upi--2020-01-10--Arielle Kebbel plays cop with baggage in NBC’s ‘Bone Collector’

NEW YORK , Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Vampire Diaries and Ballers alum Arielle Kebbel said the cop she plays on NBC 's new crime drama , Lincoln Rhyme : Hunt for the Bone Collector , is troubled but deeply committed to helping others .
`` She 's messed up .
That 's her diagnosis , '' the 34-year-old actress recently told reporters with a laugh at New York Comic Con .
`` I love her , '' Kebbel said , adding she knew the moment she read the script and was introduced to New York Police Department rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what made this woman tick .
`` I found her so interesting .
When you watch your parents get shot and killed in front of your eyes , there 's not a day that you forget that .
For the rest of her life , she is carrying that with her , '' she said .
`` How does that go with her in her everyday world , when she is trying to crack a joke with a friend or trying to be there for her sister ?
There is just this burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move on . ''
Inspired by Jeffery Deaver 's novel , The Bone Collector , and 13 sequels , the show debuts Friday .
It casts Russell Hornsby ( In Treatment , The Affair ) as forensic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme , who was left paralyzed during a confrontation with a serial killer .
When the bloodthirsty criminal resurfaces three years later , Lincoln partners with Amelia to track him down .
Using body cameras and radio earpieces , Amelia is able to remain in constant contact with the bed-confined Lincoln when she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very important to us not to make her an avatar for some man 's brilliance in a room somewhere , '' writer-producer Mark Bianculli said in a separate interview .
`` We want her to be this three-dimensional person .
When we pitched this show [ to the network ] , we said that if Amelia did n't meet Lincoln Rhyme that day , she would have her own show .
It would be more like Mindhunters and she would study the worst of the worst in prison and interview them .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intrigued Bianculli and the other writers was seeing how these two characters could work together .
`` They really are each other 's counterparts and counterpoints , and they fulfill something the other one does n't have , [ compensating for ] giant blindspots in each of them .
And they each have strengths that help the other one overcome a vulnerability that is very important and necessary for them to get where they need to go , '' he said .
`` By the end of the season , we should feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different people from where they started . ''
In addition to following Amelia and Lincoln as they hunt for the Bone Collector , the show will follow the partners as they solve less flashy mysteries .
`` It has a procedural engine , so there has to be a case of a week , but we also are in the position where we have someone [ Lincoln ] whose expertise is not just CSI .
It 's not all clues .
It 's like that , plus it also has to be this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City every week .
There has to be something historical and interesting that would require his expertise . ''
Kebbel was a big fan of The Bone Collector , the 1999 film starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie , but had n't read the book series before getting the role of Amelia .
`` I 've read The Bone Collector now .
I talk to Jeffery Deaver on Instagram now .
It 's a fangirl moment , '' she said .
`` Hopefully , this series goes on and we get to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The stories were ripe for an update because so much has changed in the past 20 years .
`` The technology that we are introducing , the way that our team works , the things that are happening in our world today , the crimes we are solving , everything is different , '' Kebbel said .
`` Because we are a series and not a two-hour movie , we get to explore the back stories a little more .
We have time to do flashbacks and show what these characters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other characters .
There 's jealousy , there 's intimacy .
Every human being has all these layers . ''
Kebbel -- who is also known for her performances in Midnight , Texas , Gilmore Girls , unREAL , Fifty Shades Freed and several Hallmark Channel movies -- said she enjoys hopping from one genre to another .
`` I love comedy .
I love making people laugh .
I love laughing myself , but I love switching it up , '' she said .
`` After this , I will probably want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another serial killer [ project ] would be a bit much for me .
I 'd need a break .
`` I find I grow the most when I am constantly switching it back and forth .
My comedy helps make my drama better and vice versa . ''
Lincoln Rhyme : Hunt for the Bone Collector co-stars Michael Imperioli , Brooke Lyons and Brian F. O'Byrne and airs Friday on NBC .

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Actress Arielle Kebbel stars in "Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector," which premieres Friday on NBC. File Photo by Howard Shen/UPI | License Photo
NEW YORK, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Vampire Diaries and Ballers alum Arielle Kebbel said the cop she plays on NBC's new crime drama, Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector, is troubled but deeply committed to helping others. "She's messed up. That's her diagnosis," the 34-year-old actress recently told reporters with a laugh at New York Comic Con. Advertisement
"I love her," Kebbel said, adding she knew the moment she read the script and was introduced to New York Police Department rookie Amelia Sacks that she wanted to explore what made this woman tick.
"I found her so interesting. When you watch your parents get shot and killed in front of your eyes, there's not a day that you forget that. For the rest of her life, she is carrying that with her," she said.
"How does that go with her in her everyday world, when she is trying to crack a joke with a friend or trying to be there for her sister? There is just this burden there, even though you want to move on."
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Inspired by Jeffery Deaver's novel, The Bone Collector, and 13 sequels, the show debuts Friday. It casts Russell Hornsby (In Treatment, The Affair) as forensic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme, who was left paralyzed during a confrontation with a serial killer.
When the bloodthirsty criminal resurfaces three years later, Lincoln partners with Amelia to track him down. Using body cameras and radio earpieces, Amelia is able to remain in constant contact with the bed-confined Lincoln when she is in the field.
"It was very important to us not to make her an avatar for some man's brilliance in a room somewhere," writer-producer Mark Bianculli said in a separate interview.
"We want her to be this three-dimensional person. When we pitched this show [to the network], we said that if Amelia didn't meet Lincoln Rhyme that day, she would have her own show. It would be more like Mindhunters and she would study the worst of the worst in prison and interview them. She has her own path."
What intrigued Bianculli and the other writers was seeing how these two characters could work together.
"They really are each other's counterparts and counterpoints, and they fulfill something the other one doesn't have, [compensating for] giant blindspots in each of them. And they each have strengths that help the other one overcome a vulnerability that is very important and necessary for them to get where they need to go," he said. "By the end of the season, we should feel a real arc -- that they are different people from where they started."
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In addition to following Amelia and Lincoln as they hunt for the Bone Collector, the show will follow the partners as they solve less flashy mysteries.
"It has a procedural engine, so there has to be a case of a week, but we also are in the position where we have someone [Lincoln] whose expertise is not just CSI. It's not all clues. It's like that, plus it also has to be this love letter or valentine to New York City every week. There has to be something historical and interesting that would require his expertise."
Kebbel was a big fan of The Bone Collector, the 1999 film starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie, but hadn't read the book series before getting the role of Amelia.
"I've read The Bone Collector now. I talk to Jeffery Deaver on Instagram now. It's a fangirl moment," she said. "Hopefully, this series goes on and we get to bring more books to life each year."
The stories were ripe for an update because so much has changed in the past 20 years.
"The technology that we are introducing, the way that our team works, the things that are happening in our world today, the crimes we are solving, everything is different," Kebbel said.
Advertisement
"Because we are a series and not a two-hour movie, we get to explore the back stories a little more. We have time to do flashbacks and show what these characters have been through and show their relationships with other characters. There's jealousy, there's intimacy. Every human being has all these layers."
Kebbel -- who is also known for her performances in Midnight, Texas, Gilmore Girls, unREAL, Fifty Shades Freed and several Hallmark Channel movies -- said she enjoys hopping from one genre to another.
"I love comedy. I love making people laugh. I love laughing myself, but I love switching it up," she said. "After this, I will probably want to do a comedy. Going into another serial killer [project] would be a bit much for me. I'd need a break.
"I find I grow the most when I am constantly switching it back and forth. My comedy helps make my drama better and vice versa."
Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector co-stars Michael Imperioli, Brooke Lyons and Brian F. O'Byrne and airs Friday on NBC.


upi--2020-01-10--Queens woman sentenced to 15 years for U.S. bomb plot

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge has sentenced a Queens woman to 15 years in prison for her role in a plot to build and detonate a bomb in the United States , the Justice Department said .
Asia Siddiqui , 35 , was sentenced Thursday in a federal courthouse in Brooklyn for her role in a plot to build a bomb from propane tanks to be used in an Islamic State-inspired attack on U.S. soil , the Department of Justice said in a press release .
Siddiqui was arrested in April 2015 along with her roommate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lengthy FBI investigation .
The women pleaded guilty in August to a charge of teaching or distributing information about the making and use of an explosive device or weapon of mass destruction .
`` Inspired by radical Islam , Siddiqui and her co-defendant researched and taught each other how to construct bombs to be used on American soil against law enforcement and military targets , '' said Assistant General for National Security John C. Demers .
Authorities said the pair had planned from 2013 to the time of their arrest to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemistry and electrical skills in order to construct the explosive device .
They also shopped for and acquired materials needed for the bomb and discussed devices used in previous terrorist bombings such as those used during the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013 and the 1993 World Trade Center attack , among others .
At the time of the women 's arrest , officers seized propane tanks , soldering tools , car bomb instructions , jihadist literature , machetes and several knives from their residence .
`` Lives were saved when the defendants ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist attack was thwarted by the tireless efforts of law enforcement , '' said U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York .
According to the Department of Justice , `` Siddiqui 's interest in violent terrorist-related activities '' was reflected in writings she submitted to `` a radical jihadist magazine '' edited by Samir Khan , a prominent al-Qaeda figure who was killed in a 2011 drone strike in Yemen .
`` Today 's sentencing is a strong and timely reminder that the [ New York Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will never stop pursuing those who , if undetected , would plan and execute acts of terrorism in the United States , '' said NYPD Commissioner Dermot F. Shea .
Velentzas is still awaiting sentencing , the attorney 's office said .

Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A federal judge has sentenced a Queens woman to 15 years in prison for her role in a plot to build and detonate a bomb in the United States, the Justice Department said.
Asia Siddiqui, 35, was sentenced Thursday in a federal courthouse in Brooklyn for her role in a plot to build a bomb from propane tanks to be used in an Islamic State-inspired attack on U.S. soil, the Department of Justice said in a press release.
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Siddiqui was arrested in April 2015 along with her roommate, Noelle Velentzas, 32, following a lengthy FBI investigation. The women pleaded guilty in August to a charge of teaching or distributing information about the making and use of an explosive device or weapon of mass destruction.
"Inspired by radical Islam, Siddiqui and her co-defendant researched and taught each other how to construct bombs to be used on American soil against law enforcement and military targets," said Assistant General for National Security John C. Demers.
Authorities said the pair had planned from 2013 to the time of their arrest to build a bomb and they taught one another chemistry and electrical skills in order to construct the explosive device. They also shopped for and acquired materials needed for the bomb and discussed devices used in previous terrorist bombings such as those used during the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013 and the 1993 World Trade Center attack, among others.
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At the time of the women's arrest, officers seized propane tanks, soldering tools, car bomb instructions, jihadist literature, machetes and several knives from their residence.
"Lives were saved when the defendants' plot to detonate a bomb in a terrorist attack was thwarted by the tireless efforts of law enforcement," said U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York.
According to the Department of Justice, "Siddiqui's interest in violent terrorist-related activities" was reflected in writings she submitted to "a radical jihadist magazine" edited by Samir Khan, a prominent al-Qaeda figure who was killed in a 2011 drone strike in Yemen.
"Today's sentencing is a strong and timely reminder that the [New York Police Department] and its partners in law enforcement will never stop pursuing those who, if undetected, would plan and execute acts of terrorism in the United States," said NYPD Commissioner Dermot F. Shea.
Velentzas is still awaiting sentencing, the attorney's office said.


upi--2020-01-10--Third body found after Idaho ski resort avalanche

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Officials said another body has been recovered from an Idaho ski resort where an avalanche earlier this week buried several people .
Silver Mountain ski resort confirmed Thursday that the body of the last known skier in the avalanche was recovered around midday , raising the death toll to three victims .
`` There are no more missing people reported and rescue teams are returning to the mountain house , '' the resort said in a statement .
Shoshone County Sheriff 's office said the body was recovered from the debris field of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the search .
`` Our deepest condolences go out to all the family and friends affected by this tragic event , '' the sheriff 's office said in a statement .
Shoshone Country Sheriff Mike Gunderson told reporters that the body was spotted from a helicopter operated by Two Bear Air , a private air rescue company based in Montana .
The helicopter was equipped with special equipment that helps spot reflections of cellphones and other items , which led to the body 's discovery , he said .
Five people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warden Peak following an avalanche late Tuesday morning .
Officials initially declared all skiers were accounted for until Silver Mountain said Wednesday it was contacted by a concerned family member who reported a person who was skiing on the mountain that day was missing , prompting the resort to close and a search to be deployed .

Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Officials said another body has been recovered from an Idaho ski resort where an avalanche earlier this week buried several people.
Silver Mountain ski resort confirmed Thursday that the body of the last known skier in the avalanche was recovered around midday, raising the death toll to three victims.
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"There are no more missing people reported and rescue teams are returning to the mountain house," the resort said in a statement.
Shoshone County Sheriff's office said the body was recovered from the debris field of the avalanche area, adding 140 volunteers aided in the search.
"Our deepest condolences go out to all the family and friends affected by this tragic event," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Shoshone Country Sheriff Mike Gunderson told reporters that the body was spotted from a helicopter operated by Two Bear Air, a private air rescue company based in Montana.
The helicopter was equipped with special equipment that helps spot reflections of cellphones and other items, which led to the body's discovery, he said.
Five people were rescued and two bodies were recovered on Warden Peak following an avalanche late Tuesday morning. Officials initially declared all skiers were accounted for until Silver Mountain said Wednesday it was contacted by a concerned family member who reported a person who was skiing on the mountain that day was missing, prompting the resort to close and a search to be deployed.


upi--2020-01-10--Boeing releases trove of 'damning' messages releated to 737 Max

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- Boeing on Thursday sent Congress more than 100 pages of internal communications that further raise questions about its development of the now grounded 737 Max aircraft .
`` These communications do not reflect the company we are and need to be , and they are completely unacceptable , '' Boeing said in a statement .
`` We regret the content of these communications , and apologize to the [ Federal Aviation Administration ] , Congress , our airline customers and to the flying public for them . ''
Included in the messages , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications between Boeing employees boasting about manipulating American and international safety regulators .
`` Yes , I still have n't been forgiven by god for the covering up I did last year , '' one employee said in 2018 concerning an exchange of information with the FAA .
In another , one employee asks another if they would put their family on a 737 Max jet piloted by a simulator-trained crew .
`` No , '' the other employee flatly replied .
Boeing said it has proactively brought these messages , and additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prove its commitment to transparency and to Senate and House committees in recognition of their oversight functions , admitting that they will raise questions over the development and qualification of its Max simulators and the company 's interactions with the federal aviation regulator .
`` We provided these documents to the FAA and Congress as a reflection of our commitment to transparency and cooperation with the authorities responsible for regulating and overseeing our industry , '' Boeing said .
`` We welcome , and will fully support , any additional review the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of these matters , as well as the continued involvement of the relevant congressional committees with these issues . ''
Boeing has been under intense scrutiny over the development of its 737 Max aircraft after nearly 350 people were killed in two crashes of the jets in a matter of months last year , resulting in a worldwide grounding of the plane that has cost the U.S.-aircraft manufacturer billions of dollars and tarnished its reputation .
Its former CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired amid a leadership shakeup following the fallout over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the House committee on transportation and infrastructure , called the trove of messages `` incredibly damning . ''
`` They paint a deeply disturbing picture of the lengths Boeing was apparently willing to go in order to evade scrutiny from regulators , flight crews and the flying public , even as its own employees were sounding alarms internally , '' he said in a statement .
`` I can only imagine how painful it must be for the families of the 346 victims to read these new documents that detail some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the decisions that went into the fatally flawed aircraft . ''
His committee has been conducting an investigation into the Max aircraft 's development and certification the past 10 months , and these emails raise his concerns `` to an entirely new level , '' he said .
`` They show a coordinated effort dating back to the earliest days of the 737 Max program to conceal critical information from regulators and the public , '' he said .
`` While it is also clear from these emails that the problems did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee who uses colorful language in his communications.
`` The FAA said it reviewed the documents and `` determined that nothing in the submission pointed to any safety risks that were not already identified as part of the ongoing review of proposed modifications to the aircraft . ''
It called the tone and language of the communications `` disappointing '' but remains committed to `` following a thorough process for returning the Boeing 737 Max to passenger service .

Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Boeing on Thursday sent Congress more than 100 pages of internal communications that further raise questions about its development of the now grounded 737 Max aircraft.
"These communications do not reflect the company we are and need to be, and they are completely unacceptable," Boeing said in a statement. "We regret the content of these communications, and apologize to the [Federal Aviation Administration], Congress, our airline customers and to the flying public for them."
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Included in the messages, some of which contain vulgar language, are communications between Boeing employees boasting about manipulating American and international safety regulators.
"Yes, I still haven't been forgiven by god for the covering up I did last year," one employee said in 2018 concerning an exchange of information with the FAA.
In another, one employee asks another if they would put their family on a 737 Max jet piloted by a simulator-trained crew.
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"No," the other employee flatly replied.
Boeing said it has proactively brought these messages, and additional documents, to the FAA's attention to prove its commitment to transparency and to Senate and House committees in recognition of their oversight functions, admitting that they will raise questions over the development and qualification of its Max simulators and the company's interactions with the federal aviation regulator.
"We provided these documents to the FAA and Congress as a reflection of our commitment to transparency and cooperation with the authorities responsible for regulating and overseeing our industry," Boeing said. "We welcome, and will fully support, any additional review the FAA believes is appropriate in connection with any of these matters, as well as the continued involvement of the relevant congressional committees with these issues."
Boeing has been under intense scrutiny over the development of its 737 Max aircraft after nearly 350 people were killed in two crashes of the jets in a matter of months last year, resulting in a worldwide grounding of the plane that has cost the U.S.-aircraft manufacturer billions of dollars and tarnished its reputation. Its former CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired amid a leadership shakeup following the fallout over the crashes
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Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chair of the House committee on transportation and infrastructure, called the trove of messages "incredibly damning."
"They paint a deeply disturbing picture of the lengths Boeing was apparently willing to go in order to evade scrutiny from regulators, flight crews and the flying public, even as its own employees were sounding alarms internally," he said in a statement. "I can only imagine how painful it must be for the families of the 346 victims to read these new documents that detail some of the earliest and most fundamental errors in the decisions that went into the fatally flawed aircraft."
His committee has been conducting an investigation into the Max aircraft's development and certification the past 10 months, and these emails raise his concerns "to an entirely new level," he said.
"They show a coordinated effort dating back to the earliest days of the 737 Max program to conceal critical information from regulators and the public," he said. "While it is also clear from these emails that the problems did not merely stem from a lone Boeing employee who uses colorful language in his communications. "
The FAA said it reviewed the documents and "determined that nothing in the submission pointed to any safety risks that were not already identified as part of the ongoing review of proposed modifications to the aircraft."
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It called the tone and language of the communications "disappointing" but remains committed to "following a thorough process for returning the Boeing 737 Max to passenger service.


upi--2020-01-09--New York Mets extend spring training invitation to Tim Tebow

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- The New York Mets extended another spring training invitation to former Heisman Trophy winner and ex-NFL quarterback Tim Tebow , the team announced .
Tebow , 32 , is one of eight non-roster invitees that the Mets unveiled on Thursday .
New York also invited pitchers David Peterson , Kevin Smith , Matt Blackham , Ryley Gilliam and Stephen Nogosek , and catchers Austin Bossart and Patrick Mazeika .
Despite recording a .163 batting average and four home runs in 77 games at Triple-A Syracuse last season , Tebow will take part in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farm system .
He holds a career .223 average with 18 home runs and 327 strikeouts in 287 games .
Tebow 's 2019 campaign ended on July 21 after he suffered a laceration to the pinkie on his left hand .
The former NFL gunslinger 's 2018 season also came to an early conclusion when he missed the last two months because of a broken bone in his right hand .
Tebow , who serves as a football analyst for the SEC Network during his baseball off-season , had his best season in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had a .273 batting average at Double-A Binghamton .
Tebow has yet to appear in the majors .

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow has spent parts of three seasons in the New York Mets' farm system. File Photo by A.J. Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The New York Mets extended another spring training invitation to former Heisman Trophy winner and ex-NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, the team announced. Tebow, 32, is one of eight non-roster invitees that the Mets unveiled on Thursday. New York also invited pitchers David Peterson, Kevin Smith, Matt Blackham, Ryley Gilliam and Stephen Nogosek, and catchers Austin Bossart and Patrick Mazeika. Advertisement
Despite recording a .163 batting average and four home runs in 77 games at Triple-A Syracuse last season, Tebow will take part in his fourth full season in the Mets' farm system. He holds a career .223 average with 18 home runs and 327 strikeouts in 287 games.
Tebow's 2019 campaign ended on July 21 after he suffered a laceration to the pinkie on his left hand. The former NFL gunslinger's 2018 season also came to an early conclusion when he missed the last two months because of a broken bone in his right hand.
Tebow, who serves as a football analyst for the SEC Network during his baseball off-season, had his best season in the minors during the 2018 campaign. He had a .273 batting average at Double-A Binghamton.
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Tebow has yet to appear in the majors.


upi--2020-01-09--Philadelphia Eagles fire offensive coordinator Mike Groh, other assistant

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- The Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Groh and wide receivers coach Carson Walch , the team announced Thursday .
`` After much consideration and discussion , I have decided to make a change at the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach positions , '' Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said in a statement .
`` It was not an easy decision for me to make and I appreciate everything that Mike Groh and Carson Walch contributed to the organization and to my staff .
`` As I said yesterday , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the stretch this past season .
This is one of the most difficult parts of the job and something that weighs on me , but ultimately I have to make decisions that I believe are in the best interest of the football team moving forward . ''
The news comes a day after Pederson told reporters the assistant coaches were likely to return next season .
`` I apologize for any confusion that I created during [ Wednesday 's ] press conference , including my comments on Coach [ Jim ] Schwartz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as our defensive coordinator , '' Pederson said Thursday .
`` It was my intent not to comment on any of my staff during the ongoing evaluations , because I wanted to be able to go through the process and communicate any decision directly with the individuals .
`` I did a poor job of explaining that the first time I was asked .
I will continue to evaluate everything , and consider all possibilities to improve our football team . ''
Groh served as offensive coordinator for the last two seasons after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 .
Walch was the Eagles ' assistant receivers coach in 2018 and was promoted to wide receivers coach last season .
The Eagles were knocked out of the playoffs Sunday with a 17-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks .

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson (pictured) relieved offensive coordinator Mike Groh of his duties after he spent the last three seasons with the team. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Groh and wide receivers coach Carson Walch, the team announced Thursday. "After much consideration and discussion, I have decided to make a change at the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach positions," Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said in a statement. "It was not an easy decision for me to make and I appreciate everything that Mike Groh and Carson Walch contributed to the organization and to my staff. Advertisement
"As I said yesterday, they were a big part of our success down the stretch this past season. This is one of the most difficult parts of the job and something that weighs on me, but ultimately I have to make decisions that I believe are in the best interest of the football team moving forward."
The news comes a day after Pederson told reporters the assistant coaches were likely to return next season.
"I apologize for any confusion that I created during [Wednesday's] press conference, including my comments on Coach [Jim] Schwartz, who has done a great job as our defensive coordinator," Pederson said Thursday. "It was my intent not to comment on any of my staff during the ongoing evaluations, because I wanted to be able to go through the process and communicate any decision directly with the individuals.
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"I did a poor job of explaining that the first time I was asked. I will continue to evaluate everything, and consider all possibilities to improve our football team."
Groh served as offensive coordinator for the last two seasons after joining the Eagles as wide receivers coach in 2017. Walch was the Eagles' assistant receivers coach in 2018 and was promoted to wide receivers coach last season.
The Eagles were knocked out of the playoffs Sunday with a 17-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.


upi--2020-01-09--United States calls for negotiations with Venezuela on forming transitional government

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- Following a year of pursuing a hard-line policy of isolation against Venezuela and its embattled President Nicolas Maduro , the Trump administration on Thursday called for negotiations to establish a transitional government to end its political crisis .
`` A swift negotiated transition to democracy is the most effective and sustainable route to peace and prosperity in Venezuela , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
`` Negotiations could open the path out of the crisis through a transitional government that will organize free and fair elections . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to Venezuela , slapping it and those who aid the country with dozens of sanctions after Maduro 's 2018 election was deemed illegitimate early last year .
The Trump administration has thrown its support , along with more than 55 mostly Western countries , behind National Assembly head and self-appointed interim president Juan Guaido .
The United States has repeatedly warned the Maduro regime of further sanctions with U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams saying so on Monday .
However , there was no mention of sanctions in the Thursday statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and National Assembly elections to be held by year 's end .
`` [ This year ] presents the opportunity to provide the Venezuelan people with what they have been demanding for years : genuinely free and fair presidential and National Assembly elections to choose their leadership and begin the long process of renewal , '' he said .
Venezuela balked at the call for elections and condemned a supposed draft communique it says the United States is circulating to countries seeking support for its plan .
`` We denounced the draft communique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries to obtain international support to invest in the 2020 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS , changing its failed strategy of imposing presidential elections , '' Venezuela 's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement .
In a separate statement , the State Department outlined conditions to establish elections to form the transitional government , including a new independent National Electoral Commission , selected through the National Assembly , and a newly constituted Supreme Court .
The elections must be open to all parties and candidates , including those who have fled the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all political prisoners as a condition as well as unrestricted access to independent news .
`` The former Maduro regime must not be allowed to dictate the content of independent media actors , '' it said in the only mention of Maduro in either statement .
`` This includes allowing the exercise of the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression without repression , reprisal or politically motivated disruptions of service . ''
The United States , and its partners , will facilitate Venezuelans worldwide to exercise their right to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide independent electoral observes to work with the new electoral commission as soon as possible .
`` Today , the international community reminds Venezuela of the conditions needed for free and fair elections there , '' Pompeo said on Twitter .
`` A swift negotiated transition to democracy is the most effective and sustainable route to peace and prosperity in Venezuela . ''
The call for elections came days after the Maduro regime attempted to usurp control of the National Assembly by swearing in its own assembly head while the military barred Guaido @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , forcing them to hold their own election in which Guaido was re-elected with a quorum .
On Tuesday , Guaido was sworn in as leader of the National Assembly .

The United States on Thursday called for negotiations on establishing a transitional government in Venezuela. Photo by Rayner Pena/EPA-EFE
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Following a year of pursuing a hard-line policy of isolation against Venezuela and its embattled President Nicolas Maduro, the Trump administration on Thursday called for negotiations to establish a transitional government to end its political crisis. "A swift negotiated transition to democracy is the most effective and sustainable route to peace and prosperity in Venezuela," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. "Negotiations could open the path out of the crisis through a transitional government that will organize free and fair elections." Advertisement
The United States has been employing a hard-line approach to Venezuela, slapping it and those who aid the country with dozens of sanctions after Maduro's 2018 election was deemed illegitimate early last year. The Trump administration has thrown its support, along with more than 55 mostly Western countries, behind National Assembly head and self-appointed interim president Juan Guaido.
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The United States has repeatedly warned the Maduro regime of further sanctions with U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams saying so on Monday.
Read More Canadian PM Trudeau: Intelligence suggests Iran shot down airliner
However, there was no mention of sanctions in the Thursday statement in which Pompeo called for both presidential and National Assembly elections to be held by year's end.
"[This year] presents the opportunity to provide the Venezuelan people with what they have been demanding for years: genuinely free and fair presidential and National Assembly elections to choose their leadership and begin the long process of renewal," he said.
Venezuela balked at the call for elections and condemned a supposed draft communique it says the United States is circulating to countries seeking support for its plan.
"We denounced the draft communique spread by the U.S. government in other countries to obtain international support to invest in the 2020 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS, changing its failed strategy of imposing presidential elections," Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement.
In a separate statement, the State Department outlined conditions to establish elections to form the transitional government, including a new independent National Electoral Commission, selected through the National Assembly, and a newly constituted Supreme Court.
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The elections must be open to all parties and candidates, including those who have fled the country, it said, calling for the release of all political prisoners as a condition as well as unrestricted access to independent news.
"The former Maduro regime must not be allowed to dictate the content of independent media actors," it said in the only mention of Maduro in either statement. "This includes allowing the exercise of the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression without repression, reprisal or politically motivated disruptions of service."
The United States, and its partners, will facilitate Venezuelans worldwide to exercise their right to vote, provide technical support and funding and provide independent electoral observes to work with the new electoral commission as soon as possible.
"Today, the international community reminds Venezuela of the conditions needed for free and fair elections there," Pompeo said on Twitter. "A swift negotiated transition to democracy is the most effective and sustainable route to peace and prosperity in Venezuela."
The call for elections came days after the Maduro regime attempted to usurp control of the National Assembly by swearing in its own assembly head while the military barred Guaido and opposition lawmakers from entering the building, forcing them to hold their own election in which Guaido was re-elected with a quorum. On Tuesday, Guaido was sworn in as leader of the National Assembly.


upi--2020-01-09--St. Louis Cardinals trading Jose Martinez to Tampa Bay Rays in 4-player swap

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a four-player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday .
League sources told ESPN and MLB Media that the Cardinals are sending outfielders Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena to the Rays for left-handed prospect Matt Liberatore and minor league catcher Edgardo Rodriguez .
The Cardinals also will trade a Compensation A pick ( post-first round of the MLB Draft ) to Tampa Bay , according to ESPN .
The Rays will send a Round B pick ( post-second round ) to St. Louis in the deal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ top-100 prospect in baseball .
The 16th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft spent the 2019 campaign in the Ray 's low-A affiliate and posted a 3.10 ERA over 78 1/3 innings .
He recorded 76 strikeouts , walked 31 and gave up only two home runs .
Martinez , 31 , had 17 homers and 83 RBIs in the 2018 season .
In 2019 , he posted a .269 batting average with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs while missing time in August because of a shoulder injury .
The Rays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off-season to complement left fielder Hunter Renfroe , center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and right fielder Austin Meadows .
Arozarena was called up by St. Louis in August when Martinez landed on the injured list .
The 24-year-old had a .344 batting average in the minors before his call-up , and went 6-for-20 with the Cardinals during the regular season .
Rodriguez , 19 , played in the Gulf Coast League this past season .
He hit .400 in limited action .

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jose Martinez had 10 home runs and 42 RBIs last season. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a four-player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. League sources told ESPN and MLB Media that the Cardinals are sending outfielders Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena to the Rays for left-handed prospect Matt Liberatore and minor league catcher Edgardo Rodriguez. Advertisement
The Cardinals also will trade a Compensation A pick (post-first round of the MLB Draft) to Tampa Bay, according to ESPN. The Rays will send a Round B pick (post-second round) to St. Louis in the deal.
Liberatore, 20, is a consensus top-100 prospect in baseball. The 16th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft spent the 2019 campaign in the Ray's low-A affiliate and posted a 3.10 ERA over 78 1/3 innings. He recorded 76 strikeouts, walked 31 and gave up only two home runs.
Martinez, 31, had 17 homers and 83 RBIs in the 2018 season. In 2019, he posted a .269 batting average with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs while missing time in August because of a shoulder injury.
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The Rays had been searching for outfield help this off-season to complement left fielder Hunter Renfroe, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and right fielder Austin Meadows.
Arozarena was called up by St. Louis in August when Martinez landed on the injured list. The 24-year-old had a .344 batting average in the minors before his call-up, and went 6-for-20 with the Cardinals during the regular season.
Rodriguez, 19, played in the Gulf Coast League this past season. He hit .400 in limited action.


upi--2020-01-09--Director Scott Derrickson, Marvel Studios part ways on 'Doctor Strange' sequel

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- Director Scott Derrickson announced Thursday he is stepping down from his role as director @ @ @ @ @ in the Multiverse of Madness .
`` Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part @ @ @ @ @ In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences , '' Derrickson wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP . ''
The studio confirmed @ @ @ @ @ who also directed the first Doctor Strange film in 2016 , in a statement to @ @ @ @ @ differences .
`` We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the [ Marvel @ @ @ @ @ the studio said .
The film , which will see Benedict Cumberbatch return to the @ @ @ @ @ is scheduled to release on May 7 , 2021 .
Production is set to begin @ @ @ @ @ not expected to be any delays in the shooting schedule .

Director Scott Derrickson and Marvel Studios parted ways on Doctor Strange in the "Multiverse of Madness" on Thursday, citing creative differences. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Director Scott Derrickson announced Thursday he is stepping down from his role as director for Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. "Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences," Derrickson wrote in a tweet. "I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP." Advertisement
The studio confirmed the split with Derrickson, who also directed the first Doctor Strange film in 2016, in a statement to Variety, also citing creative differences.
"We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the [Marvel Cinematic Universe]," the studio said.
The film, which will see Benedict Cumberbatch return to the role of Doctor Strange, is scheduled to release on May 7, 2021.
Production is set to begin in May and there are not expected to be any delays in the shooting schedule.


upi--2020-01-09--MTS Advantage lands $90.8 M contract for cyber red team operations

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- MTS Advantage was awarded a $ 90.8 million contract for cyber systems security and @ @ @ @ @ as network infrastructure program management , the Department of the Defense announced .
The contract @ @ @ @ @ , which the Department of Defense uses to conduct adversarial assessments of its networks .
@ @ @ @ @ of $ 25,000 will be obligated at the time of the award and will not @ @ @ @ @ the fiscal year .
If all options are exercised , the cumulative value of the @ @ @ @ @ 99.9 million .
Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed by @ @ @ @ @ an option to extend services by six months .
The contact was awarded through a @ @ @ @ @ four bids received .
MTS offers program management and engineering support services to the federal @ @ @ @ @ company 's website .

A group of Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve and civilian industry partners act as red team operatives during Cyber Shield 19 at Camp Atterbury, Ind., in April 2019. MTS Advantage was awarded a $90.8 million contract for cyber red team operations. Photo by George B. Davis/U.S. Army National Guard
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- MTS Advantage was awarded a $90.8 million contract for cyber systems security and cyber defense, as well as network infrastructure program management, the Department of the Defense announced. The contract funds Cyber Red Team operations, which the Department of Defense uses to conduct adversarial assessments of its networks. Advertisement
Contract funds in the amount of $25,000 will be obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.
If all options are exercised, the cumulative value of the contract will increase to $99.9 million.
Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed by January 2026, but includes an option to extend services by six months.
The contact was awarded through a competitive bidding process, with four bids received.
MTS offers program management and engineering support services to the federal government, according to the company's website.


upi--2020-01-09--Baltimore Ravens RB Mark Ingram expected to play vs. Tennessee Titans

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- The Baltimore Ravens are expected to have starting running back Mark Ingram for Saturday 's playoff game against the Tennessee Titans .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Ingram , who was listed as questionable on the Ravens ' official injury report , is expected to suit up against the Titans .
The Pro Bowl tailback returned to practice Thursday , participating in his first team workout since sustaining a left calf injury last month .
During Thursday 's session , Ingram did n't appear to favor his injured calf when doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special teams portion of practice , according to ESPN .
He injured his calf early in the fourth quarter of the Ravens ' 31-15 win over the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 22 .
`` He was limited participation , '' Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters .
`` That 's the definition of it .
We 'll see how it goes . ''
Ingram , 30 , was named to his third Pro Bowl this season after finishing fourth in the NFL with 15 touchdowns .
He recorded 1,018 yards on 202 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five yards per carry .
The top-seeded Ravens will host the No .
6 seed Titans on Saturday in the AFC Divisional Round .

Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram suffered his calf injury in the Ravens' win over the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 22. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens are expected to have starting running back Mark Ingram for Saturday's playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Ingram, who was listed as questionable on the Ravens' official injury report, is expected to suit up against the Titans. The Pro Bowl tailback returned to practice Thursday, participating in his first team workout since sustaining a left calf injury last month. Advertisement
During Thursday's session, Ingram didn't appear to favor his injured calf when doing light workouts on the sideline during the special teams portion of practice, according to ESPN. He injured his calf early in the fourth quarter of the Ravens' 31-15 win over the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 22.
"He was limited participation," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters. "That's the definition of it. We'll see how it goes."
Ingram, 30, was named to his third Pro Bowl this season after finishing fourth in the NFL with 15 touchdowns. He recorded 1,018 yards on 202 rushes in 15 regular-season games, averaging five yards per carry.
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The top-seeded Ravens will host the No. 6 seed Titans on Saturday in the AFC Divisional Round.


upi--2020-01-09--Original Robin actor Burt Ward receives 2,683rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- Burt Ward , the actor who portrayed Robin in the 1960s Batman television series @ @ @ @ @ on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday .
Ward was honored in a ceremony @ @ @ @ @ World Records Museum on Hollywood Boulevard where director Kevin Smith and television personalities Maria Menounos @ @ @ @ @ his behalf .
The Batmobile was also on site along with people dressed as characters @ @ @ @ @ Ward exclaimed `` Holy turnout ! ''
referencing Robin 's signature catchphrase from the show @ @ @ @ @ being a superhero in his youth and encouraging others to follow their own aspirations .
@ @ @ @ @ tell you is that thoughts can be things and if you think hard enough and @ @ @ @ @ you can make your world whatever you want it to be , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ be placed next to his longtime co-star Adam West , who played Batman and died @ @ @ @ @ of 88 .

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Actor Burt Ward, who played Robin on the Batman television series, received the 2,683rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Thursday. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Burt Ward, the actor who portrayed Robin in the 1960s Batman television series, received the 2,683rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday. Ward was honored in a ceremony in front of the Guinness World Records Museum on Hollywood Boulevard where director Kevin Smith and television personalities Maria Menounos and Nancy O'Dell spoke on his behalf. Advertisement
The Batmobile was also on site along with people dressed as characters from the Batman series as Ward exclaimed "Holy turnout!" referencing Robin's signature catchphrase from the show.
Ward recalled dreaming of being a superhero in his youth and encouraging others to follow their own aspirations.
"What I want to tell you is that thoughts can be things and if you think hard enough and really put effort behind it you can make your world whatever you want it to be," he said.
Ward's star will be placed next to his longtime co-star Adam West, who played Batman and died in 2017 at the age of 88.


upi--2020-01-10--GE nabs $318M for aircraft engine component improvement program

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- General Electric was awarded a $ 318 million contract for the engine component improvement @ @ @ @ @ Force , according to the Pentagon .
The contract provides for a list of projects @ @ @ @ @ developing engineering changes and designing modifications to existing support equipment as well as initiating new @ @ @ @ @ provides support to resolve deficiencies and extend the life limits of aircraft engines .
Work @ @ @ @ @ , Ohio , with an expected completion date of Dec. 21 , 2029 .
Fiscal @ @ @ @ @ in the amount of $ 503,338 are obligated at the time of the award .

General Electric has been awarded a $318 million contract for the engine component improvement program for the U.S. Air Force. Photo by EEJCC via Wikimedia Commons
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- General Electric was awarded a $318 million contract for the engine component improvement program for the U.S. Air Force, according to the Pentagon. The contract provides for a list of projects each calendar year to include developing engineering changes and designing modifications to existing support equipment as well as initiating new designs. Advertisement
The program also provides support to resolve deficiencies and extend the life limits of aircraft engines.
Work will be performed in Cincinatti, Ohio, with an expected completion date of Dec. 21, 2029.
Fiscal 2020 research and development funds in the amount of $503,338 are obligated at the time of the award.


upi--2020-01-10--Tornado watches issued in Oklahoma, Texas as severe weather outbreak begins in southern U.S.

A severe weather outbreak ripped across the southern United States on Friday with nearly 40 million Americans at risk for damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes .
Preparations began Thursday night as Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott announced in a press release that numerous state resources were being placed on standby in advance of the severe weather .
`` As severe weather approaches the state of Texas , resources have been placed on standby to assist local officials in the event they are needed , '' Gov .
Abbott said .
`` All residents should heed warnings from local officials and pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all Texans keep those in the storm 's path and all of Texas ' first responders in their prayers as they deal with the effects of this storm . ''
The outbreak began to unfold on Friday morning in western Oklahoma as reports of golf ball-sized hail were reported in the town of Leedey , located about 130 miles northwest of Oklahoma City .
As Friday progresses into the afternoon and evening , the severe weather is expected to spread into Arkansas , east Texas and Louisiana .
The center of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major cities such as Little Rock , Ark.
, and Shreveport , La .
-- is expected to be at the highest risk for tornadoes .
The severe weather , which is being triggered by a sweeping cold front , is expected to bring strong tornadoes and violent wind gusts with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 80 mph , potentially leading to widespread structural damage and power outages .
`` I think there 's gon na be wind , hail and I think we 're gon na see tornadoes on the ground , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on AccuWeather 's Weather Insider podcast .
`` The question is : How many ? ''
A radar-confirmed tornado is just south of Fort Worth , Texas , and is heading northeast at 30 mph .
The projected path will take the tornado over or very close to the Fort Worth/Spinks Airport .
Farther north , hours of rain have left the northbound lanes of Highway 287 in Decatur , Texas , submerged .
The flash flooding caught at least one car .
A new tornado watch has been issued from eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Friday night .
This includes Shreveport , Louisiana , and Little Rock , Arkansas .
A tornado watch means that conditions are conducive for tornado development and that people in the area should closely monitor the weather .
If a tornado warning is issued , this means that a tornado is imminent and people should seek shelter immediately .
By 4 p.m. on Friday , just over 300 flights had already been canceled at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport amid the severe weather , according to FlightAware .
Another 344 flights at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is tracking toward Tahlequah , Okla. , moving to the northeast at 45 mph .
People in the path of the this tornado need to seek shelter immediately .
The Tahlequah Daily Press reported that the tornado siren system was down at the time of the alert .
A new tornado watch has been issued for part of eastern Texas , including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex .
Storms in this area could lead to significant disruptions to the Friday evening commute , especially for those flying into and out of airports being impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was released by the SPC for portions of central and eastern Oklahoma , northwest Arkansas , and southwest Missouri .
As thunderstorms continue to intensify in central Oklahoma , the favorable tornadic conditions are expected to spread eastward .
According to AccuWeather meteorologist Jesse Ferrell , this is just the third time since 1997 that a tornado watch has been issued by the SPC between Jan. 1 and Jan. 10 .
In the town of Leedey , Okla. , in the western portion of the state , golf ball-sized hail was reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected to the severe weather .

A severe weather outbreak ripped across the southern United States on Friday with nearly 40 million Americans at risk for damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Preparations began Thursday night as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a press release that numerous state resources were being placed on standby in advance of the severe weather.
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"As severe weather approaches the state of Texas, resources have been placed on standby to assist local officials in the event they are needed," Gov. Abbott said. "All residents should heed warnings from local officials and pay attention to weather alerts. I ask that all Texans keep those in the storm's path and all of Texas' first responders in their prayers as they deal with the effects of this storm."
The outbreak began to unfold on Friday morning in western Oklahoma as reports of golf ball-sized hail were reported in the town of Leedey, located about 130 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.
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As Friday progresses into the afternoon and evening, the severe weather is expected to spread into Arkansas, east Texas and Louisiana. The center of that region -- in an area that includes major cities such as Little Rock, Ark., and Shreveport, La. -- is expected to be at the highest risk for tornadoes.
The severe weather, which is being triggered by a sweeping cold front, is expected to bring strong tornadoes and violent wind gusts with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 80 mph, potentially leading to widespread structural damage and power outages.
"I think there's gonna be wind, hail and I think we're gonna see tornadoes on the ground," AccuWeather chief broadcast meteorologist Bernie Rayno said on AccuWeather's Weather Insider podcast. "The question is: How many?"
A radar-confirmed tornado is just south of Fort Worth, Texas, and is heading northeast at 30 mph. The projected path will take the tornado over or very close to the Fort Worth/Spinks Airport.
Farther north, hours of rain have left the northbound lanes of Highway 287 in Decatur, Texas, submerged. The flash flooding caught at least one car.
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A new tornado watch has been issued from eastern Texas into southern Missouri that will continue into Friday night. This includes Shreveport, Louisiana, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
A tornado watch means that conditions are conducive for tornado development and that people in the area should closely monitor the weather. If a tornado warning is issued, this means that a tornado is imminent and people should seek shelter immediately.
By 4 p.m. on Friday, just over 300 flights had already been canceled at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport amid the severe weather, according to FlightAware. Another 344 flights at the airport were delayed.
A radar-confirmed tornado is tracking toward Tahlequah, Okla., moving to the northeast at 45 mph. People in the path of the this tornado need to seek shelter immediately.
The Tahlequah Daily Press reported that the tornado siren system was down at the time of the alert.
A new tornado watch has been issued for part of eastern Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Storms in this area could lead to significant disruptions to the Friday evening commute, especially for those flying into and out of airports being impacted by the storms.
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A tornado watch was released by the SPC for portions of central and eastern Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas, and southwest Missouri. As thunderstorms continue to intensify in central Oklahoma, the favorable tornadic conditions are expected to spread eastward.
According to AccuWeather meteorologist Jesse Ferrell, this is just the third time since 1997 that a tornado watch has been issued by the SPC between Jan. 1 and Jan. 10.
7:42 a.m. CST Friday:
In the town of Leedey, Okla., in the western portion of the state, golf ball-sized hail was reported. The 1.75-inch hail was the first reporting connected to the severe weather.


upi--2020-01-10--Texas tells Trump it won't participate in refugee resettlement

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott informed the U.S. State Department that Texas will not participate in the refugee resettlement program this fiscal year .
The decision comes after more than 40 governors , including several Republicans , have said they would opt in to the federal refugee resettlement program .
Resettlement agencies needed written consent from states and local governments by Jan. 21 .
The deadline was imposed in a September executive order by the Trump Administration that requires written consent from states and local entities before they resettle refugees within their boundaries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Wire and later confirmed by the governor 's office .
Abbott said the state and non-profit organizations should concentrate resources on those already here , according to a letter the governor sent to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
`` At this time , the state and nonprofit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here , including refugees , migrants , and the homeless -- indeed , all Texans , '' he wrote .
`` This is a deeply disappointing decision -- although not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition to refugee resettlement a few years ago , '' said Krish O'Mara Vignarajah , the president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service .
`` This is precisely why we filed a lawsuit against President Trump 's unlawful executive order , and we are confident that justice will be served . ''
Abbott wrote that Texas has already been forced to `` deal with disproportionate migration issues '' due to federal inaction to fix a broken immigration system .
`` In May 2019 , for example , around 100,000 migrants were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In June 2019 , individuals from 52 different countries were apprehended here , '' he wrote .
The number of undocumented migrants apprehended in Texas has dipped considerably since that high mark in May , however .
That 's due , in part , to the Trump administration 's policies of requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their immigration hearings , and a separate policy , known as `` metering '' that requires migrants to wait in Mexico before they are allowed to apply for protections here in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a day after several Texas House Democrats , led by state Rep. Vicki Goodwin , D-Austin , urged Abbott to opt in , calling the issue a `` moral and economic '' one .
`` People who are forced to flee their home countries come here looking for a better life and work hard to achieve that goal , '' she said in a letter to the governor .
Goodwin also touted the economic boon of resettling , citing a 2015 study that found refugees in Texas spent $ 4.6 billion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbott 's decision does n't mean refugees wo n't be able to come to Texas at all .
They could resettle here after first arriving in another state that 's opted in to the program , which the governor acknowledged in his letter .
`` This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States .
Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state , '' he wrote .
`` Refugees are not political pawns and bargaining chips to advance anti-immigrant policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` We can not let Republican racism overpower our love and compassion for our brothers and sisters fleeing violence across the world .
Republican Governor Greg Abbott is in complete opposition to our Texas values by refusing to let refugees into our great state .
Governor Abbott 's decision will lead to more innocent people dying . ''
Texas has been a leader in resettlement for several years after reaching a high of about 8,212 in 2009 .
The levels dropped off in 2011 and 2012 , but hovered around 7,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department data .
But Friday 's decision wo n't necessarily catch advocacy groups off guard considering Abbott 's recent history on the issue .
In 2016 , the governor sued the Obama administration in an effort to prevent Syrian refugees from resettling in Texas .
The lawsuit was dismissed , and Abbott later withdrew the state from the resettlement program .
But the administration continued partnering with local agencies to resettle refugees in Texas , which received more refugees than any other state during the federal government 's 2018 fiscal year - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dip of nearly two-thirds lower than 2017 , but the number of resettled refugees increased again during the 2019 fiscal year , to about 2,460 .
The issue could be far from settled .
The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service , the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the Church World Service sued the Trump administration in November alleging the executive order violates federal law .
Arguments in that case were heard earlier this week .
It 's unclear when a decision is expected .
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tribune is a non-profit , non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy , politics , government and statewide issues .

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state and non-profit organizations should concentrate resources on those already here. File Photo by Sergio Flores/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott informed the U.S. State Department that Texas will not participate in the refugee resettlement program this fiscal year. The decision comes after more than 40 governors, including several Republicans, have said they would opt in to the federal refugee resettlement program. Resettlement agencies needed written consent from states and local governments by Jan. 21. The deadline was imposed in a September executive order by the Trump Administration that requires written consent from states and local entities before they resettle refugees within their boundaries. Advertisement
The news was first reported by The Daily Wire and later confirmed by the governor's office.
Abbott said the state and non-profit organizations should concentrate resources on those already here, according to a letter the governor sent to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
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"At this time, the state and nonprofit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless -- indeed, all Texans," he wrote.
Refugee advocacy groups condemned the move.
"This is a deeply disappointing decision -- although not surprising given Texas' previous but unsuccessful opposition to refugee resettlement a few years ago," said Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. "This is precisely why we filed a lawsuit against President Trump's unlawful executive order, and we are confident that justice will be served."
Abbott wrote that Texas has already been forced to "deal with disproportionate migration issues" due to federal inaction to fix a broken immigration system.
"In May 2019, for example, around 100,000 migrants were apprehended crossing this state's southern border. In June 2019, individuals from 52 different countries were apprehended here," he wrote.
The number of undocumented migrants apprehended in Texas has dipped considerably since that high mark in May, however. That's due, in part, to the Trump administration's policies of requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their immigration hearings, and a separate policy, known as "metering" that requires migrants to wait in Mexico before they are allowed to apply for protections here in the United States.
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Abbott's decision comes less than a day after several Texas House Democrats, led by state Rep. Vicki Goodwin, D-Austin, urged Abbott to opt in, calling the issue a "moral and economic" one.
"People who are forced to flee their home countries come here looking for a better life and work hard to achieve that goal," she said in a letter to the governor. Goodwin also touted the economic boon of resettling, citing a 2015 study that found refugees in Texas spent $4.6 billion and paid $1.6 billion in taxes.
Abbott's decision doesn't mean refugees won't be able to come to Texas at all. They could resettle here after first arriving in another state that's opted in to the program, which the governor acknowledged in his letter.
"This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States. Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state," he wrote.
The Texas Democratic Party quickly slammed Abbott's decision.
"Refugees are not political pawns and bargaining chips to advance anti-immigrant policies," the party said in a statement. "We cannot let Republican racism overpower our love and compassion for our brothers and sisters fleeing violence across the world. Republican Governor Greg Abbott is in complete opposition to our Texas values by refusing to let refugees into our great state. Governor Abbott's decision will lead to more innocent people dying."
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Texas has been a leader in resettlement for several years after reaching a high of about 8,212 in 2009. The levels dropped off in 2011 and 2012, but hovered around 7,500 the next four years, according to State Department data. But Friday's decision won't necessarily catch advocacy groups off guard considering Abbott's recent history on the issue.
In 2016, the governor sued the Obama administration in an effort to prevent Syrian refugees from resettling in Texas. The lawsuit was dismissed, and Abbott later withdrew the state from the resettlement program. But the administration continued partnering with local agencies to resettle refugees in Texas, which received more refugees than any other state during the federal government's 2018 fiscal year - about 1,700. That total was a dip of nearly two-thirds lower than 2017, but the number of resettled refugees increased again during the 2019 fiscal year, to about 2,460.
The issue could be far from settled. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the Church World Service sued the Trump administration in November alleging the executive order violates federal law.
Arguments in that case were heard earlier this week. It's unclear when a decision is expected.
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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is a non-profit, non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.


upi--2020-01-10--Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox avoid arbitration with record $27M deal

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- The Boston Red Sox avoided arbitration with star outfielder Mookie Betts after both sides agreed on a record-setting deal , the team announced Friday .
League sources told ESPN and MLB Media that Betts signed a one-year , $ 27 million agreement with the Red Sox .
The club did n't disclose financial terms of the deal .
The amount breaks the previous arbitration record of $ 26 million , set by Colorado Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado last off-season .
Arenado later secured an eight-year , $ 260 million contract with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-year deals with outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. ( $ 11 million ) and relief pitchers Brandon Workman ( $ 3.5 million ) , Matt Barnes ( $ 3.1 million ) and Heath Hembree ( $ 1.6125 million ) .
Betts , who will become a free agent after the 2020 campaign , recorded a .295 batting average with 29 home runs and 80 RBIs last season .
He also led the American League with 135 runs scored .
Betts , 27 , avoided arbitration in 2019 by settling with the Red Sox for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versatile outfielder in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft .
Left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and outfielder Andrew Benintendi were the only arbitration-eligible players not to sign with the Red Sox .

Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts' (pictured) deal breaks the arbitration record of $26 million, set by Colorado Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado last off-season. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox avoided arbitration with star outfielder Mookie Betts after both sides agreed on a record-setting deal, the team announced Friday. League sources told ESPN and MLB Media that Betts signed a one-year, $27 million agreement with the Red Sox. The club didn't disclose financial terms of the deal. Advertisement
The amount breaks the previous arbitration record of $26 million, set by Colorado Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado last off-season. Arenado later secured an eight-year, $260 million contract with the Rockies.
The Red Sox also announced one-year deals with outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. ($11 million) and relief pitchers Brandon Workman ($3.5 million), Matt Barnes ($3.1 million) and Heath Hembree ($1.6125 million).
Betts, who will become a free agent after the 2020 campaign, recorded a .295 batting average with 29 home runs and 80 RBIs last season. He also led the American League with 135 runs scored.
Betts, 27, avoided arbitration in 2019 by settling with the Red Sox for $20 million. Boston selected the versatile outfielder in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
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Left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and outfielder Andrew Benintendi were the only arbitration-eligible players not to sign with the Red Sox.


upi--2020-01-10--Rush drummer Neil Peart dies of brain cancer at 67

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Neil Peart , the longtime drummer for rock band Rush , died this week in California , the group announced Friday .
He was 67 .
Peart died Tuesday in Santa Monica more than three years after he was diagnosed with brain cancer , his family 's spokesman , Elliot Mintz , told CNN .
`` It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend , soul brother and band mate of over 45 years , Neil , has lost his incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with brain cancer ( glioblastoma ) , '' Rush said in a Twitter post .
`` We ask that friends , fans and media alike understandably respect the family 's need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time .
`` Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil 's name .
Rest ion peace brother . ''
Peart became a part of the Canadian band in 1974 , joining vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band , which had hits with `` Tom Sawyer , '' `` The Spirit of Radio '' and `` Fly By Night , '' was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 .
Known as one of the greatest rock drummers in history , Peart also enjoyed traveling .
In 2006 , he published a book about his travels throughout North America by motorcycle called Roadshow : Landscape With Drums .
It was his fourth book after The Masked Rider : Cycling in West Africa , Traveling Music : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Ghost Rider : Travels on the Healing Road .
Rush announced plans to stop touring in 2016 shortly after finishing their R40 tour .
In addition to other concerns , the band pointed to the physical demands of playing such an expansive drum kit for Peart .
`` His shoulders were hurting , his arms were hurting , his elbows , his feet , everything , '' Lifeson said at the time .
`` He did n't want to play anything less than 100 percent .
He was finding it increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last tour .
So , all those things combined , I get it .
I 'm disappointed and I think Geddy [ Lee ] is very disappointed and we 'd love to continue this tour a little bit longer , but we 're off now . ''
Fellow rocker and drummer , Foo Fighters ' Dave Grohl , said the world lost a `` giant '' in the industry with Peart 's death .
`` An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians ( like myself ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dream , '' he said in a statement to Rolling Stone .
`` A kind , thoughtful , brilliant man who ruled our radios and turntables not only with his drumming , but also his beautiful words . ''

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Rush's drummer, Neil Peart, died 3.5 years after being diagnosed with brain cancer. File Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Neil Peart, the longtime drummer for rock band Rush, died this week in California, the group announced Friday. He was 67. Peart died Tuesday in Santa Monica more than three years after he was diagnosed with brain cancer, his family's spokesman, Elliot Mintz, told CNN. Advertisement
"It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma)," Rush said in a Twitter post.
"We ask that friends, fans and media alike understandably respect the family's need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time.
"Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil's name. Rest ion peace brother."
Peart became a part of the Canadian band in 1974, joining vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee, and guitarist Alex Lifeson.
The band, which had hits with "Tom Sawyer," "The Spirit of Radio" and "Fly By Night," was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
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Known as one of the greatest rock drummers in history, Peart also enjoyed traveling. In 2006, he published a book about his travels throughout North America by motorcycle called Roadshow: Landscape With Drums. It was his fourth book after The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa, Traveling Music: The Soundtrack to My Life and Times, and Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road.
Rush announced plans to stop touring in 2016 shortly after finishing their R40 tour. In addition to other concerns, the band pointed to the physical demands of playing such an expansive drum kit for Peart.
"His shoulders were hurting, his arms were hurting, his elbows, his feet, everything," Lifeson said at the time. "He didn't want to play anything less than 100 percent. He was finding it increasingly difficult to hit that mark on this last tour. So, all those things combined, I get it. I'm disappointed and I think Geddy [Lee] is very disappointed and we'd love to continue this tour a little bit longer, but we're off now."
Fellow rocker and drummer, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl, said the world lost a "giant" in the industry with Peart's death.
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"An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians (like myself) to pick up two sticks and chase a dream," he said in a statement to Rolling Stone. "A kind, thoughtful, brilliant man who ruled our radios and turntables not only with his drumming, but also his beautiful words."


upi--2020-01-10--Immigration: Parents sue over child abuse during family separation

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Two men sued the Trump administration Friday , accusing the U.S. government of `` cruel and unconstitutional '' policies that resulted in their children be separated from their families and abused in foster homes .
The men -- identified only by their initials in the lawsuit -- said their children were still suffering from the trauma of being forcibly separated by the U.S. government and placed in foster care .
In spring 2018 , the U.S. government announced a new zero-tolerance policy to prosecute all migrants who illegally crossed the southwest border .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separated thousands of migrant children and placed them in housing facilities or foster care .
The move prompted outcry from pro-immigration activists and the Trump administration relented , halting the separation policy .
The Southern Poverty Law Center , which represents the two plaintiffs in the lawsuit , said the government `` deliberately terrorized these families . ''
`` Forcible parent-child separations have long been known to cause significant short- and long-term damage to mental , physical and emotional health , '' the SPLC said .
`` Still , in the name of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tore immigrant children from their parents , sent those children thousands of miles away from their parents , refused to inform parents and children of each other 's whereabouts or well-being , and refused to provide adequate means for them to talk with each other . ''
One of the plaintiffs , A.P.F.
, said his 7-year-old son was sexually abused while in foster care in New York .
He reported the abuse and officials transferred him to a different foster home .
The other man , J.V.S.
, said another foster child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in care .
Officials moved her , as well .
A.P.F .
said his son `` exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder ... and suffers from traumatic flashbacks , nightmares and extreme separation anxiety , '' the lawsuit says .
The girl `` also exhibits PTSD symptoms and has nightmares , is quick to anger and suffers from low self-esteem . ''
The lawsuit seeks compensation of $ 3 million for each family .

The two fathers are suing the U.S. government for a total of $6 million. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Two men sued the Trump administration Friday, accusing the U.S. government of "cruel and unconstitutional" policies that resulted in their children be separated from their families and abused in foster homes. The men -- identified only by their initials in the lawsuit -- said their children were still suffering from the trauma of being forcibly separated by the U.S. government and placed in foster care. Advertisement
In spring 2018, the U.S. government announced a new zero-tolerance policy to prosecute all migrants who illegally crossed the southwest border. With parents detained for prosecution, the administration separated thousands of migrant children and placed them in housing facilities or foster care.
The move prompted outcry from pro-immigration activists and the Trump administration relented, halting the separation policy.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which represents the two plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said the government "deliberately terrorized these families."
"Forcible parent-child separations have long been known to cause significant short- and long-term damage to mental, physical and emotional health," the SPLC said.
"Still, in the name of deterrence of future migration, the government tore immigrant children from their parents, sent those children thousands of miles away from their parents, refused to inform parents and children of each other's whereabouts or well-being, and refused to provide adequate means for them to talk with each other."
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One of the plaintiffs, A.P.F., said his 7-year-old son was sexually abused while in foster care in New York. He reported the abuse and officials transferred him to a different foster home.
The other man, J.V.S., said another foster child inappropriately touched his 5-year-old daughter while she was in care. Officials moved her, as well.
A.P.F. said his son "exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder ... and suffers from traumatic flashbacks, nightmares and extreme separation anxiety," the lawsuit says.
The girl "also exhibits PTSD symptoms and has nightmares, is quick to anger and suffers from low self-esteem."
The lawsuit seeks compensation of $3 million for each family.


upi--2020-01-10--Former National Guard member pleads guilty to double-billing the DoD

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- A former civilian member of National Guard in Oregon has pleaded guilty to defrauding the government for equipment repairs his shop never made .
As part of a plea deal reached with the U.S. Attorney , Dominic Caputo , 48 , of Clackamas County , Ore. , has agreed to pay $ 2.6 million in restitution to the Department of Defense for making false statements as a civilian program manager for the Oregon National Guard Oregon Sustainment Maintenance Site .
From 2010 to 2014 , Caputo served as a civilian program manager for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electronic equipment owned by the U.S. Department of Defense .
The work site is situated at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas County , a suburban county in the Portland metropolitan area .
He was responsible for certifying completed work and submitting claims to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command under the National Maintenance and RESET programs .
`` In the event of an emergency or declaration of war , OSMS deploys refurbished equipment to other military bases or installations .
During the time alleged in the Indictment and until 2015 , OSMS was the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of repairing and rebuilding certain engines in support of the federal military supply system , '' said a statement from the U.S. Attorney 's Office in Oregon .
According to prosecutors , in 2014 , Caputo billed CECOM more than $ 675,000 for repair and rebuilding of John Deere diesel engines -- work that had been performed , and billed , in prior fiscal years .
He went so far as to direct employees to remove and replace original serial numbers and identifying engine plates to conceal the duplicate billing .
Caputo was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his job in 2014 , when the fraud was uncovered .
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney 's office in Oregon declined to answer questions about how the fraud was revealed .
Caputo will face a maximum sentence of five years in prison , a $ 100,000 fine and three years of supervised release , in addition to $ 2.6 million in restitution to CECOM .
In a plea petition , Caputo stated that his motive was to protect the program and the jobs of his employees , and that he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wrote that he believed at the time his crew could make up the shortage in production and supply the quantity of paid-for engines .
This week , the L.A. Times reported that the Department of Defense is frequently duped by contractors , citing a Government Accountability Office study on DoD contractors .
That report focused on private contractors ' use of shell companies , but included an examination of billing for work not performed .
`` For example , in four court cases we examined , multiple DOD subcontractors were actually shell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they purported to ultimately provide to the government or perform the work indicated in the contract requirements , '' the report said .
`` According to documents filed in U.S. district court , some of these subcontractors hired other companies to perform work , but created additional invoices that added costs for work the subcontractors did not perform .
These additional costs were then passed on to DOD . ''

An Oregon man has pleaded guilty to defrauding the Department of Defense for refurbishment work his shop never performed. Photo by Visitor7 via Wikipedia
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A former civilian member of National Guard in Oregon has pleaded guilty to defrauding the government for equipment repairs his shop never made. As part of a plea deal reached with the U.S. Attorney, Dominic Caputo, 48, of Clackamas County, Ore., has agreed to pay $2.6 million in restitution to the Department of Defense for making false statements as a civilian program manager for the Oregon National Guard Oregon Sustainment Maintenance Site. Advertisement
From 2010 to 2014, Caputo served as a civilian program manager for the OSMS Power Division, which refurbishes out-of-service electronic equipment owned by the U.S. Department of Defense. The work site is situated at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas County, a suburban county in the Portland metropolitan area.
He was responsible for certifying completed work and submitting claims to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command under the National Maintenance and RESET programs.
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"In the event of an emergency or declaration of war, OSMS deploys refurbished equipment to other military bases or installations. During the time alleged in the Indictment and until 2015, OSMS was the only maintenance site in the United States capable of repairing and rebuilding certain engines in support of the federal military supply system," said a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Oregon.
According to prosecutors, in 2014, Caputo billed CECOM more than $675,000 for repair and rebuilding of John Deere diesel engines -- work that had been performed, and billed, in prior fiscal years.
He went so far as to direct employees to remove and replace original serial numbers and identifying engine plates to conceal the duplicate billing.
Caputo was indicted in 2018, after being terminated from his job in 2014, when the fraud was uncovered.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office in Oregon declined to answer questions about how the fraud was revealed.
Caputo will face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release, in addition to $2.6 million in restitution to CECOM.
In a plea petition, Caputo stated that his motive was to protect the program and the jobs of his employees, and that he did not personally benefit from the fraud. He wrote that he believed at the time his crew could make up the shortage in production and supply the quantity of paid-for engines.
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This week, the L.A. Times reported that the Department of Defense is frequently duped by contractors, citing a Government Accountability Office study on DoD contractors.
That report focused on private contractors' use of shell companies, but included an examination of billing for work not performed.
"For example, in four court cases we examined, multiple DOD subcontractors were actually shell companies that did not have the inventory they purported to ultimately provide to the government or perform the work indicated in the contract requirements," the report said. "According to documents filed in U.S. district court, some of these subcontractors hired other companies to perform work, but created additional invoices that added costs for work the subcontractors did not perform. These additional costs were then passed on to DOD."


upi--2020-01-10--Man dies in second fatal grain bin accident this week

EVANSVILLE , Ind.
, Jan. 9 ( UPI ) -- For the second time this week , a man has died in a grain bin accident .
Chester Cleveland , 58 , fell Wednesday into a commercial grain bin at Whitaker grain elevator near Manteno , Ill. Cleveland , who had been an employee at the company 40 years , had been cleaning the silo with another worker , Heriberto Reyes , 29 , said Ken McCabe , the chief deputy at the Kankakee Sheriff 's Office in Kankakee County .
The bin was nearly empty of corn , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Around 11 a.m. , they decided to leave the bin for lunch , McCabe said .
To do that , they had to climb a steal ladder built into the side of the bin .
Reyes reached the top first .
When he turned to look back down the ladder , he saw Cleveland fall .
Fire officials said he likely fell about 70 feet .
Reyes `` said there was dust and condensation on the ladder , '' McCabe said .
Reyes called for help , and then climbed back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` When he went back down , [ Cleveland ] was still conscious and complaining of pain , '' McCabe said .
It took rescue crews several hours to enter the bin .
`` It was a difficult access , '' Manteno Fire Chief Scott O'Brien said .
`` The bin had a rebar-type ladder made of older steel .
It was not safe enough for us to go down .
We do n't want other people getting hurt during the rescue .
We needed a rope rescue team . ''
Cleveland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the silo .
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident , O'Brien said .
The grain elevator company declined to comment .
OSHA recently fined a grain facility in North Dakota $ 190,000 after the death of one of its employees , saying the company `` failed to follow OSHA standards during grain bin entry and cleaning operations . ''
On Monday , a grain bin accident claimed the life of another man just in Indiana .
Daniel Haupert , 66 , smothered in a bin of soybeans @ @ @ @ @ @

Rescue crews respond to the Whitaker grain elevator Wednesday after a worker fell around 70 feet into a nearly empty bin. The man later died. Photo courtesy of Tim Olk
EVANSVILLE, Ind., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- For the second time this week, a man has died in a grain bin accident. Chester Cleveland, 58, fell Wednesday into a commercial grain bin at Whitaker grain elevator near Manteno, Ill. Advertisement
Cleveland, who had been an employee at the company 40 years, had been cleaning the silo with another worker, Heriberto Reyes, 29, said Ken McCabe, the chief deputy at the Kankakee Sheriff's Office in Kankakee County.
The bin was nearly empty of corn, so the two were working near the bottom. Around 11 a.m., they decided to leave the bin for lunch, McCabe said. To do that, they had to climb a steal ladder built into the side of the bin.
Manteno/ Grant Park: one man remains trapped in Farmers Grain Bin Elevator after helping about another man who was trapped and has since been extricated #NBCSky5 Live at 4 @nbcchicago pic.twitter.com/AlX1JXWBU7— Mike Lorber (@NBCSky5) January 8, 2020
Reyes reached the top first. When he turned to look back down the ladder, he saw Cleveland fall. Fire officials said he likely fell about 70 feet.
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Reyes "said there was dust and condensation on the ladder," McCabe said.
Reyes called for help, and then climbed back into the bin to check on his colleague.
"When he went back down, [Cleveland] was still conscious and complaining of pain," McCabe said.
It took rescue crews several hours to enter the bin.
"It was a difficult access," Manteno Fire Chief Scott O'Brien said. "The bin had a rebar-type ladder made of older steel. It was not safe enough for us to go down. We don't want other people getting hurt during the rescue. We needed a rope rescue team."
Cleveland was dead when rescue crews removed him from the silo.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, O'Brien said. The grain elevator company declined to comment.
OSHA recently fined a grain facility in North Dakota $190,000 after the death of one of its employees, saying the company "failed to follow OSHA standards during grain bin entry and cleaning operations."
On Monday, a grain bin accident claimed the life of another man in Indiana. Daniel Haupert, 66, smothered in a bin of soybeans on his farm in Urbana.


upi--2020-01-10--Harvey Weinstein's lawyers seek private jury selection

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Harvey Weinstein 's lawyers butted heads with a New York judge Friday over whether jury selection in the former producer 's sex-crimes trial should be kept secret .
Defense attorney Arthur Aidala filed a motion saying the process should take place behind closed doors because potential jurors were afraid to speak freely during questioning .
He said some of the potential jurors were themselves sexual assault victims or had heard too much about the Weinstein case .
`` To select a fair and impartial jury under unusual circumstances , voir dire should not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read .
`` This is an unusual case , with an unusual amount of media attention , to which every juror has been exposed . ''
Aidala addressed the motion in court Friday , the end of the first week of trial .
`` Most people do not speak in front of international media , '' he said .
`` In order for citizens to be as honest and forthright as possible , we ask that jury selection be done in private . ''
`` That 's against the law .
I 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiar with this form of the law ...
I 'm disagreeing with you on virtually every level , '' he said .
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi said there was no precedent for interviewing each potential juror in private .
The hearing came as a number of women dressed in black conducted a protest outside the New York City courthouse .
`` It 's not my fault -- not where I was , not how I dress , '' they chanted .
`` The rapist is you : '' Weinstein pleaded not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rape in the first and third degrees , and sexual assault in the first degree in a case involving two accusers .
The charges stem from an incident in 2004 in which Lucia Evans said Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex .
Another unnamed woman accused Weinstein of rape in 2013 .
First-degree rape and criminal sex act are class B felonies , while third-degree rape is a class E felony .
The most serious rape charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison .

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Film producer Harvey Weinstein exits Manhattan Court as jury selection continues in his sexual misconduct trial on Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Harvey Weinstein's lawyers butted heads with a New York judge Friday over whether jury selection in the former producer's sex-crimes trial should be kept secret. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala filed a motion saying the process should take place behind closed doors because potential jurors were afraid to speak freely during questioning. He said some of the potential jurors were themselves sexual assault victims or had heard too much about the Weinstein case. Advertisement
"To select a fair and impartial jury under unusual circumstances, voir dire should not be business as usual," the motion read. "This is an unusual case, with an unusual amount of media attention, to which every juror has been exposed."
Aidala addressed the motion in court Friday, the end of the first week of trial.
"Most people do not speak in front of international media," he said. "In order for citizens to be as honest and forthright as possible, we ask that jury selection be done in private."
Judge James Burke disagreed.
"That's against the law. I'll read this, but I'm generally familiar with this form of the law ... I'm disagreeing with you on virtually every level," he said.
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Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi said there was no precedent for interviewing each potential juror in private.
The hearing came as a number of women dressed in black conducted a protest outside the New York City courthouse.
"It's not my fault -- not where I was, not how I dress," they chanted. "The rapist is you:"
Weinstein pleaded not guilty in June 2018 to five counts of rape in the first and third degrees, and sexual assault in the first degree in a case involving two accusers. The charges stem from an incident in 2004 in which Lucia Evans said Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex. Another unnamed woman accused Weinstein of rape in 2013.
First-degree rape and criminal sex act are class B felonies, while third-degree rape is a class E felony. The most serious rape charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.