upi--2020-06-15--Justice Department schedules first federal executions since 2003

June 15 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Attorney General William Barr on Monday directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the first executions of federal death row inmates in nearly two decades .
Barr ordered the executions for four men convicted of murdering children who have exhausted their appeals for July and August , the Justice Department said in a statement .
`` The four murderers whose executions are scheduled today have received full and fair proceedings under our Constitution and laws , '' Barr said in a statement .
`` We owe it to the victims of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left behind , to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system . ''
There are around 60 federal inmates on death row with the last one to be executed in 2003 , according to the Death Penalty Information Center .
The Trump administration has been attempting to restart federal executions since July 2019 but has been locked in litigation over Barr 's direction to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to revise the Federal Execution Protocol to allow for the use of a single drug during lethal injection executions to replace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court had placed an injunction barring the Federal Bureau of Prisons from performing executions under the revised protocol , but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C .
Circuit in April vacated the order , allowing for the federal government to perform its first execution of an inmate since March 18 , 2003 , when Louis Jones was executed by lethal injection .
The inmates scheduled for execution are Daniel Lewis Lee on July 13 , Wesley Ira Purkey on July 15 , Dustin Lee Honken on July 17 and Keith Dwayne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only been 37 federal executions between 1927 and 2003 with only three executions performed in the modern era , including that of Timothy McVeigh who was convicted of carrying out the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people , according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons ' website .
No executions were performed between 1963 and 2001 .

Attorney General William Barr on Monday scheduled four federal inmates for execution. File Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Attorney General William Barr on Monday directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the first executions of federal death row inmates in nearly two decades. Barr ordered the executions for four men convicted of murdering children who have exhausted their appeals for July and August, the Justice Department said in a statement. Advertisement
"The four murderers whose executions are scheduled today have received full and fair proceedings under our Constitution and laws," Barr said in a statement. "We owe it to the victims of these horrific crimes, and to the families left behind, to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system."
There are about 60 federal inmates on death row with the last one to be executed in 2003, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
The Trump administration has been attempting to restart federal executions since July but has been locked in litigation over Barr's direction to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to revise the Federal Execution Protocol to allow for the use of a single drug for lethal injections to replace the three-drug procedure previously used.
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A district court had placed an injunction barring the Federal Bureau of Prisons from performing executions under the revised protocol, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in April vacated the order, allowing for the federal government to perform its first execution of an inmate since March 18, 2003, when Louis Jones was executed by lethal injection.
The inmates scheduled for execution are Daniel Lewis Lee on July 13, Wesley Ira Purkey on July 15, Dustin Lee Honken on July 17 and Keith Dwayne Nelson on Aug. 28.
There have only been 37 federal executions between 1927 and 2003 with only three executions performed in the modern era, including that of Timothy McVeigh who was convicted of carrying out the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons' website.
No executions were performed between 1963 and 2001.


upi--2020-06-15--Iowa parts with football strength coach Chris Doyle after mistreatment claims

June 15 ( UPI ) -- The University of Iowa parted ways with longtime football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle , the school announced Monday .
The agreement , which was signed Sunday , is effective immediately , according to the school .
`` The University of Iowa has reached a separation agreement with executive director of football and head strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle , '' Iowa athletic director Gary Barta said in a statement .
`` We wish Chris the best moving forward in his career . ''
Doyle , who led Iowa 's training program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative leave June 6 after a large group of former players at the school claimed there was mistreatment in the program .
Most of the allegations were made toward Doyle , who was accused of using his position to bully players , particularly black student-athletes .
In a June 7 statement , Doyle said he never `` crossed the line of unethical behavior or bias based on race . ''
Some of the ex-Iowa football players also made allegations against head coach Kirk Ferentz and multiple on-field assistants .
As part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest-paid college football strength coach at $ 800,000 annually -- will receive 15 months ' salary .
He is prohibited from seeking employment at the school or holding camps at the university .
`` Iowa City has been home to our family for 21 years , '' Doyle said in a statement .
`` I am grateful Iowa football provided an opportunity to work with incredible players , coaches , and support staff .
I have worked diligently to make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes , support them as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued growth .
`` I am confident that my record and character will be confirmed in the course of the independent review .
The university and I have reached an agreement and it is time to move on from Iowa football .
My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter . ''
The University of Iowa Office of General Counsel -- alongside the Kansas City law firm of Husch Blackwell -- will conduct an independent review of the allegations from the former players .
Raimond Braithwaite will continue to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditioning coach .

June 15 (UPI) -- The University of Iowa parted ways with longtime football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle, the school announced Monday.
The agreement, which was signed Sunday, is effective immediately, according to the school.
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"The University of Iowa has reached a separation agreement with executive director of football and head strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle," Iowa athletic director Gary Barta said in a statement. "We wish Chris the best moving forward in his career."
Doyle, who led Iowa's training program since 1999, was placed on paid administrative leave June 6 after a large group of former players at the school claimed there was mistreatment in the program.
Most of the allegations were made toward Doyle, who was accused of using his position to bully players, particularly black student-athletes. In a June 7 statement, Doyle said he never "crossed the line of unethical behavior or bias based on race."
Some of the ex-Iowa football players also made allegations against head coach Kirk Ferentz and multiple on-field assistants.
As part of the separation, Doyle -- the country's highest-paid college football strength coach at $800,000 annually -- will receive 15 months' salary. He is prohibited from seeking employment at the school or holding camps at the university.
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"Iowa City has been home to our family for 21 years," Doyle said in a statement. "I am grateful Iowa football provided an opportunity to work with incredible players, coaches, and support staff. I have worked diligently to make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes, support them as they speak out, and look forward to continued growth.
"I am confident that my record and character will be confirmed in the course of the independent review. The university and I have reached an agreement and it is time to move on from Iowa football. My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter."
The University of Iowa Office of General Counsel -- alongside the Kansas City law firm of Husch Blackwell -- will conduct an independent review of the allegations from the former players.
Raimond Braithwaite will continue to serve as Iowa's interim football strength and conditioning coach.


upi--2020-06-16--Las Vegas Raiders' Allegiant Stadium to host 2021 Pro Bowl

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The 2021 Pro Bowl will take place at the Las Vegas Raiders ' Allegiant Stadium , the league announced Tuesday .
The brand-new home of the Raiders is set to host next year 's Pro Bowl on Jan. 31 .
The event will air on ESPN , ABC and ESPN Deportes .
`` The Raiders welcome the NFL Pro Bowl to Allegiant Stadium and to Las Vegas , the sports and entertainment capital of the world , '' Raiders president Marc Badain said in a statement .
`` Pro Bowl week is a celebration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer and there is no better place than Las Vegas to celebrate and honor the league 's biggest stars .
`` The NFL , the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Raiders look forward to a world class event that will set the standard for future NFL events in Las Vegas . ''
During the Pro Bowl week next January , a series of events will directly benefit the Las Vegas community .
The 2020 NFL Draft was scheduled to take place in Las Vegas , but the coronavirus pandemic forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , the Nevada city will host the event in 2022 , one year after it hosts the Pro Bowl .
The last four Pro Bowls have been held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando , Fla. Before that , Aloha Stadium in Hawaii hosted all but two of the NFL All-Star events from 1980 to 2016 .

June 16 (UPI) -- The 2021 Pro Bowl will take place at the Las Vegas Raiders' Allegiant Stadium, the league announced Tuesday.
The brand-new home of the Raiders is set to host next year's Pro Bowl on Jan. 31. The event will air on ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes.
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"The Raiders welcome the NFL Pro Bowl to Allegiant Stadium and to Las Vegas, the sports and entertainment capital of the world," Raiders president Marc Badain said in a statement. "Pro Bowl week is a celebration of the best the NFL has to offer and there is no better place than Las Vegas to celebrate and honor the league's biggest stars.
"The NFL, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Raiders look forward to a world class event that will set the standard for future NFL events in Las Vegas."
During the Pro Bowl week next January, a series of events will directly benefit the Las Vegas community.
The biggest NFL stars are coming to Vegas. The 2021 Pro Bowl presented by Verizon is heading to Las Vegas! MORE: https://t.co/8SX9iW33gd pic.twitter.com/vwjwvVYiAD— NFL (@NFL) June 16, 2020
Advertisement All lit up.  pic.twitter.com/wxS8n8E1c0— Allegiant Stadium (@AllegiantStadm) May 22, 2020
The 2020 NFL Draft was scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to hold a virtual draft. Instead, the Nevada city will host the event in 2022, one year after it hosts the Pro Bowl.
The last four Pro Bowls have been held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Before that, Aloha Stadium in Hawaii hosted all but two of the NFL All-Star events from 1980 to 2016.


upi--2020-06-16--Trump administration asks judge to block publication of Bolton White House memoir

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration on Tuesday asked a federal judge to block the publication of former national security adviser John Bolton 's upcoming book discussing his time in the White House .
The lawsuit calls for the judge to prevent Bolton from `` compromising national security '' by publishing the 500-page manuscript the government described as `` rife with classified information , '' stating his plan to release the book is a breach of his employment agreement with the White House .
`` The United States seeks an order requiring defendant to abide by his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepublication review process and not disclose classified information without written authorization , thereby protecting the national security of the United States , '' the suit states .
The suit cites media reports stating that Bolton and his publisher plan to release his book In the Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir on June 23 , despite the government stating that the review process has not been completed .
`` Simply put , defendant struck a bargain with the United States as a condition of his employment in one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States government and now wants to renege on that bargain by unilaterally deciding that the prepublication review process is complete and deciding for himself whether classified information should be made public , '' the administration said .
Bolton served as national security adviser in Trump 's White House from April 2018 until September 2019 and later announced a deal for a book discussing his ime in the administration The White House sent a letter to Bolton 's lawyer in January saying a preliminary review of his book found it contained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including some at the top-secret level , which was required to be removed before publishing .
In the following days , The New York Times and The Washington Post both published articles detailing content the outlets said was included in the book .
After the White House warning , Bolton submitted the book for review by Ellen Knight , senior director for records access and information security management at the National Security Council .
On April 27 , she made the judgment that the revised version of the manuscript did not contain classified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on May 2 , the NSC 's director for intelligence , Michael Ellis , began an additional review at the request of Robert O'Brien , who succeeded Bolton as national security adviser .
The suit states that O'Brien was `` concerned that the manuscript still appeared to contain classified information , in part because the same Administration the author served is still in office and the manuscript described sensitive information about ongoing foreign policy issues . ''
Ellis completed his initial review on June 9 and the legal advisor to the NSC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stating that `` the manuscript still contains classified information , because , among other things , it includes information that he himself classified and designated for declassification only after the lapse of twenty-five years . ''
The suit states that publication of the book including the information cited in Ellis ' review would violate the terms of Bolton 's non-disclosure agreements .

The Trump administration requested that a federal judge prevent former national security adviser John Bolton from publishing a book about his time in the White House, citing the inclusion of classified information. File Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- The Department of Justice on Tuesday asked a federal judge to block the publication of former national security adviser John Bolton's upcoming book discussing his time in the White House. The lawsuit calls for the judge to prevent Bolton from "compromising national security" by publishing the 500-page manuscript the government described as "rife with classified information," stating his plan to release the book is a breach of his employment agreement with the White House. Advertisement
"The United States seeks an order requiring defendant to abide by his contractual and fiduciary duties to complete the prepublication review process and not disclose classified information without written authorization, thereby protecting the national security of the United States," the suit states.
The suit cites media reports stating that Bolton and his publisher plan to release his book In the Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir on June 23, even though the review process has not been completed.
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"Simply put, defendant struck a bargain with the United States as a condition of his employment in one of the most sensitive and important national security positions in the United States government and now wants to renege on that bargain by unilaterally deciding that the pre-publication review process is complete and deciding for himself whether classified information should be made public," the suit says.
Bolton served as national security adviser in Trump's White House from April 2018 until September 2019 and later announced a deal for a book discussing his time in the Trump administration
The White House sent a letter to Bolton's lawyer in January saying a preliminary review of his book found it contained "significant amounts of classified information," including some at the top-secret level, which was required to be removed before publishing.
In the following days, The New York Times and The Washington Post published articles detailing the book's contents.
After the White House warning, Bolton submitted the book for review by Ellen Knight, senior director for records access and information security management at the National Security Council. On April 27, she made the judgment that the revised version of the manuscript did not contain classified information, the suit states.
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However, on May 2, the NSC's director for intelligence, Michael Ellis, began an additional review at the request of Robert O'Brien, who succeeded Bolton as national security adviser.
The suit states that O'Brien was "concerned that the manuscript still appeared to contain classified information, in part because the same administration the author served is still in office and the manuscript described sensitive information about ongoing foreign policy issues."
Ellis completed his initial review on June 9 and the legal adviser to the NSC sent a letter to Bolton's lawyer stating that "the manuscript still contains classified information, because, among other things, it includes information that he himself classified and designated for declassification only after the lapse of 25 years."
The suit states that publication of the book including the information cited in Ellis' review would violate the terms of Bolton's non-disclosure agreements.


upi--2020-06-16--Mike McCormick, first Giants pitcher to win Cy Young Award, dies at 81

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Longtime San Francisco Giants pitcher Mike McCormick , who was the first player in franchise history to win the Cy Young Award , has died , the team announced Tuesday .
He was 81 .
The Giants said McCormick died Saturday at his home in North Carolina after a lengthy battle with Parkinson 's disease .
`` We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mike McCormick , a true gentleman and forever Giant , '' team president and CEO Larry Baer said in a statement .
`` Like many Giants fans , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike pitch at Candlestick Park and then was blessed to call him my friend these past 30 years .
`` As a member of the inaugural San Francisco Giants team in 1958 , Mike helped establish baseball on the west coast and then went on to play a major role in the legendary Giants teams of the 1960s , becoming San Francisco 's first pitcher to win a Cy Young Award .
...
He will be greatly missed by our Giants family and our thoughts are with Dierdre and the entire McCormick family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majors ( 1956-71 ) with the Giants , Orioles , Senators , Yankees and Royals .
He compiled a 134-128 record with a 3.73 ERA in his MLB career and was a four-time All-Star selection .
McCormick signed with the Giants as a 17-year-old `` bonus baby '' in 1956 for $ 50,000 , requiring him to skip the minors at the beginning of his career .
He notched 50 wins before turning 23 , becoming the youngest pitcher to hit that milestone until Dwight Gooden broke his mark in 1986 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dierdre ; his children Tara , Mike Jr. , Matthew and Stacy ; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter .

June 16 (UPI) -- Longtime San Francisco Giants pitcher Mike McCormick, who was the first player in franchise history to win the Cy Young Award, has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 81.
The Giants said McCormick died Saturday at his home in North Carolina after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.
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"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mike McCormick, a true gentleman and forever Giant," team president and CEO Larry Baer said in a statement. "Like many Giants fans, I have many fond childhood memories of watching Mike pitch at Candlestick Park and then was blessed to call him my friend these past 30 years.
"As a member of the inaugural San Francisco Giants team in 1958, Mike helped establish baseball on the west coast and then went on to play a major role in the legendary Giants teams of the 1960s, becoming San Francisco's first pitcher to win a Cy Young Award. ... He will be greatly missed by our Giants family and our thoughts are with Dierdre and the entire McCormick family."
Advertisement #ForeverGiant Mike McCormick passed away peacefully on Saturday, at his home in North Carolina after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 81 years old. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LM2mIoQ9tt— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 16, 2020
McCormick played 16 years in the majors (1956-71) with the Giants, Orioles, Senators, Yankees and Royals. He compiled a 134-128 record with a 3.73 ERA in his MLB career and was a four-time All-Star selection.
McCormick signed with the Giants as a 17-year-old "bonus baby" in 1956 for $50,000, requiring him to skip the minors at the beginning of his career. He notched 50 wins before turning 23, becoming the youngest pitcher to hit that milestone until Dwight Gooden broke his mark in 1986.
He is survived by his wife, Dierdre; his children Tara, Mike Jr., Matthew and Stacy; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.


upi--2020-06-16--Pentagon's acting comptroller, Elaine McCusker, resigns

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Elaine McCusker , the acting comptroller of the Pentagon who raised questions about the Trump administration 's withholding of aid to Ukraine , has resigned , Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday .
The Pentagon chief said McCusker 's departure is effective June 26 .
`` Since joining the Department of Defense Elaine has worked tirelessly to ensure that our budgeting and audit processes give full value to the taxpayer while meeting the enormous security needs of our nation as well as the men and women who serve it , '' Esper said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to public service and the contributions that she has made to the department and wish her the very best in her future endeavors . ''
McCusker , who is under secretary of defense ( comptroller ) , was nominated late last year by President Donald Trump to be comptroller .
He pulled the nomination in March after leaked emails showed she had concerns about the president 's threat to withhold millions in military aid designated for Ukraine by Congress .
Trump sought to have Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly announce an investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hunter Biden .
McCusker noted in a Sept. 5 email that she was concerned about an `` increasing risk of execution '' implying the money may not be able to be spent by the Sept. 30 deadline .
Trump 's phone call with Zelensky in which he asked the Ukrainian president to investigate the Bidens prompted a House investigation and led to his impeachment .
The Senate , though , voted to acquit the president .

June 16 (UPI) -- Elaine McCusker, the acting comptroller of the Pentagon who raised questions about the Trump administration's withholding of aid to Ukraine, has resigned, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday.
The Pentagon chief said McCusker's departure is effective June 26.
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"Since joining the Department of Defense Elaine has worked tirelessly to ensure that our budgeting and audit processes give full value to the taxpayer while meeting the enormous security needs of our nation as well as the men and women who serve it," Esper said.
"I am grateful for her dedication to public service and the contributions that she has made to the department and wish her the very best in her future endeavors."
McCusker, who is under secretary of defense (comptroller), was nominated late last year by President Donald Trump to be comptroller. He pulled the nomination in March after leaked emails showed she had concerns about the president's threat to withhold millions in military aid designated for Ukraine by Congress.
Trump sought to have Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden.
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McCusker noted in a Sept. 5 email that she was concerned about an "increasing risk of execution" implying the money may not be able to be spent by the Sept. 30 deadline.
Trump's phone call with Zelensky in which he asked the Ukrainian president to investigate the Bidens prompted a House investigation and led to his impeachment. The Senate, though, voted to acquit the president.


upi--2020-06-16--Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO concludes BALTOPS exercise

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO concluded Exercise Baltic Operations , also known as BALTOPS , Tuesday .
According to the Navy , BALTOPS is an annual maritime exercise intended to enhance interoperability and flexibility among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic region .
`` For almost half a century BALTOPS has brought allied and partner nations together at sea to develop the tactical and technical skills that enable us to conduct the full spectrum of maritime operations , '' said U.S. Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti , commander , STRIKFORNATO and commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid foundation of partnership extends beyond these two weeks , throughout the year , to provide a maritime network that ensures stability and security in the Baltic Sea region , as well as across Europe and the Atlantic . ''
This year 's live training event began on June 7 , and 28 air and 28 maritime assets from 17 NATO and two partner nations participated , and lasted for two weeks .
This year marks the sixth BLATOPS led by Naval Striking and Support Forces and the first run entirely as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has undoubtedly made the planning for this year 's exercise more challenging .
It has also forced us to do things differently , and in some cases better , '' said STRIKFORNATO deputy commander , Royal Navy Rear Adm .
Guy Robinson OBE .
Participating nations included Canada , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , the Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Spain , Sweden , Turkey , the U.K. and the U.S .

The Royal Danish Navy Absalon-class support ship HDMS Esbern Snare (L17), front, and the Swedish Royal Navy Visby-class corvette HMS Karlstad (K35) sail in formation in the Baltic Sea during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2020, June 15, 2020. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 49th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Ste/U.S. NAVY
June 16 (UPI) -- Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO concluded Exercise Baltic Operations, also known as BALTOPS, Tuesday. According to the Navy, BALTOPS is an annual maritime exercise intended to enhance interoperability and flexibility among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic region. Advertisement
"For almost half a century BALTOPS has brought allied and partner nations together at sea to develop the tactical and technical skills that enable us to conduct the full spectrum of maritime operations," said U.S. Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, STRIKFORNATO and commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. "This solid foundation of partnership extends beyond these two weeks, throughout the year, to provide a maritime network that ensures stability and security in the Baltic Sea region, as well as across Europe and the Atlantic."
This year's live training event began on June 7, and 28 air and 28 maritime assets from 17 NATO and two partner nations participated, and lasted for two weeks.
This year marks the sixth BLATOPS led by Naval Striking and Support Forces and the first run entirely as a maritime exercise.
"The COVID pandemic has undoubtedly made the planning for this year's exercise more challenging. It has also forced us to do things differently, and in some cases better," said STRIKFORNATO deputy commander, Royal Navy Rear Adm. Guy Robinson OBE.
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Participating nations included Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S.


upi--2020-06-16--Tennis: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gives OK for U.S. Open to take place

June 16 ( UPI ) -- New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday the U.S. Open tennis tournament will be held without fans in attendance starting in late August .
`` The numbers today look very good , '' Cuomo said , referring to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We 're excited about the U.S. Open .
It 's going to be held in [ the New York City borough of ] Queens , August 31 through September 13 .
It will be held without fans , but you can watch it on TV and I 'll take that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taking extraordinary precautions . ''
The precautions for the tournament include `` robust testing , additional cleaning , extra locker room space , and dedicated housing and transportation , '' according to Cuomo .
`` We are incredibly excited , '' USTA CEO and executive director Mike Dowse said in a statement after Cuomo 's announcement .
`` We recognize the tremendous responsibility of hosting one of the first global sporting events in these challenging times , and we will do so in the safest manner possible , mitigating all potential risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have signed off on the plan , meaning the U.S. Open likely will offer rankings points and prize money .
The tours suspended play in mid-March because of the COVID-19 outbreak .

This year's US Open tennis tournament will take place at the end of August in the New York City borough of Queens. File Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday the U.S. Open tennis tournament will be held without fans in attendance starting in late August. "The numbers today look very good," Cuomo said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic. "We're excited about the U.S. Open. It's going to be held in [the New York City borough of] Queens, August 31 through September 13. It will be held without fans, but you can watch it on TV and I'll take that. The tennis authorities are going to be taking extraordinary precautions." Advertisement
The precautions for the tournament include "robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space, and dedicated housing and transportation," according to Cuomo.
"We are incredibly excited," USTA CEO and executive director Mike Dowse said in a statement after Cuomo's announcement. "We recognize the tremendous responsibility of hosting one of the first global sporting events in these challenging times, and we will do so in the safest manner possible, mitigating all potential risks."
The ATP and WTA also have signed off on the plan, meaning the U.S. Open likely will offer rankings points and prize money.
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The tours suspended play in mid-March because of the COVID-19 outbreak.


upi--2020-06-16--Air Force IDs pilot killed in North Sea crash as 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Air Force on Tuesday identified the pilot who died after his F-15 @ @ @ @ @ North Sea this week .
Officials removed the body of 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen from @ @ @ @ @ crash .
`` We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lt. Allen , and @ @ @ @ @ his fellow Reapers in the 493rd Fighter Squadron , '' said Col. Will Marshall , @ @ @ @ @ `` The tremendous outpouring of love and support from our communities has been a ray @ @ @ @ @ of darkness , '' Allen was flying an F-15C Eagle during a training mission early @ @ @ @ @ .
He was the only person in the aircraft .
The plane took off from @ @ @ @ @ the largest air base in Britain operated by the U.S. Air Force .
Rescue teams @ @ @ @ @ Coastguard Agency were sent to the crash site in the North Sea , about 85 @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire .
The Air Force was investigating the cause of the crash .

First Lt. Kenneth Allen was flying an F-15C Eagle, similar to the one pictured, during a training mission early Monday when the crash happened. File Photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew/U.S. Air Force
June 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force on Tuesday identified the pilot who died after his F-15 fighter jet crashed into the North Sea this week. Officials removed the body of 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen from the water after Monday's crash. Advertisement
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lt. Allen, and mourn with his family and his fellow Reapers in the 493rd Fighter Squadron," said Col. Will Marshall, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "The tremendous outpouring of love and support from our communities has been a ray of light in this time of darkness,"
Allen was flying an F-15C Eagle during a training mission early Monday when the crash happened. He was the only person in the aircraft.
The plane took off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, the largest air base in Britain operated by the U.S. Air Force.
Rescue teams from the British Maritime & Coastguard Agency were sent to the crash site in the North Sea, about 85 miles off Flamborough Head in Yorkshire.
The Air Force was investigating the cause of the crash.


upi--2020-06-16--Two men charged in drive-by shooting of California federal security officers

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The Justice Department on Tuesday charged two men in a drive-by shooting at a federal building in Oakland that killed one security guard and injured another .
Accused gunman Steven Carrillo was charged with one count of murder of a person assisting an officer or employee of the U.S. government and one count of murder under the same statute .
Robert Alvin Justus Jr. , who is accused of driving the vehicle from which Carrillo fired at the guards , was charged with aiding and abetting murder , and attempted murder .
The charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Carrillo allegedly fired at guards protecting the federal building in Oakland from a white Ford Econoline-style van driven by Justus , killing protective security officer David Patrick Underwood and injuring his partner .
Following an eight-day manhunt , witnesses reported an abandoned van in Ben Lomond , Calif. , that allegedly contained ammunition , firearms and bomb-making equipment .
Efforts were also apparently made to alter the van 's appearance .
Evidence from the van led Santa Cruz County Sheriff 's Office deputies to Carillo 's residence in Ben Lomond where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Damon Gutzwiller died after sustaining injuries in the shooting and a second deputy was injured but survived .
An explosion also took place at the scene .
Authorities apprehended Carrillo after he attempted to flee the scene on foot and later in a stolen vehicle .
A search of Carrillo 's residence produced further evidence including an AR-15-style short-barreled rifle and cellphone records that identified Justus as the person with whom he may have been coordinating the attack on the federal building .
Justus was arrested on June 11 after traveling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI when they placed him under surveillance .
Carrillo faces a potential death sentence if convicted of the murder charge and a maximum of 20 years in prison , three years of supervised release and a $ 250,000 fine for the attempted murder charge .
He also faces murder charges and additional felony counts for the shooting that killed Gutzwiller .
Justus made his initial court appearance on Monday and faces the same maximum statutory penalties as Carrillo .

June 16 (UPI) -- The Justice Department on Tuesday charged two men in a drive-by shooting at a federal building in Oakland that killed one security guard and injured another.
Accused gunman Steven Carrillo was charged with one count of murder of a person assisting an officer or employee of the U.S. government and one count of murder under the same statute. Robert Alvin Justus Jr., who is accused of driving the vehicle from which Carrillo fired at the guards, was charged with aiding and abetting murder, and attempted murder.
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The charges stem from a May 29 incident in which Carrillo allegedly fired at guards protecting the federal building in Oakland from a white Ford Econoline-style van driven by Justus, killing protective security officer David Patrick Underwood and injuring his partner.
Following an eight-day manhunt, witnesses reported an abandoned van in Ben Lomond, Calif., that allegedly contained ammunition, firearms and bomb-making equipment. Efforts were also apparently made to alter the van's appearance.
Evidence from the van led Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office deputies to Carillo's residence in Ben Lomond where he allegedly opened fire on deputies.
Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller died after sustaining injuries in the shooting and a second deputy was injured but survived. An explosion also took place at the scene.
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Authorities apprehended Carrillo after he attempted to flee the scene on foot and later in a stolen vehicle.
A search of Carrillo's residence produced further evidence including an AR-15-style short-barreled rifle and cellphone records that identified Justus as the person with whom he may have been coordinating the attack on the federal building.
Justus was arrested on June 11 after traveling to the federal building to meet with the FBI when they placed him under surveillance.
Carrillo faces a potential death sentence if convicted of the murder charge and a maximum of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for the attempted murder charge. He also faces murder charges and additional felony counts for the shooting that killed Gutzwiller.
Justus made his initial court appearance on Monday and faces the same maximum statutory penalties as Carrillo.


upi--2020-06-16--State Department approves  $862.3M sale of Sidewinder missiles to Canada

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The State Department announced Tuesday that it had approved a possible $ 862.3 million sale of 50 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Tactical missiles and related equipment to the Canadian government .
`` This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada , a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress and a contributor to military , peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world , '' said DSCA 's statement .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government of Canada requested 50 ) Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Tactical missiles ; 50 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles , 10 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Special Air Training Missiles and assorted related equipment , as well as technical and logistics support , upgrades to the Advanced Distributed Combat Training System to ensure flight trainers remain current with the new technologies and software development .
The prime contractors on this deal will be Raytheon , General Dynamics , Boeing and Collins Aerospace .
In April 2019 Raytheon was awarded a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles for the United States and 21 allies .
The AIM-9X Sidewinder missile includes advanced infrared-tracking , short-range , air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles , and the Block II variant has a redesigned fuse and a digital ignition safety device to enhance ground handling and in-flight safety .

Captain Steve Boatright, an F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot with the 34th Fighter Squadron "Rude Rams", located at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, fires an AIM-9M Sidewinder heat-seeking missile at an MQM-107 "Streaker" sub-scale aerial target drone over the Gulf of Mexico recently. Photo by Michael Ammons/U.S. Air Force | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- The State Department announced Tuesday that it had approved a possible $862.3 million sale of 50 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Tactical missiles and related equipment to the Canadian government. "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress and a contributor to military, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world," said DSCA's statement. Advertisement
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the government of Canada requested 50) Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Tactical missiles; 50 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, 10 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Special Air Training Missiles and assorted related equipment, as well as technical and logistics support, upgrades to the Advanced Distributed Combat Training System to ensure flight trainers remain current with the new technologies and software development.
The prime contractors on this deal will be Raytheon, General Dynamics, Boeing and Collins Aerospace.
In April 2019 Raytheon was awarded a $12.1 million contract for AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for the United States and 21 allies.
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The AIM-9X Sidewinder missile includes advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, and the Block II variant has a redesigned fuse and a digital ignition safety device to enhance ground handling and in-flight safety.


upi--2020-06-16--Supreme Court grants last-minute stay to Ruben Gutierrez

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a last-minute stay of execution for a death row inmate challenging Texas ' policy preventing clergy from entering the death chamber .
The order came about an hour before Ruben Gutierrez , 42 , was scheduled to receive a lethal injection at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville .
He was convicted of the 1998 murder of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison .
His lawyers and and a group of Catholic leaders had asked Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott and the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has long sought additional DNA testing to prove his innocence and is challenging Texas ' new policy preventing spiritual advisers from entering the death chamber .
`` As a devout Catholic , Mr. Gutierrez 's faith requires the assistance of clergy to help him pass from life into afterlife , '' his lawyer , Shawn Nolan , said in response to the high court 's order .
`` The Texas Department of Criminal Justice changed its policy for its own convenience , but spiritual comfort at the time of death is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right . ''
A federal judge granted him a stay of execution June 9 , but the 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the ruling Friday .
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has filed an amicus brief that supports Gutierrez 's petition to have a Catholic chaplain accompany him into the execution chamber .
Texas banned all chaplains of any religion from entering the state 's execution chambers in April 2019 after the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the execution of an inmate who was prevented from having a Buddhist spiritual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols , TDCJ chaplains will be available to the inmates until they are transferred to the execution chamber .
Ministers and spiritual advisers also may observe executions from the witness rooms .
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the change in protocol did n't impose a substantial burden on Gutierrez 's religious exercise because he 'll be allowed to interact with a chaplain in the day leading up to his execution .
Gutierrez also has sought the testing of nail scrapings and loose hairs taken from the victim , a shirt belonging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothing items .
He says the testing would prove his innocence .
`` Mr. Gutierrez 's case is also gravely concerning because of the urgent need to test the DNA evidence in his case .
For years , Mr. Gutierrez has sought such testing in order to prove he did not commit the crime for which he was sentenced to death .
The state has fought such testing at every turn , but surely the public interest would be best served by allowing DNA testing while the Court considers Mr. Gutierrez 's case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ execution in the future , '' Nolan said .
Authorities said Gutierrez knew Harrison through her nephew and worked together with accomplices Pedro Garcia and Rene Garcia to rob her of about $ 600,000 in cash she had stashed in her home .
An autopsy showed Harrison had been beaten and stabbed 13 times with two different screwdrivers .
Gutierrez said he helped organized the robbery , but did n't take part in the murder and DNA testing would absolve him .
Texas has n't carried out any executions since the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed or rescheduled six other executions .

Ruben Gutierrez was convicted of murder for the 1998 slaying of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison. File Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Corrections
June 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a last-minute stay of execution for a death row inmate challenging Texas' policy preventing clergy from entering the death chamber. The order came about an hour before Ruben Gutierrez, 42, was scheduled to receive a lethal injection at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville. He was convicted of the 1998 murder of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison. Advertisement
His lawyers and and a group of Catholic leaders had asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and give him a 30-day reprieve. Gutierrez has long sought additional DNA testing to prove his innocence and is challenging Texas' new policy preventing spiritual advisers from entering the death chamber.
"As a devout Catholic, Mr. Gutierrez's faith requires the assistance of clergy to help him pass from life into afterlife," his lawyer, Shawn Nolan, said in response to the high court's order. "The Texas Department of Criminal Justice changed its policy for its own convenience, but spiritual comfort at the time of death is not a convenience; it's a protected legal right."
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A federal judge granted him a stay of execution June 9, but the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the ruling Friday.
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has filed an amicus brief that supports Gutierrez's petition to have a Catholic chaplain accompany him into the execution chamber.
Texas banned all chaplains of any religion from entering the state's execution chambers in April 2019 after the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the execution of an inmate who was prevented from having a Buddhist spiritual adviser with him.
Under the new protocols, TDCJ chaplains will be available to the inmates until they are transferred to the execution chamber. Ministers and spiritual advisers also may observe executions from the witness rooms.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the change in protocol didn't impose a substantial burden on Gutierrez's religious exercise because he'll be allowed to interact with a chaplain in the day leading up to his execution.
Gutierrez also has sought the testing of nail scrapings and loose hairs taken from the victim, a shirt belonging to a family member of Harrison and other clothing items. He says the testing would prove his innocence.
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"Mr. Gutierrez's case is also gravely concerning because of the urgent need to test the DNA evidence in his case. For years, Mr. Gutierrez has sought such testing in order to prove he did not commit the crime for which he was sentenced to death. The state has fought such testing at every turn, but surely the public interest would be best served by allowing DNA testing while the Court considers Mr. Gutierrez's case, in order to prevent a wrongful execution in the future," Nolan said.
Authorities said Gutierrez knew Harrison through her nephew and worked together with accomplices Pedro Garcia and Rene Garcia to rob her of about $600,000 in cash she had stashed in her home. An autopsy showed Harrison had been beaten and stabbed 13 times with two different screwdrivers.
Gutierrez said he helped organized the robbery, but didn't take part in the murder and DNA testing would absolve him.
Texas hasn't carried out any executions since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state has delayed or rescheduled six other executions.


upi--2020-06-16--Bob Stoops, Champ Bailey among 2021 College Football Hall of Fame nominees

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and ex-Georgia cornerback Champ Bailey highlight the newest nominees for the College Football Hall of Fame .
The National Football Foundation announced Tuesday the names on the 2021 ballot , including 78 players and seven coaches from the FBS level and 99 players and 33 coaches from the divisional ranks .
`` It 's an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.4 million people have played college football and only 1,027 players have been inducted , '' NFF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` The Hall 's requirement of being a first-team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible .
Being in today 's elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game , and we look forward to announcing the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class early next year . ''
The 2021 ballot was sent Tuesday to more than 12,000 National Football Foundation members and current Hall of Famers , whose votes will be counted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That group will select the 2021 class .
The announcement of the 2021 inductee class will be made early next year .
Stoops , 59 , spent 18 seasons as head coach of the Sooners , guiding the school to 10 Big 12 championships , 14 seasons with double-digit victories and one national title ( 2000 ) .
When he retired after the 2016 campaign , he departed as Oklahoma 's all-time winningest coach with 190 wins .
Gary Pinkel , 68 , joins Stoops on the ballot this year .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri , earning 191 victories between the two schools .
Bailey and former Syracuse defensive end Dwight Freeney headline the list of players who are appearing on the ballot for the first time .
Bailey -- who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year -- was the Nagurski Award winner as the nation 's best defensive player in 1998 , while also playing wide receiver and seeing time on special teams for the Bulldogs .
Freeney holds the NCAA record for career sacks per game at 1.61 and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year for the Orange in 2001 .
Among the other players on the ballot for the first time : Miami Hurricanes quarterback Ken Dorsey , Kansas State running back Darren Sproles and Florida State kicker Sebastian Janikowski .
Miami linebacker Ray Lewis , USC quarterback Carson Palmer , North Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers , Stanford receiver Ed McCaffrey and late Colorado tailback Rashaan Salaam are among the holdovers from last year 's ballot .
To be eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame , a player must have earned first-team All-America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Players are eligible for consideration 10 full seasons after their last year of playing college football .
Coaches are eligible three full seasons after retirement or immediately upon stepping away from the game if he is at least 70 years old .
Coaches also must have been a head coach for at least 10 years and coached in at least 100 games with a .600 winning percent .

Former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops retired from coaching after the 2016 season. He left the school as its all-time winningest coach. File Photo by Mark Wallheiser/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- Former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and ex-Georgia cornerback Champ Bailey highlight the newest nominees for the College Football Hall of Fame. The National Football Foundation announced Tuesday the names on the 2021 ballot, including 78 players and seven coaches from the FBS level and 99 players and 33 coaches from the divisional ranks. Advertisement
"It's an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.4 million people have played college football and only 1,027 players have been inducted," NFF president and CEO Steve Hatchell said in a statement.
"The Hall's requirement of being a first-team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today's elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class early next year."
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The 2021 ballot was sent Tuesday to more than 12,000 National Football Foundation members and current Hall of Famers, whose votes will be counted and submitted to the NFF Honors Court. That group will select the 2021 class.
The announcement of the 2021 inductee class will be made early next year.
Stoops, 59, spent 18 seasons as head coach of the Sooners, guiding the school to 10 Big 12 championships, 14 seasons with double-digit victories and one national title (2000). When he retired after the 2016 campaign, he departed as Oklahoma's all-time winningest coach with 190 wins.
Gary Pinkel, 68, joins Stoops on the ballot this year. He is the winningest coach at both Toledo and Missouri, earning 191 victories between the two schools.
Bailey and former Syracuse defensive end Dwight Freeney headline the list of players who are appearing on the ballot for the first time. Bailey -- who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year -- was the Nagurski Award winner as the nation's best defensive player in 1998, while also playing wide receiver and seeing time on special teams for the Bulldogs.
Freeney holds the NCAA record for career sacks per game at 1.61 and was named co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year for the Orange in 2001.
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Among the other players on the ballot for the first time: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Ken Dorsey, Kansas State running back Darren Sproles and Florida State kicker Sebastian Janikowski.
Miami linebacker Ray Lewis, USC quarterback Carson Palmer, North Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, Stanford receiver Ed McCaffrey and late Colorado tailback Rashaan Salaam are among the holdovers from last year's ballot.
To be eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame, a player must have earned first-team All-America honors by an organization the NCAA recognizes. Players are eligible for consideration 10 full seasons after their last year of playing college football.
Coaches are eligible three full seasons after retirement or immediately upon stepping away from the game if he is at least 70 years old. Coaches also must have been a head coach for at least 10 years and coached in at least 100 games with a .600 winning percent.


upi--2020-06-16--Senate judiciary committee holds hearing on police use of force

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House judiciary chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called for the idea of lethal force by police officers to be revisited during a panel on policing on Tuesday. Pool Photo by Tom Williams/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- The Senate judiciary committee on Tuesday held a hearing on policing following the death of George Floyd which prompted global protests against racism and police violence. The senators heard testimony from two panels, one on policing in the black community and another that Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.described as "folks who can tell us about the other side of the story and ways to go forward." Advertisement
Graham, opened the hearing by discussing how he personally views interactions with police differently than many black Americans.
"I've learned over the years, but particularly recently, that every black man in America apparently feels threatened when they are stopped by the cops. It is not 99 percent, it's like 100 percent," he said. "When I see a cop behind me, the first thing I think about is what did I do wrong and can I talk myself out of this ticket. There is literally no fear. And I wouldn't like to live in a country where I'm afraid to be stopped."
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Ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., opened by reading off the names of black Americans killed by police, including 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks who was shot by police in Atlanta on Friday.
"I don't know how anyone can read these stories, or see the videos and not conclude that something is radically wrong in this country," Feinstein said. "And we've got to move to stop this epidemic of deadly force against black Americans."
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, asked if there is systemic racism in American policing to which Vanita Gupta, former head of the Justice Department's civil rights division replied that she believes "every American institution has been kind of shaped by these forces."
"I think we all have implicit bias and racial bias," Gupta said when asked by Cornyn whether she believes "basically all Americans are racist?"
Lee Merritt, the lawyer representing Floyd's family, said that he has observed systemic racism by police through the over-policing of inner-city communities.
"When we over-concentrate our black and brown communities, specifically with militarized policing, what you're going to have is disproportionate use of force and incarceration of black and brown people," said Merritt.
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Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., discussed the idea of "reimagining" public safety, amid calls by protesters to defund police and a veto-proof majority of the city council in Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed, pledging to disband its police department.
"The status quo thinking that more police creates more safety is wrong," said Harris. "It's wrong. ANd it has motivated too much of municipal budgets and the thinking of policymakers has distracted them from what truly will be the smartest use of resources to achieve safety in communities, which is to invest in the health of those communities."
Harris also said that Attorney General William Barr should have been present for the hearing "to answer for his shameful record investigating civil rights violations in police departments in America."
Graham called for the idea of lethal force by police officers to be revisited.
"Shooting somebody should be like the last resort. 'Cause once you're dead, you're dead," he said.
He also was one of the most prominent Republicans to support scaling back qualified immunity protections for officers, which would allow more people to sue law enforcement.
"We don't want to deter people from going into law enforcement. But we also want to have a sense of accountability," said Graham. "And to the extent that qualified immunity fosters a sense of 'It's really not my problem,' let's take a look at it."
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The White House, however, has said it won't consider any changes to legal protections for officers from lawsuits.
Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed the Safe Policing for Safe Communities order, which contains measures requiring police departments to ban the use of chokeholds to receive certification for federal grants and moves to create a national registry to track officers with multiple instances of the use of excessive force.
It also promotes the use of mental health professionals to help police deal with issues of homelessness and addiction.
The Senate last week also began drafting a bill, led by Sen. Tim Scott, seeking the same provisions included in the Trump order as well as the creations of commissions to review the criminal justice system and to conduct a study on conditions affecting black males as well as providing funds for the Justice Department to hire law enforcement officers who reflect the diversity of the communities they cover.
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd


upi--2020-06-16--Buffalo Sabres reverse course, fire GM Jason Botterill

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Jason Botterill after three seasons , the team @ @ @ @ @ comes less than a month after Sabres ownership publicly supported Botterill .
Kevyn Adams , @ @ @ @ @ president of business administration , was named as the replacement for Botterill .
`` Kevyn @ @ @ @ @ and vision to this position , '' Sabres president Kim Pegula said about Adams last @ @ @ @ @ our company values of teamwork , respect , accountability , integrity , trust and success @ @ @ @ @ the Sabres ' general manager for three seasons and had two years left on his @ @ @ @ @ managers Randy Sexton and Steve Greeley also were fired .
The Sabres were one of @ @ @ @ @ qualify for the NHL 's return-to-play postseason plan this year .
Buffalo has n't reached @ @ @ @ @ the last nine seasons , the longest drought in the league .

June 16 (UPI) -- The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Jason Botterill after three seasons, the team announced Tuesday.
The move comes less than a month after Sabres ownership publicly supported Botterill. Kevyn Adams, the organization's senior vice president of business administration, was named as the replacement for Botterill.
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"Kevyn brings unsurpassed experience, perspective and vision to this position," Sabres president Kim Pegula said about Adams last September. "He exemplifies our company values of teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, trust and success."
Botterill served as the Sabres' general manager for three seasons and had two years left on his contract. Buffalo assistant general managers Randy Sexton and Steve Greeley also were fired.
We have relieved Jason Botterill of his duties as General Manager. Senior Vice President of Business Administration Kevyn Adams has been named General Manager. pic.twitter.com/TPAFXvAPej— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 16, 2020
The Sabres were one of seven teams that failed to qualify for the NHL's return-to-play postseason plan this year. Buffalo hasn't reached the Stanley Cup playoffs in the last nine seasons, the longest drought in the league.


upi--2020-06-16--Gwen Stefani returning to 'The Voice' this fall

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Pop music star Gwen Stefani is returning as a coach for the NBC singing @ @ @ @ @ The other mentors confirmed for Season 19 are Stefani 's beau , Blake Shelton , @ @ @ @ @ and Kelly Clarkson .
`` Y'all hear ?
!
@ gwenstefani 's back and so @ @ @ @ @ !
!
See yall in the fall ! ''
Shelton tweeted Tuesday .
Carson Daly @ @ @ @ @ show , which will air on Monday nights .
No premiere date has been announced @ @ @ @ @ Voice as a full-time coach in Seasons 7 , 9 , 12 and 17 .

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Gwen Stefani is returning as a full-time coach on "The Voice" this fall. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- Pop music star Gwen Stefani is returning as a coach for the NBC singing competition, The Voice. The other mentors confirmed for Season 19 are Stefani's beau, Blake Shelton, as well as John Legend and Kelly Clarkson. Advertisement
"Y'all hear?! @gwenstefani's back and so is @nbcthevoice!!!! See yall in the fall!" Shelton tweeted Tuesday.
Carson Daly will once again host the show, which will air on Monday nights.
No premiere date has been announced.
Stefani appeared on The Voice as a full-time coach in Seasons 7, 9, 12 and 17.


upi--2020-06-16--Truman carrier returns to home port in Norfolk

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The Nimitz-class carrier USS Harry S. Truman returned to its home port in Norfolk , Va. , Tuesday , marking the end of a deployment that began in November .
The Truman returned from deployment in March after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet , and then remained underway in the Western Atlantic during the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan cycle , the Navy said .
The sustainment phase for the vessel , which has spent 16 of the last 32 months at sea , was conducted in part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 virus .
`` I 'm so very proud of all our Sailors , '' said Capt .
Kavon Hakimzadeh , commanding officer of Truman .
`` Their resilience , perseverance , and utter dedication to mission has been nothing short of exemplary .
It has been my greatest honor to serve as Truman 's commanding officer this deployment . ''
Earlier this month the Navy announced that the carrier strike group the Truman led would be heading back to Norfolk .
Truman concluded its operations underway by participating in the U.S. Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational partnerships with forces from Canada , Denmark and the U.S. Air Force .

Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jasmine Mojica, from Lawndale, Calif., directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron 136, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Atlantic Ocean in May. Photo by Kelsey Trinh/U.S. Navy
June 16 (UPI) -- The Nimitz-class carrier USS Harry S. Truman returned to its home port in Norfolk, Va., Tuesday, marking the end of a deployment that began in November. The Truman returned from deployment in March after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet, and then remained underway in the Western Atlantic during the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan cycle, the Navy said. Advertisement
The sustainment phase for the vessel, which has spent 16 of the last 32 months at sea, was conducted in part to protect its crew from acquiring the COVID-19 virus.
"I'm so very proud of all our Sailors," said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Truman. "Their resilience, perseverance, and utter dedication to mission has been nothing short of exemplary. It has been my greatest honor to serve as Truman's commanding officer this deployment."
Earlier this month the Navy announced that the carrier strike group the Truman led would be heading back to Norfolk.
Truman concluded its operations underway by participating in the U.S. Northern Command-led exercise Vigilant Osprey, which integrates operational partnerships with forces from Canada, Denmark and the U.S. Air Force.


upi--2020-06-16--Chris Meloni's 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' to debut on NBC this fall

June 16 ( UPI ) -- NBC said Tuesday its fall lineup will include the Law & Order : SVU spinoff , Law & Order : Organized Crime .
Christopher Meloni will reprise his SVU character , Elliot Stabler , `` who returns to the NYPD to battle organized crime after a devastating personal loss , '' a news release said .
`` However , the city and police department have changed dramatically in the decade he 's been away , and he must adapt to a criminal justice system in the midst of its own moment of reckoning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the series , we will follow Stabler 's journey to find absolution and rebuild his life , while leading a new elite task force that is taking apart the city 's most powerful criminal syndicates one by one . ''
The show will air on Thursday nights at 10 p.m. after SVU , which stars Mariska Hargitay and is kicking off its 22nd season .
Also slated to return to the network this fall are New Amsterdam , Chicago Fire , Chicago Med , Chicago P.D.
, This Is Us , Manifest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Christopher Meloni's "Law & Order: Organized Crime" is to debut this fall on NBC. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- NBC said Tuesday its fall lineup will include the Law & Order: SVU spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime. Christopher Meloni will reprise his SVU character, Elliot Stabler, "who returns to the NYPD to battle organized crime after a devastating personal loss," a news release said. Advertisement
"However, the city and police department have changed dramatically in the decade he's been away, and he must adapt to a criminal justice system in the midst of its own moment of reckoning," the synopsis said. "Throughout the series, we will follow Stabler's journey to find absolution and rebuild his life, while leading a new elite task force that is taking apart the city's most powerful criminal syndicates one by one."
The show will air on Thursday nights at 10 p.m. after SVU, which stars Mariska Hargitay and is kicking off its 22nd season.
Also slated to return to the network this fall are New Amsterdam, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., This Is Us, Manifest, Superstore, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Voice.


upi--2020-06-16--At least 20 killed in India-China Himalayan border dispute

June 16 ( UPI ) -- A decades-long border dispute between China and India in the Himalayas has turned deadly for the first time in nearly a half-century .
An Indian colonel was among the 20 people who died in fighting late Monday , authorities said , adding that they were killed with batons and stones , or they fell into a gorge .
No shots were fired .
The western Himalayan border , where both countries fought the Sino-Indian War in 1962 , had not seen a deadly conflict there since 1975 , 45 years ago .
Indian officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fighting lasted for several hours until both sides disengaged early Tuesday .
`` During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley , a violent face-off took place , '' the Indian Army said in a statement .
`` The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers .
Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation . ''
Thousands of soldiers fought in the area along the unmarked border in a confrontation that had been brewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials accused China of sending soldiers into an India-controlled area to build guard posts and tents .
The Chinese state-run Global Times blamed Indian troops for crossing into its territory .
`` The Indian troops on Monday severely violated the consensus reached in the two countries ' army commander-level talks on June 6 , as they crossed the border twice for illegal activities and launched provocative attacks against Chinese personnel , '' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in a statement .

June 16 (UPI) -- A decades-long border dispute between China and India in the Himalayas has turned deadly for the first time in nearly a half-century.
An Indian colonel was among the 20 people who died in fighting late Monday, authorities said, adding that they were killed with batons and stones, or they fell into a gorge. No shots were fired.
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The western Himalayan border, where both countries fought the Sino-Indian War in 1962, had not seen a deadly conflict there since 1975, 45 years ago. Indian officials said there were casualties on both sides.
The fighting lasted for several hours until both sides disengaged early Tuesday.
"During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place," the Indian Army said in a statement. "The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers. Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation."
Thousands of soldiers fought in the area along the unmarked border in a confrontation that had been brewing for weeks. Last month, Indian officials accused China of sending soldiers into an India-controlled area to build guard posts and tents.
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The Chinese state-run Global Times blamed Indian troops for crossing into its territory.
"The Indian troops on Monday severely violated the consensus reached in the two countries' army commander-level talks on June 6, as they crossed the border twice for illegal activities and launched provocative attacks against Chinese personnel," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in a statement.


upi--2020-06-16--Debra Messing lands lead in Starz comedy, 'East Wing'

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Will & Grace and Smash alum Debra Messing has signed on to executive produce and star in the new White House comedy , East Wing , Starz announced Tuesday .
The show was created and written by Ali Wentworth -- whose credits include Nightcap and Jerry Maguire .
Wentworth and Divorce alum Liz Tuccillo will also co-star in the series , which is based on the experiences of Wentworth 's mother , who served as White House social secretary during Ronald Reagan 's presidency in the 1980s .
`` The charm and relatability Debra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captivate audiences once again as she brings [ the character ] Hollis to life on the screen , '' Christina Davis -- president of original programming for Starz -- said in a press release .
`` This is a whip-smart comedy that , despite its 1980s set dressing , is a pointed commentary on politics and the politics of being a woman today that will be a valuable addition to our slate of premium programming by and for women .
Debra , Ali and Liz will most definitely not be pulling any punches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 1998 to 2006 .
It was revived for three seasons starting in 2017 and wrapped up its 11th and final season in April .

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Debra Messing is set to star in "East Wing," a new comedy for Starz. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- Will & Grace and Smash alum Debra Messing has signed on to executive produce and star in the new White House comedy, East Wing, Starz announced Tuesday. The show was created and written by Ali Wentworth -- whose credits include Nightcap and Jerry Maguire. Advertisement
Wentworth and Divorce alum Liz Tuccillo will also co-star in the series, which is based on the experiences of Wentworth's mother, who served as White House social secretary during Ronald Reagan's presidency in the 1980s.
"The charm and relatability Debra brings to every character she inhabits will captivate audiences once again as she brings [the character] Hollis to life on the screen," Christina Davis -- president of original programming for Starz -- said in a press release.
"This is a whip-smart comedy that, despite its 1980s set dressing, is a pointed commentary on politics and the politics of being a woman today that will be a valuable addition to our slate of premium programming by and for women. Debra, Ali and Liz will most definitely not be pulling any punches."
Will & Grace originally ran from 1998 to 2006. It was revived for three seasons starting in 2017 and wrapped up its 11th and final season in April.


upi--2020-06-16--Dow surges 526 points after surprising U.S. sales report

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Surprising retail sales figures for May and positive trial results from a potential coronavirus treatment propelled U.S. stocks higher on Tuesday .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 526.82 points , or 2.04 percent , while the S & P 500 rose 1.90 percent and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.75 percent .
The Commerce Department said in its monthly report U.S. retail sales increased by nearly 18 percent last month , surprising many analysts who 'd projected growth of less than 10 percent .
Kohl 's stock increased by 8.96 percent on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping mall operator in the United States , rose 1.52 percent .
Also , trial results announced Tuesday showed that dexamethasone -- showed that treatment with a low dose of the steroid reduced the risk for death among COVID-19 patients on ventilator support by more than 30 percent .
Other stocks that would benefit from the wide-scale reopening of the economy , such as airlines and cruise lines , also benefitted Tuesday .
United Airlines stock rose 3.10 percent , Delta gained 2.76 percent and American Airlines grew 1.98 percent , while Carnival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Line increased 4.80 percent and Royal Caribbean climbed 2.69 percent .
Also influencing stocks Tuesday is the congressional testimony of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell .
He began two days of testimony on Capitol Hill , where he will update lawmakers on the state of the U.S. economy and future recovery amid the coronavirus pandemic .
In testimony Tuesday , Powell said the domestic economy likely wo n't see a full recovery until the public is confident the pandemic is contained .
Stocks fell from their highs of the day after Powell 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gains .
The Dow made a significant rebound on Monday , opening with a decline of more than 700 points but closing up 157 points at day 's end .

Influencing stocks Tuesday is the congressional testimony of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- Surprising retail sales figures for May and positive trial results from a potential coronavirus treatment propelled U.S. stocks higher on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 526.82 points, or 2.04 percent, while the S&P 500 rose 1.90 percent and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.75 percent. Advertisement
The Commerce Department said in its monthly report U.S. retail sales increased by nearly 18 percent last month, surprising many analysts who'd projected growth of less than 10 percent.
Kohl's stock increased by 8.96 percent on Tuesday and Simon Property Group, the largest shopping mall operator in the United States, rose 1.52 percent.
Also, trial results announced Tuesday showed that dexamethasone -- showed that treatment with a low dose of the steroid reduced the risk for death among COVID-19 patients on ventilator support by more than 30 percent.
Other stocks that would benefit from the wide-scale reopening of the economy, such as airlines and cruise lines, also benefitted Tuesday.
United Airlines stock rose 3.10 percent, Delta gained 2.76 percent and American Airlines grew 1.98 percent, while Carnival stock surged 5.07 percent, Norwegian Cruise Line increased 4.80 percent and Royal Caribbean climbed 2.69 percent.
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Also influencing stocks Tuesday is the congressional testimony of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. He began two days of testimony on Capitol Hill, where he will update lawmakers on the state of the U.S. economy and future recovery amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In testimony Tuesday, Powell said the domestic economy likely won't see a full recovery until the public is confident the pandemic is contained.
Stocks fell from their highs of the day after Powell's testimony but still ended the day with gains.
The Dow made a significant rebound on Monday, opening with a decline of more than 700 points but closing up 157 points at day's end.


upi--2020-06-16--'30 Rock' cast reuniting for hourlong special

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The stars of sitcom 30 Rock are reuniting for an hourlong special that will also serve as a preview of NBCUniversal 's 2020-21 television season .
Confirmed to reprise their 30 Rock roles are Tina Fey , Alec Baldwin , Tracy Morgan , Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer .
The commercial-free event is set to premiere on NBC on July 16 .
It will be rebroadcast a day later on sister stations USA Network , Bravo , E !
, Oxygen , SYFY , and CNBC and will stream on Peacock .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ( remotely ) work together again for NBC , '' 30 Rock executive producers Tina Fey and Robert Carlock said in a press release Tuesday .
`` To quote Kenneth the Page , there are only two things we love in this world , television and everyone . ''
30 Rock was the behind-the-scenes look at a fictional sketch-comedy show and the network that produced it .
The Emmy-winning show initially ran 2006-13 .
The project was announced as most TV and film productions remain shuttered and live performances canceled due to @ @ @ @

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Tina Fey is returning for a "30 Rock" special for NBCUniversal next month. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- The stars of sitcom 30 Rock are reuniting for an hourlong special that will also serve as a preview of NBCUniversal's 2020-21 television season. Confirmed to reprise their 30 Rock roles are Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer. Advertisement
The commercial-free event is set to premiere on NBC on July 16. It will be rebroadcast a day later on sister stations USA Network, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, SYFY, and CNBC and will stream on Peacock.
"We're all happy to have this excuse to (remotely) work together again for NBC," 30 Rock executive producers Tina Fey and Robert Carlock said in a press release Tuesday. "To quote Kenneth the Page, there are only two things we love in this world, television and everyone."
30 Rock was the behind-the-scenes look at a fictional sketch-comedy show and the network that produced it. The Emmy-winning show initially ran 2006-13.
The project was announced as most TV and film productions remain shuttered and live performances canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-06-16--Study: Trigger warnings have limited benefit for trauma survivors

Trigger warnings are meant to alert trauma survivors about unsettling text or content that they might find potentially distressing .
But these words of caution at the start of films or books may provide no help at all -- and might even hamper a traumatized person 's ability to grapple with deep psychological scars , a new study reports .
`` We found that trigger warnings did not help trauma survivors brace themselves to face potentially upsetting content , '' said lead researcher Payton Jones , a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Harvard University .
`` In some cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trigger warnings seem to increase the extent to which people see trauma as central to their identity , which can exacerbate cases of post-traumatic stress disorder , or PTSD , in the long run , Jones and his colleagues found .
`` We found evidence that trigger warnings increased the extent to which trauma survivors saw their worst event as central to their life story , '' Jones said .
`` Seeing trauma as central to one 's life is not a good thing . ''
The study 's results are strong enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about who 's really being helped by trigger warnings , said Guy Boysen , a professor of psychology at McKendree University in Lebanon , Ill. '' It 's a pretty convincing argument that in the population that trigger warnings are supposed to be for , it 's not really doing much , '' Boysen said .
`` It 's time in this research area to flip the question and ask not whether trigger warnings work , but is there any population in which they do anything ? ''
Previous studies on trigger warnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been criticized because participants were from the general public and not specifically people with a history of trauma , said Boysen , an expert on the topic .
The concept of trigger warnings evolved from work on PTSD , a condition in which reminders of trauma cause some to experience extreme emotional reactions , Boysen said .
Online discussion groups for survivors of sexual trauma came up with the idea of providing warnings in advance , so people could talk about their experiences without causing pain in others , the researchers said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concept has flourished .
About half of all college professors told National Public Radio in a 2016 survey that they 'd used trigger warnings to prepare students for potentially difficult material .
However , the practice has been adopted without any real research to confirm whether it actually helps , Jones said .
To test the effectiveness of trigger warnings , the researchers recruited 600 people who 'd been exposed to a traumatic event -- actual or threatened death , serious injury , or sexual violence .
Participants were split into two groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passages that ranged from neutral to mildly distressing to markedly distressing .
The only difference was that one group received trigger warnings prior to reading distressing passages , while the other did not .
Participants rated their emotions after finishing each passage , and also completed a series of psychological questionnaires at the end .
Overall , both groups appeared to react similarly to the passages .
Neither seemed to be spared the emotional impact of reading the text , the researchers said .
But people given trigger warnings were more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an essential part of a survivor 's life story -- something that wo n't help them overcome their trauma , Jones said .
According to Boysen , `` Avoidance is bad .
The reason people do n't get over their phobias and traumas and fears is because they do n't allow themselves to be exposed to reminders of them or the things themselves , and that just increases their symptomology . ''
Jones said the report is `` one of the very first studies to test whether trigger warnings work as intended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that trigger warnings are 'bad , ' but that for many years we have been implementing a policy for trauma survivors without testing whether it is actually helpful or harmful . ''
Boysen suggested that trigger warnings might not work as intended because there 's simply no way to make them specific enough in a general setting .
He gave the example of a person who has been robbed at gunpoint in their own home by burglars .
`` What is the trigger going to be for that ?
Is it going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , is it going to be talking about guns , talking about robbery ?
It could be anything , right ? ''
Boysen said '' The triggers for things that might lead to automatic distress are so diverse , and so individualized , it 's impossible to predict in a general way what 's going to be triggering for people , because it 's 100 percent totally unique to that person , '' Boysen added .
While generalized trigger warnings do n't appear to help , Boysen said they still could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , if a student with a solid grasp of their trauma trigger lets a professor know in advance what type of content could cause distress .
`` That 's a different thing , because the teacher then has more of a specific idea of what could be effective , '' Boysen said .
The new study was published recently in Clinical Psychological Science .
More information The University of California , Berkeley , has more about trigger warnings .

Trigger warnings seem to increase the extent to which people see trauma as central to their identity, which can exacerbate cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to researchers in a recent study. Photo by onkelglocke /Pixabay
Trigger warnings are meant to alert trauma survivors about unsettling text or content that they might find potentially distressing. But these words of caution at the start of films or books may provide no help at all -- and might even hamper a traumatized person's ability to grapple with deep psychological scars, a new study reports. Advertisement
"We found that trigger warnings did not help trauma survivors brace themselves to face potentially upsetting content," said lead researcher Payton Jones, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Harvard University. "In some cases, they made things worse."
Trigger warnings seem to increase the extent to which people see trauma as central to their identity, which can exacerbate cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, in the long run, Jones and his colleagues found.
"We found evidence that trigger warnings increased the extent to which trauma survivors saw their worst event as central to their life story," Jones said. "Seeing trauma as central to one's life is not a good thing."
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The study's results are strong enough that they should provoke some real soul-searching about who's really being helped by trigger warnings, said Guy Boysen, a professor of psychology at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.
"It's a pretty convincing argument that in the population that trigger warnings are supposed to be for, it's not really doing much," Boysen said. "It's time in this research area to flip the question and ask not whether trigger warnings work, but is there any population in which they do anything?"
Previous studies on trigger warnings have had similar findings, but have been criticized because participants were from the general public and not specifically people with a history of trauma, said Boysen, an expert on the topic.
The origin of trigger warnings
The concept of trigger warnings evolved from work on PTSD, a condition in which reminders of trauma cause some to experience extreme emotional reactions, Boysen said.
Online discussion groups for survivors of sexual trauma came up with the idea of providing warnings in advance, so people could talk about their experiences without causing pain in others, the researchers said in background notes.
Since then, the concept has flourished. About half of all college professors told National Public Radio in a 2016 survey that they'd used trigger warnings to prepare students for potentially difficult material.
Advertisement
However, the practice has been adopted without any real research to confirm whether it actually helps, Jones said.
To test the effectiveness of trigger warnings, the researchers recruited 600 people who'd been exposed to a traumatic event -- actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
Participants were split into two groups. Both read a series of literature passages that ranged from neutral to mildly distressing to markedly distressing.
The only difference was that one group received trigger warnings prior to reading distressing passages, while the other did not. Participants rated their emotions after finishing each passage, and also completed a series of psychological questionnaires at the end.
Overall, both groups appeared to react similarly to the passages. Neither seemed to be spared the emotional impact of reading the text, the researchers said.
Avoidance doesn't help
But people given trigger warnings were more likely to express the belief that their trauma is an essential part of a survivor's life story -- something that won't help them overcome their trauma, Jones said.
According to Boysen, "Avoidance is bad. The reason people don't get over their phobias and traumas and fears is because they don't allow themselves to be exposed to reminders of them or the things themselves, and that just increases their symptomology."
Advertisement
Jones said the report is "one of the very first studies to test whether trigger warnings work as intended. The key takeaway for me is not that trigger warnings are 'bad,' but that for many years we have been implementing a policy for trauma survivors without testing whether it is actually helpful or harmful."
Boysen suggested that trigger warnings might not work as intended because there's simply no way to make them specific enough in a general setting.
He gave the example of a person who has been robbed at gunpoint in their own home by burglars.
"What is the trigger going to be for that? Is it going to be seeing a person who looks like that, is it going to be talking about guns, talking about robbery? It could be anything, right?" Boysen said
"The triggers for things that might lead to automatic distress are so diverse, and so individualized, it's impossible to predict in a general way what's going to be triggering for people, because it's 100 percent totally unique to that person," Boysen added.
While generalized trigger warnings don't appear to help, Boysen said they still could be useful on an individual basis -- for example, if a student with a solid grasp of their trauma trigger lets a professor know in advance what type of content could cause distress.
Advertisement
"That's a different thing, because the teacher then has more of a specific idea of what could be effective," Boysen said.
The new study was published recently in Clinical Psychological Science.
More information The University of California, Berkeley, has more about trigger warnings.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-16--PG&E pleads guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter in 2018 Camp Fire

June 16 ( UPI ) -- Pacific Gas and Electric pleaded guilty Tuesday to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the 2018 Camp Fire in California .
The company acknowledged its neglected equipment sparked the 2018 Camp Fire that ripped through the town of Paradise in Northern California .
Eighty-five people died in the Camp Fire , but prosecutors were unable to prove that one of the deaths was the company 's fault , resulting in the 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter .
A broken transmission line from a nearly 100-year-old Pacific Gas and Electric tower sparked the wildfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Paradise .
The company repeatedly failed to properly maintain the power line even though it cut through a heavily wooded and mountainous area , known to experience strong winds , an investigative report by the California Public Utilities Commission found .
PG & E Chief Executive Bill Johnson pleaded guilty to each of the counts Tuesday in Butte County Superior Court , where what remains of Paradise is located , before Judge Michael Deems , as pictures were displayed of the victims in the courtroom .
`` I 'm here today to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these people , '' Johnson told Deems .
`` I 've heard the pain and anguish .
No words from me can ever reduce the magnitude of that devastation . ''
PG & E also admitted its negligence by pleading guilty to one count of illegally setting a fire .
The company had agreed with the Butte County district attorney to plead guilty to all 84 counts for its role in the deadliest wildfire in the state 's history in March .
PG & E has also agreed to pay a maximum $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 500,000 to the Butte County District Attorney Environmental and Consumer Protection Trust Fund to cover costs related to the fire investigation though a state judge has to approve the agreement .
The Camp Fire burned through more than 95 percent of the town of Paradise , including 14,000 homes and thousands of other buildings .
PG & E filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year .
The bankruptcy process was in part used to reach settlements valued at approximately $ 25.5 billion with wildfire victims groups .
No company employees are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wehe , the son of fire victim , Marie Wehe , a cancer survivor who died in the fire on Nov. 8 , 2018 , criticized the plea deal as not providing enough accountability .
`` They have put profits over people year after year and the state of California just keeps letting it happen , '' he said in a statement .
`` The company 's acceptance of guilt is inconsequential if the appropriate safety measures are not enacted to prevent future loss of life and property . ''

PG&E pleaded guilty in court Tuesday to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Camp Fire that destroyed most of the town of Paradise, California in November 2018. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
June 16 (UPI) -- Pacific Gas and Electric pleaded guilty Tuesday to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the 2018 Camp Fire in California. The company acknowledged its neglected equipment sparked the 2018 Camp Fire that ripped through the town of Paradise in Northern California. Advertisement
Eighty-five people died in the Camp Fire, but prosecutors were unable to prove that one of the deaths was the company's fault, resulting in the 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter.
A broken transmission line from a nearly 100-year-old Pacific Gas and Electric tower sparked the wildfire in November 2018, which destroyed most of Paradise. The company repeatedly failed to properly maintain the power line even though it cut through a heavily wooded and mountainous area, known to experience strong winds, an investigative report by the California Public Utilities Commission found.
PG&E Chief Executive Bill Johnson pleaded guilty to each of the counts Tuesday in Butte County Superior Court, where what remains of Paradise is located, before Judge Michael Deems, as pictures were displayed of the victims in the courtroom.
"I'm here today to take responsibility for the fire that killed these people," Johnson told Deems. "I've heard the pain and anguish. No words from me can ever reduce the magnitude of that devastation."
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PG&E also admitted its negligence by pleading guilty to one count of illegally setting a fire.
The company had agreed with the Butte County district attorney to plead guilty to all 84 counts for its role in the deadliest wildfire in the state's history in March.
PG&E has also agreed to pay a maximum $3.5 million fine, in addition to $500,000 to the Butte County District Attorney Environmental and Consumer Protection Trust Fund to cover costs related to the fire investigation though a state judge has to approve the agreement.
The Camp Fire burned through more than 95 percent of the town of Paradise, including 14,000 homes and thousands of other buildings.
PG&E filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year. The bankruptcy process was in part used to reach settlements valued at approximately $25.5 billion with wildfire victims groups.
No company employees are expected to serve any prison time.
Tommy Wehe, the son of fire victim, Marie Wehe, a cancer survivor who died in the fire on Nov. 8, 2018, criticized the plea deal as not providing enough accountability.
"They have put profits over people year after year and the state of California just keeps letting it happen," he said in a statement. "The company's acceptance of guilt is inconsequential if the appropriate safety measures are not enacted to prevent future loss of life and property."
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upi--2020-06-16--Store sells 24 winning tickets for a single lottery drawing

June 16 ( UPI ) -- The Maryland Lottery said a single store sold 24 top-prize-winning tickets for a Bonus @ @ @ @ @ total $ 600,000 in prizes .
Lottery officials said the Spring Ridge Exxon in Frederick @ @ @ @ @ June 12 drawing bearing the winning numbers , 2-9-11-13-17 and the Bonus Ball 25 .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 50,000 , for a total prize of $ 600,000 .
The lottery said it @ @ @ @ @ the tickets were purchased by a single player .
A Baltimore man previously won $ @ @ @ @ @ 5 drawing when he purchased multiple identical tickets in 2016 , officials said .
The @ @ @ @ @ awarded a $ 6,000 bonus for selling the winning tickets , officials said .

A store in Maryland sold 24 winning tickets for a single lottery drawing -- a total prize of $600,000. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe June 16 (UPI) -- The Maryland Lottery said a single store sold 24 top-prize-winning tickets for a Bonus Match 5 drawing -- a total $600,000 in prizes. Lottery officials said the Spring Ridge Exxon in Frederick sold 24 tickets for the June 12 drawing bearing the winning numbers, 2-9-11-13-17 and the Bonus Ball 25. Advertisement
Each winning ticket is worth $50,000, for a total prize of $600,000.
The lottery said it was unclear whether all of the tickets were purchased by a single player. A Baltimore man previously won $600,000 in a Bonus Match 5 drawing when he purchased multiple identical tickets in 2016, officials said.
The Spring Ridge Exxon is being awarded a $6,000 bonus for selling the winning tickets, officials said.