upi--2020-06-18--Trump hosts governors roundtable on reopening businesses

June 18 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump held a roundtable with governors on reopening small businesses Thursday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ The event took place in the State Dining Room and included Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin @ @ @ @ @ Pete Ricketts .
The meeting came as states gradually reopen from stay-at-home orders issued in @ @ @ @ @ .
Some regions of the country , though , are experiencing spikes of new COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ tied to reopenings .
While new coronavirus cases are on the decline in the Northeast @ @ @ @ @ an increase , particularly in Florida and Texas .
Across the country , though , @ @ @ @ @ cases has mostly declined since a peak in April .
There 's been a slight @ @ @ @ @ , according to a New York Times analysis of figures .

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President Donald Trump participates in a roundtable with governors on the reopening of small businesses Thursday at the White House. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
June 18 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump held a roundtable with governors on reopening small businesses Thursday afternoon at the White House. The event took place in the State Dining Room and included Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. Advertisement
The meeting came as states gradually reopen from stay-at-home orders issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some regions of the country, though, are experiencing spikes of new COVID-19 cases and deaths -- perhaps tied to reopenings.
While new coronavirus cases are on the decline in the Northeast, the South is seeing an increase, particularly in Florida and Texas.
Across the country, though, the seven-day average of new cases has mostly declined since a peak in April. There's been a slight increase in the past week, according to a New York Times analysis of figures.


upi--2020-06-18--$11M lottery ticket spent a week in oblivious winner's purse

June 18 ( UPI ) -- An Irish woman said her family 's lottery ticket spent almost a week forgotten in her purse before she discovered it was a nearly $ 11 million winner .
The County Kerry woman told National Lottery officials her family , who often buy lottery tickets together , had heard there was a big winner in the April 18 Lotto drawing , but they never considered the ticket they had purchased was the jackpot winner .
`` A few days passed and I was checking my ticket for the following Wednesday 's draw when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the woman recalled .
`` It dawned on me that I forgot to check Saturday 's numbers . ''
The woman was stunned to discover her family 's ticket had won $ 10,951,187.91 -- the largest Lotto jackpot ever won in Kerry .
`` It was such a surreal moment when you realize you have won .
Without even thinking about it I just started hopping all over the living room in delight .
It 's so funny to think I was walking around with the winning ticket in my bag for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The family had to wait two months to cash in their prize due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
They were finally able to visit lottery headquarters this week .
The family said they have not decided how to spend their winnings .

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June 18 (UPI) -- An Irish woman said her family's lottery ticket spent almost a week forgotten in her purse before she discovered it was a nearly $11 million winner.
The County Kerry woman told National Lottery officials her family, who often buy lottery tickets together, had heard there was a big winner in the April 18 Lotto drawing, but they never considered the ticket they had purchased was the jackpot winner.
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"A few days passed and I was checking my ticket for the following Wednesday's draw when I spotted the ticket in my handbag," the woman recalled. "It dawned on me that I forgot to check Saturday's numbers."
The woman was stunned to discover her family's ticket had won $10,951,187.91 -- the largest Lotto jackpot ever won in Kerry.
"It was such a surreal moment when you realize you have won. Without even thinking about it I just started hopping all over the living room in delight. It's so funny to think I was walking around with the winning ticket in my bag for almost a week," the woman said.
The family had to wait two months to cash in their prize due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were finally able to visit lottery headquarters this week.
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The family said they have not decided how to spend their winnings.


upi--2020-06-18--Half brother of California hanging victim Robert Fuller killed during police encounter

June 18 ( UPI ) -- The half brother of Robert Fuller , one of two black men recently killed in hanging deaths under investigation in Southern California , was fatally shot in a police encounter Wednesday .
A lawyer for the Fuller family , Jamon Hicks , identified the man killed in the encounter with Los Angeles County sheriff 's deputies Wednesday as Terron Jammal Boone .
`` This afternoon I had to notify the sisters of Robert Fuller that their half brother Terron Jammal Boone was killed by Los Angeles County sheriff 's deputies in Kern County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At this time , until we receive all of the information , the family and their legal team [ do n't ] have any further comment on this incident . ''
According to a sheriff 's office statement on Wednesday 's fatal shooting , the Major Crimes Bureau was searching for a kidnap domestic assault suspect at the time .
`` The detectives observed and positively identified a male matching the suspect 's description in a vehicle , '' the statement said .
`` Detectives followed the vehicle and attempted a traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger door of the vehicle and engaged the deputies by firing multiple rounds at them with a handgun .
At the time , an officer involved shooting occurred during which the suspect was struck several times in the upper torso .
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene . ''
A female driver was shot and taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released , the statement added .
A 7-year-old girl in the vehicle was not injured .
Deputies also were not injured and a handgun was recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Los Angeles Times reported that court records show that Boone was charged Tuesday with multiple criminal counts including criminal threats , assault , false imprisonment and domestic violence .
The newspaper also reported that there were no cameras on the detectives or in their vehicles , but investigators are trying to recover footage .
Lt. Robert Westphal told the Los Angeles Times that the suspect shot toward deputies at least five times .
Westphal added that investigators are trying to recover footage from Ring cameras and other home video systems in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid federal authorities investigating the hanging deaths of two black men in Southern California as protesters demand justice .
Fuller , 24 , was found hanging from a tree on June 10 in Poncitlan Square near City Hall in Palmdale , Calif. , about 20 miles south of Rosamond , where Boone was fatally shot .
Though Fuller 's death was initially alleged to be a suicide , officials `` felt it prudent to roll that back and continue to look deeper , '' Los Angeles County Medical Examine Coroner Dr. Jonathan Lucas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately declared his death a suicide without completing a full and thorough investigation , '' Hicks said regarding the initial allegation .
`` For African Americans in America , hanging from a tree is lynching .
Why was this cavalierly dismissed as a suicide and not investigated as a murder ? ''
Ten days earlier , about 50 miles away in San Bernadine County , another black man , Malcolm Harsch , 38 , was found hanging from a tree in a homeless encampment in Victorville , California .
Though an autopsy found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death on June 12 , his cause and manner of death is pending toxicology results from a forensic pathologist .

Justice for Robert Fuller protesters gathered at Palmdale City Hall in Palmdale, Calif., on Wednesday, the same day Fuller's half brother, Terron Jammal Boone, was fatally shot in a police encounter, according to a family attorney. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
June 18 (UPI) -- The half brother of Robert Fuller, one of two black men recently killed in hanging deaths under investigation in Southern California, was fatally shot in a police encounter Wednesday. A lawyer for the Fuller family, Jamon Hicks, identified the man killed in the encounter with Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies Wednesday as Terron Jammal Boone. Advertisement
"This afternoon I had to notify the sisters of Robert Fuller that their half brother Terron Jammal Boone was killed by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies in Kern County," Hicks said in a statement. "At this time, until we receive all of the information, the family and their legal team [don't] have any further comment on this incident."
According to a sheriff's office statement on Wednesday's fatal shooting, the Major Crimes Bureau was searching for a kidnap domestic assault suspect at the time.
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"The detectives observed and positively identified a male matching the suspect's description in a vehicle," the statement said. "Detectives followed the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect opened the front passenger door of the vehicle and engaged the deputies by firing multiple rounds at them with a handgun. At the time, an officer involved shooting occurred during which the suspect was struck several times in the upper torso. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene."
A female driver was shot and taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released, the statement added. A 7-year-old girl in the vehicle was not injured. Deputies also were not injured and a handgun was recovered from the scene. Investigation is ongoing.
The Los Angeles Times reported that court records show that Boone was charged Tuesday with multiple criminal counts including criminal threats, assault, false imprisonment and domestic violence.
The newspaper also reported that there were no cameras on the detectives or in their vehicles, but investigators are trying to recover footage.
Lt. Robert Westphal told the Los Angeles Times that the suspect shot toward deputies at least five times.
Westphal added that investigators are trying to recover footage from Ring cameras and other home video systems in the area.
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The fatal shooting comes amid federal authorities investigating the hanging deaths of two black men in Southern California as protesters demand justice.
Fuller, 24, was found hanging from a tree on June 10 in Poncitlan Square near City Hall in Palmdale, Calif., about 20 miles south of Rosamond, where Boone was fatally shot.
Though Fuller's death was initially alleged to be a suicide, officials "felt it prudent to roll that back and continue to look deeper," Los Angeles County Medical Examine Coroner Dr. Jonathan Lucas said.
"The Sheriff's Department immediately declared his death a suicide without completing a full and thorough investigation," Hicks said regarding the initial allegation. "For African Americans in America, hanging from a tree is lynching. Why was this cavalierly dismissed as a suicide and not investigated as a murder?"
Ten days earlier, about 50 miles away in San Bernadine County, another black man, Malcolm Harsch, 38, was found hanging from a tree in a homeless encampment in Victorville, California.
Though an autopsy found no evidence of foul play in Harsch's death on June 12, his cause and manner of death is pending toxicology results from a forensic pathologist.
Protesters demand justice for death of Robert Fuller
Protesters gather at Palmdale City Hall on Wednesday. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-06-18--Watch: Man rides stationary bike for 297 hours to break Guinness record

June 18 ( UPI ) -- A restaurant owner in Spain broke a Guinness World Record when he spent 297 @ @ @ @ @ exercise bike .
Ben Miles , owner of the Son Amar Restaurant in Bunyola , @ @ @ @ @ , celebrated International Environment Day on June 5 by beginning his Guinness World Record attempt @ @ @ @ @ a static bike .
Miles , who said his aim was to raise awareness of @ @ @ @ @ keep up a speed of at least 12 mph during his attempt , rode for @ @ @ @ @ and nine hours .
He was allowed a 20-minute break every five hours to change @ @ @ @ @ brief nap .
Guinness adjudicators were on hand during the entirety of the ride to @ @ @ @ @ organization 's protocols were followed during the attempt .
Miles finished his record-breaking attempt by @ @ @ @ @ and proposing to his girlfriend , Beatriz , who accepted .

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June 18 (UPI) -- A restaurant owner in Spain broke a Guinness World Record when he spent 297 consecutive hours riding a stationary exercise bike.
Ben Miles, owner of the Son Amar Restaurant in Bunyola, on the island of Mallorca, celebrated International Environment Day on June 5 by beginning his Guinness World Record attempt for the longest marathon on a static bike.
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Miles, who said his aim was to raise awareness of environmental causes, had to keep up a speed of at least 12 mph during his attempt, rode for a total of 12 days and nine hours. He was allowed a 20-minute break every five hours to change his clothes and take a brief nap.
Guinness adjudicators were on hand during the entirety of the ride to ensure all of the record-keeping organization's protocols were followed during the attempt.
Miles finished his record-breaking attempt by getting down on one knee and proposing to his girlfriend, Beatriz, who accepted.


upi--2020-06-18--PG&E fined $4M for causing Camp Fire, killing 84

June 18 ( UPI ) -- A California judge ordered Pacific Gas and Electric to pay $ 4 million Thursday after the utility company pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for starting the 2018 Camp Fire .
In addition to the $ 3.5 million plea agreement , Butte County Superior Judge Michael Deems ordered PG & E to pay $ 500,000 to reimburse the county for the cost of its investigation into the cause of the wildfire .
`` If these crimes were attributed to an actual human person rather than a corporation , the anticipated sentence based on the applicable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty would be 90 years to be served in state prison , '' Deems said .
`` Nevertheless , the court 's sentencing options are limited .
As a corporation , PG & E can not be sentenced to prison .
The only punishment that the court is authorized to impose in this situation is a fine . ''
The Camp Fire broke out Nov. 8 , 2018 , and over 17 days became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California 's history .
The blaze killed 85 people and charred more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18,000 structures and all but eliminated the town of Paradise .
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection determined a malfunction in PG & E 's power lines sparked the fire .
The company pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday -- one fewer than the death toll because one death could n't definitively be linked to the fire .
In addition to the $ 4 million fine levied Thursday , the California Public Utilities Commission ordered PG & E to pay $ 2 billion for negligence causing multiple fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also heard victim-impact statements from survivors of those killed in the Camp Fire .
Philip Binstock said his father , Julian Binstock , was among those who died .
`` You had the capacity to know what you were doing would kill people , '' Binstock said in a statement addressed to PG & E in court .
`` You knew what you were doing was wrong .
And rather than reduce your bonuses , you allowed your failed equipment and your improper inspections to kill people .

The November 2018 Camp Fire was California's deadliest and most destructive wildfire in history. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
June 18 (UPI) -- A California judge ordered Pacific Gas and Electric to pay $4 million Thursday after the utility company pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for starting the 2018 Camp Fire. In addition to the $3.5 million plea agreement, Butte County Superior Judge Michael Deems ordered PG&E to pay $500,000 to reimburse the county for the cost of its investigation into the cause of the wildfire. Advertisement
"If these crimes were attributed to an actual human person rather than a corporation, the anticipated sentence based on the applicable statutes to which the defendant has pleaded guilty would be 90 years to be served in state prison," Deems said.
"Nevertheless, the court's sentencing options are limited. As a corporation, PG&E cannot be sentenced to prison. The only punishment that the court is authorized to impose in this situation is a fine."
The Camp Fire broke out Nov. 8, 2018, and over 17 days became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history. The blaze killed 85 people and charred more than 150,000 acres. It destroyed some 18,000 structures and all but eliminated the town of Paradise.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection determined a malfunction in PG&E's power lines sparked the fire. The company pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday -- one fewer than the death toll because one death couldn't definitively be linked to the fire.
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In addition to the $4 million fine levied Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission ordered PG&E to pay $2 billion for negligence causing multiple fires in 2017 and 2018.
The court also heard victim-impact statements from survivors of those killed in the Camp Fire.
Philip Binstock said his father, Julian Binstock, was among those who died.
"You had the capacity to know what you were doing would kill people," Binstock said in a statement addressed to PG&E in court. "You knew what you were doing was wrong. And rather than reduce your bonuses, you allowed your failed equipment and your improper inspections to kill people.


upi--2020-06-18--Stocks close mostly flat after roller coaster day of trading

June 18 ( UPI ) -- U.S. stocks rode a roller coaster in early trading on Wall Street Thursday , first falling and then rising before ending the day flat .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost more than 100 points after the opening bell , before bouncing back to a gain of nearly 150 .
By 12:30 p.m. EDT , the blue chip index was down into negative territory again , about 70 points , before ending the day down 39.51 points or 0.15 percent .
The Dow ended a three-day winning streak Wednesday and closed with a 170-point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended the day mostly flat , gaining just 0.059 percent , while the Nasdaq Composite closed up slightly , rising 0.33 percent .
The Labor Department reported Thursday that 1.5 million American workers filed new unemployment claims last week , a figure slightly higher than most experts predicted .
The unemployment rate , however , remained unchanged at 14.1 percent .
Tech stocks helped to drive the Nasdaq to a fifth consecutive day of gains as Amazon stock gained 0.49 percent , Netflix increased 0.47 percent and Facebook dropped 0.17 percent .
Continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 limited gains for the S & P and Dow , as American Airlines stock slid 2.89 percent and Carnival cruise lines fell 1.41 percent .

Sunlight hits the front of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in New York City last Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 18 (UPI) -- U.S. stocks rode a roller coaster in early trading on Wall Street Thursday, first falling and then rising before ending the day flat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost more than 100 points after the opening bell, before bouncing back to a gain of nearly 150. By 12:30 p.m. EDT, the blue chip index was down into negative territory again, about 70 points, before ending the day down 39.51 points or 0.15 percent. Advertisement
The Dow ended a three-day winning streak Wednesday and closed with a 170-point loss.
The S&P 500 ended the day mostly flat, gaining just 0.059 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite closed up slightly, rising 0.33 percent.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that 1.5 million American workers filed new unemployment claims last week, a figure slightly higher than most experts predicted. The unemployment rate, however, remained unchanged at 14.1 percent.
Tech stocks helped to drive the Nasdaq to a fifth consecutive day of gains as Amazon stock gained 0.49 percent, Netflix increased 0.47 percent and Facebook dropped 0.17 percent.
Continued declines in stocks that would benefit from lifting restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 limited gains for the S&P and Dow, as American Airlines stock slid 2.89 percent and Carnival cruise lines fell 1.41 percent.
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upi--2020-06-18--Metal detector hobbyist finds 'Star Wars' actor's lost wedding ring

June 18 ( UPI ) -- A metal detector hobbyist came to the rescue when a Star Wars actor swimming at a British beach lost his wedding ring .
Rufus Wright , whose screen credits include Star Wars : Rogue One and the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace , said he was swimming in Frinton , England , earlier this month when his gold wedding band slipped off his finger .
`` I decided to go for a swim in the sea and was in 2 to 3 feet of water when I dropped the ring , '' Wright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I tried to pick it up but it just disappeared .
I was on my hands and knees looking for it for hours . ''
Wright said he tried waiting for the tide to recede , but he could n't find any trace of his ring .
The actor 's wife , Melanie , posted an appeal for help from locals on Facebook , where it came to the attention of Adam Ferguson , a founding member of the Clacton Metal Detector Club .
`` We have only recently set up our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try and help people to be reunited with their misplaced items on the beach , '' Ferguson said .
`` I did n't know Rufus was an actor when I offered to help find it .
I said it 'd be a million-to-one shot to find it if it was lost in the sea . ''
Ferguson said it took a day of searching with his metal detector , but he found the ring buried about knee-deep in the sand .
`` It was quite a surprise to actually find it -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ferguson said .
Wright offered a cash reward to Ferguson , who decided to donate the money to local healthcare workers via the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust .
`` I really wanted the money to benefit as many people as possible , and donating to EPUT will help that happen , particularly during these challenging times , '' Wright told the charity .

Adam Ferguson (L), founder of a metal detector club in Britain, came to the assistance of "Star Wars: Rogue One" actor Rufus Wright (R) when the performer lost his wedding ring while swimming at a beach. Photo courtesy of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe June 18 (UPI) -- A metal detector hobbyist came to the rescue when a Star Wars actor swimming at a British beach lost his wedding ring. Rufus Wright, whose screen credits include Star Wars: Rogue One and the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace, said he was swimming in Frinton, England, earlier this month when his gold wedding band slipped off his finger. Advertisement
"I decided to go for a swim in the sea and was in 2 to 3 feet of water when I dropped the ring," Wright told the Clackton and Frinton Gazette. "I tried to pick it up but it just disappeared. I was on my hands and knees looking for it for hours."
Wright said he tried waiting for the tide to recede, but he couldn't find any trace of his ring.
The actor's wife, Melanie, posted an appeal for help from locals on Facebook, where it came to the attention of Adam Ferguson, a founding member of the Clacton Metal Detector Club.
"We have only recently set up our club, and we are always happy to try and help people to be reunited with their misplaced items on the beach," Ferguson said. "I didn't know Rufus was an actor when I offered to help find it. I said it'd be a million-to-one shot to find it if it was lost in the sea."
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Ferguson said it took a day of searching with his metal detector, but he found the ring buried about knee-deep in the sand.
"It was quite a surprise to actually find it -- we were all very lucky that day," Ferguson said.
Wright offered a cash reward to Ferguson, who decided to donate the money to local healthcare workers via the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
"I really wanted the money to benefit as many people as possible, and donating to EPUT will help that happen, particularly during these challenging times," Wright told the charity.


upi--2020-06-18--Mark Esper announces 3 initiatives to improve racial equity in military

June 18 ( UPI ) -- The Department of Defense will assemble an internal board and an external advisory committee on diversity and inclusion in the military , Secretary Mark Esper announced Thursday .
In a video address posted to Twitter , Esper also said he 's directed Pentagon leadership to bring him ideas the military could implement within the next two weeks , `` such as removing photos from promotion , school , and command selection boards '' -- and that he wanted input from members of the military as well .
The use of photos on promotion board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequity in promotions , as board members may favor white candidates over candidates of color .
`` I am convinced that there are a number of great ideas already out there right now , large and small , that can help us make important strides in ensuring the Armed Forces look more like the broader society we serve , '' Esper said .
The external Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion in the Armed Services will take after the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services , assembled in 1951 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the military .
The announcement comes as protesters in numerous American cities and towns continue to demonstrate against police brutality and racism , and amid conversations about racism and racist symbols in military installations .
Esper said he was proud to be part of an institution that embraces diversity and `` rejects hate , bigotry , and unlawful discrimination in all forms . ''
`` However , we are not immune to the forces of bias and prejudice -- whether visible or invisible , conscious or unconscious , '' Esper said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our Service members , and has direct and indirect impact on the experiences of our minority members , the cultural and ethnic diversity of the force , and representation in our officer ranks , '' he said .
`` These things have no place in our military ; they have no place in our country . ''

June 18 (UPI) -- The Department of Defense will assemble an internal board and an external advisory committee on diversity and inclusion in the military, Secretary Mark Esper announced Thursday.
In a video address posted to Twitter, Esper also said he's directed Pentagon leadership to bring him ideas the military could implement within the next two weeks, "such as removing photos from promotion, school, and command selection boards" -- and that he wanted input from members of the military as well.
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The use of photos on promotion board packets has been called out for perpetuating inequity in promotions, as board members may favor white candidates over candidates of color.
"I am convinced that there are a number of great ideas already out there right now, large and small, that can help us make important strides in ensuring the Armed Forces look more like the broader society we serve," Esper said.
The external Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion in the Armed Services will take after the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, assembled in 1951 to guide the Pentagon as women were integrated into the military.
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The announcement comes as protesters in numerous American cities and towns continue to demonstrate against police brutality and racism, and amid conversations about racism and racist symbols in military installations.
Esper said he was proud to be part of an institution that embraces diversity and "rejects hate, bigotry, and unlawful discrimination in all forms."
"However, we are not immune to the forces of bias and prejudice -- whether visible or invisible, conscious or unconscious," Esper said.
"We know this bias burdens many of our Service members, and has direct and indirect impact on the experiences of our minority members, the cultural and ethnic diversity of the force, and representation in our officer ranks," he said. "These things have no place in our military; they have no place in our country."


upi--2020-06-18--Viruses steal human DNA to forge new human-virus genes

June 18 ( UPI ) -- Members of a large groups of viruses , including influenza viruses , can build new genes using genetic code copied from hijacked human cells , according to new research .
When virologists surveyed the genetic diversity and protein synthesis capabilities of a group of viruses known as segmented negative-strand RNA viruses , or sNSVs , they found a variety of human pathogens can code for new proteins by combining host and viral sequences .
The so-called UFO proteins could explain why these viruses are so adept at infecting human hosts , but they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anti-viral drugs .
Researchers detailed the production of these never-before-documented proteins in a new paper , published Thursday in the journal Cell .
`` The capacity of a pathogen to overcome host barriers and establish infection is based on the expression of pathogen-derived proteins , '' study co-author Ivan Marazzi , professor of microbiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York , said in a news release .
`` To understand how a pathogen antagonizes the host and establishes infection , we need to have a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , how they function , and the manner in which they contribute to virulence . ''
Viruses ca n't make their own proteins .
To survive and replicate , they must find a host and hijack their cells .
Once inside cells , they find ways to feed protein-making instructions to the host cell 's protein-making machinery .
Viruses typically use `` cap-snatching '' to create protein-making codes , snipping off the end of one of the cell 's messenger RNA sequences and combining it with a genetic sequence of their own .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time the body encounters the signal to start translating that message into protein ( a 'start codon ' ) it is reading a message provided to it solely by the virus , '' Marazzi said .
`` Our work shows that the host sequence is not silent . ''
The latest analysis showed that because sNSVs make mRNAs using their own genes , they 're able to make protein-production instructions featuring host-derived start codons -- a technique called `` start snatching . ''
This ability allows sNSVs to synthesize previously unknown proteins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invisible to scientists , these proteins are recognizable by the immune system , and they can alter the virulence of the invading virus , but more research is needed to determine the full functionality of UFO proteins .
`` Viruses take over their host at the molecular level , and this work identifies a new way in which some viruses can wring every last bit of potential out of the molecular machinery they are exploiting , '' said study co-author Ed Hutchinson , research fellow at MRC-University of Glasgow Center for Virus Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focuses on influenza viruses , it implies that a huge number of viral species can make previously unsuspected genes . ''
Researchers hope their research will illuminate new ways of attacking viruses with drugs and vaccines , and potentially aid the effort to thwart future pandemics and epidemics .

New research suggests a large group of viruses, including human pathogens, can create proteins using both virus and human DNA. Photo by qimono/ Pixabay
June 18 (UPI) -- Members of a large groups of viruses, including influenza viruses, can build new genes using genetic code copied from hijacked human cells, according to new research. When virologists surveyed the genetic diversity and protein synthesis capabilities of a group of viruses known as segmented negative-strand RNA viruses, or sNSVs, they found a variety of human pathogens can code for new proteins by combining host and viral sequences. Advertisement
The so-called UFO proteins could explain why these viruses are so adept at infecting human hosts, but they could also be useful targets for future vaccines and anti-viral drugs.
Researchers detailed the production of these never-before-documented proteins in a new paper, published Thursday in the journal Cell.
"The capacity of a pathogen to overcome host barriers and establish infection is based on the expression of pathogen-derived proteins," study co-author Ivan Marazzi, professor of microbiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, said in a news release. "To understand how a pathogen antagonizes the host and establishes infection, we need to have a clear understanding of what proteins a pathogen encodes, how they function, and the manner in which they contribute to virulence."
Advertisement
Viruses can't make their own proteins. To survive and replicate, they must find a host and hijack their cells. Once inside cells, they find ways to feed protein-making instructions to the host cell's protein-making machinery.
Viruses typically use "cap-snatching" to create protein-making codes, snipping off the end of one of the cell's messenger RNA sequences and combining it with a genetic sequence of their own.
"For decades we thought that by the time the body encounters the signal to start translating that message into protein (a 'start codon') it is reading a message provided to it solely by the virus," Marazzi said. "Our work shows that the host sequence is not silent."
The latest analysis showed that because sNSVs make mRNAs using their own genes, they're able to make protein-production instructions featuring host-derived start codons -- a technique called "start snatching." This ability allows sNSVs to synthesize previously unknown proteins using hybrid host-virus sequences.
Though previously invisible to scientists, these proteins are recognizable by the immune system, and they can alter the virulence of the invading virus, but more research is needed to determine the full functionality of UFO proteins.
"Viruses take over their host at the molecular level, and this work identifies a new way in which some viruses can wring every last bit of potential out of the molecular machinery they are exploiting," said study co-author Ed Hutchinson, research fellow at MRC-University of Glasgow Center for Virus Research. "While the work done here focuses on influenza viruses, it implies that a huge number of viral species can make previously unsuspected genes."
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Researchers hope their research will illuminate new ways of attacking viruses with drugs and vaccines, and potentially aid the effort to thwart future pandemics and epidemics.


upi--2020-06-18--Leg amputations among minorities drop under Obamacare

There 's been a significant drop in diabetes-related lower leg amputations among non-white patients in states that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare , a new study finds .
About one-third of people with diabetes develop a foot ulcer , which is the most common cause of foot infection and leg amputation .
More than half who have a diabetes-related leg amputation die within five years -- a rate higher than for most cancers .
`` These results might suggest patients with [ diabetic foot ulcers ] living in states that chose to expand Medicaid coverage might be seeking care earlier and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said study lead author Dr. Tze-Woei Tan , an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Arizona .
Patients from racial and ethnic minority groups have a much higher risk of diabetic foot ulcers and leg amputation than white Americans .
For this study , Tan and his team analyzed 2013-2015 data from 19 U.S. states on non-white people , ages 20 to 64 , with diabetic foot ulcers .
Of those , more than 9,800 were uninsured and more than 25,000 were covered by Medicaid .
In states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) under the Affordable Care Act , hospital admissions for diabetic foot ulcers rose by 180.7 percent among Medicaid beneficiaries , and fell 21.5 percent among uninsured patients .
In states that did n't expand Medicaid , admissions of uninsured patients rose by 78.2 percent .
Tan and his colleagues found that the odds of major amputation among Medicaid beneficiaries fell by 17.3 percent in early adopter states and rose 1 percent in non-expansion states .
At the same time , the odds of minor amputation rose 14 percent in early adopter states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The findings were presented Sunday at a virtual meeting of the American Diabetes Association .
Blacks , Hispanics and those without health insurance have disproportionately higher risk of amputation , so access to care for those with foot ulcers is vital , Tan said .
`` The broadening of the ACA may reduce disparities in diabetes-related amputations , '' he said in a meeting news release .
Studies presented at meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more @ @ @ @ @ @

In states that expanded Medicaid in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, hospital admissions for diabetic foot ulcers rose by 180.7 percent among Medicaid beneficiaries, and fell 21.5 percent among uninsured patients, researchers found. Photo by skeeze /Pixabay
There's been a significant drop in diabetes-related lower leg amputations among non-white patients in states that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare, a new study finds. About one-third of people with diabetes develop a foot ulcer, which is the most common cause of foot infection and leg amputation. More than half who have a diabetes-related leg amputation die within five years -- a rate higher than for most cancers. Advertisement
"These results might suggest patients with [diabetic foot ulcers] living in states that chose to expand Medicaid coverage might be seeking care earlier and were able to prevent major leg amputation," said study lead author Dr. Tze-Woei Tan, an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Arizona.
Patients from racial and ethnic minority groups have a much higher risk of diabetic foot ulcers and leg amputation than white Americans.
For this study, Tan and his team analyzed 2013-2015 data from 19 U.S. states on non-white people, ages 20 to 64, with diabetic foot ulcers. Of those, more than 9,800 were uninsured and more than 25,000 were covered by Medicaid.
In states that expanded Medicaid in 2014 (early adopters) under the Affordable Care Act, hospital admissions for diabetic foot ulcers rose by 180.7 percent among Medicaid beneficiaries, and fell 21.5 percent among uninsured patients.
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In states that didn't expand Medicaid, admissions of uninsured patients rose by 78.2 percent.
Tan and his colleagues found that the odds of major amputation among Medicaid beneficiaries fell by 17.3 percent in early adopter states and rose 1 percent in non-expansion states.
At the same time, the odds of minor amputation rose 14 percent in early adopter states and fell 8 percent in non-expansion states. The findings were presented Sunday at a virtual meeting of the American Diabetes Association. Blacks, Hispanics and those without health insurance have disproportionately higher risk of amputation, so access to care for those with foot ulcers is vital, Tan said.
"The broadening of the ACA may reduce disparities in diabetes-related amputations," he said in a meeting news release. Studies presented at meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on diabetes and foot care.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-18--Supreme Court expedites challenge to federal resumption of executions

June 18 ( UPI ) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday fast-tracked an appeal by four federal death row inmates challenging Attorney General William Barr 's efforts to resume federal executions .
The high court granted the four inmates ' request for their case to be expedited , three days after Barr scheduled executions for three of the men next month .
The Justice Department has until Friday to respond to the inmates ' appeal .
The four plaintiffs -- Daniel Lewis Lee , Wesley Purkey , Alfred Bourgeois and Dustin Lee Honken -- sued the Trump administration last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resume carrying out death sentences 16 years after the last federal execution .
The plaintiffs were among the first batch of executions scheduled to take place starting in December 2019 , but a federal judge imposed a temporary moratorium in response to their lawsuit .
The District of Columbia U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the injunction in April , giving Barr the green light to reschedule the executions of Lee ( July 13 ) , Purkey ( July 15 ) , Honken ( July 17 ) and Keith Dwayne Nelson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been rescheduled .
The plaintiffs appealed the case to the Supreme Court , where it was awaiting litigation when Barr scheduled the executions .
At issue in the lawsuit is the Justice Department 's plan to institute a uniform lethal injection protocol rather than follow the individual protocols used by each state , which the law requires .
Barr proposed using a single drug , pentobarbital , rather than the common three-drug cocktail used in many state executions .
Under a 1994 statute , all federal executions must be carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law of the state in which the sentence is imposed . ''
Government attorneys had argued the drugs used in the protocol are irrelevant , since the method of execution -- lethal injection -- is the same .
Cate Stetson , an attorney for one of the death row inmates who challenged Barr 's plan , told UPI earlier this year the federal government `` rushed '' its execution protocol in order to carry out death sentences .
`` The district court 's injunction was aimed at preventing the government from 'short-circuiting legitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest by 'attempting to ensure that the most serious punishment is imposed lawfully , ' '' she said .
In 2014 , former President Barack Obama ordered then-Attorney General Eric Holder to review the use of the death penalty in the United States , effectively implementing a moratorium on executions .
The last federal execution was that of Gulf War veteran Louis Jones Jr. in March 2003 for the rape and murder of a fellow soldier , Pvt .
Tracie McBride in 1995 .
Jones admitted kidnapping the young female recruit at Goodfellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , but his lawyer sought clemency by arguing Jones suffered behavior-altering brain damage from exposure to nerve gas during the Gulf War that gave him uncontrollable , violent urges .

The plaintiffs -- four death row inmates -- appealed their case to the Supreme Court after a lower circuit court ruled against them in April. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 18 (UPI) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday fast-tracked an appeal by four federal death row inmates challenging Attorney General William Barr's efforts to resume federal executions. The high court granted the four inmates' request for their case to be expedited, three days after Barr scheduled executions for three of the men next month. The Justice Department has until Friday to respond to the inmates' appeal. Advertisement
The four plaintiffs -- Daniel Lewis Lee, Wesley Purkey, Alfred Bourgeois and Dustin Lee Honken -- sued the Trump administration last year after Barr ordered the Bureau of Prisons to resume carrying out death sentences 16 years after the last federal execution. The plaintiffs were among the first batch of executions scheduled to take place starting in December 2019, but a federal judge imposed a temporary moratorium in response to their lawsuit.
The District of Columbia U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the injunction in April, giving Barr the green light to reschedule the executions of Lee (July 13), Purkey (July 15), Honken (July 17) and Keith Dwayne Nelson (Aug. 28). Bourgeois' has not been rescheduled.
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The plaintiffs appealed the case to the Supreme Court, where it was awaiting litigation when Barr scheduled the executions.
At issue in the lawsuit is the Justice Department's plan to institute a uniform lethal injection protocol rather than follow the individual protocols used by each state, which the law requires. Barr proposed using a single drug, pentobarbital, rather than the common three-drug cocktail used in many state executions.
Under a 1994 statute, all federal executions must be carried out in a "manner prescribed by the law of the state in which the sentence is imposed." Government attorneys had argued the drugs used in the protocol are irrelevant, since the method of execution -- lethal injection -- is the same.
Cate Stetson, an attorney for one of the death row inmates who challenged Barr's plan, told UPI earlier this year the federal government "rushed" its execution protocol in order to carry out death sentences.
"The district court's injunction was aimed at preventing the government from 'short-circuiting legitimate judicial process' and serving the public interest by 'attempting to ensure that the most serious punishment is imposed lawfully,'" she said.
In 2014, former President Barack Obama ordered then-Attorney General Eric Holder to review the use of the death penalty in the United States, effectively implementing a moratorium on executions.
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The last federal execution was that of Gulf War veteran Louis Jones Jr. in March 2003 for the rape and murder of a fellow soldier, Pvt. Tracie McBride in 1995.
Jones admitted kidnapping the young female recruit at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, but his lawyer sought clemency by arguing Jones suffered behavior-altering brain damage from exposure to nerve gas during the Gulf War that gave him uncontrollable, violent urges.


upi--2020-06-18--Facebook removes Trump campaign ads over hate symbol

June 18 ( UPI ) -- Facebook said Thursday it has removed ads run by President Donald Trump 's re-election campaign that featured a symbol that violated its policy against organized hate .
The ads attacked the far-left group Antifa , calling them `` Dangerous MOBS '' that were rioting around the country , CNN Business reported .
The ads called on supporters to sign a petition in favor of Trump 's call to make Antifa a terrorist organization .
At issue , was a red , upside-down triangle featured in these ads , which the Anti-Defamation League said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for political prisoners .
The triangle used `` is practically identical to that used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps , '' the Anti-Defamation League said Thursday .
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt further blasted the advertisements in a tweet .
`` The Nazis used red triangles to identify their political victims in concentration camps , '' Greenblatt tweeted .
`` Using it to attack political opponents is highly offensive .
@ POTUS ' campaign needs to learn its history , as ignorance is no excuse for using Nazi-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ads violated the company 's policy against organized hate .
`` Our policy prohibits using a banned hate group 's symbol to identify political prisoners without the context that condemns or discusses the symbol , '' Andy Stone , a Facebook spokesperson , told CNN .
Historical records show that a red triangle was laid over a yellow triangle to classify political prisoners in Nazi camps .
`` Jewish prisoners were identified by a yellow star , ' '' Montreal Holocaust Museum website states .
`` If they were imprisoned for another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color was added to their badge .
Therefore , if a Jewish prisoner was also considered a political opponent , a red triangle was sewn over the yellow triangle . ''
In response to criticism , Tim Murtagh , a spokesman for the Trump campaign , said `` the red triangle is an Antifa symbol . ''
However , a common image of the Antifa logo shows two flags surrounded by a circle , which dates back to opponents of the Nazis in 1930s Germany , Axios reported .
The progressive advocacy group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also condemned the symbol 's use .
`` The president of the United States is campaigning for reelection using a Nazi concentration camp symbol , '' the group tweeted .
`` Nazis used the red triangle to mark political prisoners and people who rescued Jews .
Trump and the RNC are using it to smear millions of protesters .
Their masks are off . ''

Facebook said Thursday it has taken down advertisements from President Donald Trump's campaign that violated its policy against organized hate. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
June 18 (UPI) -- Facebook said Thursday it has removed ads run by President Donald Trump's re-election campaign that featured a symbol that violated its policy against organized hate. The ads attacked the far-left group Antifa, calling them "Dangerous MOBS" that were rioting around the country, CNN Business reported. The ads called on supporters to sign a petition in favor of Trump's call to make Antifa a terrorist organization. At issue, was a red, upside-down triangle featured in these ads, which the Anti-Defamation League said Thursday was similar to one used by Nazis for political prisoners. Advertisement
The triangle used "is practically identical to that used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps," the Anti-Defamation League said Thursday.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt further blasted the advertisements in a tweet.
"The Nazis used red triangles to identify their political victims in concentration camps," Greenblatt tweeted. "Using it to attack political opponents is highly offensive. @POTUS' campaign needs to learn its history, as ignorance is no excuse for using Nazi-related symbols."
According to Facebook, the ads violated the company's policy against organized hate.
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"Our policy prohibits using a banned hate group's symbol to identify political prisoners without the context that condemns or discusses the symbol," Andy Stone, a Facebook spokesperson, told CNN.
Historical records show that a red triangle was laid over a yellow triangle to classify political prisoners in Nazi camps.
"Jewish prisoners were identified by a yellow star,'" Montreal Holocaust Museum website states. "If they were imprisoned for another reason, a triangle of the appropriate color was added to their badge. Therefore, if a Jewish prisoner was also considered a political opponent, a red triangle was sewn over the yellow triangle."
In response to criticism, Tim Murtagh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said "the red triangle is an Antifa symbol."
However, a common image of the Antifa logo shows two flags surrounded by a circle, which dates back to opponents of the Nazis in 1930s Germany, Axios reported.
The progressive advocacy group, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, also condemned the symbol's use.
"The president of the United States is campaigning for reelection using a Nazi concentration camp symbol," the group tweeted. "Nazis used the red triangle to mark political prisoners and people who rescued Jews. Trump and the RNC are using it to smear millions of protesters. Their masks are off."
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upi--2020-06-18--'The Bold and the Beautiful' employs blow-up doll for love scenes

June 18 ( UPI ) -- The head writer for perennial CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful said the show will be using a blow-up doll as a stand-in for love scenes amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
The show is resuming filming this month after shutting down amid the coronavirus outbreak in March .
Bradley Bell , the soap 's head writer and executive producer , said measures are being taken to keep the cast and crew safe while making new episodes .
`` When we were reviewing the scripts we started taking out all the romantic scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flat , '' Bell told The New York Post .
`` We put our heads together trying to figure out a way to make these scenes work without breaking the eight-foot [ distancing ] rule ... and we brought out a doll we used years ago as a corpse .
`` We posed it and it was very convincing , '' Bell said .
`` It 's a great doll and we 'll be using her with hair and makeup as a stand-in to match some of our leading ladies . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one blow-up doll , but producers might look into obtaining more artificial actors if the shots turn out well .
`` We 're going to see how it works , '' he said .
`` We may be investing in more dolls and male dolls .
We 're searching websites and combing Hollywood to see what 's available -- so we may be employing a lot of dolls in future love scenes . ''
Bell said the production team is also looking into other measures , including using the real-life spouses of actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots .
`` They 'll be tested [ for COVID ] and we 'll make sure it 's safe and the husband and wife are comfortable kissing , '' he said .
`` And so we may have some very hot kissing on the show .
With camera tricks and editing , it will appear as though it 's our leading man with his leading lady . ''

Bradley Bell, head writer and executive producer of CBS soap "The Bold and the Beautiful," said the show will be using a blow-up doll as a stand-in for love scenes when filming resumes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe June 18 (UPI) -- The head writer for perennial CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful said the show will be using a blow-up doll as a stand-in for love scenes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The show is resuming filming this month after shutting down amid the coronavirus outbreak in March. Bradley Bell, the soap's head writer and executive producer, said measures are being taken to keep the cast and crew safe while making new episodes. Advertisement
"When we were reviewing the scripts we started taking out all the romantic scenes and [the scripts] just fell flat," Bell told The New York Post.
"We put our heads together trying to figure out a way to make these scenes work without breaking the eight-foot [distancing] rule... and we brought out a doll we used years ago as a corpse.
"We posed it and it was very convincing," Bell said. "It's a great doll and we'll be using her with hair and makeup as a stand-in to match some of our leading ladies."
He said the show currently has only the one blow-up doll, but producers might look into obtaining more artificial actors if the shots turn out well.
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"We're going to see how it works," he said. "We may be investing in more dolls and male dolls. We're searching websites and combing Hollywood to see what's available -- so we may be employing a lot of dolls in future love scenes."
Bell said the production team is also looking into other measures, including using the real-life spouses of actors as stand-ins for kissing and other intimate shots.
"They'll be tested [for COVID] and we'll make sure it's safe and the husband and wife are comfortable kissing," he said. "And so we may have some very hot kissing on the show. With camera tricks and editing, it will appear as though it's our leading man with his leading lady."


upi--2020-06-18--Stacey Abrams voter suppression documentary coming to Amazon

June 18 ( UPI ) -- Amazon Studios has acquired the rights to a voter suppression documentary featuring Georgia activist Stacey Abrams .
Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortes directed the documentary , which has not been titled .
Amazon plans a theatrical release for the film later this year , after which it will stream on Prime Video .
The film looks at voter suppression , including laws voters may not even realize would prevent them from casting a ballot .
`` The failure of state leaders in Georgia and other states across the country to protect the rights of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election and 2020 primaries , must be exposed and it must be stopped , '' Abrams said in a statement .
`` As the 2020 election approaches , this documentary will help voters realize the power of their voices , and it will inspire them to overcome the obstacles of voter suppression . ''
Abrams was the Democratic leader in the Georgia House of Representatives for seven of her 11 years in the state legislature .
She launched the Fair Fight program for voter rights after the 2018 election , during which she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purging of voters .
Abrams has been mentioned as a potential running mate for former Vice President Joe Biden , who is running against GOP President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election .

Former Georgia legislator Stacey Abrams is featured in a documentary about voter suppression, which has been acquired by Amazon for release before the November election. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
June 18 (UPI) -- Amazon Studios has acquired the rights to a voter suppression documentary featuring Georgia activist Stacey Abrams. Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortes directed the documentary, which has not been titled. Advertisement
Amazon plans a theatrical release for the film later this year, after which it will stream on Prime Video. The film looks at voter suppression, including laws voters may not even realize would prevent them from casting a ballot.
"The failure of state leaders in Georgia and other states across the country to protect the rights of voters, as seen in the 2018 election and 2020 primaries, must be exposed and it must be stopped," Abrams said in a statement. "As the 2020 election approaches, this documentary will help voters realize the power of their voices, and it will inspire them to overcome the obstacles of voter suppression."
Abrams was the Democratic leader in the Georgia House of Representatives for seven of her 11 years in the state legislature. She launched the Fair Fight program for voter rights after the 2018 election, during which she contested her gubernatorial opponent Brian Kemp's purging of voters.
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Abrams has been mentioned as a potential running mate for former Vice President Joe Biden, who is running against GOP President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election.


upi--2020-06-18--Air pollution, heat linked to increased risk of premature birth

Here 's more bad news associated with climate change : Pregnant women exposed to air pollution or heat waves face a greater risk of having a preterm or underweight baby , a new research review finds .
The review , of 68 studies from across the United States , found that the large majority arrived at the same conclusion : Babies were at greater risk when their mothers lived in areas with poorer air quality or more oppressive heat .
`` The data are mostly pointing in the same direction , '' said lead researcher Dr. Bruce Bekkar , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Southern California Permanente Medical Group , in San Diego .
It 's not possible to `` put a number '' on the risks , said Bekkar .
The studies in the review were all conducted differently and looked at different outcomes .
Instead , the researchers wanted to see whether the studies were consistent in the associations they found .
`` And there was a consistent and strong positive association between air pollution and heat exposure , and these bad pregnancy outcomes , '' Bekkar said .
It all adds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of climate change , Bekkar said .
Global warming , he noted , not only drives `` extreme weather events '' -- like heat waves , droughts and floods -- but is also closely connected to air pollution , as the two feed each other .
`` I ca n't think of a group we need to protect more than pregnant women and their children , '' Bekkar said .
He and his colleagues reported the findings online June 18 in JAMA Network Open .
The review included 68 studies done in various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 32.8 million births .
Of 57 studies looking at air pollution , 84 percent found that women in more-polluted areas were at higher risk of a negative pregnancy outcome .
The same was true for nine out of 10 studies on heat exposure .
Most of the studies looked at newborns ' risk of being premature or underweight .
But a few examined stillbirths , and largely found a higher risk with greater exposure to air pollution or heat .
The studies could not measure pregnant women 's actual exposure to pollutants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bekkar said , they looked at broader patterns -- like whether preterm births were more common in ZIP codes with poorer air quality .
It is tricky to weed out the effects of air pollution or heat from the many other factors that affect pregnancy outcomes , according to Dr. Rahul Gupta , chief medical officer at the nonprofit March of Dimes .
However , Gupta said , `` we 're seeing an increasing amount of data demonstrating an association . ''
Beyond that , Gupta said , there are biological reasons that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be risky for mothers-to-be .
The tiny pieces of particulate matter present in air pollution can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and cause widespread inflammation in the body .
Women with chronic health conditions , like asthma , may be particularly susceptible , Gupta noted .
In line with that , the review found , the link between air pollution and pregnancy complications was stronger among women with asthma .
Oppressive heat is a problem partly because pregnancy alters the body 's ability to regulate temperature , Gupta said .
Research suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low birth weight by altering blood flow to the placenta , or causing dehydration , among other routes .
Dr. Linda Giudice wrote an editorial published with the review .
She called the findings `` remarkable , '' because despite the many differences in how the studies were done , most came to the same general conclusion .
Giudice is founder of the Program for Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California , San Francisco .
She pointed to some steps women can take to protect themselves : Do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoke and traffic pollution .
But for people who want to see broader efforts , Giudice and Bekkar both recommended advocating for policies aimed at climate change , and voting accordingly .
Climate change is , in fact , a public health issue that needs a societal response , Gupta said .
In general , low-income women and women of color have the highest rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in the United States .
They are also disproportionately exposed to air pollution , Gupta said .
Yet , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect themselves .
More information The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has more on climate change and health .

Women in more-polluted areas were at higher risk of a negative pregnancy outcome, researchers found. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Here's more bad news associated with climate change: Pregnant women exposed to air pollution or heat waves face a greater risk of having a preterm or underweight baby, a new research review finds. The review, of 68 studies from across the United States, found that the large majority arrived at the same conclusion: Babies were at greater risk when their mothers lived in areas with poorer air quality or more oppressive heat. Advertisement
"The data are mostly pointing in the same direction," said lead researcher Dr. Bruce Bekkar, a women's health physician who is retired from the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, in San Diego.
It's not possible to "put a number" on the risks, said Bekkar. The studies in the review were all conducted differently and looked at different outcomes. Instead, the researchers wanted to see whether the studies were consistent in the associations they found.
Advertisement
"And there was a consistent and strong positive association between air pollution and heat exposure, and these bad pregnancy outcomes," Bekkar said.
It all adds to concerns about the many possible health effects of climate change, Bekkar said. Global warming, he noted, not only drives "extreme weather events" -- like heat waves, droughts and floods -- but is also closely connected to air pollution, as the two feed each other.
"I can't think of a group we need to protect more than pregnant women and their children," Bekkar said.
He and his colleagues reported the findings online June 18 in JAMA Network Open.
The review included 68 studies done in various U.S. states, covering a total of almost 32.8 million births.
Of 57 studies looking at air pollution, 84 percent found that women in more-polluted areas were at higher risk of a negative pregnancy outcome. The same was true for nine out of 10 studies on heat exposure.
Most of the studies looked at newborns' risk of being premature or underweight. But a few examined stillbirths, and largely found a higher risk with greater exposure to air pollution or heat.
The studies could not measure pregnant women's actual exposure to pollutants in their daily lives. Instead, Bekkar said, they looked at broader patterns -- like whether preterm births were more common in ZIP codes with poorer air quality.
Advertisement
It is tricky to weed out the effects of air pollution or heat from the many other factors that affect pregnancy outcomes, according to Dr. Rahul Gupta, chief medical officer at the nonprofit March of Dimes.
However, Gupta said, "we're seeing an increasing amount of data demonstrating an association."
Beyond that, Gupta said, there are biological reasons that both dirty air and high temperatures could be risky for mothers-to-be.
The tiny pieces of particulate matter present in air pollution can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and cause widespread inflammation in the body. Women with chronic health conditions, like asthma, may be particularly susceptible, Gupta noted. In line with that, the review found, the link between air pollution and pregnancy complications was stronger among women with asthma.
Oppressive heat is a problem partly because pregnancy alters the body's ability to regulate temperature, Gupta said. Research suggests heat may contribute to preterm labor or low birth weight by altering blood flow to the placenta, or causing dehydration, among other routes.
Dr. Linda Giudice wrote an editorial published with the review. She called the findings "remarkable," because despite the many differences in how the studies were done, most came to the same general conclusion.
Advertisement
Giudice is founder of the Program for Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco. She pointed to some steps women can take to protect themselves: Don't smoke, and try to avoid secondhand smoke and traffic pollution.
But for people who want to see broader efforts, Giudice and Bekkar both recommended advocating for policies aimed at climate change, and voting accordingly.
Climate change is, in fact, a public health issue that needs a societal response, Gupta said.
In general, low-income women and women of color have the highest rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in the United States. They are also disproportionately exposed to air pollution, Gupta said. Yet, he added, they have fewer resources to help protect themselves.
More information The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has more on climate change and health.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-18--Watch: Twice shares 'Fanfare' video

Watch: Twice shares 'Fanfare' video

June 18 ( UPI ) -- South Korean girl group Twice is back with a new music video .
The @ @ @ @ @ Thursday for the Japanese single `` Fanfare . ''
The video shows the members of @ @ @ @ @ routine on stage as a brass band performs in the background .
Twice shared a @ @ @ @ @ part of Tzuyu 's dance for the `` Fanfare '' video .
Twice released a @ @ @ @ @ album & Twice in February .
The reissue features the new song `` Swing .
@ @ @ @ @ the Korean EP More & More this month .
Twice consists of Nayeon , Jeongyeon @ @ @ @ @ Jihyo , Mina , Dahyun , Chaeyoung and Tzuyu .
The group made its debut @ @ @

June 18 (UPI) -- South Korean girl group Twice is back with a new music video.
The K-pop stars released a video Thursday for the Japanese single "Fanfare."
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The video shows the members of Twice performing an energetic dance routine on stage as a brass band performs in the background.
Twice shared a video Wednesday on Twitter featuring part of Tzuyu's dance for the "Fanfare" video.
Twice released a repackaged version of its Japanese album &Twice in February. The reissue features the new song "Swing."
Twice most recently released the Korean EP More & More this month.
Twice consists of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu. The group made its debut in 2015.


upi--2020-06-19--AMC to reopen hundreds of movie theatres July 15

June 19 ( UPI ) -- AMC Theatres has announced it expects to reopen 450 of its 600 locations throughout the United States on July 15 .
`` We will be showing new releases , as well as classic movies that are widely known and loved , '' Adam Aron , the company 's president and CEO , said in a statement Thursday .
`` And essentially all of our U.S. theaters should reopen by the end of July .
This means that AMC will be there for you with open arms , welcoming you to enjoy Disney 's inspiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Nolan 's intriguing Tenet , along with several more superb movies now scheduled for a July theatrical release . ''
The chain , along with most other entertainment venues , has been closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic .
As a result , many films scheduled to open theatrically have either been postponed or released via video-on-demand platforms .
Aron said the health and safety of AMC customers ' and staff are the company 's `` absolute highest priority '' as theaters reopen .
`` Seat capacity restrictions , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new intensified cleaning protocols , contactless ticketing and expanded mobile ordering of food and beverages are all vital elements of AMC Safe & Clean , '' Aron said of the new program the company is implementing .
`` Importantly , too , we also have invested millions and millions of dollars in high-tech solutions to sanitation , disinfection and cleanliness , such as the ordering of electrostatic sprayers , HEPA filter vacuum cleaners and MERV 13 air ventilation filters wherever we can . ''
The company said it will provide early next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie release schedule and what locations will open when .
AMC will require employees to wear face masks , but not movie-goers .
CineMark and Regal have also announced plans to reopen next month .

June 19 (UPI) -- AMC Theatres has announced it expects to reopen 450 of its 600 locations throughout the United States on July 15.
"We will be showing new releases, as well as classic movies that are widely known and loved," Adam Aron, the company's president and CEO, said in a statement Thursday.
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"And essentially all of our U.S. theaters should reopen by the end of July. This means that AMC will be there for you with open arms, welcoming you to enjoy Disney's inspiring Mulan and the Warner Brothers release of Christopher Nolan's intriguing Tenet, along with several more superb movies now scheduled for a July theatrical release."
The chain, along with most other entertainment venues, has been closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, many films scheduled to open theatrically have either been postponed or released via video-on-demand platforms.
Aron said the health and safety of AMC customers' and staff are the company's "absolute highest priority" as theaters reopen.
"Seat capacity restrictions, social distancing efforts, commitments to health, new intensified cleaning protocols, contactless ticketing and expanded mobile ordering of food and beverages are all vital elements of AMC Safe & Clean," Aron said of the new program the company is implementing.
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"Importantly, too, we also have invested millions and millions of dollars in high-tech solutions to sanitation, disinfection and cleanliness, such as the ordering of electrostatic sprayers, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners and MERV 13 air ventilation filters wherever we can."
The company said it will provide early next month more details about its social-distancing rules, movie release schedule and what locations will open when.
We are delighted to announce that AMC will resume theatre operations beginning 7/15, rolling out in advance of @DisneysMulan and @TENETFilm. AMC will implement a comprehensive health and sanitation program: AMC Safe & Clean. Learn more: https://t.co/tkjT2I23TQ pic.twitter.com/0cWDLopGDH— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) June 18, 2020
AMC will require employees to wear face masks, but not movie-goers.
CineMark and Regal have also announced plans to reopen next month.


upi--2020-06-19--Russia central bank cuts interest rates to lowest level since fall of Soviet Union

June 19 ( UPI ) -- Russia 's central bank cut key interest rates Friday to a record low 4.5 percent , citing stronger-than-expected `` disinflationary factors '' stemming from the coronavirus pandemic .
The cut amounted to a full percentage point and indicated Bank of Russia analysts foresee a longer road to recovery from pandemic-related restrictions than initially thought .
Bankers said there 's a risk that Russian inflation next year might `` significantly deviate '' from the expected 4 percent target .
`` The key rate decision taken by the Bank of Russia is aimed at limiting this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent , '' the central bank said .
Bankers said they will cut rates even further if economic growth does n't accelerate faster than expected .
Russian inflation is presently estimated to be around 3 percent .
The cut to 4.5 percent is the lowest level for interest rates since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 .
The central bank said its move to cut rates was made after noting a steep decline in `` domestic and external demand '' in the second quarter due to the economic impact of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , is likely to remain lower than desired chiefly due to uncertainty about the virus ' course and measures to fight it .
The bank previously expected the pandemic to result in a 4-6 percent for the Russian economy .
Some independent analysts , however , say the decline could reach 8 percent .

A woman wearing a mask to ward off the coronavirus disease is seen walking in the main business district in Moscow, Russia, on May 21. Photo by Yuri Kochetkov/EPA-EFE
June 19 (UPI) -- Russia's central bank cut key interest rates Friday to a record low 4.5 percent, citing stronger-than-expected "disinflationary factors" stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. The cut amounted to a full percentage point and indicated Bank of Russia analysts foresee a longer road to recovery from pandemic-related restrictions than initially thought. Advertisement
Bankers said there's a risk that Russian inflation next year might "significantly deviate" from the expected 4 percent target.
"The key rate decision taken by the Bank of Russia is aimed at limiting this risk and maintaining inflation close to 4 percent," the central bank said.
Bankers said they will cut rates even further if economic growth doesn't accelerate faster than expected.
Russian inflation is presently estimated to be around 3 percent.
The cut to 4.5 percent is the lowest level for interest rates since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The central bank said its move to cut rates was made after noting a steep decline in "domestic and external demand" in the second quarter due to the economic impact of the health crisis.
Inflation, the bank said, is likely to remain lower than desired chiefly due to uncertainty about the virus' course and measures to fight it.
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The bank previously expected the pandemic to result in a 4-6 percent for the Russian economy. Some independent analysts, however, say the decline could reach 8 percent.


upi--2020-06-19--Benzema scores twice in Real Madrid's La Liga soccer return

June 19 ( UPI ) -- Karim Benzema scored two second-half goals to lead Real Madrid to a 3-0 win against Valencia in their first game in more than three months due to a coronavirus pandemic suspension .
Benzema scored in the 61st and 86th minutes on the La Liga affair Thursday at Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium in Madrid .
Marco Asensio had Madrid 's second score in the 74th minute .
Madrid is now two points behind first-place Barcelona in the La Liga standings .
`` It was n't an easy game due to the opposition who made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't concede , '' Benzema told reporters .
`` It 's very important because Valencia are a very good team . ''
Valencia 's Rodrigo had a goal taken away in the 21st minute after an offside call .
The Spanish squads went into halftime in a scoreless tie .
Madrid broke the deadlock when Valencia turned the ball over at midfield in the 60th minute .
Eden Hazard received the loose ball and raced up the left side of the field .
Hazard then did a give-and-go with Luka Modric before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box .
Hazard then tapped the ball to his right to Benzema , who ripped a shot past Valencia goalie Jasper Cillessen .
Madrid took a two-score lead about 13 minutes later .
Left back Ferland Mendy tracked down a deflected corner kick on the left side of the field during that sequence .
Mendy then beat a defender into the box before he spotted Asensio about nine yards from the net .
Asensio received the pass and smashed a one-touch shot into the net in the 74th minute .
Benzema showed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second goal .
The star striker raced down the field before Asensio spotted him in the middle of the box .
Asensio lifted a pass to his teammate before Benzema stuck out his foot and tapped the ball over a defender .
The ball then fell onto Benzema 's left boot , which he used to volley a shot into the left side of the net .
`` For the second goal , everything happened so fast , '' Benzema said .
`` It was a cross from Marco , I controlled it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it went in .
It looks easy , but you have to do it so fast . ''
Real Madrid battles Real Sociedad in their next game at 4 p.m. EDT Sunday in San Sebastian , Spain .
Valencia 's next match is against Osasuna at 1:30 p.m. EDT Sunday in Valencia .

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema (C) scored his squad's first and third goal in a 3-0 win against Valencia Thursday in Madrid. Photo by Juanjo Martin/EPA-EFE
June 19 (UPI) -- Karim Benzema scored two second-half goals to lead Real Madrid to a 3-0 win against Valencia in their first game in more than three months due to a coronavirus pandemic suspension. Benzema scored in the 61st and 86th minutes on the La Liga affair Thursday at Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium in Madrid. Marco Asensio had Madrid's second score in the 74th minute. Madrid is now two points behind first-place Barcelona in the La Liga standings. Advertisement
"It wasn't an easy game due to the opposition who made it hard, but we won and didn't concede," Benzema told reporters. "It's very important because Valencia are a very good team."
Valencia's Rodrigo had a goal taken away in the 21st minute after an offside call. The Spanish squads went into halftime in a scoreless tie.
Madrid broke the deadlock when Valencia turned the ball over at midfield in the 60th minute. Eden Hazard received the loose ball and raced up the left side of the field. Hazard then did a give-and-go with Luka Modric before he received a pass back while in the box. Hazard then tapped the ball to his right to Benzema, who ripped a shot past Valencia goalie Jasper Cillessen.
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Madrid took a two-score lead about 13 minutes later. Left back Ferland Mendy tracked down a deflected corner kick on the left side of the field during that sequence. Mendy then beat a defender into the box before he spotted Asensio about nine yards from the net. Asensio received the pass and smashed a one-touch shot into the net in the 74th minute.
Benzema showed off his sublime touch when he scored his second goal. The star striker raced down the field before Asensio spotted him in the middle of the box. Asensio lifted a pass to his teammate before Benzema stuck out his foot and tapped the ball over a defender. The ball then fell onto Benzema's left boot, which he used to volley a shot into the left side of the net.
"For the second goal, everything happened so fast," Benzema said. "It was a cross from Marco, I controlled it, I shot with the left foot and it went in. It looks easy, but you have to do it so fast."
Real Madrid battles Real Sociedad in their next game at 4 p.m. EDT Sunday in San Sebastian, Spain. Valencia's next match is against Osasuna at 1:30 p.m. EDT Sunday in Valencia.


upi--2020-06-19--Air Force looking into reports that planes monitored protesters

Activists protest the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota during a demonstration in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 2, a day when flight data show a plane used by federal authorities circled over D.C. dozens of times. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
June 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force inspector general is investigating whether the military used reconnaissance aircraft to monitor recent protests in Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis that followed the death of George Floyd. An Air Force spokesman said late Thursday the inspector general's office is running the inquiry and is looking to determine if Air National Guard RC-26 aircraft supported civil authorities during recent demonstrations. Advertisement
Joseph Kernan, under secretary of defense for intelligence and security, said in a letter to the House intelligence committee he'd received no orders from the Trump administration to use spy planes against mostly peaceful protesters.
A group of lawmakers -- including Reps. John Lewis, D-Ga., Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Bobby Rush, D-Ill. -- demanded in a letter earlier this month that any such surveillance be stopped.
The letter indicated that there had been reports of surveillance by multiple federal agencies at events protesting Floyd's death and police brutality against African Americans.
"We write to you to express our deep and profound concerns that the surveillance tactics of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Guard Bureau, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection during the recent protests across the U.S. are significantly chilling the First Amendment rights of Americans," they wrote. "We demand that you cease any and all surveilling of Americans engaged in peaceful protests."
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Public flight data show a twin-engine RC-26B often used by the FBI and National Guard performed about 50 circles above Washington, D.C., for nearly four hours during demonstrations on June 2. A similar plane flew over Las Vegas around the same time.
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd


upi--2020-06-19--Watch: EA Play releases 'Star Wars: Squadrons' gameplay trailer, announces 'Skate'

June 19 ( UPI ) -- Publisher Electronic Arts held an EA Play livestream event that featured a new gameplay trailer for Star Wars : Squadrons and the announcements of new titles such as Skate .
Star Wars : Squadrons will feature a story mode where players will take on New Republic and Imperial missions , EA announced during the showcase on Thursday .
The game , which is focused on spaceship battles , can be played entirely using a VR headset .
Online multiplayer modes will support cross-play between PlayStation 4 , Xbox One and PC .
Star Wars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 2 .
EA also announced it is developing a new Skate game .
The popular skateboarding franchise was last seen in 2010 with the release of Skate 3 .
The project , which EA noted was `` commented into existence , '' is early in development.Free-to-play battle royale title Apex Legends is coming to the Nintendo Switch .
The game will also support cross-play among all platforms and will introduce a new event titled Lost Treasures on Tuesday .
Other highlights from EA Play include the announcement that The Sims 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cooperative action-adventure game It Takes Two from developer Josef Fares ( Brothers , A Way Out ) ; and a teaser for EA 's upcoming sports titles Madden 21 and FIFA 21 .

June 19 (UPI) -- Publisher Electronic Arts held an EA Play livestream event that featured a new gameplay trailer for Star Wars: Squadrons and the announcements of new titles such as Skate.
Star Wars: Squadrons will feature a story mode where players will take on New Republic and Imperial missions, EA announced during the showcase on Thursday.
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The game, which is focused on spaceship battles, can be played entirely using a VR headset. Online multiplayer modes will support cross-play between PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Star Wars: Squadrons is set to be released on Oct. 2.
EA also announced it is developing a new Skate game. The popular skateboarding franchise was last seen in 2010 with the release of Skate 3.
The project, which EA noted was "commented into existence," is early in development.Free-to-play battle royale title Apex Legends is coming to the Nintendo Switch. The game will also support cross-play among all platforms and will introduce a new event titled Lost Treasures on Tuesday.
Other highlights from EA Play include the announcement that The Sims 4 is coming to Steam; footage of new cooperative action-adventure game It Takes Two from developer Josef Fares (Brothers, A Way Out); and a teaser for EA's upcoming sports titles Madden 21 and FIFA 21.


upi--2020-06-19--'Talk' stars to host the Daytime Emmys ceremony

June 19 ( UPI ) -- The stars of CBS ' daytime chat program , The Talk , are set @ @ @ @ @ Awards ceremony on June 26 .
Presiding over the event will be Sharon Osbourne , @ @ @ @ @ Carrie Ann Inaba and Marie Osmond .
The event will be taped via videoconferencing and @ @ @ @ @ is the 14th time the awards ceremony will air on CBS .
The last time @ @ @ @ @ the event has been streamed online since 2016 .
Soap opera General Hospital led the @ @ @ @ @ nominations were announced in May .

1/3
Sharon Osbourne and her co-stars from "The Talk" are set to host the Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony on June 26. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
June 19 (UPI) -- The stars of CBS' daytime chat program, The Talk, are set to host the Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony on June 26. Presiding over the event will be Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, Eve, Carrie Ann Inaba and Marie Osmond. Advertisement
The event will be taped via videoconferencing and with distancing practices.
This is the 14th time the awards ceremony will air on CBS. The last time was in 2011, and the event has been streamed online since 2016.
Soap opera General Hospital led the pack with 23 nods when nominations were announced in May.


upi--2020-06-19--China charges two Canadians with espionage

June 19 ( UPI ) -- Chinese authorities have charged two Canadians with espionage .
Prosecutors in the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong said Friday Michael Spavor , a Canadian businessman who has met with Kim Jong Un , has been charged with spying and illegally exposing Chinese state secrets to foreign countries .
Spavor was arrested while possibly en route to South Korea in 2018 .
The arrest of Spavor , who organized NBA Hall-of-Famer Dennis Rodman 's visit to Pyongyang , came after the detention of Meng Wangzhou , chief financial officer of Huawei in Vancouver , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prosecutors ' office in Beijing also issued a statement on Friday , charging former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig with exposing state secrets to foreign governments .
Kovrig was detained in 2018 .
Chinese authorities did not disclose details of the charges .
The Chinese decision comes nearly a month after Meng was dealt a critical blow in Canadian court .
Meng is fighting extradition to the United States , where is wanted for alleged violations of sanctions against Iran , U.S. authorities have said Meng committed bank fraud involving HSBC -- distorting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran , thereby placing HSBC at risk of fines and penalties for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran .
British Columbia 's Superior Court Associate Chief Justice Health Holmes ruled last month the legal standard of double criminality had been met .
Meng 's approach `` would seriously limit Canada 's ability to fulfill its international obligations in the extradition context for fraud and other economic crimes , '' Holmes had said .
Tensions over Huawei , trade and COVID-19 have dominated U.S.-China relations , but the two sides have recently resumed bilateral dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo met China 's top diplomat Yang Jiechi in Hawaii .
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Friday at a regular press briefing the two countries discussed the `` issue of the Korean Peninsula '' and agreed a `` political resolution '' would be in the national interest of both sides .
North Korea may have sent its troops to the DMZ this week , according to South Korean authorities .

Michael Spavor (C-R), a Canadian citizen imprisoned in China, was charged with espionage on Friday. File Photo by KCNA/EPA
June 19 (UPI) -- Chinese authorities have charged two Canadians with espionage. Prosecutors in the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong said Friday Michael Spavor, a Canadian businessman who has met with Kim Jong Un, has been charged with spying and illegally exposing Chinese state secrets to foreign countries. Spavor was arrested while possibly en route to South Korea in 2018. Advertisement
The arrest of Spavor, who organized NBA Hall-of-Famer Dennis Rodman's visit to Pyongyang, came after the detention of Meng Wangzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei in Vancouver, at the request of the United States.
The prosecutors' office in Beijing also issued a statement on Friday, charging former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig with exposing state secrets to foreign governments. Kovrig was detained in 2018.
Chinese authorities did not disclose details of the charges.
The Chinese decision comes nearly a month after Meng was dealt a critical blow in Canadian court. Meng is fighting extradition to the United States, where is wanted for alleged violations of sanctions against Iran,
U.S. authorities have said Meng committed bank fraud involving HSBC -- distorting Huawei's ties to a firm in Iran, thereby placing HSBC at risk of fines and penalties for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran. British Columbia's Superior Court Associate Chief Justice Health Holmes ruled last month the legal standard of double criminality had been met.
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Meng's approach "would seriously limit Canada's ability to fulfill its international obligations in the extradition context for fraud and other economic crimes," Holmes had said.
Tensions over Huawei, trade and COVID-19 have dominated U.S.-China relations, but the two sides have recently resumed bilateral dialogue. This week Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi in Hawaii.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Friday at a regular press briefing the two countries discussed the "issue of the Korean Peninsula" and agreed a "political resolution" would be in the national interest of both sides.
North Korea may have sent its troops to the DMZ this week, according to South Korean authorities.


upi--2020-06-19--Google celebrates Juneteenth with new Doodle

June 19 ( UPI ) -- Google is celebrating Juneteenth and the holiday 's 155th anniversary with a new video @ @ @ @ @ for June Nineteenth , marks the true end of chattel slavery across the United States @ @ @ @ @ marks the day when enslaved black people in Galveston , Texas , finally learned that @ @ @ @ @ years after President Abraham Lincoln 's Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the United States in @ @ @ @ @ features artwork by Loveis Wise and a play button that starts an animated video about @ @ @ @ @ of slavery .
Actor LeVar Burton ( Roots , Star Trek ) narrates the clip @ @ @ @ @ 's poem Lift Every Voice and Sing , often referred to as the Black National @ @ @ @ @ an American story about persistence , freedom , and joy no matter the obstacle .
@ @ @ @ @ provide an opportunity to honor the progress that 's been made and reflect on the @ @ @ @ @ ahead , '' Angelica McKinley , project creative director for the Doodle said .

June 19 (UPI) -- Google is celebrating Juneteenth and the holiday's 155th anniversary with a new video Doodle.
Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, marks the true end of chattel slavery across the United States in 1865.
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The holiday marks the day when enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned that they were free, two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the United States in 1863.
Google's homepage features artwork by Loveis Wise and a play button that starts an animated video about Juneteenth that honors the end of slavery.
Actor LeVar Burton (Roots, Star Trek) narrates the clip and reads James Weldon Johnson's poem Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Black National Anthem.
"Juneteenth is an American story about persistence, freedom, and joy no matter the obstacle. May this year's celebration provide an opportunity to honor the progress that's been made and reflect on the important changes that still remain ahead," Angelica McKinley, project creative director for the Doodle said.


upi--2020-06-19--Ohio State, Alabama schedule football games in 2027, 2028

June 19 ( UPI ) -- Two of the nation 's most-prestigious college football programs have agreed to play a home-and-home series in 2027 and 2028 .
The Buckeyes will host the first game on Sept. 18 , 2027 , in Columbus , Ohio and the Crimson Tide will host the second game on Sept. 9 , 2028 , in Tuscaloosa , Ala. '' The addition of Ohio State to our future non-conference schedule shows the commitment our program and administration has to creating the best possible games for our players and fans , '' Alabama head football coach Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of years in the SEC and Big 10 and Bryant-Denny Stadium and Ohio Stadium are two of the very best environments in college football .
Non-conference series like Alabama-Ohio State are so important to the health of college football , and we are very pleased that we could get this series completed . ''
Alabama owns a 3-1 all-time record against Ohio State .
The Buckeyes beat the Crimson Tide in their last matchup with a 42-35 Triumph in the 2015 Sugar Bowl .
All previous matchups have been played at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 home-and-home opponents to their future schedules .
The Crimson Tide have future games against Texas , Wisconsin , Florida State , West Virginia , Notre Dame , Georgia Tech , Oklahoma , Arizona and Virginia Tech .
Ohio State 's future schedules have non-conference games against Oregon , Notre Dame , Washington , Texas and Georgia .
`` We 'd like to thank University of Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne and senior deputy director of athletics Finus Gaston , who worked so hard with us to get this series scheduled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy director of athletics .
`` Building a non-conference schedule with tradition-rich programs is important to the competitive excellence of our program and the department , and it is great for our fans .
We are excited for both schools and pleased to be able to share in this announcement today with the University of Alabama . ''
The Crimson Tide is scheduled to open the 2020 season against the USC Trojans on Sept. 5 at AT & T Stadium in Arlington , Texas.
, and the Buckeyes are scheduled to open by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The Ohio State Buckeyes will host Alabama for the first time in school history Sept. 18, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
June 19 (UPI) -- Two of the nation's most-prestigious college football programs have agreed to play a home-and-home series in 2027 and 2028. Ohio State and Alabama announced the series Thursday. Advertisement
The Buckeyes will host the first game on Sept. 18, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio and the Crimson Tide will host the second game on Sept. 9, 2028, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
"The addition of Ohio State to our future non-conference schedule shows the commitment our program and administration has to creating the best possible games for our players and fans," Alabama head football coach Nick Saban said.
"I have coached a lot of years in the SEC and Big 10 and Bryant-Denny Stadium and Ohio Stadium are two of the very best environments in college football. Non-conference series like Alabama-Ohio State are so important to the health of college football, and we are very pleased that we could get this series completed."
Alabama owns a 3-1 all-time record against Ohio State. The Buckeyes beat the Crimson Tide in their last matchup with a 42-35 Triumph in the 2015 Sugar Bowl. All previous matchups have been played at neutral sites.
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Alabama has now added 10 home-and-home opponents to their future schedules. The Crimson Tide have future games against Texas, Wisconsin, Florida State, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Arizona and Virginia Tech.
Ohio State's future schedules have non-conference games against Oregon, Notre Dame, Washington, Texas and Georgia.
"We'd like to thank University of Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne and senior deputy director of athletics Finus Gaston, who worked so hard with us to get this series scheduled," said Diana Sabau, Ohio State deputy director of athletics.
"Building a non-conference schedule with tradition-rich programs is important to the competitive excellence of our program and the department, and it is great for our fans. We are excited for both schools and pleased to be able to share in this announcement today with the University of Alabama."
The Crimson Tide is scheduled to open the 2020 season against the USC Trojans on Sept. 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas., and the Buckeyes are scheduled to open by hosting Bowling Green on the same date.