upi--2020-06-08--COVID-19: New York City enters first phase of reopening plan Monday

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Commuters walk through Grand Central Station Terminal Monday as New York City enters phase 1 of a four-part reopening plan. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- After months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, New York City on Monday entered the first phase of its plan to lift all major COVID-19-related restrictions. The plan allows for non-essential retailers to reopen with curbside or in-store pickup, and permits operations in construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade and agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting to resume. Advertisement
The reopening allows about 400,000 people to return to work and tens of thousands of construction projects will be revived.
"The beginning of Phase One, the restart of the city, the restart of our economy, the restart of people's livelihoods," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday.
As part of the reopening plan, transit authorities will also begin service for subway trains and resume regular weekday/closed school service in Brooklyn, the Bronx Queens and Staten Island. Also, buses in Manhattan will be allowed to return to 75 percent service.
De Blasio said Monday's reopening is "a very important day in the history of this city" and added that ongoing mass protests over the police involved-killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis wouldn't delay the process.
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"That is what you've achieved together, that's another way we're going to move forward in this city," he said Sunday.
De Blasio said Monday's milestone is one that "every New Yorker should celebrate."
The mayor said there had been 72 new hospitalizations for suspected coronavirus cases, a fraction of the figure the city was reporting in March and April. More than 300 remain in intensive care units and about 4 percent of the city is currently testing positive for COVID-19, he said.
The changes Monday, however, do not apply to New York City restaurants. Patrons are allowed only to pick up takeout orders, but de Blasio said permitting outdoor dining is planned for Phase 2.
Street fairs and other large events will also remain banned.
"That's hard to achieve if we're really going to keep a lid on this disease," de Blasio said.
The state of New York has the highest death toll in the nation (24,200) and the highest U.S. case total (378,000), state health officials say. New York City reports 17,100 deaths and almost 204,000 cases.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last month Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier would all be permitted to enter Phase 2 of the reopening plan that allows office-based workers, real estate services, barbershops and in-store retail shopping to reopen.
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Sunday, de Blasio said New York City is likely weeks away from catching up to the other parts of the state in the recovery process, but kept open the possibility it could move forward more quickly if it meets necessary metrics.
"According to the official chart of the state, it could be as little as two weeks until we get to Phase 2. I want to keep expectations a little lower than that," he said. "Think about the beginning of July as the target. I think that is a safer, smarter way to think about it."
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-06-08--Cristobal weakens to tropical depression over U.S. Southeast

June 8 ( UPI ) -- Tropical Storm Cristobal weakened to a tropical depression early Monday hours after it arrived on shore on the Gulf Coast , lashed the Louisiana shoreline and unleashed heavy rains as far east as Florida 's western coast .
The National Hurricane Center said in its 4 a.m. Monday update that although its center has moved inland , the danger of life-threatening storm surges persist from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Ocean Springs , Miss.
, while a Storm Surge Warning was in effect for those areas and Lake Borgne .
The tropical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baton Rouge , La.
, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and moving north-northwest near 10 mph .
The storm officially made landfall in southeast Louisiana but tropical storm conditions spread across the Mississippi and Alabama coastlines and heavy rains fell across the Florida panhandle .
Cristobal regained tropical storm status on Friday as it began moving northward after drenching parts of southern Mexico and Central America with heavy rains .
It continued to gain strength as it raced over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday into Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 15 mph .
The center of Cristobal , which slowed as it approached the coast , landed between the mouth of the Mississippi River and Grand Isle , La.
, about 100 miles south of New Orleans on Sunday at 5 p.m. CDT .
Not only is Cristobal the earliest third named tropical storm system on record in the Atlantic Basin , the Atlantic National Hurricane Center forecast has it tracking farther west across Wisconsin than any other post-tropical system on record since the mid-1800s .
The risk of isolated tornadoes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center of circulation early this week .
Several tornadoes were reported in Florida over the weekend as Cristobal 's outer bands began bringing impacts to the Sunshine State .
One tornado came close to impacting downtown Orlando on Saturday .
It 's forecast to continue this trajectory throughout Monday as it increases speed , the update said , adding a turn north is expected in the evening .
`` The center of Cristobal should move through southwestern Mississippi and northeastern Louisiana today , through Arkansas and eastern Missouri tonight and Tuesday , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Wednesday , '' it said .
Rough surf was stirred well ahead of Cristobal 's landfall .
Two brothers were killed after they were caught in an undertow and swept away by a rip current off the coast of Louisiana on Friday as Cristobal churned in the Gulf of Mexico .
The boys , ages 8 and 10 , were swimming at a beach in Grand Isle when they were caught and swept away , FOX8 reported .
While rough surf and rip current concerns will gradually lessen as Cristobal moves inland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to impact the Gulf Coast states and lower Mississippi Valley early this week .
The risk of storm surge flooding will persist into Monday morning .
On Sunday afternoon , 100 employees at the Silver Slipper Casino in Hancock County , Miss.
, were evacuated as floodwaters left them trapped in the building , according to NOLA.com .
Emergency responders trekked through 5 feet of water to get the employees to safety .
Firefighters returned to the casino on Sunday night to rescue a family staying at the casino 's hotel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outages were affecting around 20,000 customers across Alabama , Mississippi and Louisiana , according to Poweroutage.us .
Ahead of the storm , Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards requested President Donald Trump to declare a pre-landfall emergency for the state effective Friday .
`` We are confident that there will be widespread , heavy rainfall and coastal flooding , '' Edwards said in a press release .
`` I anticipate the need for emergency protective measures , evacuations and sheltering for the high-risk areas ... At this time , due to the dangers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities will need to include non-congregated settings . ''
`` We do not expect the slow movement of Barry from last year and the 24 inches of rain it delivered along the central Gulf Coast , '' Dan Kottlowski , AccuWeather 's top hurricane expert , said , referring to a short-lived hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast in July of 2019 and triggered widespread flooding .
Even with Cristobal 's quicker pace compared to Barry , meteorologists warned that the amount of rainfall projected with the storm could be enough to cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the storm track .
A general 6-12 inches of rainfall was projected with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 16 inches over southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi .
AccuWeather National Reporter Jonathan Petramala was on the ground in Waveland , Miss.
, where heavy rainfall on Sunday and the storm surge caused significant coastal flooding .
Drone footage captured above Bay St , Louis , Miss.
, on Sunday showed several coastal homes overwhelmed by floodwaters .
Flooding can occur even where conditions have been rather dry so far this year .
In Mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inches of rain fell from Jan. 1 to June 6 , or about 76 % of normal .
By Sunday night , the city was under a flash flooding warning due to heavy rain setting up over the area .
Winds will remain gusty as Cristobal moves northward through Monday into the lower Mississippi Valley .
Gusts will generally range between 30-50 mph with some locations gusting to 60 mph .
Beyond this weekend , Cristobal is forecast to move inland over the Mississippi Valley this week .
An area of heavy rain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm moves northward and evolves into a tropical rainstorm .
Problems from Cristobal could even continue as far away as the Upper Midwest in terms of flooding rain , strong wind gusts and severe thunderstorms as the tropical storm transitions further into more of a continental storm .
Any flooding could also have an effect on rice crop in the Mississippi Delta , especially since the crop has just emerged .
About 65 % of the total U.S. rice crop is grown in this region , with 40 % of the U.S. crop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just began on Monday , and already the Atlantic has set a new record .
Cristobal became the earliest third tropical storm on record when it was named on June 2 .
The storm beat the previous record which stood from 2016 when Colin formed on June 5 .
Cristobal was preceded by Arthur and Bertha , which both formed prior to the official start of the season on June 1 .
And even more threats could soon arise .
AccuWeather meteorologists began monitoring another area of showers and thunderstorms in the Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` An area of low pressure could form along a frontal boundary within a region of marginally warm water and could turn into a short-lived subtropical or tropical storm system during Tuesday and Wednesday of next week a few hundred miles to the southeast and east of Bermuda , '' Kottlowski said .
A subtropical storm is a system that has both tropical and non-tropical characteristics .
AccuWeather is forecasting a busy tropical season in the Atlantic with 14 to 20 tropical storms , including seven to 11 which could strengthen further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurricanes -- Category 3 or higher -- are predicted .

Tropical Depression Cristobal is seen over Louisiana on Monday afternoon about a day after making landfall. Image courtesy NOAA
June 8 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Cristobal weakened to a tropical depression early Monday hours after it arrived on shore on the Gulf Coast, lashed the Louisiana shoreline and unleashed heavy rains as far east as Florida's western coast. The National Hurricane Center said in its 10 a.m. Monday update that the storm's center is about 15 miles east of Monroe, La., and had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Advertisement
After lashing the central Gulf Coast with tropical downpours, tropical-storm-force winds and coastal flooding over the weekend, Cristobal will race northward along the Mississippi Valley and into Great Lakes into the middle of the week.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said the storm will interact with the cold front moving across the Plains, allowing it to pick up speed. Cristobal made landfall in the southeastern part of Louisiana Sunday.
The storm has gradually lost intensity, weakening to a tropical depression early Monday morning.
"Even though Cristobal will lose its tightly wound wind field, as it transitions to a rainstorm, strong winds can still occur over a broad area," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
This will be due in part to Cristobal's circulation getting caught up in a non-tropical storm set to eject out of the Rockies early this week. As these system's interact and perhaps merge, winds will become strong over a broad area of the Midwest and Great Lakes region.
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As Cristobal moves inland, conditions will begin to gradually improve along the Louisiana coast, as areas of heavier rain and thunderstorms drench Arkansas into Monday night.
Cristobal will continue to pick up forward speed on Tuesday and downpours are expected to spread from Missouri to Wisconsin and Minnesota. By Tuesday night, rain will cross the Canadian border and spread across parts of southern Ontario.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Travis, this amount of rain could cause creeks and streams across the Midwest to rise. However, more widespread river flooding may develop in the lower Mississippi Valley later this week or this weekend as runoff slowly flows downstream.
Otherwise, Cristobal will threaten areas of flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
In addition to the risk of flooding, there will be the potential for isolated tornadoes to be spawned where heavy thunderstorms erupt to the east of Cristobal's circulation.


upi--2020-06-08--North Korea answered phone call at liaison office, Seoul says

June 8 ( UPI ) -- North Korea answered a phone call from the South at the inter-Korea liaison office in Kaesong , Seoul 's unification ministry said late Monday .
North Korea picked up a phone call that was made in the South after 5 p.m .
The ministry confirmed the North answered at 5:25 p.m. , South Korean news service News 1 reported .
`` The inter-Korea communication agreement went ahead as usual this afternoon at the [ inter-Korea ] liaison office , '' the ministry said in statement .
`` The North did not comment on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ call ] . ''
Earlier on Monday concerns had been growing in the South Pyongyang was breaking with accords following harsh North Korean remarks regarding inter-Korea ties .
The South had made a 10:30 a.m. phone call as part of daily liaison communication , but the call went unanswered , according to Yonhap news agency .
`` This morning the liaison office attempted to call North Korea , but the North has not answered the call yet , '' unification ministry spokesman Yoh Sang-key said at a regular press briefing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not answered our calls . ''
On Thursday , Kim Yo Jong , North Korean deputy director of the Central Committee of the ruling Korean Workers ' Party , had demanded Seoul take measures against the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets by helium balloon .
Citing lack of South Korea cooperation , Kim Jong Un 's younger sister also called for the end to any South Korean involvement in tourism at Mount Kumgang , and the permanent closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex , a jointly operated factory park in North Korea .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's United Front Department had said Pyongyang is looking into the `` complete shutdown '' of the inter-Korea liaison office at Kaesong .
North and South Korea agreed to temporarily shutter the inter-Korea liaison office in Kaesong , North Korea , in January , in response to the coronavirus outbreak in China , but has maintained communication since that time .

North Korea answered an inter-Korea liaison phone late Monday, after not picking up a call in the morning, according to South Korea's unification ministry. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- North Korea answered a phone call from the South at the inter-Korea liaison office in Kaesong, Seoul's unification ministry said late Monday. North Korea picked up a phone call that was made in the South after 5 p.m. The ministry confirmed the North answered at 5:25 p.m., South Korean news service News 1 reported. Advertisement
"The inter-Korea communication agreement went ahead as usual this afternoon at the [inter-Korea] liaison office," the ministry said in statement.
"The North did not comment on the lack of response to the morning liaison [call]."
Earlier on Monday concerns had been growing in the South Pyongyang was breaking with accords following harsh North Korean remarks regarding inter-Korea ties.
The South had made a 10:30 a.m. phone call as part of daily liaison communication, but the call went unanswered, according to Yonhap news agency.
"This morning the liaison office attempted to call North Korea, but the North has not answered the call yet," unification ministry spokesman Yoh Sang-key said at a regular press briefing. "This is the first time North Korea has not answered our calls."
On Thursday, Kim Yo Jong, North Korean deputy director of the Central Committee of the ruling Korean Workers' Party, had demanded Seoul take measures against the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets by helium balloon.
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Citing lack of South Korea cooperation, Kim Jong Un's younger sister also called for the end to any South Korean involvement in tourism at Mount Kumgang, and the permanent closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a jointly operated factory park in North Korea.
On Friday a spokesperson for North Korea's United Front Department had said Pyongyang is looking into the "complete shutdown" of the inter-Korea liaison office at Kaesong.
North and South Korea agreed to temporarily shutter the inter-Korea liaison office in Kaesong, North Korea, in January, in response to the coronavirus outbreak in China, but has maintained communication since that time.


upi--2020-06-08--China slams U.S. senator for remarks on coronavirus vaccine

June 8 ( UPI ) -- China is demanding evidence it is interfering in the global development of a novel coronavirus vaccine , following comments from U.S .
Senator Rick Scott of Florida .
Beijing 's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters at a regular press briefing on Monday Sen. Scott should submit proof of Chinese meddling in vaccine development .
Scott `` says the United States has evidence , '' Hua said .
`` If so , he should give it . ''
Hua also said there have been `` too many instances '' of U.S. slandering of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , Scott charged the Chinese government of trying to block vaccine development in the West .
Scott did not provide details but said the U.S. intelligence community had corroboration of Chinese efforts to deter countries like the United States from developing a solution to the global coronavirus pandemic that began in Wuhan , China .
`` We have got to get this vaccine done .
Unfortunately we have evidence that communist China is trying to sabotage us or slow it down , '' Scott had said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and England and Europe to do it first .
They 've decided to be an adversary to America and democracies around the world . ''
China and the United States have locked horns over a wide range of issues .
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the decline in bilateral ties that began with the U.S.-China trade dispute .
U.S. President Donald Trump has referred to the virus as the `` China virus , '' and has pulled out of the World Health Organization .
On Monday Hua said China will share information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first to reach a solution .
`` Chinese President Xi Jinping promised at the general assembly of the World Health Organization if China develops a COVID-19 vaccine , to share it as a public good , '' Hua said .
`` We hope the United States will also promise to share a vaccine , if it develops one first . ''

China criticized U.S. Sen. Rick Scott on Monday, following comments regarding China and coronavirus vaccine development. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- China is demanding evidence it is interfering in the global development of a novel coronavirus vaccine, following comments from U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida. Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters at a regular press briefing on Monday that Scott should submit proof of Chinese meddling in vaccine development. Advertisement
Scott "says the United States has evidence," Hua said. "If so, he should give it."
Hua also said there have been "too many instances" of U.S. slandering of China.
On Sunday during an interview on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Scott accused the Chinese government of trying to block vaccine development in the West.
Scott did not provide details but said the U.S. intelligence community had corroboration of Chinese efforts to deter countries like the United States from developing a solution to the coronavirus pandemic that began in Wuhan, China.
"We have got to get this vaccine done. Unfortunately, we have evidence that communist China is trying to sabotage us or slow it down," Scott said.
"China does not want us, and England and Europe to do it first. They've decided to be an adversary to America and democracies around the world."
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China and the United States have locked horns over a wide range of issues. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the decline in bilateral ties that began with the U.S.-China trade dispute.
U.S. President Donald Trump has referred to the virus as the "China virus," and has pulled out of the World Health Organization.
On Monday, Hua said China will share information on a coronavirus vaccine, if it is the first to reach a solution.
"Chinese President Xi Jinping promised at the general assembly of the World Health Organization if China develops a COVID-19 vaccine, to share it as a public good," Hua said.
"We hope the United States will also promise to share a vaccine, if it develops one first."


upi--2020-06-08--New Zealand says coronavirus 'eliminated,' lifts all domestic restrictions

June 8 ( UPI ) -- New Zealand has eliminated domestic transmission of the coronavirus , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday as she announced the lifting of all restrictions on business and social interactions within the archipelago nation .
Ardern announced during a press conference that New Zealand will be moving to its lowest COVID-19 alert level 1 as of midnight , lifting restrictions from businesses , social gatherings and the like that have been in place since the country went under strict lockdown 75 days ago .
`` We are confident we have eliminated transmission of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elimination is not a point in time -- it is a sustained effort , '' she said .
Ardern thanked her `` team of 5 million , '' as she has referred to the New Zealand citizenry during the pandemic , for their sacrifices over the past 11 weeks to reach this milestone .
With the announcement , New Zealand becomes one of the first countries to announce domestic elimination of the virus after going 17 days without detecting a new case within its borders and 12 days without a patient in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has killed more than 400,000 people worldwide since it emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year .
The country went under lockdown March 25 when it had around 280 cases of the virus .
As of Monday , it has recorded 22 deaths to the virus and 1,504 cases , one of the lowest per capita rates in the world , she said .
The only measures from the lockdown to remain in place will be those on borders to stymie further infections from entering the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eliminated the virus , more infections will occur .
`` I want to say again : We will almost certainly see cases here again , '' she said , `` but when that occurs it will not mean we have failed .
It is the reality of this virus .
We must be and we are prepared for future cases .
That 's the reason our border remains our first line of defense as we aim not to import the virus . ''
Ardern told reporters she `` did a little dance '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases within the country , startling her 2-year-old daughter , Neve , in the process .
`` I showed Neve .
She was caught a little bit by surprise but she joined in having absolutely no idea why I was dancing around the lounge but enjoying it none the least , '' she said .
Since it emerged in early December , more than 7 million people have been sickened with the coronavirus , and though many countries once reeling from infections have seen recent drops in cases and deaths , others have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third worldwide in cases with 476,658 , and 14th in deaths with 5,971 , recorded 8,985 infections over Sunday , a drop from a high of over 10,000 new daily cases recorded early last month but continuing a trend of tallying around 9,000 cases a day since then , according to worldometer.info .
The United States leads the world in both infections and deaths , surpassing more than 2 million cases on Sunday with nearly 19,000 new cases over the previous 24 hours , and 112,469 fatalities .
China , the former epicenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18th worldwide in cases and deaths with 83,040 infections and 4,634 fatalities .
Beijing 's National Health Commission reported four new cases and zero deaths over the previous 24 hours .

A Chinese woman wears a mandatory protective face mask while shopping at an international fashion mall in Beijing on Sunday,. Despite China's claims to have stopped the threat of COVID-19 re-emerging in the capital, Chinese are encouraged, and in many places ordered, to continue wearing face masks. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- New Zealand has eliminated domestic transmission of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday as she announced the lifting of all restrictions on business and social interactions within the archipelago nation. Ardern announced during a press conference that New Zealand will be moving to its lowest COVID-19 alert level 1 as of midnight, lifting restrictions from businesses, social gatherings and the like that have been in place since the country went under strict lockdown 75 days ago. Advertisement
"We are confident we have eliminated transmission of the virus in New Zealand for now, but elimination is not a point in time -- it is a sustained effort," she said.
Ardern thanked her "team of 5 million," as she has referred to the New Zealand citizenry during the pandemic, for their sacrifices over the past 11 weeks to reach this milestone.
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With the announcement, New Zealand becomes one of the first countries to announce domestic elimination of the virus after going 17 days without detecting a new case within its borders and 12 days without a patient in hospital sickened with the deadly and infectious coronavirus that has killed more than 400,000 people worldwide since it emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
The country went under lockdown March 25 when it had around 280 cases of the virus. As of Monday, it has recorded 22 deaths to the virus and 1,504 cases, one of the lowest per capita rates in the world, she said.
The only measures from the lockdown to remain in place will be those on borders to stymie further infections from entering the country, she said, adding that despite having eliminated the virus, more infections will occur.
"I want to say again: We will almost certainly see cases here again," she said, "but when that occurs it will not mean we have failed. It is the reality of this virus. We must be and we are prepared for future cases. That's the reason our border remains our first line of defense as we aim not to import the virus."
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Ardern told reporters she "did a little dance" when she learned there were no active cases within the country, startling her 2-year-old daughter, Neve, in the process.
"I showed Neve. She was caught a little bit by surprise but she joined in having absolutely no idea why I was dancing around the lounge but enjoying it none the least," she said.
Since it emerged in early December, more than 7 million people have been sickened with the coronavirus, and though many countries once reeling from infections have seen recent drops in cases and deaths, others have seen surges.
Russia, which sits third worldwide in cases with 476,658, and 14th in deaths with 5,971, recorded 8,985 infections over Sunday, a drop from a high of over 10,000 new daily cases recorded early last month but continuing a trend of tallying around 9,000 cases a day since then, according to worldometer.info.
The United States leads the world in both infections and deaths, surpassing more than 2 million cases on Sunday with nearly 19,000 new cases over the previous 24 hours, and 112,469 fatalities.
China, the former epicenter of the virus, has slipped to 18th worldwide in cases and deaths with 83,040 infections and 4,634 fatalities.
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Beijing's National Health Commission reported four new cases and zero deaths over the previous 24 hours.


upi--2020-06-08--Coronavirus milestones: Death toll passes 400,000, cases climb past 7 million

June 7 ( UPI ) -- Five months after the first fatality was reported in mainland China , the coronavirus pandemic reached two grim milestones Sunday : 400,000 deaths and 7 million cases .
Since Chinese media reported one death on Jan. 11 , outbreaks have spread around the world , first hitting European nations hard then affecting the United States and now Latin America .
By the end of Sunday , the death toll stood at 405,081 , an increase of 3,382 , and 7,082,212 cases , a rise of 113,090 , according to tracking by Worldometers.info .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
China 's deaths and cases were the most for a few months but it has slid to 18th worldwide with 4,634 fatalities -- and no fatality reported since April 26 .
And since May 1 , only 16 cases have been reported for a total of 83,036 in 18th place .
Italy surged past China but the outbreak has now largely been contained .
Since May 1 , 5,663 deaths have been reported in Italy for a total of 33,899 .
Several European nations became hot spots with Britain , Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
But the curve has been flattened and only 160 deaths were reported Sunday -- 77 in No .
2 Britain , 53 in No .
3 Italy , 13 in No .
4 France , 1 in No .
5 Spain , 15 in No .
8 Belgium and 1 in No .
9 Germany .
On Saturday , the increase was 328 , including 204 in Britain .
The daily rate was as high as 1,494 in France , 1,172 in Britain , 919 in Italy , 961 in Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most deaths -- 112,469 -- and cases with more than 2 million .
The death toll was more than half that on May 1 -- 65,918 .
The first fatality in the United States was announced on Feb. 29 .
In the past few weeks , two nations in the Western Hemisphere -- Brazil and Mexico -- have had surging deaths and cases .
In one week , Brazil has moved past Spain , France and Italy into third place , rising from 28,834 to 36,078 .
Two weeks ago , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South American nation reported 1,382 deaths within the past 24 hours , ballooning its total to 37,312 deaths .
It also reported 12,581 new confirmed cases for a total of 685,427 .
Brazil on Saturday reported 910 more deaths and a record 1,492 fatalities on Thursday .
The Latin nation reported 27,581 cases Saturday after a record 31,890 cases Thursday for second place behind the United States .
Health experts believe the death toll and cases are much higher because of the lack of testing : around 1 million in a nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the nation stopped publishing the number of total deaths and infections as well as weekly and monthly figures in Brazilian states .
Instead , only additional deaths and cases each day are being reported .
`` It is very difficult to make predictions that you think are reliable , '' Fabio Mendes , an adjunct professor in software engineering at the Federal University of Brasilia , who studies Brazilian coronavirus statistics , said in an interview .
`` We know the numbers are bad . ''
On Saturday , President Jair Bolsonaro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` not representative '' of Brazil 's current situation , implying the spread of the virus is being overestimated .
The president has disdained social distancing , often appearing with people , and has threatened to pull out of the World Health Organization .
Pope Francis , who is from Argentina , has been critical of the situation in Brazil .
He urged people in countries emerging from lockdown to keep following authorities ' rules on social distancing , hygiene and limits on movement .
`` Be careful , do n't cry victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Francis said from his apartment window to people gathered in St. Peter 's Square in the Vatican .
`` They are rules that help us to prevent the virus from spreading . ''
Also in Latin America , Mexico has soared into seventh place in one week , passing Germany and Belgium , reporting 188 deaths on Sunday after 341 on Saturday and 625 on Friday .
That was all after recording a record 1,092 on Wednesday .
Also , 3,484 cases were reported on Sunday .
The nation 's deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in two weeks .
Despite the rising numbers , the nation is gradually reopening after a quarantine since March .
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ended the quarantine by embarking on a six-state tour last week .
Like the Brazilian president , Lopez Obrador has minimized the severity of the coronavirus ' threat .
Allowed were soccer tournaments , concerts and preparations for the spring tourist season .
`` Most people think from the government 's message that the worst is over , '' Dr. Francisco Moreno , who heads the COVID-19 unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told The New York Times .
`` We are at the peak of the epidemic . ''
He said the hospital has had to turn patients away , despite doubling its capacity .
The United States has closed the border with Mexico except for goods and essential travel .
The border with Canada also is affected .
The Great White North is in 11th place in deaths with a total of 7,800 , including 27 more deaths over Sunday and 70 more deaths over Saturday .
The far majority of deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the United States well in the lead but has seen a slowing of fatalities of late recording 373 deaths over Sunday , its lowest tally since registering 355 deaths on March 26 .
The Dominican Republic is fourth with 538 of the total 135,537 .
In South America , there have been 50,222 deaths , with Peru in 15th place worldwide with 5,465 after recording 164 deaths in the past 24 hours .
Europe has 178,943 deaths but only 360 more in the entire continent were reported Sunday .
One hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases for a total of 467,673 -- third in the world -- and 134 more deaths for 14th at 5,859 Sunday .
Sweden , which has been doing `` herd immunity , '' on Sunday reported three more deaths at 4,659 as well as 81 new cases after 1,056 Friday .
Neighboring Norway reported zero deaths for the third day in a row to remain at 238 as well as 16 more cases .
Restrictions are being lifted in Europe .
On Saturday , Britain 's government revealed that places of worship can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the same day nonessential shops , including department stores , are due to reopen .
This week , Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to meet with his Cabinet on the next steps to ease the lockdown .
In France , cafes and restaurants were partially reopened last week .
On Friday , immunologist Jean-François Delfraissy , declared the epidemic `` under control '' in France , in an interview on French radio .
He is head of the government 's scientific council .
In the past few days , Spain has listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reducing the list to end duplicates .
Shops and restaurants have been open with up to 50 percent capacity and the nation is considering allowing local governments to transition from Phase 3 to the `` new normal '' before June 21 when the state of alarm officially ends .
On June 15 , many European nations , including France , Germany and Switzerland , plan to open their borders and relax entry restrictions .
Travel has been gradually increased from and to China .
On Friday , the United States government said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited number of flights to the U.S .
Allowed will be two flights per week between the U.S. and China , which equals the number of flights that China 's aviation authority will allow for U.S. carriers .
China has been attempting to reduce the risk of infection from other nations .
On Sunday , China reported six new cases , including five imported .
In a report issued Sunday , China defended its government 's response and said it provided information in a timely and transparent manner .
In South Korea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the second day in a row that its daily jump is above 50 .
In all , there have been 11,776 cases with 273 deaths as the nation has rigid testing , including efforts to contain local hot spots .
Elsewhere in Asia , where there have been 35,025 deaths , India reported 261 deaths and 10,864 cases .
The nation is 12th worldwide in deaths with 7,207 and sixth in cases , with 257,486 .
After a 10-week lockdown , India plans to reopen businesses , including malls , hotels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan 's Tokyo metropolitan government will ask people working at nightclubs and similar entertainment establishments to regularly take coronavirus tests , Gov .
Yuriko Koike said Sunday .
On Saturday , Japan announced seven additional deaths and 39 new cases .
In Oceania , there have been 102 deaths in Australia and 22 in New Zealand .
The last reported death in Australia was May 23 and in New Zealand , it was May 28 .
In Africa , Egypt has reported 1,237 deaths and South Africa 998 among the 5,215 fatalities .

1/2
Chinese download a government Health Kit APP and input their identity details before being allowed to enter a shopping area in Beijing on Sunday. Despite China's declaration that the reemergence of the Covid-19 threat in the capital is minimal, precautions are still in place to monitor and trace people's movements. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
June 7 (UPI) -- Five months after the first fatality was reported in mainland China, the coronavirus pandemic reached two grim milestones Sunday: 400,000 deaths and 7 million cases. Since Chinese media reported one death on Jan. 11, outbreaks have spread around the world, first hitting European nations hard then affecting the United States and now Latin America. Advertisement
By the end of Sunday, the death toll stood at 405,081, an increase of 3,382, and 7,082,212 cases, a rise of 113,090, according to tracking by Worldometers.info. The increases Saturday were 4,253 deaths and 128,677 cases.
China's deaths and cases were the most for a few months but it has slid to 18th worldwide with 4,634 fatalities -- and no fatality reported since April 26. And since May 1, only 16 cases have been reported for a total of 83,036 in 18th place.
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Italy surged past China but the outbreak has now largely been contained.
Since May 1, 5,663 deaths have been reported in Italy for a total of 33,899. Several European nations became hot spots with Britain, Spain and France joining Italy in the top 10. But the curve has been flattened and only 160 deaths were reported Sunday -- 77 in No. 2 Britain, 53 in No. 3 Italy, 13 in No. 4 France, 1 in No. 5 Spain, 15 in No. 8 Belgium and 1 in No. 9 Germany. On Saturday, the increase was 328, including 204 in Britain. The daily rate was as high as 1,494 in France, 1,172 in Britain, 919 in Italy, 961 in Spain,
The United States has surged to the most deaths -- 112,469 -- and cases with more than 2 million. The death toll was more than half that on May 1 -- 65,918. The first fatality in the United States was announced on Feb. 29.
In the past few weeks, two nations in the Western Hemisphere -- Brazil and Mexico -- have had surging deaths and cases.
In one week, Brazil has moved past Spain, France and Italy into third place, rising from 28,834 to 36,078. Two weeks ago, the figure was 22,013.
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On Sunday, the South American nation reported 1,382 deaths within the past 24 hours, ballooning its total to 37,312 deaths. It also reported 12,581 new confirmed cases for a total of 685,427.
Brazil on Saturday reported 910 more deaths and a record 1,492 fatalities on Thursday. The Latin nation reported 27,581 cases Saturday after a record 31,890 cases Thursday for second place behind the United States.
Health experts believe the death toll and cases are much higher because of the lack of testing: around 1 million in a nation of 209.5 million.
And on Saturday, the nation stopped publishing the number of total deaths and infections as well as weekly and monthly figures in Brazilian states. Instead, only additional deaths and cases each day are being reported.
"It is very difficult to make predictions that you think are reliable,'' Fabio Mendes, an adjunct professor in software engineering at the Federal University of Brasilia, who studies Brazilian coronavirus statistics, said in an interview. "We know the numbers are bad."
On Saturday, President Jair Bolsonaro tweeted his country's disease totals are "not representative" of Brazil's current situation, implying the spread of the virus is being overestimated. The president has disdained social distancing, often appearing with people, and has threatened to pull out of the World Health Organization.
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Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, has been critical of the situation in Brazil. He urged people in countries emerging from lockdown to keep following authorities' rules on social distancing, hygiene and limits on movement.
"Be careful, don't cry victory, don't cry victory too soon," Francis said from his apartment window to people gathered in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. "They are rules that help us to prevent the virus from spreading."
Also in Latin America, Mexico has soared into seventh place in one week, passing Germany and Belgium, reporting 188 deaths on Sunday after 341 on Saturday and 625 on Friday. That was all after recording a record 1,092 on Wednesday. Also, 3,484 cases were reported on Sunday. The nation's deaths have nearly doubled from 7,179 to 13,699 in two weeks.
Despite the rising numbers, the nation is gradually reopening after a quarantine since March. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ended the quarantine by embarking on a six-state tour last week.
Like the Brazilian president, Lopez Obrador has minimized the severity of the coronavirus' threat. Allowed were soccer tournaments, concerts and preparations for the spring tourist season.
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"Most people think from the government's message that the worst is over," Dr. Francisco Moreno, who heads the COVID-19 unit of ABC Medical Center in Mexico City, told The New York Times. "We are at the peak of the epidemic."
He said the hospital has had to turn patients away, despite doubling its capacity.
The United States has closed the border with Mexico except for goods and essential travel.
The border with Canada also is affected. The Great White North is in 11th place in deaths with a total of 7,800, including 27 more deaths over Sunday and 70 more deaths over Saturday.
The far majority of deaths in North America are in those three countries, with the United States well in the lead but has seen a slowing of fatalities of late recording 373 deaths over Sunday, its lowest tally since registering 355 deaths on March 26.
The Dominican Republic is fourth with 538 of the total 135,537. In South America, there have been 50,222 deaths, with Peru in 15th place worldwide with 5,465 after recording 164 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Europe has 178,943 deaths but only 360 more in the entire continent were reported Sunday.
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One hot spot is Russia, which reported 8,984 cases for a total of 467,673 -- third in the world -- and 134 more deaths for 14th at 5,859 Sunday.
Sweden, which has been doing "herd immunity," on Sunday reported three more deaths at 4,659 as well as 81 new cases after 1,056 Friday. Neighboring Norway reported zero deaths for the third day in a row to remain at 238 as well as 16 more cases.
Restrictions are being lifted in Europe.
On Saturday, Britain's government revealed that places of worship can reopen for private prayer on June 15, the same day nonessential shops, including department stores, are due to reopen. This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to meet with his Cabinet on the next steps to ease the lockdown.
In France, cafes and restaurants were partially reopened last week. On Friday, immunologist Jean-François Delfraissy, declared the epidemic "under control" in France, in an interview on French radio. He is head of the government's scientific council.
In the past few days, Spain has listed only a few additional deaths and has been reducing the list to end duplicates. Shops and restaurants have been open with up to 50 percent capacity and the nation is considering allowing local governments to transition from Phase 3 to the "new normal" before June 21 when the state of alarm officially ends.
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On June 15, many European nations, including France, Germany and Switzerland, plan to open their borders and relax entry restrictions.
Travel has been gradually increased from and to China.
On Friday, the United States government said it will let Chinese airlines operate a limited number of flights to the U.S. Allowed will be two flights per week between the U.S. and China, which equals the number of flights that China's aviation authority will allow for U.S. carriers.
China has been attempting to reduce the risk of infection from other nations. On Sunday, China reported six new cases, including five imported.
In a report issued Sunday, China defended its government's response and said it provided information in a timely and transparent manner.
In South Korea, 57 additional cases of coronavirus were announced, the second day in a row that its daily jump is above 50. In all, there have been 11,776 cases with 273 deaths as the nation has rigid testing, including efforts to contain local hot spots.
Elsewhere in Asia, where there have been 35,025 deaths, India reported 261 deaths and 10,864 cases. The nation is 12th worldwide in deaths with 7,207 and sixth in cases, with 257,486.
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After a 10-week lockdown, India plans to reopen businesses, including malls, hotels and places of worship, on Monday.
Japan's Tokyo metropolitan government will ask people working at nightclubs and similar entertainment establishments to regularly take coronavirus tests, Gov. Yuriko Koike said Sunday.
On Saturday, Japan announced seven additional deaths and 39 new cases.
In Oceania, there have been 102 deaths in Australia and 22 in New Zealand. The last reported death in Australia was May 23 and in New Zealand, it was May 28.
In Africa, Egypt has reported 1,237 deaths and South Africa 998 among the 5,215 fatalities.


upi--2020-06-08--Famous birthdays for June 8: Gabby Giffords, Kathy Baker

June 8 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- Former @ @ @ @ @ 1847 -- British geneticist Francis Crick , who helped determine the `` double helix '' @ @ @ @ @ 1916 -- Former first lady Barbara Bush in 1925

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Former Rep. Gabby Giffords addresses a rally on the East Front steps of the U.S. House of Representatives October 4, 2017, in Washington, D.C. She turns 50 on June 8. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- Astronomer/mathematician Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1625
-- German composer Robert Schumann in 1810
-- Former first lady Ida McKinley in 1847
-- Architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1867
-- Science fiction publisher John W. Campbell in 1910
-- British geneticist Francis Crick, who helped determine the "double helix" structure of DNA, in 1916
-- College Football Hall of Fame member/U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White in 1917
-- Painter LeRoy Neiman in 1921
-- Former first lady Barbara Bush in 1925
-- Actor Jerry Stiller in 1927
File Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI
-- Comedian Joan Rivers in 1933
-- Actor/singer James Darren in 1936 (age 84)
-- Astronaut Bruce McCandless IIin 1937
-- Singer Nancy Sinatra in 1940 (age 80)
-- Actor Colin Baker in 1943 (age 77)
-- Singer/songwriter Boz Scaggs in 1944 (age 76)
-- Actor Kathy Baker in 1950 (age 70)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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-- Singer Bonnie Tyler in 1951 (age 69)
-- Actor Griffin Dunne in 1955 (age 65)
-- "Dilbert" cartoonist Scott Adams in 1957 (age 63)
-- Comedian Keenen Ivory Wayans in 1958 (age 62)
-- Rock musician Nick Rhodes in 1962 (age 58)
-- Actor Julianna Margulies in 1966 (age 54)
-- Gun control advocate/former Rep. Gabby Giffords in 1970 (age 50)
-- Rapper Kanye West in 1977 (age 43)
-- TV personality Maria Menounos in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Torrey Devitto in 1984 (age 36)


upi--2020-06-08--Fearful minor-leaguers crave union, voice amid baseball shutdown

June 8 ( UPI ) -- Hundreds of Minor League Baseball players have been released during the pandemic 's suspension of play -- or had their poverty-level pay cut -- with many afraid to speak out because they have no union representation .
`` They know they can be released anytime for any reason , '' Minnesota Twins prospect Mitch Horacek said in a recent interview .
`` That brings up so many problems .
It 's really hard to speak truth to power because you could be done and that 's the end of your career , so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those who lost their jobs also lost health insurance during the coronavirus crisis .
With families to support , some can no longer justify pursuing a lifelong dream to play baseball and have moved into other careers.MLB teams agreed to pay MiLB players $ 400 weekly stipends in April and May .
About 25 percent of MLB teams have committed to paying minor-leaguers through at least August .
Players from other teams have n't been so lucky .
`` We 're humans , '' said Dylan Rheault , who was released by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People always say ' I 'd play for free . '
Come play for free and support your family .
Come play for free and try and eat .
Come play for free and try and train .
Then tell me how you would play for free .
`` I hope it 's fair and that the next generation of baseball players gets the opportunity to play for a livable wage ...
They either need to pay us or get rid of a lot of it . ''
The Oakland Athletics initially stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they changed course Friday after widespread criticism from players and fans .
They also have n't made major roster cuts , while other MLB teams have released an unprecedented number of minor-leaguers .
`` I was told there was nothing I could have done , '' Rheault said .
`` I do n't have enough Double-A or Triple-A time .
[ The Reds ] told me to go to Double-A and prove myself , but without a season , I do n't have that chance .
`` They gave me my release because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be next year . ''
MLB stars like Mike Clevinger , David Price , Sean Doolittle , Daniel Murphy and Shin-Soo Choo have tried to help .
Price , Murphy and Choo pledged to pay the players out of their own pockets .
Doolittle and his Washington Nationals teammates offered to pay their minor-leaguers $ 100 per week after their franchise planned to trim already slashed weekly stipends by that amount .
Clevinger has been active on social media in support of the players .
Agent Scott Boras has committed to paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself .
`` One [ MLB ] player can pay $ 1,000 to each MiLB player in his organization .
Meanwhile , an entire organization pays their players nothing .
True colors , '' Athletics prospect Peter Bayer tweeted .
The MLB Players Union and team owners are working toward a decision for a season return , while MiLB players are on the outside of those talks .
MLB players have guaranteed contracts and union protection , which balance their power with billionaire team owners .
The average salary for a player in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- was $ 10,000 in 2019 , with players at lower levels earning much less .
MLB 's minimum salary is about $ 565,000 .
MiLB players find it hard to have long-term side jobs because of the time they devote to preparation .
They typically turn to jobs like ride-shares , food delivery and youth baseball instructors .
Horacek -- a Dartmouth College graduate -- teamed up with St. Louis Cardinals prospect Anthony Shew for a web development agency .
Rheault also works as a throwing instructor and trainer .
Those side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the diamond .
`` Tons of players have said they are giving up a career , '' Horacek said .
`` You have to put food on the table somehow and ca n't wait until next February for spring training or April for when your first paycheck comes .
`` I 'm 28 years old .
In the minors , being 28 with no major-league time ...
I 'm old .
It sucks because not having a season this year , it further deteriorates my stock because next year I 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be one year older without any stats this year . ''
Players know a 2020 MiLB season is unlikely .
The future of the league , as they know it , is also in doubt .
The MLB has proposed eliminating as many as 40 minor-league teams for the 2021 season .
That move would likely improve quality of play but also end the careers of more than 1,000 players .
It would also displace concession workers , ushers and other employees of small-town baseball stadiums .
Former minor-leaguer Garrett Broshuis was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The nonprofit group aims to fill the void left by a lack of union representation for the players .
Hundreds of players have joined the group in the last few months .
`` It has been really hard for these guys because when spring training ended they were basically thrown off on their own and told to continue training and continue to work as if there will be a minor-league season , '' Broshuis said .
`` Players feel like they have been let down and are angry about how ownership treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about players as being part of family .
We saw a lot of instances where players were n't treated like family at all . ''
The opportunities will also be more rare for star prospects from high school , college or internationally .
MLB team owners have cut the 2020 MLB Draft from 40 rounds to five .
Teams can sign undrafted players for up to $ 20,000 .
Horacek was a ninth-round pick in 2013 but would be undrafted under the terms of the new draft .
A ninth-round pick in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about $ 150,000 or $ 130,000 more than an undrafted free agent would be expected to earn in 2020 .
`` The guys subject to the rules had no say in the matter , '' Horacek said .
`` There needs to be some representation for the minor-leaguers and amateur guys .
`` I do n't have a voice at the bargaining table but have a voice on Twitter and through media .
I do n't think support from MLB players is enough ...
I think one of the best routes would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giving us a seat at the table for at least partial representation . ''

The Houston Astros have pledged to pay minor- league players through August amid the league's suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- Hundreds of Minor League Baseball players have been released during the pandemic's suspension of play -- or had their poverty-level pay cut -- with many afraid to speak out because they have no union representation. "They know they can be released anytime for any reason," Minnesota Twins prospect Mitch Horacek said in a recent interview. "That brings up so many problems. It's really hard to speak truth to power because you could be done and that's the end of your career, so you have to weigh the consequences." Advertisement
Those who lost their jobs also lost health insurance during the coronavirus crisis. With families to support, some can no longer justify pursuing a lifelong dream to play baseball and have moved into other careers.MLB teams agreed to pay MiLB players $400 weekly stipends in April and May. About 25 percent of MLB teams have committed to paying minor-leaguers through at least August. Players from other teams haven't been so lucky.
Advertisement
"We're humans," said Dylan Rheault, who was released by the Cincinnati Reds on June 1. "People always say 'I'd play for free.' Come play for free and support your family. Come play for free and try and eat. Come play for free and try and train. Then tell me how you would play for free.
"I hope it's fair and that the next generation of baseball players gets the opportunity to play for a livable wage ... They either need to pay us or get rid of a lot of it."
The Oakland Athletics initially stopped paying players on their minor-league rosters before they changed course Friday after widespread criticism from players and fans. They also haven't made major roster cuts, while other MLB teams have released an unprecedented number of minor-leaguers.
"I was told there was nothing I could have done," Rheault said. "I don't have enough Double-A or Triple-A time. [The Reds] told me to go to Double-A and prove myself, but without a season, I don't have that chance.
"They gave me my release because they don't know what the landscape will be next year."
MLB stars like Mike Clevinger, David Price, Sean Doolittle, Daniel Murphy and Shin-Soo Choo have tried to help. Price, Murphy and Choo pledged to pay the players out of their own pockets. Doolittle and his Washington Nationals teammates offered to pay their minor-leaguers $100 per week after their franchise planned to trim already slashed weekly stipends by that amount. Clevinger has been active on social media in support of the players.
Advertisement Here's a final pay stub of a TRIPLE-A national champion pic.twitter.com/3yoK5TuLgE— Tyler Cyr (@tycyr93) October 7, 2019
Agent Scott Boras has committed to paying his released minor-league clients their expected salaries himself.
"One [MLB] player can pay $1,000 to each MiLB player in his organization. Meanwhile, an entire organization pays their players nothing. True colors," Athletics prospect Peter Bayer tweeted.
The MLB Players Union and team owners are working toward a decision for a season return, while MiLB players are on the outside of those talks. MLB players have guaranteed contracts and union protection, which balance their power with billionaire team owners.
MiLB future in doubt
The average salary for a player in Triple-A -- the highest level of MiLB -- was $10,000 in 2019, with players at lower levels earning much less. MLB's minimum salary is about $565,000. MiLB players find it hard to have long-term side jobs because of the time they devote to preparation. They typically turn to jobs like ride-shares, food delivery and youth baseball instructors.
Horacek -- a Dartmouth College graduate -- teamed up with St. Louis Cardinals prospect Anthony Shew for a web development agency. Rheault also works as a throwing instructor and trainer. Those side jobs could become permanent amid the hiatus from the diamond.
Advertisement
"Tons of players have said they are giving up a career," Horacek said. "You have to put food on the table somehow and can't wait until next February for spring training or April for when your first paycheck comes.
"I'm 28 years old. In the minors, being 28 with no major-league time ... I'm old. It sucks because not having a season this year, it further deteriorates my stock because next year I'll be in same boat, but I'll be one year older without any stats this year."
Players know a 2020 MiLB season is unlikely. The future of the league, as they know it, is also in doubt. The MLB has proposed eliminating as many as 40 minor-league teams for the 2021 season. That move would likely improve quality of play but also end the careers of more than 1,000 players. It would also displace concession workers, ushers and other employees of small-town baseball stadiums.
Minor-league advocates
Former minor-leaguer Garrett Broshuis was a founding member of Advocates for Minor Leaguers. The nonprofit group aims to fill the void left by a lack of union representation for the players. Hundreds of players have joined the group in the last few months.
Advertisement
"It has been really hard for these guys because when spring training ended they were basically thrown off on their own and told to continue training and continue to work as if there will be a minor-league season," Broshuis said.
"Players feel like they have been let down and are angry about how ownership treated them. MLB teams like to talk about players as being part of family. We saw a lot of instances where players weren't treated like family at all."
The opportunities will also be more rare for star prospects from high school, college or internationally. MLB team owners have cut the 2020 MLB Draft from 40 rounds to five. Teams can sign undrafted players for up to $20,000.
Horacek was a ninth-round pick in 2013 but would be undrafted under the terms of the new draft. A ninth-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft had a slot value of about $150,000 or $130,000 more than an undrafted free agent would be expected to earn in 2020.
"The guys subject to the rules had no say in the matter," Horacek said. "There needs to be some representation for the minor-leaguers and amateur guys.
"I don't have a voice at the bargaining table but have a voice on Twitter and through media. I don't think support from MLB players is enough ... I think one of the best routes would be the union taking us on. Giving us a seat at the table for at least partial representation."


upi--2020-06-08--On This Day, June 8: Marines rescue Scott O'Grady in Bosnia

On this date in history : In 1789 , James Madison proposed the Bill of Rights , which led to the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution .
In 1869 , Ives McGaffney of Chicago obtained a patent for a `` sweeping machine , '' the first vacuum cleaner .
In 1949 , an FBI report identified several Hollywood figures -- including Frederic March , Dalton Trumbo , John Garfield , Paul Muni and Edward G. Robinson -- as members of the Communist Party .
The document 's release came amid a so-called Red Scare in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an intelligence ship sailing in international waters off Egypt , was attacked by Israeli jet planes and torpedo boats .
Thirty-four Americans were killed in the attack , which Israel said was a case of mistaken identity .
In 1968 , James Earl Ray , an escaped convict , was arrested in London and charged with the April 4 assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Ray died in prison in 1998 .
In 1986 , Austrian voters elected Kurt Waldheim as president .
The former U.N. secretary-general 's campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nazi war crimes .
In 1994 , two of the major warring factions in Bosnia , the Muslim-Croat federation and the Bosnian Serbs , signed a cease-fire agreement .
In 1995 , U.S. Marines rescued downed American pilot Scott O'Grady in Bosnia .
In 2001 , Tropical Storm Allison strikes the Texas coast for the second time in three days .
The storm would go on to kill 50 people and cause $ 5 billion along the gulf and northeastern coasts .
In 2006 , the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were confirmed killed in an airstrike on a house north of Baquba .
In 2009 , North Korea sentenced American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling to 12 years in prison for `` illegal entry . ''
They were released after a visit by former U.S. President Bill Clinton .
In 2012 , U.S. Marine Gen. John Allen , commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan , apologized to the Afghan people for the deaths of 18 civilians , including children , in an airstrike .
In 2019 , Australian Ashleigh Barty defeated Czech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 6-1 , to win the French Open .

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US Air Force Captains T.O. Hanford (L), Scott F. O'Grady (C) and Bob Wright speak at a news conference on June 10, 1995. On June 2, 1995, O'Grady's F-16 Fighting Falcon was shot down over Bosnia while he was flying in support of Operation Deny Flight. File Photo by Senior Airman Tana R. Hamilton/Department of Defense
On this date in history: In 1789, James Madison proposed the Bill of Rights, which led to the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement
In 1869, Ives McGaffney of Chicago obtained a patent for a "sweeping machine," the first vacuum cleaner.
In 1949, an FBI report identified several Hollywood figures -- including Frederic March, Dalton Trumbo, John Garfield, Paul Muni and Edward G. Robinson -- as members of the Communist Party. The document's release came amid a so-called Red Scare in the United States.
In 1967, the USS Liberty, an intelligence ship sailing in international waters off Egypt, was attacked by Israeli jet planes and torpedo boats. Thirty-four Americans were killed in the attack, which Israel said was a case of mistaken identity.
In 1968, James Earl Ray, an escaped convict, was arrested in London and charged with the April 4 assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Ray died in prison in 1998.
In 1986, Austrian voters elected Kurt Waldheim as president. The former U.N. secretary-general's campaign was plagued with allegations he was involved in Nazi war crimes.
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In 1994, two of the major warring factions in Bosnia, the Muslim-Croat federation and the Bosnian Serbs, signed a cease-fire agreement.
In 1995, U.S. Marines rescued downed American pilot Scott O'Grady in Bosnia.
In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison strikes the Texas coast for the second time in three days. The storm would go on to kill 50 people and cause $5 billion along the gulf and northeastern coasts.
File Photo by A.J. Sisco/UPI
In 2006, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and seven others were confirmed killed in an airstrike on a house north of Baquba.
In 2009, North Korea sentenced American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling to 12 years in prison for "illegal entry." They were released after a visit by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Advertisement
In 2012, U.S. Marine Gen. John Allen, commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, apologized to the Afghan people for the deaths of 18 civilians, including children, in an airstrike.
In 2013, Princess Madeleine of Sweden married British-American businessman Christopher O'Neill.
In 2019, Australian Ashleigh Barty defeated Czech Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1, to win the French Open.


upi--2020-06-08--Denver police bans chokeholds, requires body-cameras in response to protests

June 8 ( UPI ) -- The Denver Police Department has announced changes to its use of force policy , including the banning of all chokeholds , following departments in several cities doing likewise amid nationwide protests against police brutality .
Denver authorities announced late Sunday in a statement that effective immediately officers must activate body-worn cameras when executing tactical operations and report to a supervisor if they intentionally point a firearm at a person while existing policy has been updated to ban chokeholds and carotid compression holds `` with no exceptions . ''
`` We will continue to evaluate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvements as needed in the interest of public and officer safety , '' said Police Chief Paul Pazen in a statement .
The changes were made through collaboration with the department 's Use of Force Committee and in consideration of recommendations from the Center for Policing Equity , the department said .
Elisabeth Epps , who resigned from the Use of Force Committee last week , tweeted she was at police headquarters with protesters reading a list of demands as she saw an email from Pazen stating the policy changes .
`` 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplished more than 2+ years of Use of Force meetings [ with ] cops , '' she said .
`` Maybe we should stay out here all summer . ''
The changes came amid nationwide protests against police brutality and calling for racial equality that were ignited by the police-involved killing of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis .
Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , was killed while being arrested by Derek Chauvin , a white police officer .
Video of the arrest shows Chauvin with his knee in the neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than eight minutes as three other officers looked on .
The protests have rocked cities throughout the United States , and numerous police departments have moved to change policies in response .
Last week , police departments throughout San Diego County announced bans on the carotid hold followed by California Gov .
Gavin Newsom stating Friday he has instructed police top brass statewide to not allow officers to use the hold .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also said $ 150 million would be stripped from the LAPD 's budget and shifted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday also announced funds from the NYPD budget will be allocated for similar community programs as well as several changes to policing policies .
The changes by Denver , however , follow a federal judge late last week ordering a temporary restraining order barring police from using non-lethal crowd dispersing devices , such as tear gas , pepper spray and rubber bullets , after a complaint was filed due to their use against protesters .
`` We will comply with the judge 's directions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line with our community-consulted Use of Force Policy , '' police said in a statement .

Protesters march near the White House during a protest against racism and police violence in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 8 (UPI) -- The Denver Police Department has announced changes to its use of force policy, including the banning of all chokeholds, following departments in several cities doing likewise amid nationwide protests against police brutality. Denver authorities announced late Sunday in a statement that effective immediately officers must activate body-worn cameras when executing tactical operations and report to a supervisor if they intentionally point a firearm at a person while existing policy has been updated to ban chokeholds and carotid compression holds "with no exceptions." Advertisement
"We will continue to evaluate our policies with community input and make improvements as needed in the interest of public and officer safety," said Police Chief Paul Pazen in a statement.
The changes were made through collaboration with the department's Use of Force Committee and in consideration of recommendations from the Center for Policing Equity, the department said.
Elisabeth Epps, who resigned from the Use of Force Committee last week, tweeted she was at police headquarters with protesters reading a list of demands as she saw an email from Pazen stating the policy changes.
"1 week of protest has in many ways accomplished more than 2+ years of Use of Force meetings [with] cops," she said. "Maybe we should stay out here all summer."
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The changes came amid nationwide protests against police brutality and calling for racial equality that were ignited by the police-involved killing of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed while being arrested by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer. Video of the arrest shows Chauvin with his knee in the neck of a prostrate and handcuffed Floyd for more than eight minutes as three other officers looked on.
The protests have rocked cities throughout the United States, and numerous police departments have moved to change policies in response.
Last week, police departments throughout San Diego County announced bans on the carotid hold followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom stating Friday he has instructed police top brass statewide to not allow officers to use the hold.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also said $150 million would be stripped from the LAPD's budget and shifted to fund social programs in communities of color.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday also announced funds from the NYPD budget will be allocated for similar community programs as well as several changes to policing policies.
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The changes by Denver, however, follow a federal judge late last week ordering a temporary restraining order barring police from using non-lethal crowd dispersing devices, such as tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets, after a complaint was filed due to their use against protesters.
"We will comply with the judge's directions, many of which are already in line with our community-consulted Use of Force Policy," police said in a statement.


upi--2020-06-08--Trump withdraws National Guard from D.C., de Blasio lifts NYC curfew

June 7 ( UPI ) -- Federal and local leaders on Sunday eased restrictions and deployment of military forces in response to nationwide protests sparked by the police-involved killing of George Floyd that continued over the weekend .
President Donald Trump on Sunday tweeted he had ordered the National Guard to withdraw from Washington , D.C. , but warned they can `` quickly return '' if demonstrations once again escalate .
The National Guard on Saturday said that more than 5,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen from 11 states and Washington , D.C. , were manning traffic control points and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy confirmed to reporters during a press call later Sunday that all out-of-state National Guardsmen in Washington , D.C. , would be withdrawn over the next 72 hours .
`` Over the course of these last 48 hours , the National Guard , as well as our interagency partners working with [ D.C. ] Chief of Police Peter Newsham , looked at the trends , saw that it had become very peaceful in nature , and started to develop a plan for withdrawal of first out-of-state National Guardsmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how do we get on a glide path to turning off the D.C. Guard , '' McCarthy said .
Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser shared a letter to Trump dated Thursday calling for the president to withdraw all extraordinary law enforcement and military presence from the city in addition to similar letters to New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy and Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , calling on them to remove their National Guard forces from the area .
Earlier in the week , Trump called for all U.S. governors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protests .
Trump also faced criticism from Bowser as well as prominent Democrats and military officials after he threatened to deploy the military against protesters and federal law enforcement forcefully cleared protesters near the White House to allow him to pose for photos at St. John 's Episcopal Church .
Pentagon adviser James Miller also moved to resign in protest over Defense Secretary Mike Esper 's involvement in the decision .
Colin Powell , who served as secretary of state under George W. Bush and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton , on Sunday told CNN 's State of the Union he believes that Trump has `` drifted away '' from the Constitution , praising military officials for their criticism of Trump 's policies .
`` We have a Constitution and we have to follow that Constitution , '' said Powell .
Powell also declared he plans to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election , saying he is very close to him `` on a social matter and on a political matter , '' adding he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accusing him of lying `` all the time '' Trump responded to Powell 's comments on Twitter describing him as a `` real stiff '' and criticizing his involvement in the United States entering the war against Iraq during the Bush administration .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also announced that the California National Guard departed the second-most populated U.S. city on Sunday night following several days of peaceful protests .
Garcetti , who had requested Gov .
Gavin Newsom to deploy the National Guard on May 31 to aid local law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement that `` a small number of units '' will remain stationed nearby until Wednesday to provide emergency support if needed .
`` I 'm proud that our city has been peaceful this week -- and that our residents are leading a powerful movement to make Los Angeles more just , equitable and fair for black Angelenos , communities of color and all our workers , youth and families , '' he said .
In New York City , Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sunday that the city was lifting its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be implemented from 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. Monday , and introduced a series of police reforms , including shifting funding from the NYPD to social services for communities of color .
The decision to lift the curfew followed a legal threat against extending the curfew from the New York American Civil Liberties Union and New York Police Department Commissioner Dermont Shea saying curfews were not effective during an appearance on NBC 's Today show .
`` The problem is , people need to listen to a curfew and that 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If people think it will they do n't understand what 's going on , '' Shea said .
During a news conference Sunday , de Blasio also said two NYPD officers have been suspended without pay and will face further disciplinary actions for harming protesters during the demonstrations .
One officer was accused of shoving a woman to the ground while the other allegedly pulled down a protester 's face covering and sprayed the person with pepper spray .
The mayor also announced reforms to the NYPD that will occur over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city that profoundly addresses injustice and disparity . ''
Though the amount of funds is not yet known , `` significant savings '' in the NYPD budget will be put toward youth development and social services for communities of color , his office said in a statement .
The city will also shift enforcement for street vending out of NYPD to reduce interactions between uniform officers and New Yorkers and they will integrate community voices into senior levels of the police force through hiring community ambassadors , creating a venue to address complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hears New Yorkers .
`` This is directly related to the disparities that are so painfully evident in this city and the disparities that were made so clear by the coronavirus , '' de Blasio said during a press conference .
Late last week , Garcetti also announced that up to $ 150 million would be defunded from the LAPD as part of reallocating of some $ 250 million from the city 's budget to fund programs for communities of color .
Curfews were also lifted Sunday in Chicago and Philadelphia .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in the Twin Cities in Minnesota on Friday night .
Los Angeles County revoked its curfew Thursday night .

1/6
Protesters rally during demonstrations against police brutality and the death of George Floyd on Saturday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
June 7 (UPI) -- Federal and local leaders on Sunday eased restrictions and deployment of military forces in response to nationwide protests sparked by the police-involved killing of George Floyd that continued over the weekend. President Donald Trump on Sunday tweeted he had ordered the National Guard to withdraw from Washington, D.C., but warned they can "quickly return" if demonstrations once again escalate. Advertisement
The National Guard on Saturday said that more than 5,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen from 11 states and Washington, D.C., were manning traffic control points and aid stations in the nation's capital.
Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy confirmed to reporters during a press call later Sunday that all out-of-state National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., would be withdrawn over the next 72 hours.
"Over the course of these last 48 hours, the National Guard, as well as our interagency partners working with [D.C.] Chief of Police Peter Newsham, looked at the trends, saw that it had become very peaceful in nature, and started to develop a plan for withdrawal of first out-of-state National Guardsmen supporting the D.C. Guard -- and then how do we get on a glide path to turning off the D.C. Guard," McCarthy said.
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Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser shared a letter to Trump dated Thursday calling for the president to withdraw all extraordinary law enforcement and military presence from the city in addition to similar letters to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, calling on them to remove their National Guard forces from the area.
Earlier in the week, Trump called for all U.S. governors to deploy the National Guard in response to the protests.
Trump also faced criticism from Bowser as well as prominent Democrats and military officials after he threatened to deploy the military against protesters and federal law enforcement forcefully cleared protesters near the White House to allow him to pose for photos at St. John's Episcopal Church. Pentagon adviser James Miller also moved to resign in protest over Defense Secretary Mike Esper's involvement in the decision.
Colin Powell, who served as secretary of state under George W. Bush and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, on Sunday told CNN's State of the Union he believes that Trump has "drifted away" from the Constitution, praising military officials for their criticism of Trump's policies.
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"We have a Constitution and we have to follow that Constitution," said Powell.
Powell also declared he plans to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, saying he is very close to him "on a social matter and on a political matter," adding he believes Trump has not been an effective president and accusing him of lying "all the time"
Trump responded to Powell's comments on Twitter describing him as a "real stiff" and criticizing his involvement in the United States entering the war against Iraq during the Bush administration.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also announced that the California National Guard departed the second-most populated U.S. city on Sunday night following several days of peaceful protests.
Garcetti, who had requested Gov. Gavin Newsom to deploy the National Guard on May 31 to aid local law enforcement with protests, said Sunday in a statement that "a small number of units" will remain stationed nearby until Wednesday to provide emergency support if needed.
"I'm proud that our city has been peaceful this week -- and that our residents are leading a powerful movement to make Los Angeles more just, equitable and fair for black Angelenos, communities of color and all our workers, youth and families," he said.
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In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sunday that the city was lifting its curfew, which had previously been planned to be implemented from 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. Monday, and introduced a series of police reforms, including shifting funding from the NYPD to social services for communities of color.
The decision to lift the curfew followed a legal threat against extending the curfew from the New York American Civil Liberties Union and New York Police Department Commissioner Dermont Shea saying curfews were not effective during an appearance on NBC's Today show.
"The problem is, people need to listen to a curfew and that's not going to happen first and foremost. If people think it will they don't understand what's going on," Shea said.
During a news conference Sunday, de Blasio also said two NYPD officers have been suspended without pay and will face further disciplinary actions for harming protesters during the demonstrations. One officer was accused of shoving a woman to the ground while the other allegedly pulled down a protester's face covering and sprayed the person with pepper spray.
The mayor also announced reforms to the NYPD that will occur over the next 18 months "to rebuild a fairer city that profoundly addresses injustice and disparity."
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Though the amount of funds is not yet known, "significant savings" in the NYPD budget will be put toward youth development and social services for communities of color, his office said in a statement. The city will also shift enforcement for street vending out of NYPD to reduce interactions between uniform officers and New Yorkers and they will integrate community voices into senior levels of the police force through hiring community ambassadors, creating a venue to address complaints and concerns and ensure the NYPD leadership hears New Yorkers.
"This is directly related to the disparities that are so painfully evident in this city and the disparities that were made so clear by the coronavirus," de Blasio said during a press conference.
BREAKING: @NYCMayor announces new policing reforms in New York City: pic.twitter.com/aWQgz0NBDK— City of New York (@nycgov) June 7, 2020
Late last week, Garcetti also announced that up to $150 million would be defunded from the LAPD as part of reallocating of some $250 million from the city's budget to fund programs for communities of color.
Curfews were also lifted Sunday in Chicago and Philadelphia. They ended Saturday in Atlanta and Dallas, and in the Twin Cities in Minnesota on Friday night. Los Angeles County revoked its curfew Thursday night.


upi--2020-06-07--Falcons' Dan Quinn, Thomas Dimitroff, players attend peaceful protest in Atlanta

June 7 ( UPI ) -- Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were among thousands of people who participated in a peaceful protest Sunday in Atlanta .
Quinn and Dimitroff joined fellow protesters and members of the Falcons organization in a march to Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp 's mansion in an effort to fight racial injustice .
Falcons players Ricardo Allen , LaRoy Reynolds , Tyeler Davison and Mykal Walker also participated , along with assistant coaches Doug Mallory and Bernie Parmalee .
`` What I 've learned about leadership is that it is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold ourselves accountable to help those around us , '' Quinn said in a statement .
`` That 's what I wanted to do today . ''
The group `` Buckhead4BlackLives '' -- a local contingent of high school and college students -- organized the event , which featured a three-minute kneel by the crowd and a moment of silence in honor of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery .
The recent deaths of Floyd , Taylor and Arbery have sparked nationwide protests and calls for change .
Other athletes involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area included Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson , University of Virginia linebacker Nick Jackson , Notre Dame football players K.J .
Wallace and Kyle Hamilton and Samford wide receiver Peyton Ringer .
On Friday , Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan created a GoFundMe called `` Advancing The Lives ( ATL ) Of The Black Community '' and donated $ 500,000 to the initiative .
As of Sunday night , the fundraiser , which was made to help support the black community in Atlanta , has raised more than $ 650,000 .
Quinn donated $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed $ 10,000 .
Meanwhile , members of the Broncos organization led a peaceful protest Saturday at Civic Center Park in Denver .
Star linebacker Von Miller , defensive back Kareem Jackson and quarterback Drew Lock were among the Broncos players who took part in the march and protest .
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio , president and CEO Joe Ellis and vice president of strategic initiatives Brittany Bowlen also were in attendance .

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (pictured) previously donated to quarterback Matt Ryan's fundraiser to help support the black community in Atlanta. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
June 7 (UPI) -- Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were among thousands of people who participated in a peaceful protest Sunday in Atlanta. Quinn and Dimitroff joined fellow protesters and members of the Falcons organization in a march to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's mansion in an effort to fight racial injustice. Falcons players Ricardo Allen, LaRoy Reynolds, Tyeler Davison and Mykal Walker also participated, along with assistant coaches Doug Mallory and Bernie Parmalee. Advertisement
"What I've learned about leadership is that it is about other people, and we have to hold ourselves accountable to help those around us," Quinn said in a statement. "That's what I wanted to do today."
The group "Buckhead4BlackLives" -- a local contingent of high school and college students -- organized the event, which featured a three-minute kneel by the crowd and a moment of silence in honor of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. The recent deaths of Floyd, Taylor and Arbery have sparked nationwide protests and calls for change.
Advertisement Today, our players, coaches and families marched for what is right. pic.twitter.com/sEgTsJMpjx— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 7, 2020
Other athletes involved in Sunday's demonstration in the Atlanta area included Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson, University of Virginia linebacker Nick Jackson, Notre Dame football players K.J. Wallace and Kyle Hamilton and Samford wide receiver Peyton Ringer.
On Friday, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan created a GoFundMe called "Advancing The Lives (ATL) Of The Black Community" and donated $500,000 to the initiative. As of Sunday night, the fundraiser, which was made to help support the black community in Atlanta, has raised more than $650,000.
Quinn donated $25,000 to the fundraiser, and Dimitroff contributed $10,000.
Meanwhile, members of the Broncos organization led a peaceful protest Saturday at Civic Center Park in Denver. Star linebacker Von Miller, defensive back Kareem Jackson and quarterback Drew Lock were among the Broncos players who took part in the march and protest.
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, president and CEO Joe Ellis and vice president of strategic initiatives Brittany Bowlen also were in attendance.


upi--2020-06-07--British protesters topple statue of 17th century slave trader

June 7 ( UPI ) -- Anti-racism protesters in Britain on Sunday torn down the statue of a 17th-century slave trader and threw it into the Bristol Harbor , authorities said .
Thousands of people took to the streets in the southwestern British city on Sunday to protest the police-involved death of George Floyd , a black American who was killed May 25 in Minneapolis while being arrested by a white police officer , when protesters yanked down the statue of Edward Colston that stood in the city center with ropes .
Video of the incident posted online shows demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the River Avon to cheers of the onlooking crowd .
Avon and Somerset Police said only a small minority `` committed an act of criminal damage in pulling down a statue near Bristol Harborside . ''
`` An investigation will be carried out to identify those involved and we 're already collating footage of the incident , '' police superintendent Andy Bennett said in a statement .
Bennett said some 10,000 people attended the Black Lives Matter demonstration , the vast majority of whom peacefully and respectfully voiced `` their concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Marvin Rees told Channel 4 News that as a politician he ca n't condone damage to the city but that he did not support the statue .
`` What I can not do as an elected politician is support criminal damage or social disorder like this but I would never pretend that the statue of a slaver in the middle of Bristol , the city in which I grew up , and someone who may well have owned one of my ancestors was anything other than a personal affront to me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a controversial figure as he is known as both a philanthropist and a slave trader , according to the Museums of Bristol website .
The website states that he sat on the governing body of the Royal African Company , which dealt in slaves , for 11 years .
The statue of Colston was pulled down as a petition online with more than 11,000 signatures called for its removal .
Andrew Adonis , a politician with the British Labor Party , tweeted he hoped no legal action would be taken `` against those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's statue . ''
`` This should have happened decades ago , '' he said .
`` His name has been removed from other monuments in Bristol .
No way should we be celebrating slave traders today . ''

June 7 (UPI) -- Anti-racism protesters in Britain on Sunday torn down the statue of a 17th-century slave trader and threw it into the Bristol Harbor, authorities said.
Thousands of people took to the streets in the southwestern British city on Sunday to protest the police-involved death of George Floyd, a black American who was killed May 25 in Minneapolis while being arrested by a white police officer, when protesters yanked down the statue of Edward Colston that stood in the city center with ropes.
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Video of the incident posted online shows demonstrators roll the bronze statue over a railing into the River Avon to cheers of the onlooking crowd.
Avon and Somerset Police said only a small minority "committed an act of criminal damage in pulling down a statue near Bristol Harborside."
"An investigation will be carried out to identify those involved and we're already collating footage of the incident," police superintendent Andy Bennett said in a statement.
Bennett said some 10,000 people attended the Black Lives Matter demonstration, the vast majority of whom peacefully and respectfully voiced "their concerns about racial inequality and injustice."
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Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees told Channel 4 News that as a politician he can't condone damage to the city but that he did not support the statue.
"What I cannot do as an elected politician is support criminal damage or social disorder like this but I would never pretend that the statue of a slaver in the middle of Bristol, the city in which I grew up, and someone who may well have owned one of my ancestors was anything other than a personal affront to me," he said.
Edward Colston is a controversial figure as he is known as both a philanthropist and a slave trader, according to the Museums of Bristol website.
The website states that he sat on the governing body of the Royal African Company, which dealt in slaves, for 11 years.
The statue of Colston was pulled down as a petition online with more than 11,000 signatures called for its removal.
Andrew Adonis, a politician with the British Labor Party, tweeted he hoped no legal action would be taken "against those who removed mass slave trader Edward Colston's statue."
"This should have happened decades ago," he said. "His name has been removed from other monuments in Bristol. No way should we be celebrating slave traders today."


upi--2020-06-07--Former Cincinnati Bengals star, Florida A&M coach Ken Riley dies at 72

June 7 ( UPI ) -- Former Florida A & M head coach and athletic director Ken Riley , who was an All-Pro defensive back for the Cincinnati Bengals , died Sunday , the university announced .
He was 72 .
The school said Riley died in his hometown of Bartow , Fla .
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Tallahassee Democrat , Riley suffered a heart attack .
Riley played 15 seasons for the Bengals and recorded 65 interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns -- all franchise records .
His 65 career picks are the fifth-most in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career , Riley was a four-year starter at quarterback for the Florida A & M Rattlers .
`` FAMU athletics and the entire Rattler Nation is deeply saddened of the passing of former FAMU football player , head coach , athletics director and NFL great Ken Riley , '' Florida A & M athletic director Kortne Gosha said in a statement Sunday .
`` We wish his family our deepest condolences . ''
The Bengals selected Riley in the sixth round of the 1969 AFL-NFL Draft .
Under former coach Paul Brown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was black -- to cornerback .
At that time , black starting quarterbacks in the league were unheard of .
`` When he came here , Kenny and Lemar Parrish had never played cornerback , and they 're the two best we 've ever had .
And we 've had a lot of good ones , '' Bengals owner Mike Brown said in a statement .
`` Everybody here loved Kenny .
We put him over there for a decade and a half and we did n't have to worry about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of the ball as a great interceptor and he was an excellent tackler , even though he was n't a very big man .
I 'm going to miss him .
He was a good guy and a solid man .
We send our condolences to his family . ''
Riley spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers before taking over as head coach at Florida A & M .
He posted a 48-39-2 record from 1986-93 at the school , winning two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honors twice .
Riley , who was a three-time All-Pro choice with the Bengals , is a member of the Florida A & M Hall of Fame and the Black College Football Hall of Fame .

June 7 (UPI) -- Former Florida A&M head coach and athletic director Ken Riley, who was an All-Pro defensive back for the Cincinnati Bengals, died Sunday, the university announced. He was 72.
The school said Riley died in his hometown of Bartow, Fla. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Tallahassee Democrat, Riley suffered a heart attack.
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Riley played 15 seasons for the Bengals and recorded 65 interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns -- all franchise records. His 65 career picks are the fifth-most in NFL history.
Before his standout NFL career, Riley was a four-year starter at quarterback for the Florida A&M Rattlers.
"FAMU athletics and the entire Rattler Nation is deeply saddened of the passing of former FAMU football player, head coach, athletics director and NFL great Ken Riley," Florida A&M athletic director Kortne Gosha said in a statement Sunday. "We wish his family our deepest condolences."
The Bengals selected Riley in the sixth round of the 1969 AFL-NFL Draft. Under former coach Paul Brown, the team decided to convert Riley -- who was black -- to cornerback. At that time, black starting quarterbacks in the league were unheard of.
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"When he came here, Kenny and Lemar Parrish had never played cornerback, and they're the two best we've ever had. And we've had a lot of good ones," Bengals owner Mike Brown said in a statement. "Everybody here loved Kenny. We put him over there for a decade and a half and we didn't have to worry about it.
"Kenny was quick to the point of the ball as a great interceptor and he was an excellent tackler, even though he wasn't a very big man. I'm going to miss him. He was a good guy and a solid man. We send our condolences to his family."
We mourn the passing of one of the greatest Bengals ever, Ken Riley (1947-2020). In 15 seasons with the team, Ken accumulated the fifth-most interceptions in NFL history and was selected as an All-Pro three times. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/e2AXAAi3Kw— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) June 7, 2020
Riley spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers before taking over as head coach at Florida A&M. He posted a 48-39-2 record from 1986-93 at the school, winning two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and earning MEAC Coach of the Year honors twice.
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Riley, who was a three-time All-Pro choice with the Bengals, is a member of the Florida A&M Hall of Fame and the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Notable deaths of 2020