upi--2020-06-03--George Floyd protests: Pentagon moves 1,600 troops to D.C. area

June 2 ( UPI ) -- The Pentagon on Tuesday night moved about 1,600 active-duty Army troops to assist authorities in responding to protests sparked by the police-involved killing of George Floyd if needed .
Pentagon Chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman confirmed the soldiers were moved from Fort Bragg and Fort Drum to the Washington , D.C. area but active-duty forces have not yet been deployed .
`` The Department of Defense moved multiple active-duty Army units into the National Capitol Region as a prudent planning measure in response to ongoing support to civil authorities and operations , '' said Hoffman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many Washington , D.C. , protesters remained in place beyond a 7 p.m. curfew Trump declared would be `` strictly enforced '' during a national address on Monday evening .
He threatened to send the U.S. military into cities that do n't control violent demonstrations .
`` If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents , then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them , '' he said .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement forcefully clearing protesters as the president posed for a photo in front of St. John 's Church , an action Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser called `` shameful . ''
Tuesday , Trump said tensions were calming in and around Washington , D.C. '' D.C. had no problems last night , '' he tweeted .
`` Many arrests .
Great job done by all .
Overwhelming force .
Domination .
Likewise , Minneapolis was great . ''
Congressional Democrats spoke out against Trump 's threat to deploy the military in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi saying `` there is no reason '' for the military to be involved .
Sen. Tammy Duckworth , a combat veteran and Democrat from Illinois , described Trump 's threat of military force against protesters as `` tin-pot dictatorial . ''
`` We can not allow any Commander in Chief to put our Armed Forces ' reputation as the last institution Americans can trust and respect at risk by using them unlawfully and putting them in a position of exacerbating the divisions driving our union apart , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Atlanta , Dallas , New York City , Cleveland and multiple cities in California joined Washington , D.C. , in issuing curfews on Tuesday .
Trump also called on his hometown of New York City to call up the National Guard for help .
`` The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart , '' he tweeted .
`` Act fast !
Do n't make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes ! ''
Trump also criticized New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo for not activating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill de Blasio extended a curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the rest of this week after a night of looting and violence on Monday during which police officers were targeted .
A group of protesters in New York City were boxed in by police on both ends of the Manhattan Bridge for several hours after the curfew took effect as they left a group protesting in Brooklyn .
At around 11 p.m. , protests were seen finally being allowed to exit the bridge .
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the violence in New York where the U.N. headquarters is located .
`` Grievances must be heard , but should be expressed peacefully -- and authorities must show restraint in responding to demonstrations , '' he said in a statement .
In Portland early Wednesday , police said they contending with demonstrators throwing fireworks , vandalizing property and blocking traffic .
Protesters were also reported to be throwing projectiles at police .
Portland Police Chief Jami Resch said in a video message on Twitter that several hundred people late Tuesday had broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters and attempted to tear down a justice center compound and thrown bats , projectiles and `` mortars '' at police .
Officers issued warnings but the protesters continued and riot police were deployed , she said , without elaborating how many were arrested .
Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear announced Tuesday the state would reduce National Guard presence in Lousiville after a man named David McAtee was killed by gunfire from local police and the National Guard .
Police in Atlanta deployed tear gas on protesters in Atlanta as the city 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , CNN reported .
Curfews failed to rein in violence during protests on Monday , which led to a number of injured -- including multiple law enforcement officers .
At least four police officers in St. Louis received gunshot wounds and a man in Las Vegas was killed during mass demonstrations .
Officials said a Las Vegas officer is also on life support with critical injuries .
The New York City Police Department arrested more than 700 protesters overnight .
Looters damaged the flagship Macy 's department store in midtown Manhattan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows near Rockefeller Center .
Violence , fires and looting spread into the Bronx , where police said an officer was targeted in a hit-and-run attack .
`` That is wholly unacceptable and does not represent the people of this city , '' de Blasio said .
`` Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks all of us . ''
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo criticized de Blasio on Tuesday morning for not deploying enough police officers to handle the outbreaks of violence .
`` I believe the mayor underestimates the scope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underestimates the duration of the problem , and I do n't think they 've used enough police to address the situation , '' the governor said .
Cuomo said the mayor did n't accept his offer to send the National Guard to the state 's largest city .
The governor threatened to override the mayor .
`` Can you displace a mayor ?
Yes .
A mayor can be removed .
It has not happened .
I ca n't find a precedent .
But theoretically it is legally possible , '' Cuomo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to do in this situation .
I think it would make a bad situation worse .
Also , I do n't think it 's necessary , because I believe the NYPD can do this , because the NYPD has done this .
Two autopsies issued Monday agreed that Floyd 's death was a homicide , but they differed on the precise cause .
An independent autopsy said he died from mechanical asphyxiation , while the county coroner said Floyd died of `` cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual , restraint and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autopsy said Floyd also had `` other significant conditions '' including arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease , fentanyl intoxication and `` recent '' methamphetamine use .
Tuesday , Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington .
They observed a moment of remembrance near the statue of Saint John Paul II and visited the Luminous Mysteries Chapel , the John Paul II blood relic and the Madonna icon .
The Trumps also laid a wreath at the site before departing .
Floyd 's funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hometown of Houston .
Monday , Terrence Floyd visited the site of his brother 's death in Minneapolis and urged for calm amid growing national unrest .
`` I know he would not want you all to be doing this , '' he said , asking angry demonstrators to get out and vote for change and demand justice peacefully .
`` If I 'm not over here blowing up stuff , if I 'm not over here messing up my community -- then what are y'all doing ? ''
he added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother back . ''
In Denver , authorities charged a 37-year-old man with striking three police officers and a civilian during a hit-and-run late incident over the weekend .
Demonstrations in Denver were mostly peaceful Monday night as thousands gathered at the State Capitol and knelt to honor Floyd .
Tuesday , the European Union 's top diplomat called Floyd 's death an `` abuse of power . ''
EU High Representative Josep Borrell told reporters that such abuses must be denounced and condemned .
`` We here in Europe , like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd , and I think that all societies must remain vigilant against excessive use of force and ensure that all such incidents are addressed swiftly effectively and in full respect of the rule of law and human rights , '' Borrell said .
The EU , he added , supports `` the right to peaceful protest and we condemn violence and racism of any kind , and we call for a de-escalation of tensions . ''

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NYPD Police officers in riot gear stop protesters from entering Manhattan at the Manhattan Bridge on another night of unrest in Manhattan Tuesday as protests, looting and rioting around the country continue over the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 2 (UPI) -- The Pentagon on Tuesday night moved about 1,600 active-duty Army troops to assist authorities in responding to protests sparked by the police-involved killing of George Floyd if needed. Pentagon Chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman confirmed the soldiers were moved from Fort Bragg and Fort Drum to the Washington, D.C. area but active-duty forces have not yet been deployed. Advertisement
"The Department of Defense moved multiple active-duty Army units into the National Capitol Region as a prudent planning measure in response to ongoing support to civil authorities and operations," said Hoffman in a statement.
The move came as many Washington, D.C., protesters remained in place beyond a 7 p.m. curfew Trump declared would be "strictly enforced" during a national address on Monday evening. He threatened to send the U.S. military into cities that don't control violent demonstrations.
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"If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them," he said.
Trump's address was followed by federal law enforcement forcefully clearing protesters as the president posed for a photo in front of St. John's Church, an action Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called "shameful."
Tuesday, Trump said tensions were calming in and around Washington, D.C.
"D.C. had no problems last night," he tweeted. "Many arrests. Great job done by all. Overwhelming force. Domination. Likewise, Minneapolis was great."
Congressional Democrats spoke out against Trump's threat to deploy the military in response to protesters, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying "there is no reason" for the military to be involved.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran and Democrat from Illinois, described Trump's threat of military force against protesters as "tin-pot dictatorial."
"We cannot allow any Commander in Chief to put our Armed Forces' reputation as the last institution Americans can trust and respect at risk by using them unlawfully and putting them in a position of exacerbating the divisions driving our union apart," she said.
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Bracing for an eighth night of protests, Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Cleveland and multiple cities in California joined Washington, D.C., in issuing curfews on Tuesday.
Trump also called on his hometown of New York City to call up the National Guard for help.
"The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart," he tweeted. "Act fast! Don't make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!"
Trump also criticized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for not activating the National Guard.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio extended a curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the rest of this week after a night of looting and violence on Monday during which police officers were targeted.
A group of protesters in New York City were boxed in by police on both ends of the Manhattan Bridge for several hours after the curfew took effect as they left a group protesting in Brooklyn. At around 11 p.m., protests were seen finally being allowed to exit the bridge.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday also said he was "heartbroken" by the violence in New York where the U.N. headquarters is located.
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"Grievances must be heard, but should be expressed peacefully -- and authorities must show restraint in responding to demonstrations," he said in a statement.
In Portland early Wednesday, police said they contending with demonstrators throwing fireworks, vandalizing property and blocking traffic.
Protesters were also reported to be throwing projectiles at police.
Portland Police Chief Jami Resch said in a video message on Twitter that several hundred people late Tuesday had broken off from the main group of peaceful protesters and attempted to tear down a justice center compound and thrown bats, projectiles and "mortars" at police.
Officers issued warnings but the protesters continued and riot police were deployed, she said, without elaborating how many were arrested.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday the state would reduce National Guard presence in Lousiville after a man named David McAtee was killed by gunfire from local police and the National Guard.
Police in Atlanta deployed tear gas on protesters in Atlanta as the city's 9 p.m. curfew went into effect Tuesday night, CNN reported.
Curfews failed to rein in violence during protests on Monday, which led to a number of injured -- including multiple law enforcement officers.
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At least four police officers in St. Louis received gunshot wounds and a man in Las Vegas was killed during mass demonstrations. Officials said a Las Vegas officer is also on life support with critical injuries.
The New York City Police Department arrested more than 700 protesters overnight. Looters damaged the flagship Macy's department store in midtown Manhattan, emptied a Nike store and broke storefront windows near Rockefeller Center.
Violence, fires and looting spread into the Bronx, where police said an officer was targeted in a hit-and-run attack.
"That is wholly unacceptable and does not represent the people of this city," de Blasio said. "Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks all of us."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticized de Blasio on Tuesday morning for not deploying enough police officers to handle the outbreaks of violence.
"I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem. I believe he underestimates the duration of the problem, and I don't think they've used enough police to address the situation," the governor said.
Giving my daily press briefing now. Watch Live: https://t.co/yYmCJKgLJ0— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 2, 2020 Advertisement
Cuomo said the mayor didn't accept his offer to send the National Guard to the state's largest city. The governor threatened to override the mayor.
"Can you displace a mayor? Yes. A mayor can be removed. It has not happened. I can't find a precedent. But theoretically it is legally possible," Cuomo said.
"It is a bizarre thing to try to do in this situation. I think it would make a bad situation worse. Also, I don't think it's necessary, because I believe the NYPD can do this, because the NYPD has done this.
Two autopsies issued Monday agreed that Floyd's death was a homicide, but they differed on the precise cause.
An independent autopsy said he died from mechanical asphyxiation, while the county coroner said Floyd died of "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint and neck compression."
The county's autopsy said Floyd also had "other significant conditions" including arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, fentanyl intoxication and "recent" methamphetamine use.
Tuesday, Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington. They observed a moment of remembrance near the statue of Saint John Paul II and visited the Luminous Mysteries Chapel, the John Paul II blood relic and the Madonna icon.
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The Trumps also laid a wreath at the site before departing.
Floyd's funeral is scheduled for June 9 in his hometown of Houston. Monday, Terrence Floyd visited the site of his brother's death in Minneapolis and urged for calm amid growing national unrest.
"I know he would not want you all to be doing this," he said, asking angry demonstrators to get out and vote for change and demand justice peacefully.
"If I'm not over here blowing up stuff, if I'm not over here messing up my community -- then what are y'all doing?" he added. "That's not going to bring my brother back."
In Denver, authorities charged a 37-year-old man with striking three police officers and a civilian during a hit-and-run late incident over the weekend.
Demonstrations in Denver were mostly peaceful Monday night as thousands gathered at the State Capitol and knelt to honor Floyd.
Tuesday, the European Union's top diplomat called Floyd's death an "abuse of power."
EU High Representative Josep Borrell told reporters that such abuses must be denounced and condemned.
"We here in Europe, like the people of the United States, are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd, and I think that all societies must remain vigilant against excessive use of force and ensure that all such incidents are addressed swiftly effectively and in full respect of the rule of law and human rights," Borrell said.
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The EU, he added, supports "the right to peaceful protest and we condemn violence and racism of any kind, and we call for a de-escalation of tensions."
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd


upi--2020-06-03--Trump signs international religious freedom executive order, visits shrine

June 3 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to allot at least $ 50 million a year for programs that advance international religious freedoms while being chastised at home by religious leaders and politicians over controversial visits to a Catholic shrine and an Episcopal church .
The president quietly signed the executive order Tuesday after visiting the Saint John Paul II National Shrine -- a visit that was criticized by the archbishop of Washington , D.C. , who said the shrine 's namesake would not condone the use of tear gas to disperse peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also rebuked by Democrats and some Republicans after police cleared protesters from a park near the White House Monday evening so he could pose for photographs holding a Bible in front of St. John 's Episcopal Church , which had been set ablaze during demonstrations spurred by the death of George Floyd while in police custody .
`` I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles , which call us to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with whom we might disagree , '' Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said Tuesday in a statement .
After the photos were taken in front of St. John 's , Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Bishop of Washington , D.C. , said Trump had `` sanctioned the use of tear gas '' to clear the churchyard to use it as `` a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for . ''
`` The Bible teaches us to love God and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beloved children of God ; that we are to do justice and love kindness , '' she tweeted .
`` The president used our sacred text as a symbol of division . ''
On Tuesday , the president visited the Catholic shrine with the first lady , Melania Trump , where they laid a wreath at the base of a statue of Saint John Paul II and observed a moment of silence before entering the building .
Kellyanne Conway , White House counselor , later explained to reporters that Trump did not orchestrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defended his actions , stating Tuesday 's executive order is part of `` a continuum '' of defending religious rights at home and abroad .
`` I think it is very unfortunate that people of faith would call into question what is in anyone 's heart , including the president 's , what compelled him to go over to St. John 's and hold up his Bible , '' she said .
`` The politicization of that by people of faith is very unfortunate . ''
The executive order instructs the State Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to devise a plan to prioritize international religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy while earmarking $ 50 million per year for programs that `` anticipate , prevent and respond to attacks against individuals and groups on the basis of their religion . ''
It also directs the Treasury Department to develop `` economic tools '' to advance religious freedom in countries of particular concern , including those on a special watch list .
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom `` welcomed '' the executive order for elevating religious freedom in its foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for continuing to prioritize religious freedom as a national security imperative and a foreign policy priority , '' USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins said in a statement .
`` The executive order encourages swift action by the U.S. government to hold accountable foreign governments that commit severe violations and substantially increases U.S. economic assistance to support programs that advance religious freedom around the world . ''

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President Donald Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, visit Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
June 3 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to allot at least $50 million a year for programs that advance international religious freedoms while being chastised at home by religious leaders and politicians over controversial visits to a Catholic shrine and an Episcopal church. The president quietly signed the executive order Tuesday after visiting the Saint John Paul II National Shrine -- a visit that was criticized by the archbishop of Washington, D.C., who said the shrine's namesake would not condone the use of tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters from a religious facility. Advertisement
Trump was also rebuked by Democrats and some Republicans after police cleared protesters from a park near the White House Monday evening so he could pose for photographs holding a Bible in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, which had been set ablaze during demonstrations spurred by the death of George Floyd while in police custody.
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"I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree," Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said Tuesday in a statement.
After the photos were taken in front of St. John's, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, D.C., said Trump had "sanctioned the use of tear gas" to clear the churchyard to use it as "a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for."
"The Bible teaches us to love God and our neighbor; that all people are beloved children of God; that we are to do justice and love kindness," she tweeted. "The president used our sacred text as a symbol of division."
On Tuesday, the president visited the Catholic shrine with the first lady, Melania Trump, where they laid a wreath at the base of a statue of Saint John Paul II and observed a moment of silence before entering the building.
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Kellyanne Conway, White House counselor, later explained to reporters that Trump did not orchestrate his movements to St. John's and defended his actions, stating Tuesday's executive order is part of "a continuum" of defending religious rights at home and abroad.
"I think it is very unfortunate that people of faith would call into question what is in anyone's heart, including the president's, what compelled him to go over to St. John's and hold up his Bible," she said. "The politicization of that by people of faith is very unfortunate."
The executive order instructs the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to devise a plan to prioritize international religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy while earmarking $50 million per year for programs that "anticipate, prevent and respond to attacks against individuals and groups on the basis of their religion."
It also directs the Treasury Department to develop "economic tools" to advance religious freedom in countries of particular concern, including those on a special watch list.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom "welcomed" the executive order for elevating religious freedom in its foreign policy.
"We applaud President Trump for continuing to prioritize religious freedom as a national security imperative and a foreign policy priority," USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins said in a statement. "The executive order encourages swift action by the U.S. government to hold accountable foreign governments that commit severe violations and substantially increases U.S. economic assistance to support programs that advance religious freedom around the world."


upi--2020-06-03--U.S. accepts $200M South Korea proposal for furloughed USFK employees

SEOUL , June 2 ( UPI ) -- The Pentagon said Tuesday it 's accepted a $ 200 million proposal from South Korea to fund labor costs for Korean employees of United States Forces Korea , a move that comes as defense cost-sharing negotiations are at an impasse .
More than 4,000 South Korean civilian employees of the USFK were placed on furlough on April 1 after residual funds from the 2019 Special Measures Agreement , which covers costs for maintaining the roughly 28,500 U.S. troops stationed on the peninsula , ran out .
The Korean Ministry of Defense will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding for the USFK 's entire Korean workforce through the end of 2020 , the U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement .
`` This decision enables a more equitable sharing of the KN employee labor burden by the ROK and the U.S. , '' the statement said .
`` More importantly , it sustains the Alliance 's number one priority -- our combined defense posture . ''
The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea .
USFK expects all Korean employees to return to work no later than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Seoul remain deadlocked over a larger defense cost-sharing agreement , however .
The United States is asking for a $ 1.3 billion contribution from South Korea , an increase of nearly 50 percent from 2019 , according to a report from news agency Yonhap .
At the start of negotiations , U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly been seeking $ 5 billion from Seoul .
South Korea has offered to increase its contribution by 13 percent from the $ 870 million it paid in 2019 .
Foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha told parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer was the highest that Seoul could make .
South Korea 's defense ministry said in a statement that it welcomed the end of the furloughs and added that Seoul and Washington would toward a new SMA soon .
`` South Korea and the U.S. will strive to reach a defense cost-sharing agreement at an early date , '' the ministry said , according to Yonhap .
Gen. Robert Abrams , commander of USFK , said he was `` thrilled '' that the furloughed employees would be coming back to work .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-workers and teammates to return to work and our hard work has paid-off , '' he said in a statement .
`` We are thrilled to welcome back our furloughed employees and end this strenuous period for them .
Our ability to work together in finding a burden-sharing solution for our Korean National employees is another positive sign of the power of our Alliance . ''
Abrams added that Tuesday 's announcement represented only a short-term solution and that it `` still highlights the need for an overall Special Measures Agreement for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that `` equitable burden-sharing '' is `` in the best interest of all parties . ''
`` We strongly encourage our Ally to reach a fair agreement as quickly as possible , '' the statement said .
`` The United States has shown considerable flexibility in their approach to the SMA negotiations , and requests that the ROK does the same . ''
Without a new SMA , `` burden sharing will remain out of balance for an Alliance that values and desires parity , '' the Pentagon added .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain suspended .
`` USFK 's mid- and long-term force readiness remains at risk , '' the statement said .

The Pentagon accepted a $200 million offer from South Korea to fund Korean civilian employees of United States Forces Korea on Tuesday. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, June 2 (UPI) -- The Pentagon said Tuesday it's accepted a $200 million proposal from South Korea to fund labor costs for Korean employees of United States Forces Korea, a move that comes as defense cost-sharing negotiations are at an impasse. More than 4,000 South Korean civilian employees of the USFK were placed on furlough on April 1 after residual funds from the 2019 Special Measures Agreement, which covers costs for maintaining the roughly 28,500 U.S. troops stationed on the peninsula, ran out. Advertisement
The Korean Ministry of Defense will provide more than $200 million in funding for the USFK's entire Korean workforce through the end of 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement.
"This decision enables a more equitable sharing of the KN employee labor burden by the ROK and the U.S.," the statement said. "More importantly, it sustains the alliance's number one priority -- our combined defense posture."
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The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea.
USFK expects all Korean employees to return to work no later than mid-June, the statement said.
Washington and Seoul remain deadlocked over a larger defense cost-sharing agreement, however.
The United States is asking for a $1.3 billion contribution from South Korea, an increase of nearly 50 percent from 2019, according to a report from news agency Yonhap. At the start of negotiations, U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly been seeking $5 billion from Seoul.
South Korea has offered to increase its contribution by 13 percent from the $870 million it paid in 2019. Foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha told parliament at the end of April that the offer was the highest that Seoul could make.
South Korea's defense ministry said in a statement that it welcomed the end of the furloughs and added that Seoul and Washington would move toward a new SMA soon.
"South Korea and the U.S. will strive to reach a defense cost-sharing agreement at an early date," the ministry said, according to Yonhap.
Gen. Robert Abrams, commander of USFK, said he was "thrilled" that the furloughed employees would be coming back to work.
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"USFK fought tirelessly for our employees, co-workers and teammates to return to work and our hard work has paid off," he said in a statement. "We are thrilled to welcome back our furloughed employees and end this strenuous period for them. Our ability to work together in finding a burden-sharing solution for our Korean national employees is another positive sign of the power of our alliance."
Abrams added that Tuesday's announcement represented only a short-term solution and that it "still highlights the need for an overall Special Measures Agreement for the long term."
The Pentagon said Tuesday that "equitable burden-sharing" is "in the best interest of all parties."
"We strongly encourage our ally to reach a fair agreement as quickly as possible," the statement said. "The United States has shown considerable flexibility in their approach to the SMA negotiations, and requests that the ROK does the same."
Without a new SMA, "burden sharing will remain out of balance for an alliance that values and desires parity," the Pentagon added.
It also cautioned that critical defense infrastructure projects would remain suspended.
"USFK's mid- and long-term force readiness remains at risk," the statement said.


upi--2020-06-03--Survey: COVID-19 pandemic spurring mental health crisis

The coronavirus pandemic is taking its toll on Americans ' mental health , with more than 88,000 people developing anxiety or depression as a result , according to Mental Health America , a U.S. community-based nonprofit organization .
Also , more than 21,000 Americans who completed MHA 's free online mental health screening last month said they thought about suicide or self-harm on more than half of the days in May .
The numbers suggest a coming mental health epidemic , according to MHA 's president , Paul Gionfriddo .
`` Our May screening numbers were unprecedented , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And what is most troubling is that the numbers -- consistent with the numbers from the U.S. Government 's Census Bureau -- demonstrate not only that there is not yet any relief from the mental health impacts of the pandemic , but that the impacts actually seem to be spreading and accelerating . ''
Considering that between 40,000 and 50,000 Americans die by suicide every year and nearly half that many reported suicidal or self-harm thinking in May , Gionfriddo said the numbers have to be `` a wake-up call to policymakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Since the start of the pandemic , the screening found : • At least 88,405 more cases of depression and anxiety than expected .
• More than 54,000 moderate-to-severe cases of depression and more than 34,300 moderate-to-severe cases of anxiety between February through May .
• The per-day number of depression screenings was 394 percent higher and the per-day number of anxiety screenings was 370 % higher in May than in January .
• There 's a huge toll on people younger than 25 ) .
Roughly 9 in 10 screened had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that level of anxiety .
• There are strong feelings of loneliness and isolation .
The two factors accounted for 73 percent cases of moderate-to-severe depression and 62 percent of anxiety .
• More than 21,000 people considered killing themselves or harming themselves on at least 16 days during May .
Nearly 12,000 had these thoughts almost daily .
• LGBTQ individuals , caregivers , students , veterans and active duty military personnel , as well as those with chronic health conditions are especially hard-hit .
• The pandemic is also contributing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For more on the risk of suicide and where to get help , see the National Alliance on Mental Illness .

The coronavirus pandemic is taking its toll on Americans' mental health, with more than 88,000 people developing anxiety or depression as a result, according to Mental Health America, a U.S. community-based nonprofit organization.
Also, more than 21,000 Americans who completed MHA's free online mental health screening last month said they thought about suicide or self-harm on more than half of the days in May.
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The numbers suggest a coming mental health epidemic, according to MHA's president, Paul Gionfriddo.
"Our May screening numbers were unprecedented," he said in an organization news release. "And what is most troubling is that the numbers -- consistent with the numbers from the U.S. Government's Census Bureau -- demonstrate not only that there is not yet any relief from the mental health impacts of the pandemic, but that the impacts actually seem to be spreading and accelerating."
Considering that between 40,000 and 50,000 Americans die by suicide every year and nearly half that many reported suicidal or self-harm thinking in May, Gionfriddo said the numbers have to be "a wake-up call to policymakers to act now to prevent this."
Since the start of the pandemic, the screening found:
At least 88,405 more cases of depression and anxiety than expected.
More than 54,000 moderate-to-severe cases of depression and more than 34,300 moderate-to-severe cases of anxiety between February through May.
The per-day number of depression screenings was 394 percent higher and the per-day number of anxiety screenings was 370% higher in May than in January.
There's a huge toll on people younger than 25). Roughly 9 in 10 screened had moderate-to-severe depression and 8 in 10 had that level of anxiety.
There are strong feelings of loneliness and isolation. The two factors accounted for 73 percent cases of moderate-to-severe depression and 62 percent of anxiety.
More than 21,000 people considered killing themselves or harming themselves on at least 16 days during May. Nearly 12,000 had these thoughts almost daily.
LGBTQ individuals, caregivers, students, veterans and active duty military personnel, as well as those with chronic health conditions are especially hard-hit.
The pandemic is also contributing to other mental health conditions, like psychosis.
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More information
For more on the risk of suicide and where to get help, see the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-03--On This Day, June 3: Radical feminist author shoots Andy Warhol

On this date in history : In 1888 , the comic baseball poem `` Casey at the Bat '' was published in the Sunday edition of the San Francisco Examiner .
In 1937 , the Duke of Windsor , formerly King Edward VIII , married divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson of Baltimore after abdicating the British throne .
In 1940 , waves of German bombers raided Paris , killing 48 people , damaging buildings and narrowly missing U.S .
Ambassador William C. Bullitt .
In 1965 , Gemini IV astronaut Ed White made the first American `` walk '' in space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cord , was outside the spacecraft for 23 minutes .
He later said the order to end his spacewalk was the `` saddest moment '' of his life .
In 1968 , radical feminist author and actor Valerie Solanas shot artist Andy Warhol at his New York City studio The Factory .
Warhol survived the shooting after a five-hour operation to repair damage to several internal organs .
In 1989 , Iran 's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini , leader of the Islamic revolution , died 11 days after surgery to stop internal bleeding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Illinois clinched the Democratic presidential nomination on the final day of the party 's primary season .
In 2011 , Jack Kevorkian , 83 , the Michigan physician known as `` Dr. Death , '' died .
His advocacy for assisted suicide created havoc for medical ethicists and law agencies .
In 2012 , a Dana Air jetliner crashed into a two-story apartment building in a densely populated suburb of Lagos , Nigeria , killing 153 people on the plane and 10 on the ground .
In 2017 , a van mowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers stabbed people at nearby bars and restaurants , killing seven victims .
Police fatally shot the attackers and the Islamic State claimed credit for both attacks .
In 2018 , Guatemala 's Fuego volcano erupted , sending lava ash into nearby villages and killing more than 100 people .
In 2019 , Jay-Z became the first hip-hop artist to become a billionaire , according to Forbes .

1/2
Andy Warhol (C) stands in front of a limited edition serigraph of Princess Grace of Monaco on June 1, 1984, in Philadelphia. On June 3, 1968, radical feminist author and actor Valerie Solanas shot Warhol at his New York City studio The Factory. File Photo by George Bilyk/UPI | License Photo
On this date in history: In 1888, the comic baseball poem "Casey at the Bat" was published in the Sunday edition of the San Francisco Examiner. Advertisement
In 1937, the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII, married divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson of Baltimore after abdicating the British throne.
In 1940, waves of German bombers raided Paris, killing 48 people, damaging buildings and narrowly missing U.S. Ambassador William C. Bullitt.
In 1965, Gemini IV astronaut Ed White made the first American "walk" in space. White, attached to a 25-foot cord, was outside the spacecraft for 23 minutes. He later said the order to end his spacewalk was the "saddest moment" of his life.
File Photo by NASA
In 1968, radical feminist author and actor Valerie Solanas shot artist Andy Warhol at his New York City studio The Factory. Warhol survived the shooting after a five-hour operation to repair damage to several internal organs.
In 1989, Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of the Islamic revolution, died 11 days after surgery to stop internal bleeding.
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In 2004, CIA Director George Tenet resigned.
In 2008, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois clinched the Democratic presidential nomination on the final day of the party's primary season.
In 2011, Jack Kevorkian, 83, the Michigan physician known as "Dr. Death," died. His advocacy for assisted suicide created havoc for medical ethicists and law agencies.
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
In 2012, a Dana Air jetliner crashed into a two-story apartment building in a densely populated suburb of Lagos, Nigeria, killing 153 people on the plane and 10 on the ground.
In 2017, a van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and the drivers stabbed people at nearby bars and restaurants, killing seven victims. Police fatally shot the attackers and the Islamic State claimed credit for both attacks.
In 2018, Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted, sending lava ash into nearby villages and killing more than 100 people.
In 2019, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop artist to become a billionaire, according to Forbes.
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upi--2020-06-03--JoAnna Garcia Swisher: 'Sweet Magnolias' finale was a 'big pill'

LOS ANGELES , June 3 ( UPI ) -- Netflix viewers met the Sweet Magnolias on May 19 and made it the No .
1 new show on the streaming service .
On Monday , star JoAnna Garcia Swisher still was reeling from the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the show 's fans .
The `` Sweet Magnolias '' are three best friends in South Carolina -- Maddie Townsend ( Swisher ) , Dana Sue Sullivan ( Brooke Elliott ) and Helen Decatur ( Heather Headley ) .
Garcia Swisher said fans still are telling her how they relate to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've shed a few tears of gratitude , '' Garcia Swisher told UPI in a phone interview Monday .
`` I 'm normally not at a loss for words , but I am right now . ''
Maddie shares custody of her three children with her ex-husband , Bill ( Chris Klein ) .
Bill had an affair with Noreen ( Jamie Lynn Spears ) and married her when she became pregnant with his child .
Garcia Swisher said some fans have told her they went through a divorce due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just sort of a game changer , '' Garcia Swisher said .
`` When there 's a new baby human that 's about to come into the world and into the family , that definitely adds another layer . ''
Garcia Swisher made her TV debut on an episode of Superboy in 1992 when she was 13 .
She followed with roles on Clarissa Explains It All and Step By Step before joining the cast of the Nickelodeon series Are You Afraid of the Dark ?
She played Reba McEntire 's daughter for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reba .
Subsequent shows Welcome to the Captain , Privileged , Better With You , Animal Practice , The Astronaut Wives Club and Kevin ( Probably ) Saves the World only lasted one season each , though her role as Ariel , The Little Mermaid , on Once Upon a Time spanned several seasons .
`` We 've all been a part of really great shows that just are n't successful , '' Garcia Swisher said .
`` There 's no real formula there and it 's just a kind of magic in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of it . ''
Sheryl J. Anderson adapted Sherryl Woods ' Sweet Magnolias books for television , and asked Garcia Swisher not to read them before playing Maddie .
The actor has since read three of the 11 novels and feels Maddie represents Woods ' creation faithfully .
`` I did n't picture her any different than just me , '' Garcia Swisher said of reading about her character .
`` At her core , I feel like we are bringing to life a character that Sherryl Woods created . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , S.C. , in Georgia , where many productions film .
Garcia Swisher grew up in Tampa , Fla. , which is a bigger city than Serenity is portrayed as , but related to the fictional town .
`` I definitely was raised in a very Latin home , but surrounded by Southern lifestyle , '' she said .
Regardless of population , Garcia Swisher said members of southern communities tend to get involved in one another 's lives , for better or worse .
The downside is that everyone in town may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plus side is she has two friends in Helen and Dana Sue on whom she can always count .
Garcia Swisher said she had instant chemistry with her co-stars .
`` That does n't happen very often , '' she said .
`` It does n't mean that if it 's a slower burn that you ca n't get there .
It just happened really quickly for us in this instance . ''
They remained friends after wrapping Season 1 .
Garcia Swisher said she has had Zoom calls with Elliott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When her father passed away on Nov. 9 , Garcia Swisher said Elliott and Headley were there for her .
`` I ca n't explain to you the level of showing up for me that they did in that moment , '' she said , choking up .
Sweet Magnolias gave Maddie a second chance at love with high school baseball coach Cal ( Justin Bruening ) .
The season finale saw Maddie at odds with both her boyfriend , and her oldest son , Ty ( Carson Rowland ) .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were big pills for me to swallow , '' Garcia Swisher said .
`` If there 's a Season 2 , Maddie will have to make up for those reactions . ''
When Cal invited a baseball scout to see Ty pitch , Maddie rushed to judgment that he was interfering with her son .
Garcia Swisher felt Maddie could have given Cal the benefit of the doubt .
`` If Maddie really is trusting again , maybe she would have given Cal an opportunity to explain himself , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Ty became overexcited , thinking one scout could discover him and send him to the major leagues .
He was ready to skip college for baseball , which naturally concerned his mother but Garcia Swisher identified with Ty .
When she was 19 , Garcia Swisher moved from Tampa to Los Angeles .
Her parents supported her decision , so she wishes Maddie had been more open-minded .
`` I think her personal life really got in the way of being able to be a more reasonable parent in that moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also married to MLB outfielder Nick Swisher .
In real life , she believes in baseball dreams more than Maddie might .
`` I know what that love looks like for a sport , '' she said .
Season 2 is a mystery even to the cast The season finale culminated in the cast of characters arriving at the scene of an automobile accident .
One of the victims is Maddie 's son Kyle ( Logan Allen ) .
The identity of the second passenger remains a cliffhanger .
Anderson told Swisher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second season to find out .
`` When I read the script , I was like .
'Sheryl , you would not be so awful to put two of my kids in that car , would you ?
Like , would you do that to me ? ''
she asked .
Garcia Swisher also hopes a second season gives Cal and Maddie a second chance .
`` I hope they find their way back together again , '' she said .
`` I do n't know that it 's going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the imagination . ''
She is just as invested in her co-stars ' stories as her own .
Helen broke up with her love interest Ryan ( Michael Shenefelt ) because Ryan does not want to have kids .
She 'd previously had sparks with Erik ( Dion Johnstone ) , a chef at Dana Sue 's restaurant .
`` Helen and Erik better get together , '' Garcia Swisher said .
`` That 's all I 'm saying .
I need to see that come to life on television please . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quinn ) sought reconciliation with her .
Garcia Swisher is all for that too .
`` I 'm really looking forward to seeing Ronnie and Dana Sue , how they 've kind of come together in the end , '' she said .
Sweet Magnolias Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix .

1/4
JoAnna Garcia Swisher is one of three "Sweet Magnolias" on Netflix. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
LOS ANGELES, June 3 (UPI) -- Netflix viewers met the Sweet Magnolias on May 19 and made it the No. 1 new show on the streaming service. On Monday, star JoAnna Garcia Swisher was reeling from the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the show's fans. The "Sweet Magnolias" are three best friends in South Carolina -- Maddie Townsend (Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) and Helen Decatur (Heather Headley). Garcia Swisher said fans are telling her how they relate to her character's struggles and the show overall. Advertisement
"I've shed a few tears of gratitude," Garcia Swisher told UPI in a phone interview Monday. "I'm normally not at a loss for words, but I am right now."
Maddie shares custody of her three children with her ex-husband, Bill (Chris Klein). Bill had an affair with Noreen (Jamie Lynn Spears) and married her when she became pregnant with his child. Garcia Swisher said some fans have told her they went through a divorce due to similar circumstances.
Advertisement
"That's just sort of a game changer," Garcia Swisher said. "When there's a new baby human that's about to come into the world and into the family, that definitely adds another layer."
Garcia Swisher made her TV debut on an episode of Superboy in 1992 when she was 13. She followed with roles on Clarissa Explains It All and Step By Step before joining the cast of the Nickelodeon series Are You Afraid of the Dark?
She played Reba McEntire's daughter for six seasons on the singer's sitcom Reba. Subsequent shows Welcome to the Captain, Privileged, Better With You, Animal Practice, The Astronaut Wives Club and Kevin (Probably) Saves the World only lasted one season each, though her role as Ariel, The Little Mermaid, on Once Upon a Time spanned several seasons.
"We've all been a part of really great shows that just aren't successful," Garcia Swisher said. "There's no real formula there and it's just a kind of magic in a bottle. I'm so grateful for all of it."
Sherryl Woods' world
Sheryl J. Anderson adapted Sherryl Woods' Sweet Magnolias books for television and asked Garcia Swisher not to read them before playing Maddie. The actor has since read three of the 11 novels and says Maddie represents Woods' creation faithfully.
Advertisement
"I didn't picture her any different than just me," Garcia Swisher said of reading about her character. "At her core, I feel like we are bringing to life a character that Sherryl Woods created."
Netflix recreated the fictional town of Serenity, S.C., in Georgia, where many productions film. Garcia Swisher grew up in Tampa, Fla., which is a bigger city than Serenity is portrayed as, but related to the fictional town.
"I definitely was raised in a very Latin home, but surrounded by Southern lifestyle," she said.
Regardless of population, Garcia Swisher said members of Southern communities tend to get involved in one another's lives, for better or worse. The downside is that everyone in town may have an opinion on Maddie's divorce.
The plus side is she has two friends in Helen and Dana Sue she can always count on. Garcia Swisher said she had instant chemistry with her co-stars.
"That doesn't happen very often," she said. "It doesn't mean that if it's a slower burn that you can't get there. It just happened really quickly for us in this instance."
They remained friends after wrapping Season 1. Garcia Swisher said she has had Zoom calls with Elliott and Headley for the past several months. When her father passed away on Nov. 9, Garcia Swisher said Elliott and Headley were there for her.
Advertisement
"I can't explain to you the level of showing up for me that they did in that moment," she said, choking up.
Where it left off
Sweet Magnolias gave Maddie a second chance at love with high school baseball coach Cal (Justin Bruening). The season finale saw Maddie at odds with both her boyfriend, and her oldest son, Ty (Carson Rowland).
"That whole episode for me, those were big pills for me to swallow," Garcia Swisher said. "If there's a Season 2, Maddie will have to make up for those reactions."
When Cal invited a baseball scout to see Ty pitch, Maddie rushed to judgment that he was interfering with her son. Garcia Swisher felt Maddie could have given Cal the benefit of the doubt.
"If Maddie really is trusting again, maybe she would have given Cal an opportunity to explain himself," she said. "She really just shut him down."
Ty became overexcited, thinking one scout could discover him and send him to the major leagues. He was ready to skip college for baseball, which naturally concerned his mother but Garcia Swisher identified with Ty.
When she was 19, Garcia Swisher moved from Tampa to Los Angeles. Her parents supported her decision, so she wishes Maddie had been more open-minded.
Advertisement
"I think her personal life really got in the way of being able to be a more reasonable parent in that moment," she said.
Garcia Swisher is married to MLB outfielder Nick Swisher. In real life, she believes in baseball dreams more than Maddie might.
"I know what that love looks like for a sport," she said.
Season 2 a mystery
[SPOILER ALERT]
The season finale culminated in the cast of characters arriving at the scene of an automobile accident. One of the victims is Maddie's son Kyle (Logan Allen). The identity of the second passenger remains a cliffhanger. Anderson told Swisher her plan is to make Netflix green-light a second season to find out.
"When I read the script, I was like. 'Sheryl, you would not be so awful to put two of my kids in that car, would you? Like, would you do that to me?'" she asked.
Garcia Swisher also hopes a second season gives Cal and Maddie a second chance.
"I hope they find their way back together again," she said. "I don't know that it's going to be an easy journey by any stretch of the imagination."
She is just as invested in her co-stars' stories as her own. Helen broke up with her love interest Ryan (Michael Shenefelt) because Ryan does not want to have kids. She'd previously had sparks with Erik (Dion Johnstone), a chef at Dana Sue's restaurant.
Advertisement
"Helen and Erik better get together," Garcia Swisher said. "That's all I'm saying. I need to see that come to life on television please."
Dana Sue's husband Ronnie (Brandon Quinn) sought reconciliation with her. Garcia Swisher is all for that, too.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing Ronnie and Dana Sue, how they've kind of come together in the end," she said.
Sweet Magnolias Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.


upi--2020-06-03--Famous birthdays for June 3: Rafael Nadal, Anderson Cooper

June 3 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- Jefferson @ @ @ @ @ Confederacy during the Civil War , in 1808

Rafael Nadal of Spain bites the championship trophy after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in 5 sets to win the Men's Final in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the 2019 U.S. Open Tennis Championships on September 8 in New York City. The tennis star turns 34 on June 3. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 3 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy during the Civil War, in 1808
-- Automaker Ransom Olds in 1864
-- British King George V in 1865
-- British actor Maurice Evans in 1901
-- Jazz dancer/singer Josephine Baker in 1906
-- Actor Paulette Goddard in 1910
-- Actor Ellen Corby in 1911
-- Actor Colleen Dewhurst in 1924
-- Country blues singer Jimmy Rogers in 1924
-- Actor Tony Curtis in 1925
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Poet Allen Ginsberg in 1926
-- TV producer Chuck Barris in 1929
-- Author Marion Zimmer Bradley in 1930
-- Author Larry McMurtry in 1936 (age 84)
-- Former Cuban President Raul Castro in 1931 (age 89)
-- Singer/songwriter Curtis Mayfield in 1942
-- Singer Deniece Williams in 1950 (age 70)
-- Actor Scott Valentine in 1958 (age 62)
-- Journalist/TV anchor Anderson Cooper in 1967 (age 53)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
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-- Comedic author John Hodgman in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor Jodie Whittaker in 1982 (age 38)
-- Tennis player Rafael Nadal in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Imogen Poots in 1989 (age 31)
-- Actor Anne Winters in 1994 (age 26)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-06-03--Food allergies underdiagnosed in poor families

Food allergies may be under-diagnosed among children covered by Medicaid , a new study suggests .
`` We were surprised to find such a large discrepancy in estimates of food allergy prevalence in children on Medicaid compared to the general population , '' said senior study author Dr. Ruchi Gupta , a pediatrician and food allergy researcher at Children 's Hospital of Chicago .
`` Our findings suggest potential under-diagnosis of food allergy among Medicaid-enrolled children , '' Gupta said in a hospital news release .
`` Families in the Medicaid program may be encountering barriers to accessing and affording @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Food allergies affect millions of U.S. children and cause significant emotional and financial burdens on affected families .
Gupta 's team analyzed Medicaid claims data for over 23 million children on Medicaid , the publicly insured insurance plan for the poor .
They found the rate of food allergies was 0.6 percent .
That 's far below previous U.S. parent survey-based estimates of nearly 8 percent and physician confirmation of food allergies at about 5 percent .
The researchers also found strong associations between race/ethnicity and food allergies .
Compared to white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asians were about 25 percent more likely to have food allergies .
Black children were 7 percent more likely to have food allergies , while Hispanic kids were 15 percent less likely and American Indian/Alaskan Native children were 24 percent less likely .
The results also `` show that some of the racial differences in food allergy prevalence found in the general population persist among children enrolled in Medicaid , '' Gupta said .
Future research needs to determine whether racial and ethnic differences in prevalence are associated with disparities in adequate food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management includes patient education on allergen avoidance and up-to-date epinephrine prescriptions .
Previous research by Gupta found that 40 percent of children with food allergies have a life-threatening reaction in their lifetime , and 1 in 5 have at least one food allergy-related emergency department visit a year .
The study was recently published in the journal Academic Pediatrics .
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on food allergies .

Food allergies may be under-diagnosed among children covered by Medicaid, a new study suggests.
"We were surprised to find such a large discrepancy in estimates of food allergy prevalence in children on Medicaid compared to the general population," said senior study author Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a pediatrician and food allergy researcher at Children's Hospital of Chicago.
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"Our findings suggest potential under-diagnosis of food allergy among Medicaid-enrolled children," Gupta said in a hospital news release. "Families in the Medicaid program may be encountering barriers to accessing and affording specialists and potentially lifesaving epinephrine prescriptions."
Food allergies affect millions of U.S. children and cause significant emotional and financial burdens on affected families.
Gupta's team analyzed Medicaid claims data for over 23 million children on Medicaid, the publicly insured insurance plan for the poor. They found the rate of food allergies was 0.6 percent.
That's far below previous U.S. parent survey-based estimates of nearly 8 percent and physician confirmation of food allergies at about 5 percent.
The researchers also found strong associations between race/ethnicity and food allergies.
Compared to white children, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian children and Asians were about 25 percent more likely to have food allergies. Black children were 7 percent more likely to have food allergies, while Hispanic kids were 15 percent less likely and American Indian/Alaskan Native children were 24 percent less likely.
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The results also "show that some of the racial differences in food allergy prevalence found in the general population persist among children enrolled in Medicaid," Gupta said.
Future research needs to determine whether racial and ethnic differences in prevalence are associated with disparities in adequate food allergy management, Gupta said. Such management includes patient education on allergen avoidance and up-to-date epinephrine prescriptions.
Previous research by Gupta found that 40 percent of children with food allergies have a life-threatening reaction in their lifetime, and 1 in 5 have at least one food allergy-related emergency department visit a year.
The study was recently published in the journal Academic Pediatrics.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on food allergies.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-03--Britain to change Hong Kong visa rules if China imposes security law

June 3 ( UPI ) -- Britain 's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday he will overhaul the country 's visa system creating a possible path to citizenship for some 3 million Hong Kong residents if China implements its new national security law .
In an op-ed published Wednesday in the South China Morning Post and The Times of London , Johnson said Britain was prepared to offer Hong Kong residents eligible for a British National ( Overseas ) passport a 12-month renewable visa to relocate to the European nation to work , live and study , `` which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The current visa system allots such passport holders six months of visa-free access to Britain .
`` This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history , '' he said .
`` If it proves necessary , the British government will take this step and take it willingly . ''
China has attracted widespread international condemnation urging it not to impose a law its rubber-stamp National People 's Congress approved late last month to criminalize acts of secession , sedition , subversion , terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security in Hong Kong .
Critics see the law as all but spelling the end of Hong Kong 's autonomy from China , which it was promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned the region from British to Chinese rule in 1997 .
The national law was tabled nearly a year after protests erupted on the island over a now-withdrawn extradition law .
However , the protests grew to encompass larger pro-democracy demands following accusations of police brutality perpetrated against protesters .
The island 's political leader , Carrie Lam , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , has said it will clog legal loopholes , safeguard the `` One Country , Two Systems '' governmental framework Hong Kong functions under and only target `` an extremely small minority of criminals . ''
Johnson wrote in the op-ed that the law is in direct conflict with the U.N.-registered treaty it signed with Britain for the island 's return to Chinese rule , and if it goes through with its imposition , Britain will not stand idly by .
`` Britain would then have no choice but to uphold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the people of Hong Kong , '' he said .
China has repeatedly accused nations of meddling in its internal affairs for voicing criticism against its handling of Hong Kong , going so far as to charge some with stoking the protests .
Johnson wrote he hoped China would n't make such `` false allegations '' and work with them to `` preserve everything that has allowed Hong Kong to thrive . ''
Johnsons ' op-ed follows Britain 's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announcing late last week that their government was considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In response , China 's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a regular press conference Friday that `` China reserves the right to take corresponding measures . ''

A massive crowd of protesters turned out for an anti-government rally in Hong Kong on Oct. 1, 2019. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
June 3 (UPI) -- Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday he will overhaul the country's visa system creating a possible path to citizenship for some 3 million Hong Kong residents if China implements its new national security law. In an op-ed published Wednesday in the South China Morning Post and The Times of London, Johnson said Britain was prepared to offer Hong Kong residents eligible for a British National (Overseas) passport a 12-month renewable visa to relocate to the European nation to work, live and study, "which could place them on a route to citizenship." Advertisement
The current visa system allots such passport holders six months of visa-free access to Britain.
"This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history," he said. "If it proves necessary, the British government will take this step and take it willingly."
China has attracted widespread international condemnation urging it not to impose a law its rubber-stamp National People's Congress approved late last month to criminalize acts of secession, sedition, subversion, terrorism and conspiring with foreign actors to threaten national security in Hong Kong.
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Critics see the law as all but spelling the end of Hong Kong's autonomy from China, which it was promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned the region from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
The national law was tabled nearly a year after protests erupted on the island over a now-withdrawn extradition law. However, the protests grew to encompass larger pro-democracy demands following accusations of police brutality perpetrated against protesters.
The island's political leader, Carrie Lam, in an attempt to assuage worries about the law, has said it will clog legal loopholes, safeguard the "One Country, Two Systems" governmental framework Hong Kong functions under and only target "an extremely small minority of criminals."
Johnson wrote in the op-ed that the law is in direct conflict with the U.N.-registered treaty it signed with Britain for the island's return to Chinese rule, and if it goes through with its imposition, Britain will not stand idly by.
"Britain would then have no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong," he said.
China has repeatedly accused nations of meddling in its internal affairs for voicing criticism against its handling of Hong Kong, going so far as to charge some with stoking the protests. Johnson wrote he hoped China wouldn't make such "false allegations" and work with them to "preserve everything that has allowed Hong Kong to thrive."
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Johnsons' op-ed follows Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announcing late last week that their government was considering changing its visa regulations over the law.
In response, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a regular press conference Friday that "China reserves the right to take corresponding measures."


upi--2020-06-02--Labor Department IG retires after warning of UI fraud risks

June 2 ( UPI ) -- A day after informing lawmakers of the risk of rampant unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic , U.S. Labor Department Inspector General Scott S. Dahl announced Tuesday he would be retiring before the end of this month .
The President Barack Obama-appointee resigned in a letter stating he will stay at his post until June 21 , making him the latest inspector general to either be fired or step down under the Trump administration in recent weeks .
`` This decision has been long in the works and is for entirely personal reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been told or asked to resign . ''
On Monday , Dahl told the House oversight and reform committee in a video conference that the risk of unemployment insurance fraud during the pandemic is high `` and we 're seeing evidence of this during our investigation . ''
More than 40 million Americans have filed unemployment claims in the last few months , and President Donald Trump signed a massive bailout package called the CARES Act that includes an additional $ 260 billion for such benefits , and Dahl said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminals `` easily exploiting system vulnerabilities . ''
Some three dozen frontline health workers ' identities have been stolen while they fight the pandemic and were used to file fraudulent unemployment claims throughout the country , he said , stating `` this is just one example of more than 300 investigative matters involving UI fraud we are aggressively pursuing . ''
The department estimates about 10 percent of unemployment insurance payments , or about $ 26 billion worth , are `` improper '' under the best of situations , with Dahl saying it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dahl had issued a memo to states late May stating they lacked proper safeguards and suggesting they require claimants to file document earnings when applying for unemployment benefits .
However , he told lawmakers Monday the department responded that they `` had a different interpretation of what 's permitted under the CARES Act '' in terms of required documentation .
He also informed lawmakers that he was `` very surprised '' that the Department of Labor 's Occupational Safety and Health Administration had only issued one citation during the pandemic despite receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Labor Eugene Scalia said Dahl 's seven years as head watchdog has helped to improve the integrity and quality of the Labor Department 's programs .
`` The department and the people it serves have benefited greatly from his contributions , '' Scalia said in a statement .
`` We wish Scott and his family the very best in the future . ''
Dahl 's resignation follows President Donald Trump firing , demoting or criticizing several inspector generals including four top watchdogs who have been relieved of their duties , including Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fine at the Pentagon .
The American Civil Liberties Union has described the exodus as an `` assault '' on the country 's inspector generals who disagree with the president , and has urged Congress to shore up legal framework protections with `` safeguards against president firing IGs on a whim . ''

Department of Labor Inspector General Scott S. Dahl announced Tuesday he would be retiring at the end of the month. Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Labor/ Website
June 2 (UPI) -- A day after informing lawmakers of the risk of rampant unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Labor Department Inspector General Scott S. Dahl announced Tuesday he would be retiring before the end of this month. The President Barack Obama-appointee resigned in a letter stating he will stay at his post until June 21, making him the latest inspector general to either be fired or step down under the Trump administration in recent weeks. Advertisement
"This decision has been long in the works and is for entirely personal reasons," Dahl wrote. "I have not been told or asked to resign."
On Monday, Dahl told the House oversight and reform committee in a video conference that the risk of unemployment insurance fraud during the pandemic is high "and we're seeing evidence of this during our investigation."
More than 40 million Americans have filed unemployment claims in the last few months, and President Donald Trump signed a massive bailout package called the CARES Act that includes an additional $260 billion for such benefits, and Dahl said this will "substantially" increase fraud with criminals "easily exploiting system vulnerabilities."
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Some three dozen frontline health workers' identities have been stolen while they fight the pandemic and were used to file fraudulent unemployment claims throughout the country, he said, stating "this is just one example of more than 300 investigative matters involving UI fraud we are aggressively pursuing."
The department estimates about 10 percent of unemployment insurance payments, or about $26 billion worth, are "improper" under the best of situations, with Dahl saying it could be much higher during the pandemic.
Dahl had issued a memo to states late May stating they lacked proper safeguards and suggesting they require claimants to file document earnings when applying for unemployment benefits. However, he told lawmakers Monday the department responded that they "had a different interpretation of what's permitted under the CARES Act" in terms of required documentation.
He also informed lawmakers that he was "very surprised" that the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration had only issued one citation during the pandemic despite receiving more than 3,000 worker complaints.
Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said Dahl's seven years as head watchdog has helped to improve the integrity and quality of the Labor Department's programs.
"The department and the people it serves have benefited greatly from his contributions," Scalia said in a statement. "We wish Scott and his family the very best in the future."
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Dahl's resignation follows President Donald Trump firing, demoting or criticizing several inspector generals including four top watchdogs who have been relieved of their duties, including Michael Atkinson of the intelligence community and Glenn Fine at the Pentagon.
The American Civil Liberties Union has described the exodus as an "assault" on the country's inspector generals who disagree with the president, and has urged Congress to shore up legal framework protections with "safeguards against president firing IGs on a whim."


upi--2020-06-02--Ex-Eagles DT Timmy Jernigan not joining Texans after previously agreeing to deal

June 2 ( UPI ) -- Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will no longer sign with the Houston Texans .
League sources told NFL Media and the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday that Jernigan did n't take a physical with the Texans and is n't expected to do so , with both sides agreeing to part ways before finalizing the contract .
Jernigan , 27 , previously agreed to a one-year , $ 3.25 million deal with Houston earlier this off-season .
`` Guess I 'm not going to Houston , '' Jernigan wrote on his Instagram story Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jernigan , who has dealt with neck and foot injuries in recent years , played in only 13 regular-season games over the past two seasons .
According to NFL Media , spinal specialist Robert Watkins previously cleared Jernigan to return .
The Baltimore Ravens selected Jernigan in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida State .
He spent his first three seasons in Baltimore before being traded to the Eagles in April 2017 .
After three injury-plagued seasons in Philadelphia , the Eagles allowed Jernigan to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Ravens and Eagles , Jernigan has recorded 129 total tackles , 17.5 sacks , one fumble recovery , one interception and three passes defensed .

Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Texans earlier this off-season. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
June 2 (UPI) -- Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will no longer sign with the Houston Texans. League sources told NFL Media and the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday that Jernigan didn't take a physical with the Texans and isn't expected to do so, with both sides agreeing to part ways before finalizing the contract. Advertisement
Jernigan, 27, previously agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million deal with Houston earlier this off-season.
"Guess I'm not going to Houston," Jernigan wrote on his Instagram story Tuesday. "But the show not over."
Jernigan, who has dealt with neck and foot injuries in recent years, played in only 13 regular-season games over the past two seasons. According to NFL Media, spinal specialist Robert Watkins previously cleared Jernigan to return.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Jernigan in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida State. He spent his first three seasons in Baltimore before being traded to the Eagles in April 2017.
After three injury-plagued seasons in Philadelphia, the Eagles allowed Jernigan to enter free agency.
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In 71 career games with the Ravens and Eagles, Jernigan has recorded 129 total tackles, 17.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, one interception and three passes defensed.


upi--2020-06-02--Knicks owner James Dolan condemns racism in second email to employees

June 2 ( UPI ) -- New York Knicks owner James Dolan sent a follow-up email to employees Tuesday and `` vehemently '' condemned racism after receiving widespread criticism for his first memo .
On Monday , Dolan sent an email to staff members stating that the Madison Square Garden Company was `` not more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters . ''
`` Yesterday , I made a sincere attempt to provide my perspective on a very difficult issue , one that has no easy answers , '' Dolan wrote in Tuesday 's email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topic is to so many , and I do not want there to be any confusion about where I as an individual , or we as a company stand .
`` So let me be clear : we vehemently condemn and reject racism against anyone , period . ''
Most NBA teams have already released public statements condemning racism since the death of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis .
Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , was killed after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spurs are the only teams in the league to have not put out an official statement , although Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has been a consistent voice for social change in recent years .
Popovich recently spoke with The Nation , saying `` the system has to change . ''
In his email Monday , Dolan said that some employees asked about `` whether our company was going to make a public statement about the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer . ''
The email was later made public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point yesterday was about actions , and the importance of living your values , '' Dolan wrote Tuesday .
`` At Madison Square Garden , we have worked hard to build an environment of inclusion and mutual respect and those are the values we try to live every day .
`` Racism is born of ignorance and it 's up to each of us to understand the person working beside you is equal without regard to color , or any of the other qualities that make us diverse .
And any injustice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is how we at MSG fight racism .
We start with ourselves , and through our actions , we define who we are .
That is how we can be an example to the wider world .
That was the point of my message yesterday . ''
The NHL 's New York Rangers , also owned by Dolan 's Madison Square Garden Company , have yet to release a statement on the death of Floyd or racial injustice .

The New York Knicks, owned by James Dolan (pictured), were one of two NBA teams to not put out a statement following the death of George Floyd. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 2 (UPI) -- New York Knicks owner James Dolan sent a follow-up email to employees Tuesday and "vehemently" condemned racism after receiving widespread criticism for his first memo. On Monday, Dolan sent an email to staff members stating that the Madison Square Garden Company was "not more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters." Advertisement
"Yesterday, I made a sincere attempt to provide my perspective on a very difficult issue, one that has no easy answers," Dolan wrote in Tuesday's email. "I know how important this topic is to so many, and I do not want there to be any confusion about where I as an individual, or we as a company stand.
"So let me be clear: we vehemently condemn and reject racism against anyone, period."
Most NBA teams have already released public statements condemning racism since the death of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.
The Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs are the only teams in the league to have not put out an official statement, although Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has been a consistent voice for social change in recent years. Popovich recently spoke with The Nation, saying "the system has to change."
In his email Monday, Dolan said that some employees asked about "whether our company was going to make a public statement about the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer." The email was later made public and led to backlash.
"My point yesterday was about actions, and the importance of living your values," Dolan wrote Tuesday. "At Madison Square Garden, we have worked hard to build an environment of inclusion and mutual respect and those are the values we try to live every day.
"Racism is born of ignorance and it's up to each of us to understand the person working beside you is equal without regard to color, or any of the other qualities that make us diverse. And any injustice to one person is an injustice to everyone.
"This is how we at MSG fight racism. We start with ourselves, and through our actions, we define who we are. That is how we can be an example to the wider world. That was the point of my message yesterday."
The NHL's New York Rangers, also owned by Dolan's Madison Square Garden Company, have yet to release a statement on the death of Floyd or racial injustice.


upi--2020-06-03--Barack Obama calls for local leaders to review police use-of-force policies

June 3 ( UPI ) -- Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday called on local leaders to review and reform tactics for police force during an online town hall in the wake of the police-involved killing of George Floyd .
Participating in the event titled `` A conversation with President Obama : Reimagining Policing in the Wake of Continued Police Violence , '' Obama called on every mayor to review use-of-force policies and pursue a series of police reforms including mandatory de-escalation of conflicts , bans on shooting at moving vehicles , timely reporting of violent incidents and prohibiting certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strangleholds , that 's not what we do , '' he said .
Obama added officials in New York City and Chicago had agreed to take up the measures and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tweeted Wednesday evening that she would accept the former president 's challenge .
`` I will issue an executive order establishing a commission of stakeholders and organizers to examine our use-of-force policies and call upon them to make recommendations accordingly , '' said Bottoms .
Obama added that he believes the `` vast majority '' of police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the proposed reforms .
He also expressed support for those who have taken to the streets nationwide to protest the killing of Floyd and other African Americans , adding he believes only a small percentage have acted violently .
`` Every step of progress in this country , every expansion of freedom , every expression of our deepest ideals have been won through the efforts that made the status quo comfortable and we should all be thankful for folks who are willing , in a peaceful , disciplined way , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Obma noted that voting is an equally important part of the process of change as protesting , stating that it was not an `` either , or '' situation but a `` both , and . ''
The discussion was part of an online town hall series hosted by the My Brother 's Keeper Alliance , launched by Obama in 2014 focused on building `` safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color . ''
Other panelists on the town hall included former U.S. Attorney General Eric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Rashad Robinson , Campaign Zero co-founder Brittany Packnett Cunningham , Minneapolis City Council Representative Phillipe Cunningham and youth leader Playon Patrick .

June 3 (UPI) -- Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday called on local leaders to review and reform tactics for police force during an online town hall in the wake of the police-involved killing of George Floyd.
Participating in the event titled "A conversation with President Obama: Reimagining Policing in the Wake of Continued Police Violence," Obama called on every mayor to review use-of-force policies and pursue a series of police reforms including mandatory de-escalation of conflicts, bans on shooting at moving vehicles, timely reporting of violent incidents and prohibiting certain forms of restraint.
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"Chokeholds and strangleholds, that's not what we do," he said.
Obama added officials in New York City and Chicago had agreed to take up the measures and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tweeted Wednesday evening that she would accept the former president's challenge.
"I will issue an executive order establishing a commission of stakeholders and organizers to examine our use-of-force policies and call upon them to make recommendations accordingly," said Bottoms.
Obama added that he believes the "vast majority" of police officers are not violent and suggested many would support the proposed reforms.
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He also expressed support for those who have taken to the streets nationwide to protest the killing of Floyd and other African Americans, adding he believes only a small percentage have acted violently.
"Every step of progress in this country, every expansion of freedom, every expression of our deepest ideals have been won through the efforts that made the status quo comfortable and we should all be thankful for folks who are willing, in a peaceful, disciplined way, to be out there making a difference," he said.
Obma noted that voting is an equally important part of the process of change as protesting, stating that it was not an "either, or" situation but a "both, and."
The discussion was part of an online town hall series hosted by the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, launched by Obama in 2014 focused on building "safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color."
Other panelists on the town hall included former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr., Color of Change President Rashad Robinson, Campaign Zero co-founder Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Minneapolis City Council Representative Phillipe Cunningham and youth leader Playon Patrick.


upi--2020-06-03--Saints QB Drew Brees draws backlash for 'disrespecting the flag' comment

June 3 ( UPI ) -- New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees attracted widespread criticism Wednesday when he offered his first public comments in the wake of George Floyd 's killing last week .
During an interview with Yahoo Finance , Brees reiterated his stance on how he will `` never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America . ''
The star quarterback 's remarks drew a sharp response on social media across all sports , including from current Saints teammates and NBA superstar LeBron James .
`` Let me just tell what I see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anthem is played and when I look at the flag of the United States , '' Brees said .
`` I envision my two grandfathers , who fought for this country during World War II , one in the Army and one in the Marine Corp .
Both risking their lives to protect our country and to try to make our country and this world a better place .
`` So every time I stand with my hand over my heart looking at that flag and singing the national anthem , that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many cases , that brings me to tears , thinking about all that has been sacrificed .
Not just those in the military , but for that matter , those throughout the civil rights movements of the 60s , and all that has been endured by so many people up until this point .
`` Is everything right with our country right now ?
No , it is not .
We still have a long way to go .
But I think what you do by standing there and showing respect to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is it shows unity .
It shows that we are all in this together , we can all do better and that we are all part of the solution . ''
Brees quickly faced criticism and attempted to clarify his comments in an interview with ESPN .
`` I love and respect my teammates , and I stand right there with them in regards to fighting for racial equality and justice , '' Brees told the network .
`` I also stand with my grandfathers who risked their lives for this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do it on a daily basis . ''
In response to Brees , Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins posted an emotional video on social media that has since been deleted .
In the video , Jenkins said he was `` hurt '' by Brees ' words and that they were `` extremely self-centered . ''
`` Our communities are under siege and we need help , '' Jenkins said .
`` And what you 're telling us is do n't ask for help that way , ask for it a different way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ask that way .
We 're done asking , Drew .
And people who share your sentiments , who express those , and push them throughout the world , the airwaves , are the problem .
`` It 's unfortunate because I considered you a friend .
I looked up to you .
You 're somebody who I had a great deal of respect for .
But sometimes you should shut the [ expletive ] up . ''
Jenkins said the deleted video was made just before Brees reached out to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran defensive back still posted it `` because it 's important for anyone who wants to consider themselves an ally to know how these words and actions affect those you want to help . ''
Jenkins then deleted the original video and posted an updated one on Instagram , saying `` even though we 're teammates , I ca n't let this slide . ''
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas also took issue with his quarterback 's recent comments in a series of tweets and retweets , saying `` he do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't care if you do n't agree and whoever else , '' Thomas wrote on Twitter .
`` How about that . ''
On social media , James said kneeling during the national anthem has `` nothing to do with the disrespect of [ the United States flag ] and our soldiers . ''
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers also weighed in on Brees ' comments , posting an image on Instagram of him locking arms with teammates .
`` A few years ago we were criticized for locking arms in solidarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It has never been about an anthem or a flag .
Not then .
Not now .
Listen with an open heart , let 's educate ourselves , and then turn word and thought into action . ''
Brees ' remarks Wednesday mirror comments he made in 2016 , when he said he supported Colin Kaepernick 's desire to speak out against racial injustice and police brutality but disagreed with his method of kneeling during the national anthem .

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) on Wednesday offered his first public comments in the wake of George Floyd's killing last week. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
June 3 (UPI) -- New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees attracted widespread criticism Wednesday when he offered his first public comments in the wake of George Floyd's killing last week. During an interview with Yahoo Finance, Brees reiterated his stance on how he will "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America." The star quarterback's remarks drew a sharp response on social media across all sports, including from current Saints teammates and NBA superstar LeBron James. Advertisement
"Let me just tell what I see or what I feel when the national anthem is played and when I look at the flag of the United States," Brees said. "I envision my two grandfathers, who fought for this country during World War II, one in the Army and one in the Marine Corp. Both risking their lives to protect our country and to try to make our country and this world a better place.
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"So every time I stand with my hand over my heart looking at that flag and singing the national anthem, that's what I think about. And in many cases, that brings me to tears, thinking about all that has been sacrificed. Not just those in the military, but for that matter, those throughout the civil rights movements of the 60s, and all that has been endured by so many people up until this point.
"Is everything right with our country right now? No, it is not. We still have a long way to go. But I think what you do by standing there and showing respect to the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity. It shows that we are all in this together, we can all do better and that we are all part of the solution."
Brees quickly faced criticism and attempted to clarify his comments in an interview with ESPN.
"I love and respect my teammates, and I stand right there with them in regards to fighting for racial equality and justice," Brees told the network. "I also stand with my grandfathers who risked their lives for this country and countless other military men and women who do it on a daily basis."
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In response to Brees, Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins posted an emotional video on social media that has since been deleted. In the video, Jenkins said he was "hurt" by Brees' words and that they were "extremely self-centered."
"Our communities are under siege and we need help," Jenkins said. "And what you're telling us is don't ask for help that way, ask for it a different way. I can't listen to it when you ask that way. We're done asking, Drew. And people who share your sentiments, who express those, and push them throughout the world, the airwaves, are the problem.
"It's unfortunate because I considered you a friend. I looked up to you. You're somebody who I had a great deal of respect for. But sometimes you should shut the [expletive] up."
Jenkins said the deleted video was made just before Brees reached out to him to discuss his comments, but the veteran defensive back still posted it "because it's important for anyone who wants to consider themselves an ally to know how these words and actions affect those you want to help."
Jenkins then deleted the original video and posted an updated one on Instagram, saying "even though we're teammates, I can't let this slide."
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Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas also took issue with his quarterback's recent comments in a series of tweets and retweets, saying "he don't know no better."
"We don't care if you don't agree and whoever else," Thomas wrote on Twitter. "How about that."
On social media, James said kneeling during the national anthem has "nothing to do with the disrespect of [the United States flag] and our soldiers."
WOW MAN!! . Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn't! You literally still don't understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee?? Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of and our soldiers(men and women) who keep our land free. My father-in-law was one of those https://t.co/pvUWPmh4s8— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 3, 2020
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers also weighed in on Brees' comments, posting an image on Instagram of him locking arms with teammates.
"A few years ago we were criticized for locking arms in solidarity before the game," Rodgers wrote. "It has never been about an anthem or a flag. Not then. Not now. Listen with an open heart, let's educate ourselves, and then turn word and thought into action."
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Brees' remarks Wednesday mirror comments he made in 2016, when he said he supported Colin Kaepernick's desire to speak out against racial injustice and police brutality but disagreed with his method of kneeling during the national anthem.