigation and the LAPD released body camera footage of the encounter in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney 's Office statement , investigators presented Lacey with their findings on June 2 for filing consideration .
`` The department has taken this matter very seriously from day one and he will be held accountable for his actions , '' LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in a statement Tuesday .
The LAPD said it will continue to assist the district attorney 's investigation .
Hernandez has been stripped of all police powers and has been assigned home .
The Los Angeles Police Protective Union , which Hernandez is a member , issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has a fiduciary responsibility to its members , `` what we saw on that video was unacceptable and is not what we are trained to do . ''
Richard Castillo , who is homeless , filed a lawsuit against the city and the police force last month after the body camera footage was released over the encounter , accusing one officer of using closed fists to strike him while a second officer `` failed to intervene . ''
If convicted , Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of three years in county jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protests in the United States calling for police reforms after another black man was killed in police custody .
George Floyd , 46 , was killed late last month while being arrested by a white police officer who pinned him to the ground with a knee to the back of his neck for more than eight minutes .
Lacey , who is black , has been criticized by activists during her tenure for not doing enough to hold police officers accountable for misconduct .

An image taken from body camera footage shows Frank Hernandez, 49, allegedly punching a suspect more than a dozen times. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Police Department/ YouTube
June 10 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in California said they have charged a Los Angeles police officer for punching an unarmed man more than a dozen times. Frank Hernandez, 49, has been charged with one felony count of assault and was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday. Advertisement
"This is a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer," Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement on Tuesday. "In this case, we believe the force was neither legally necessary nor reasonable."
The charge came more than a month after the alleged assault occurred on April 27 when Hernandez and his partner responded to a call of a trespasser in a vacant lot in Boyle Heights near downtown Los Angeles.
According to the District Attorney's Office, Hernandez is accused of punching the unnamed trespassing suspect in the head, neck and body during an encounter that was recorded by a bystander and shared on social media.
The footage led to a use-of-force investigation and the LAPD released body camera footage of the encounter in early May. According to the District Attorney's Office statement, investigators presented Lacey with their findings on June 2 for filing consideration.
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"The department has taken this matter very seriously from day one and he will be held accountable for his actions," LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in a statement Tuesday.
The LAPD said it will continue to assist the district attorney's investigation. Hernandez has been stripped of all police powers and has been assigned home.
The Los Angeles Police Protective Union, which Hernandez is a member, issued a statement late Tuesday, stating while it has a fiduciary responsibility to its members, "what we saw on that video was unacceptable and is not what we are trained to do."
Richard Castillo, who is homeless, filed a lawsuit against the city and the police force last month after the body camera footage was released over the encounter, accusing one officer of using closed fists to strike him while a second officer "failed to intervene."
If convicted, Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of three years in county jail.
The charges came during widespread unrest and protests in the United States calling for police reforms after another black man was killed in police custody.
George Floyd, 46, was killed late last month while being arrested by a white police officer who pinned him to the ground with a knee to the back of his neck for more than eight minutes.
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Lacey, who is black, has been criticized by activists during her tenure for not doing enough to hold police officers accountable for misconduct.