upi--2020-06-01--Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System now has ground-to-ground capability

June 1 ( UPI ) -- A ground-to-ground test of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rocket , normally launched from the air , was a success , BAE Systems announced on Monday .
The tests were conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona , with APKWS rockets fired from a launcher built specifically for ground vehicles by Missouri-based Arnold Defense and Electronics LLC .
The U.S. Navy also collaborated in the tests , BAE said .
BAE built the standard 2.75-inch [ 70 mm ] laser-guided test rockets , which are regarded as about one-third the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inches in length and weighing 32 pounds each , the `` Fletcher '' rockets are normally fired air-to-ground or air-to-air , from an assortment of fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms .
Four branches of the US .
military , and over a dozen allies , use the rocket .
`` Our customers see the value in low-cost , precision-strike capabilities that reduce the risk of collateral damage , and they want the flexibility to deliver them from the platform of their choice , '' Greg Procopio , director of precision guidance and sensing solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press release .
`` Demand is growing for ground-to-ground precision munitions that provide a safe standoff distance for small ground units .
We 're working closely with our customer and partners to deliver that capability . ''
Ground-launched APKWS rockets could provide engagement of soft and lightly armored targets and are suitable for tactical lightweight vehicles , remote weapon stations , non-standard tactical vehicles , and stationary platforms , the company said .
BAE has worked to increase the flexibility of the system , and in 2019 the U.S. Air Force successfully tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ APKWS units have been delivered since it entered service in 2012 .

The first ground-to-ground test of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System was a success, BAE Systems said on Monday. Photo courtesy of Arnold Defense and Electronics
June 1 (UPI) -- A ground-to-ground test of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rocket, normally launched from the air, was a success, BAE Systems announced on Monday. The tests were conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, with APKWS rockets fired from a launcher built specifically for ground vehicles by Missouri-based Arnold Defense and Electronics LLC. Advertisement
The U.S. Navy also collaborated in the tests, BAE said.
BAE built the standard 2.75-inch [70 mm] laser-guided test rockets, which are regarded as about one-third the cost of similar rockets.
At 73.8 inches in length and weighing 32 pounds each, the "Fletcher" rockets are normally fired air-to-ground or air-to-air, from an assortment of fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. Four branches of the US. military, and over a dozen allies, use the rocket.
"Our customers see the value in low-cost,precision-strike capabilities that reduce the risk of collateral damage, and they want the flexibility to deliver them from the platform of their choice," Greg Procopio, director of precision guidance and sensing solutions at BAE Systems, said in a press release. "Demand is growing for ground-to-ground precision munitions that provide a safe standoff distance for small ground units. We're working closely with our customer and partners to deliver that capability."
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Ground-launched APKWS rockets could provide engagement of soft and lightly armored targets and are suitable for tactical lightweight vehicles,remote weapon stations, non-standard tactical vehicles, and stationary platforms, the company said.
BAE has worked to increase the flexibility of the system, and in 2019 the U.S. Air Force successfully tested it for missile defense.
Over 35,000 APKWS units have been delivered since it entered service in 2012.


upi--2020-06-01--West Point cadets returning for graduation test positive for COVID-19

June 1 ( UPI ) -- As many as 16 cadets returning to the U.S. Military Academy for graduation ceremonies have tested positive for the coronavirus , the U.S. Army said on Monday .
The graduating seniors of the West Point , N.Y. , academy , about 40 miles north of New York City , returned to their homes across the country after classes were cancelled in May , but were recalled for the June 13 festivities , USA Today and CNN reported .
President Donald Trump is scheduled to give the commencement address .
Returning cadets are subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City as they return to West Point , and a quarantine period when they arrive .
About 850 of 1,000 graduating cadets have returned so far .
`` The Army and West Point have done meticulous planning to ensure the health and safety of the returning cadets of the U.S.Military Academy 's Class of 2020 , '' an Army spokesperson said on Monday .
`` There is mandatory screening for all and we 've had a small number , about 1.5 percent , test positive .
This was anticipated .
None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted [ the virus ] through person-to-person contact while under the Army 's care .
Those who test positive are isolated , and receive appropriate care and attention , while we continue an orderly reintegration of our cadets . ''
The U.S Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , Colo. , held a ceremony in April , a month earlier than planned , which included social distancing and remarks by Vice President Mike Pence .
The ceremony was held about a month earlier than planned after seniors had been sequestered on campus while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the U.S .
Naval Academy conducted a virtual graduation in May , with pre-recorded remarks by Defense Secretary Mark Esper , as well as five separate post-graduation swearing-in ceremonies for the graduates , now new Navy officers , at the Annapolis , Md.
, campus .
Trump 's plans to speak at West Point have been criticized as a needless political stunt potentially endangering the cadets lives , although Army officers noted the graduates needed to return to the campus to pass physical examinations and recover personal belongings .

About 16 of 850 cadets who have returned so far to the U.S., Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., for their June 13 graduation ceremonies have tested positive for the coronavirus, an Army spokesperson said on Monday. Photo courtesy of USMA
June 1 (UPI) -- As many as 16 cadets returning to the U.S. Military Academy for graduation ceremonies have tested positive for the coronavirus, the U.S. Army said on Monday. The graduating seniors of the West Point, N.Y.,academy, about 40 miles north of New York City, returned to their homes across the country after classes were cancelled in May, but were recalled for the June 13 festivities, USA Today and CNN reported. Advertisement
President Donald Trump is scheduled to give the commencement address. Returning cadets are subject to an elaborate protocol which includes avoidance of New York City as they return to West Point, and a quarantine period when they arrive. About 850 of 1,000 graduating cadets have returned so far.
"The Army and West Point have done meticulous planning to ensure the health and safety of the returning cadets of the U.S.Military Academy's Class of 2020," an Army spokesperson said on Monday.
"There is mandatory screening for all and we've had a small number, about 1.5 percent, test positive. This was anticipated. None were symptomatic, and no cadet has contracted [the virus] through person-to-person contact while under the Army's care. Those who test positive are isolated, and receive appropriate care and attention, while we continue an orderly reintegration of our cadets."
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The U.S Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., held a ceremony in April, a month earlier than planned, which included social distancing and remarks by Vice President Mike Pence. The ceremony was held about a month earlier than planned after seniors had been sequestered on campus while underclassmen were sent home.
In contrast, the U.S. Naval Academy conducted a virtual graduation in May, with pre-recorded remarks by Defense Secretary Mark Esper, as well as five separate post-graduation swearing-in ceremonies for the graduates, now new Navy officers, at the Annapolis, Md., campus.
Trump's plans to speak at West Point have been criticized as a needless political stunt potentially endangering the cadets lives, although Army officers noted the graduates needed to return to the campus to pass physical examinations and recover personal belongings.


upi--2020-06-01--Biden tells black leaders he will fight against institutional racism

June 1 ( UPI ) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden told African-American leaders Monday he would fight institutional racism and re-establish a Justice Department police oversight body if elected president .
Biden made the announcement to political , religious and education leaders gathered at Bethel AME Church in Wilmington , Del.
, to address ongoing protests nationwide .
The protests follow George Floyd 's death last week .
They were sparked by video showing police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd 's neck nearly nine minutes as Floyd was handcuffed , lying down .
Chauvin 's knee was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` I ca n't breathe , '' and repeatedly said , `` mama , '' and `` please , '' according to the criminal complaint .
It also included nearly three minutes when Floyd was non-responsive .
Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Friday .
Three other officers by his side during the incident have n't been charged .
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee listened and took notes before standing to address the crowd .
He said , if elected president , he would take action to address `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
`` We 're going to make sure that the economic recovery deals with ... institutional racism but also economic structures that need to be fixed , '' Biden said .
Biden also said he would put the oversight panel established during the Obama administration to investigate police practices back in place .
The nation needs to `` change the way police are trained , '' he said .
Biden added that changing the Senate makeup is also key to addressing racism through policy .
`` It 's not enough to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to win back the Senate .
We have to change the leadership in the Senate .
Mitch McConnell can not remain the majority leader in the Senate . ''
Though the group was full of support for Biden , there was also critical feedback , including some saying that under the Obama administration , there was not enough of an economic boost for the community .
One participant also raised concern about his involvement in the 1994 crime bill , which has been criticized for its mandatory minimum sentencing provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black woman as his running mate .
`` I promise you there are multiple African American candidates being considered , '' Biden said .
Prior to Monday 's meeting , Biden spoke with protesters in Wilmington on an unannounced trip unaccompanied by press , but his campaign later posted a photo of him at the protest site .

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden pledged Monday to fight "institutional racism." File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 1 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden told African-American leaders Monday he would fight institutional racism and re-establish a Justice Department police oversight body if elected president. Biden made the announcement to political, religious and education leaders gathered at Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Del., to address ongoing protests nationwide. The protests follow George Floyd's death last week. They were sparked by video showing police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck nearly nine minutes as Floyd was handcuffed, lying down. Advertisement
Chauvin's knee was on Floyd's neck while he was pleading, "I can't breathe," and repeatedly said, "mama," and "please," according to the criminal complaint. It also included nearly three minutes when Floyd was non-responsive. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Friday. Three other officers by his side during the incident haven't been charged.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee listened and took notes before standing to address the crowd. He said, if elected president, he would take action to address "institutional racism" within the first 100 days.
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"We're going to make sure that the economic recovery deals with ... institutional racism but also economic structures that need to be fixed," Biden said.
Biden also said he would put the oversight panel established during the Obama administration to investigate police practices back in place.
The nation needs to "change the way police are trained," he said.
Biden added that changing the Senate makeup is also key to addressing racism through policy.
"It's not enough to win the presidency," Biden said. "We have to win back the Senate. We have to change the leadership in the Senate. Mitch McConnell cannot remain the majority leader in the Senate."
Though the group was full of support for Biden, there was also critical feedback, including some saying that under the Obama administration, there was not enough of an economic boost for the community.
One participant also raised concern about his involvement in the 1994 crime bill, which has been criticized for its mandatory minimum sentencing provision.
Biden was also pressed on selecting a black woman as his running mate.
"I promise you there are multiple African American candidates being considered," Biden said.
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Prior to Monday's meeting, Biden spoke with protesters in Wilmington on an unannounced trip unaccompanied by press, but his campaign later posted a photo of him at the protest site.


upi--2020-06-01--Look: Calf stranded in mud rescued from drowning

June 1 ( UPI ) -- Animal rescuers in Britain said a calf was rescued from drowning in a mud pit , thanks to a sharp-eyed tram driver who spotted the bovine in distress .
The RSPCA said Inspector Ryan King responded to Rochdale , in the Manchester , England , area , after a tram driver contacted the organization to report a calf stuck up to its neck in the mud of a pond that had dried up due to recent hot weather .
`` An eagle-eyed tram driver had spotted the poor calf struggling as he drove into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning and alerted us , '' King said .
King said he arrived to find the calf was weak from struggling to free itself from the mud and was `` at risk of drowning . ''
`` I managed to get a towel under his nose to keep his head above the mud and water and make sure he could breathe while I set about freeing him , '' King said .
He said he ended up climbing into the mud himself to lift the calf to safety .
`` I used the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and use it as a sling to carefully pull him free and then gently wiggled his legs out as they were stuck fast , '' he said .
The calf was returned to its home at a nearby farm .
`` We later heard from the farmer that he 'd had a bath and bottle of milk and was safe and sound back at home , '' King said .

1/2
An RSPCA inspector responded to a muddy pond in Britain to rescue a calf spotted stuck up to its neck in the mud. Photo courtesy of the RSPCA
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe June 1 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers in Britain said a calf was rescued from drowning in a mud pit, thanks to a sharp-eyed tram driver who spotted the bovine in distress. The RSPCA said Inspector Ryan King responded to Rochdale, in the Manchester, England, area, after a tram driver contacted the organization to report a calf stuck up to its neck in the mud of a pond that had dried up due to recent hot weather. Advertisement
"An eagle-eyed tram driver had spotted the poor calf struggling as he drove into the Kingsway Park tram stop on Wednesday morning and alerted us," King said.
King said he arrived to find the calf was weak from struggling to free itself from the mud and was "at risk of drowning."
"I managed to get a towel under his nose to keep his head above the mud and water and make sure he could breathe while I set about freeing him," King said.
He said he ended up climbing into the mud himself to lift the calf to safety.
"I used the towel to feed it under his body and use it as a sling to carefully pull him free and then gently wiggled his legs out as they were stuck fast," he said.
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The calf was returned to its home at a nearby farm.
"We later heard from the farmer that he'd had a bath and bottle of milk and was safe and sound back at home," King said.


upi--2020-06-01--Sugary drinks biggest source of empty calories for kids

U.S. children and teenagers are still downing too many `` empty calories '' -- primarily from sugary beverages , sweets and pizza , a new government study finds .
The study , based on a long-running federal health survey , did turn up some good news : In recent years , kids have been eating fewer empty calories , versus a decade before .
The bad news is , by 2016 , those sources still accounted for more than one-quarter of kids ' total calories .
The term `` empty '' generally refers to food and drinks that provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutrition .
In this study , empty calories were defined as those coming from added sugars or `` solid '' fats , like butter and shortening .
Sugary drinks , the study found , have consistently been a top source of U.S. kids ' empty-calorie intake .
That 's not surprising , since added sugar lurks not only in sodas , but also sweetened juices , sports drinks , teas and milk , said lead researcher Edwina Wambogo , of the U.S. National Cancer Institute .
And that , said Wambogo , points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on empty calories : Watch the liquid sugar .
When it comes to preschoolers , in particular , she said , simply limiting sweetened juices and milks would go a long way .
As kids get a little older , the study found , soda becomes a prime sugar source , while foods like cookies , brownies and pizza provide a large share of total sugar , as well as solid fats .
That 's not to say there 's no value in any of those foods , Wambogo pointed out .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calcium .
And pizza provides protein , dairy and vegetables .
So context matters , Wambogo said .
If parents make a pizza topped with vegetables -- and get their kids to actually eat vegetables -- that 's different from feeding the family a diet full of take-out .
Wambogo was scheduled to present the findings Monday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition , being held online .
Data and conclusions presented at meetings are usually considered preliminary because they have n't yet been peer-reviewed for journal publication .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not involved in the study , agreed that kids ' overall diet is what 's critical .
And there can be room for pizza and chocolate milk .
`` Pizza is not the problem , '' said Diekman , a former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics .
`` The issue is -- what is on it , and what does the rest of your family 's eating plan look like ? ''
She suggested that parents focus on offering kids plenty of vegetables and fruits , whole grains , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Find foods within those groups that your kids enjoy and then build meals around those options , '' Diekman said .
`` If your kids love pizza , '' she added , `` then try either making it at home with all the veggies they love , a leaner meat and a bit less cheese -- or ordering a cheese pizza and adding steamed veggies . ''
Of course , Wambogo noted , kids eat outside of the home , too .
`` There 's a lot that policymakers can do , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wambogo added , the recent decline in empty calories may be partly related to school policies that removed sugary drinks from cafeterias and vending machines .
Diekman agreed , saying the general advice to parents applies to schools as well : Offer kids nutritious whole foods and limit the added sugar .
No one is saying , however , that parents should deny their kids all sweet treats .
`` You can reduce the amount of sugar without eliminating it , '' Wambogo said .
Everyone , she noted , likes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Academy of Pediatrics has nutrition tips for parents .

Sugary drinks, a new study found, have consistently been a top source of U.S. kids' empty-calorie intake. Photo by boaphotostudio /Pixabay
U.S. children and teenagers are still downing too many "empty calories" -- primarily from sugary beverages, sweets and pizza, a new government study finds. The study, based on a long-running federal health survey, did turn up some good news: In recent years, kids have been eating fewer empty calories, versus a decade before. Advertisement
The bad news is, by 2016, those sources still accounted for more than one-quarter of kids' total calories.
The term "empty" generally refers to food and drinks that provide a lot of calories but little to no nutrition. In this study, empty calories were defined as those coming from added sugars or "solid" fats, like butter and shortening.
Sugary drinks, the study found, have consistently been a top source of U.S. kids' empty-calorie intake. That's not surprising, since added sugar lurks not only in sodas, but also sweetened juices, sports drinks, teas and milk, said lead researcher Edwina Wambogo, of the U.S. National Cancer Institute.
Advertisement
And that, said Wambogo, points to a straightforward way to cut down on empty calories: Watch the liquid sugar.
When it comes to preschoolers, in particular, she said, simply limiting sweetened juices and milks would go a long way.
As kids get a little older, the study found, soda becomes a prime sugar source, while foods like cookies, brownies and pizza provide a large share of total sugar, as well as solid fats.
That's not to say there's no value in any of those foods, Wambogo pointed out. Even sweetened milk contains nutrients like protein and calcium. And pizza provides protein, dairy and vegetables.
So context matters, Wambogo said. If parents make a pizza topped with vegetables -- and get their kids to actually eat vegetables -- that's different from feeding the family a diet full of take-out.
Wambogo was scheduled to present the findings Monday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, being held online. Data and conclusions presented at meetings are usually considered preliminary because they haven't yet been peer-reviewed for journal publication.
Connie Diekman, a registered dietitian who was not involved in the study, agreed that kids' overall diet is what's critical. And there can be room for pizza and chocolate milk.
Advertisement
"Pizza is not the problem," said Diekman, a former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "The issue is -- what is on it, and what does the rest of your family's eating plan look like?"
She suggested that parents focus on offering kids plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy. "Find foods within those groups that your kids enjoy and then build meals around those options," Diekman said.
"If your kids love pizza," she added, "then try either making it at home with all the veggies they love, a leaner meat and a bit less cheese -- or ordering a cheese pizza and adding steamed veggies."
Of course, Wambogo noted, kids eat outside of the home, too. "There's a lot that policymakers can do, too," she said.
In fact, Wambogo added, the recent decline in empty calories may be partly related to school policies that removed sugary drinks from cafeterias and vending machines.
Diekman agreed, saying the general advice to parents applies to schools as well: Offer kids nutritious whole foods and limit the added sugar.
No one is saying, however, that parents should deny their kids all sweet treats. "You can reduce the amount of sugar without eliminating it," Wambogo said.
Advertisement
Everyone, she noted, likes a brownie now and then.
More information
The American Academy of Pediatrics has nutrition tips for parents.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-01--Watch: Hawaii fishermen donate 220-pound tuna catch to healthcare workers

June 1 ( UPI ) -- A group of Hawaii fishermen who landed a pair of yellowfin tuna weighing a total 220 pounds donated the fish to healthcare workers at local hospitals .
Kyle Nakamoto , executive producer of the diving show Hawaii Skin Diver TV , said he and four friends reeled in two massive yellowfin tuna during a recent outing , and they converted the 220 pounds of fish into meals for healthcare workers .
The fishermen took the tuna to a seafood distributor to have them cleaned , cooked and portioned into more than 300 poke bowls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Honolulu 's Straub Medical Center and The Queen 's Medical Center .
`` We are so grateful for all the donations we have received for our healthcare workers .
This particular donation of fresh ahi was especially thoughtful , and we appreciate the hard work and effort that went into catching it and preparing such a wonderful meal for our teams , '' Travis Clegg , chief operating officer at Straub Medical Center , told CNN .
Nakamoto said he and his team were inspired by the recent death of Setsuo Todoroki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was renowned for donating the fish he would catch to strangers in need .

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June 1 (UPI) -- A group of Hawaii fishermen who landed a pair of yellowfin tuna weighing a total 220 pounds donated the fish to healthcare workers at local hospitals.
Kyle Nakamoto, executive producer of the diving show Hawaii Skin Diver TV, said he and four friends reeled in two massive yellowfin tuna during a recent outing, and they converted the 220 pounds of fish into meals for healthcare workers.
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The fishermen took the tuna to a seafood distributor to have them cleaned, cooked and portioned into more than 300 poke bowls.
The bowls were distributed to workers at Honolulu's Straub Medical Center and The Queen's Medical Center.
"We are so grateful for all the donations we have received for our healthcare workers. This particular donation of fresh ahi was especially thoughtful, and we appreciate the hard work and effort that went into catching it and preparing such a wonderful meal for our teams," Travis Clegg, chief operating officer at Straub Medical Center, told CNN.
Nakamoto said he and his team were inspired by the recent death of Setsuo Todoroki, 104, a local man who was renowned for donating the fish he would catch to strangers in need.


upi--2020-06-01--Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison postpone stadium tour to 2021

June 1 ( UPI ) -- Def Leppard , Motley Crue , Poison and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts have @ @ @ @ @ tour until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The bands made the announcement on @ @ @ @ @ tour was set to kick off on June 18 in Jacksonville .
`` The new @ @ @ @ @ , your tickets will be honored for all postponed shows and refund policy information will @ @ @ @ @ '' the rock legends said in a joint statement on Twitter .
`` Stay tuned @ @ @ @ @ will see you next year ! ''
they continued .
The tour was set to @ @ @ @ @ the road together following the release of their Netflix biopic The Dirt .
Poison was @ @ @ @ @ original lineup of Bret Michaels , C.C .
DeVille , Bobby Dall and Rikki Rockett @ @ @ @ @ in May that they were postponing their planned 50th anniversary tour to 2021 due to @ @ @ @

June 1 (UPI) -- Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts have postponed their joint summer stadium tour until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bands made the announcement on Monday. The original stadium tour was set to kick off on June 18 in Jacksonville.
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"The new stadium dates are being rescheduled, your tickets will be honored for all postponed shows and refund policy information will be made available shortly," the rock legends said in a joint statement on Twitter.
"Stay tuned, be safe and we will see you next year!" they continued.
The tour was set to bring Motley Crue back on the road together following the release of their Netflix biopic The Dirt. Poison was set to tour with its original lineup of Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall and Rikki Rockett.
The Doobie Brothers announced in May that they were postponing their planned 50th anniversary tour to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


upi--2020-06-01--In Photos: Astronauts return to space from U.S. soil

Astronauts return to space from U.S. soil SpaceX 's first mission with NASA astronauts on board launched at 3:22 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ , from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.This was the first crewed launch from U.S. soil @ @ @ @ @ ended in 2011 .
The launch initially was scheduled to take place May 27 , @ @ @ @ @ liftoff due to bad weather .

NASA astronaut Douglas Hurley (C) waves to onlookers as he boards a plane at Naval Air Station Pensacola to return him and NASA astronaut Robert Behnken home to Houston a few hours after the duo landed in their SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft off the coast of Pensacola, Fla,, on August 2, 2020. Photo by Bill Ingalls/NASA


upi--2020-06-01--Astronomers find hot stars peppered with massive magnetic spots

June 1 ( UPI ) -- Astronomers have discovered giant magnetic spots on the surfaces of hot stars hidden away in stellar clusters .
Scientists also found evidence of superflare events , eruptions featuring several times more energy than those observed on the surface of the sun .
The new survey of extreme horizontal branch stars , published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy , could help scientists unravel some of the mysterious of these unusual stellar objects .
`` These hot and small stars are special because we know they will bypass one of the final phases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die prematurely , '' lead researcher Yazan Momany , scientist at the INAF Astronomical Observatory of Padua in Italy , said in a news release .
`` In our galaxy , these peculiar hot objects are generally associated with the presence of a close companion star . ''
Momany and his colleagues were surprised to find that most of the extreme horizontal branch stars they found inside the dense structures known as stellar clusters are without companions .
Using several European Southern Observatory telescopes , scientists observed several extremely hot stars inside three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprisingly large levels of brightness variability over short periods of time .
`` After eliminating all other scenarios , there was only one remaining possibility to explain their observed brightness variations , '' said study co-author Simone Zaggia , researcher at the INAF Astronomical Observatory .
`` These stars must be plagued by spots ! ''
On the sun , spots appear dark because they 're cooler than the surrounding plasma .
On the extremely hot stars described in the latest paper , the spots are hotter -- and brighter -- than their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also bigger and more persistent than sunspots .
Whereas sunspots last a matter of weeks , the massive magnetic spots found by Momany and his research partners can last for years .
Though both sunspots found on our sun and the giant spots found on extreme horizontal branch stars are quite different , they 're both fueled by magnetic fields .
While observing the massive spots , scientists also witnessed a couple of superflare events .
`` They are similar to the flares we see on our own Sun , but ten million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-author Henri Boffin , an astronomer at ESO 's headquarters in Germany .
`` Such behavior was certainly not expected and highlights the importance of magnetic fields in explaining the properties of these stars . ''
Astronomers have spent more than half a century studying the behavior of extreme horizontal branch stars .
In addition to helping astronomers understand these peculiar stars , the latest findings could also help scientists unravel the complexities of magnetic phenomena on other types of stars , including the sun .
`` The bigger picture though is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- from young sun-like stars to old extreme horizontal branch stars and long-dead white dwarfs -- could all be connected , '' said researcher David Jones , scientist with Spain 's Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics .
`` These objects can thus be understood as collectively suffering from magnetic spots on their surfaces . ''

An artistic rendering shows big, bright magnetic spots on a type of star known as an extreme horizontal branch star. Photo by ESO/L. Calçada, INAF-Padua/S. Zaggia
June 1 (UPI) -- Astronomers have discovered giant magnetic spots on the surfaces of hot stars hidden away in stellar clusters. Scientists also found evidence of superflare events, eruptions featuring several times more energy than those observed on the surface of the sun. The new survey of extreme horizontal branch stars, published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy, could help scientists unravel some of the mysterious of these unusual stellar objects. Advertisement
"These hot and small stars are special because we know they will bypass one of the final phases in the life of a typical star and will die prematurely," lead researcher Yazan Momany, scientist at the INAF Astronomical Observatory of Padua in Italy, said in a news release. "In our galaxy, these peculiar hot objects are generally associated with the presence of a close companion star."
Momany and his colleagues were surprised to find that most of the extreme horizontal branch stars they found inside the dense structures known as stellar clusters are without companions.
Using several European Southern Observatory telescopes, scientists observed several extremely hot stars inside three different stellar clusters. Their observations revealed surprisingly large levels of brightness variability over short periods of time.
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"After eliminating all other scenarios, there was only one remaining possibility to explain their observed brightness variations," said study co-author Simone Zaggia, researcher at the INAF Astronomical Observatory. "These stars must be plagued by spots!"
On the sun, spots appear dark because they're cooler than the surrounding plasma. On the extremely hot stars described in the latest paper, the spots are hotter -- and brighter -- than their surroundings.
The massive magnetic spots are also bigger and more persistent than sunspots. Whereas sunspots last a matter of weeks, the massive magnetic spots found by Momany and his research partners can last for years.
Though both sunspots found on our sun and the giant spots found on extreme horizontal branch stars are quite different, they're both fueled by magnetic fields.
While observing the massive spots, scientists also witnessed a couple of superflare events.
"They are similar to the flares we see on our own Sun, but ten million times more energetic," said study co-author Henri Boffin, an astronomer at ESO's headquarters in Germany. "Such behavior was certainly not expected and highlights the importance of magnetic fields in explaining the properties of these stars."
Astronomers have spent more than half a century studying the behavior of extreme horizontal branch stars. In addition to helping astronomers understand these peculiar stars, the latest findings could also help scientists unravel the complexities of magnetic phenomena on other types of stars, including the sun.
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"The bigger picture though is that changes in brightness of all hot stars -- from young sun-like stars to old extreme horizontal branch stars and long-dead white dwarfs -- could all be connected," said researcher David Jones, scientist with Spain's Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics. "These objects can thus be understood as collectively suffering from magnetic spots on their surfaces."


upi--2020-06-02--Indianapolis Colts Coach Frank Reich hints RB Marlon Mack could start over rookie Jonathan Taylor

June 2 ( UPI ) -- Indianapolis Colts Coach Frank Reich hinted that Marlon Mack could be the team 's starting running back -- at least to start the season -- over second-round NFL Draft pick Jonathan Taylor .
Reich made the comment Monday during a video news conference with reporters .
Mack joined the Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft .
The three-year veteran had a career-high 1,091 rushing yards and eight scores on 247 carries in 14 games last season .
`` There 's definitely inherent respect for the starter returning , '' Reich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he sees the Colts ' backfield breakdown as a `` 1-1 '' punch with Mack and Taylor .
He compared the Colts ' running backs to the roster he coached while with the San Diego Chargers , which included Melvin Gordon , Danny Woodhead and Ryan Matthews in three seasons .
`` The way the league has gone and the way role playing has been elevated in our league , it 's made it prominent , '' Reich said of teams that use multiple running backs in a rotation .
`` We used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had Danny Woodhead .
He was not our starter , he was our 'role playing ' starter . ''
Drafted No .
41 overall in April , the 5-foot-10 , 226-pound running back had back-to-back seasons with at least 2,000 rushing yards to finish his college career .
He led the NCAA with 2,194 rushing yards in 2018 and finished third with 2,003 rushing yards as a junior in 2019 .
Taylor was a two-time winner of the Doak Walker award , an honor given to the nation 's most outstanding running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jonathan , but what about Nyheim Hines ?
He 's such a good third-down back that he 'll play a prominent [ role ] , '' Reich said of the Colts ' running backs .
`` In some ways , [ Hines ] is a starter .
He 's a role-playing starter . ''
The Colts , who finished third in the AFC South last season , ranked seventh in rushing yards .
The Colts ' first pre-season game is scheduled for Aug. 13 in Indianapolis against the Philadelphia Eagles , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season at Jacksonville on Sept. 13 .

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack carries the ball in a playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 5, 2019. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
June 2 (UPI) -- Indianapolis Colts Coach Frank Reich hinted that Marlon Mack could be the team's starting running back -- at least to start the season -- over second-round NFL Draft pick Jonathan Taylor. Reich made the comment Monday during a video news conference with reporters. Mack joined the Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The three-year veteran had a career-high 1,091 rushing yards and eight scores on 247 carries in 14 games last season. Advertisement
"There's definitely inherent respect for the starter returning," Reich said of Mack.
Reich also said he sees the Colts' backfield breakdown as a "1-1" punch with Mack and Taylor. He compared the Colts' running backs to the roster he coached while with the San Diego Chargers, which included Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead and Ryan Matthews in three seasons.
"The way the league has gone and the way role playing has been elevated in our league, it's made it prominent," Reich said of teams that use multiple running backs in a rotation. "We used to say in San Diego that when we had Danny Woodhead. He was not our starter, he was our 'role playing' starter."
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Drafted No. 41 overall in April, the 5-foot-10, 226-pound running back had back-to-back seasons with at least 2,000 rushing yards to finish his college career. He led the NCAA with 2,194 rushing yards in 2018 and finished third with 2,003 rushing yards as a junior in 2019.
Taylor was a two-time winner of the Doak Walker award, an honor given to the nation's most outstanding running back.
"We talk about Marlon and Jonathan, but what about Nyheim Hines? He's such a good third-down back that he'll play a prominent [role]," Reich said of the Colts' running backs. "In some ways, [Hines] is a starter. He's a role-playing starter."
The Colts, who finished third in the AFC South last season, ranked seventh in rushing yards.
The Colts' first pre-season game is scheduled for Aug. 13 in Indianapolis against the Philadelphia Eagles, and they're set to start the regular season at Jacksonville on Sept. 13.


upi--2020-06-02--Watch: Sean Penn announces 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' table read on 'Kimmel'

June 2 ( UPI ) -- Sean Penn announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live that a virtual , Fast Times at Ridgemont High table read will take place in June in support of his non-profit organization Core .
The actor said on Monday that the table read was comedian Dane Cook 's idea after he had given Core it 's first donation in helping to fight COVID-19 .
The film 's director Amy Heckerling and writer Cameron Crowe will present the table read , which will feature a star-studded cast portraying the characters .
Penn , however , will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead take on another role .
`` We 've got an amazing cast so far together .
We 're still to cast a couple of roles , something I 'll circle back to , '' Penn said .
`` There is a fantastic actor playing Spicoli .
It 's kind of a mind-blowing cast so far , '' he continued before inviting Kimmel to join the table read , which will take place on June 11 .
Penn also discussed how Core is dealing with COVID-19 and getting tested for the virus .

June 2 (UPI) -- Sean Penn announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live that a virtual, Fast Times at Ridgemont High table read will take place in June in support of his non-profit organization Core.
The actor said on Monday that the table read was comedian Dane Cook's idea after he had given Core it's first donation in helping to fight COVID-19.
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The film's director Amy Heckerling and writer Cameron Crowe will present the table read, which will feature a star-studded cast portraying the characters. Penn, however, will not be reading for his character Spicoli and will instead take on another role.
"We've got an amazing cast so far together. We're still to cast a couple of roles, something I'll circle back to," Penn said.
"There is a fantastic actor playing Spicoli. It's kind of a mind-blowing cast so far," he continued before inviting Kimmel to join the table read, which will take place on June 11.
Penn also discussed how Core is dealing with COVID-19 and getting tested for the virus.


upi--2020-06-02--Neymar's cousin joins soccer squad FC Lyon

June 2 ( UPI ) -- Rhaudeman Santiago , the cousin of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar , has signed with @ @ @ @ @ also known as Rhau , went to Santos academy .
Neymar also attended the academy @ @ @ @ @ before he went on to become one of the best soccer players in the world @ @ @ @ @ French sixth division squad .
The club announced Rhau 's addition on Monday .
Rhau @ @ @ @ @ arrived in Lyon last week after he visited Neymar in Paris .
FC Lyon is @ @ @ @ @ before they join larger clubs and top academies .
Neymar scored 18 goals in 22 @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 Ligue 1 season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
He has @ @ @ @ @ he left FC Barcelona in 2017 .
Lyon is about 300 miles south of Paris @

June 2 (UPI) -- Rhaudeman Santiago, the cousin of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, has signed with FC Lyon.
Santiago, also known as Rhau, went to Santos academy. Neymar also attended the academy in Santos, Brazil, before he went on to become one of the best soccer players in the world.
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FC Lyon is a French sixth division squad. The club announced Rhau's addition on Monday.
Rhau, a 26-year-old striker, arrived in Lyon last week after he visited Neymar in Paris. FC Lyon is known for signing young players before they join larger clubs and top academies.
Neymar scored 18 goals in 22 games for Paris Saint-Germain before the 2020 Ligue 1 season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. He has been with the club since he left FC Barcelona in 2017.
Lyon is about 300 miles south of Paris.


upi--2020-06-02--Acquitted scientist Sirous Asgari returns to Iran after years in U.S. prison

June 2 ( UPI ) -- An Iranian scientist held in the United States for months after he was acquitted in a trade secrets case has been deported and sent back to Iran , officials in Tehran said Tuesday .
Sirous Asgari was imprisoned for more than four years on charges that he violated federal sanctions .
Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday Asgari was en route back to the Middle Eastern nation .
`` Sirous Asgari was in the air on a flight back to Iran , '' Zarif wrote in an Instragram post .
`` Congratulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Asgari , a materials scientist who attended school in the United States , was accused of trying to steal secret research from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland , which had been working on a military project with the U.S. Navy .
A professor at the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran , Asgari was indicted in 2016 .
He was ultimately acquitted in 2019 but remained in prison due to an expired visa .
The scientist 's departure for Iran came earlier than expected .
`` Asgari 's case has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the country in the next two or three days if no issues or obstacles come up , '' ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi had said Monday .
Asgari 's family and attorneys said he contracted COVID-19 while incarcerated in Louisiana .
He was freed from custody on May 11 , when Zarif said he could return to Iran if he tested negative for the coronavirus disease .
U.S. officials said they tried to deport Asgari in December but the Iranian government did n't certify his passport until February .
The coronavirus pandemic also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The case led to speculation that Asgari was being leveraged by U.S. officials to negotiate a prisoner swap involving Americans held in Iran -- possibly Michael White , a U.S. Navy veteran who 's now at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran after coming down with COVID-19 .
There was no immediate indication that Asgari 's return is part of a prisoner swap .

Asgari, a materials scientist who attended school in the United States, had been accused of trying to steal secret research from a university in Cleveland, Ohio. File Photo by Charkhin/Wikimedia Commons/UPI
June 2 (UPI) -- An Iranian scientist held in the United States for months after he was acquitted in a trade secrets case has been deported and sent back to Iran, officials in Tehran said Tuesday. Sirous Asgari was imprisoned for more than four years on charges that he violated federal sanctions. Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday Asgari was en route back to the Middle Eastern nation. Advertisement
"Sirous Asgari was in the air on a flight back to Iran," Zarif wrote in an Instragram post. "Congratulations to his wife and his esteemed family."
Asgari, a materials scientist who attended school in the United States, was accused of trying to steal secret research from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, which had been working on a military project with the U.S. Navy.
A professor at the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Asgari was indicted in 2016. He was ultimately acquitted in 2019 but remained in prison due to an expired visa.
The scientist's departure for Iran came earlier than expected.
"Asgari's case has been closed and he will probably return to the country in the next two or three days if no issues or obstacles come up," ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi had said Monday.
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Asgari's family and attorneys said he contracted COVID-19 while incarcerated in Louisiana. He was freed from custody on May 11, when Zarif said he could return to Iran if he tested negative for the coronavirus disease.
U.S. officials said they tried to deport Asgari in December but the Iranian government didn't certify his passport until February. The coronavirus pandemic also delayed his return, they said.
The case led to speculation that Asgari was being leveraged by U.S. officials to negotiate a prisoner swap involving Americans held in Iran -- possibly Michael White, a U.S. Navy veteran who's now at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran after coming down with COVID-19.
There was no immediate indication that Asgari's return is part of a prisoner swap.


upi--2020-06-02--Trump’s G7 invitation to South Korea, Australia draws response from China

June 2 ( UPI ) -- China warned against excluding Beijing from major world organizations , following reports U.S. President Donald Trump could be seeking to expand the Group of Seven summit to include South Korea , Australia , India and Russia .
Beijing foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Tuesday at a regular press briefing the U.S. invitation , which excluded China , will not benefit the United States .
Targeting China and leaving Beijing out of important circles will not win trust , Zhao said .
`` This is not in the interests of the countries . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of advanced , mostly Western economies : Canada , France , Germany , Italy , Japan , Britain and the United States .
In 2018 , the seven nations represented nearly 60 percent of global net wealth , and more than 32 percent of global GDP , as measured by purchasing power parity .
China has flexed its economic muscles overseas with various projects , including the Belt and Road Initiative , and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank .
On Tuesday Zhao said that China has consistently felt that `` any international organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all countries . ''
`` It should also help protect multilateralism , world peace and development . ''
Earlier in the week , Trump had said he sought to invite South Korea , Australia , India and Russia to this year 's G7 summit , scheduled to take place during the United Nations General Assembly in September .
South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Tuesday President Moon Jae-in shared a 15-minute phone call with Trump to accept the invitation to G7 .
`` I am willing to accept it and South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over quarantine and the economy , '' Moon had said .
Seoul 's presidential Blue House said the forum , to be expanded to a G11 or a G12 , was being considered because Trump had said the G7 's `` outdated system '' does not represent current security demands .
South Korea 's decision comes after Zhao had said last week China opposes the U.S. THAAD defense system on the Korean Peninsula .
U.S. and South Korean troops brought replacement THAAD missiles to a base in South Korea overnight .

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he seeks to invite South Korea, Australia, India and Russia to this year’s G7 summit. File Photo by Ettore Ferrari/EPA
June 2 (UPI) -- China warned against excluding Beijing from major world organizations, following reports U.S. President Donald Trump could be seeking to expand the Group of Seven summit to include South Korea, Australia, India and Russia. Beijing foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Tuesday at a regular press briefing the U.S. invitation, which excluded China, will not benefit the United States. Advertisement
Targeting China and leaving Beijing out of important circles will not win trust, Zhao said.
"This is not in the interests of the countries."
The G7 is an intergovernmental economic organization of advanced, mostly Western economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States. In 2018, the seven nations represented nearly 60 percent of global net wealth, and more than 32 percent of global GDP, as measured by purchasing power parity.
China has flexed its economic muscles overseas with various projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
On Tuesday Zhao said that China has consistently felt that "any international organization or conference should help promote mutual trust in all countries."
"It should also help protect multilateralism, world peace and development."
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Earlier in the week, Trump had said he sought to invite South Korea, Australia, India and Russia to this year's G7 summit, scheduled to take place during the United Nations General Assembly in September.
South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Tuesday President Moon Jae-in shared a 15-minute phone call with Trump to accept the invitation to G7.
"I am willing to accept it and South Korea will play the role that it can over quarantine and the economy," Moon had said.
Seoul's presidential Blue House said the forum, to be expanded to a G11 or a G12, was being considered because Trump had said the G7's "outdated system" does not represent current security demands.
South Korea's decision comes after Zhao had said last week China opposes the U.S. THAAD defense system on the Korean Peninsula. U.S. and South Korean troops brought replacement THAAD missiles to a base in South Korea overnight.


upi--2020-06-02--Saudi Arabia to host U.N. Yemen benefit for first time

June 2 ( UPI ) -- Saudi Arabia , a belligerent in Yemen 's five-year civil war , will for the first time co-host a United Nations fundraising summit on Tuesday to raise $ 2.4 billion for humanitarian purposes .
State-run media reported that Riyadh has pledged $ 500 million to the U.N. humanitarian effort .
Saudi 's participation is supported by its royal family , including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it needs $ 2.4 billion to cover basic programs in Yemen until the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can help about 19 million people , that 's about 70 cents per person per day , '' the office tweeted Tuesday .
Saudi Arabia , which has supported the Yemeni government in its fight against Houthi rebels , has been accused of war crimes during the civil conflict .
Mark Lowcock , U.N. under secretary-general for humanitarian affairs , said $ 700 million has been given for Yemen relief efforts so far this year , off from the $ 4 billion it received last year .
`` The situation in Yemen is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach people , '' Lowcock said in a statement .
`` Even after having to withdraw non-essential staff , we have plenty of colleagues on the ground .
`` There are thousands of Yemeni aid workers still working with the United Nations , Red Cross and NGOs .
But most of the agencies are a few weeks from being broke . ''
Officials had hoped a shaky cease-fire between the Yemen government and Houthi rebels would lessen the need for assistance .

Children gather for vaccination during a campaign to fight off an acute cholera outbreak, in Sanaa, Yemen, on September 14, 2019. File Photo by Yahya Arhab/EPA-EFE
June 2 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia, a belligerent in Yemen's five-year civil war, will for the first time co-host a United Nations fundraising summit on Tuesday to raise $2.4 billion for humanitarian purposes. State-run media reported that Riyadh has pledged $500 million to the U.N. humanitarian effort. Saudi's participation is supported by its royal family, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Advertisement
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it needs $2.4 billion to cover basic programs in Yemen until the end of the year.
"With that money, we can help about 19 million people, that's about 70 cents per person per day," the office tweeted Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia, which has supported the Yemeni government in its fight against Houthi rebels, has been accused of war crimes during the civil conflict.
Mark Lowcock, U.N. under secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said $700 million has been given for Yemen relief efforts so far this year, off from the $4 billion it received last year.
"The situation in Yemen is desperate but we still have the capacity to reach people," Lowcock said in a statement. "Even after having to withdraw non-essential staff, we have plenty of colleagues on the ground.
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"There are thousands of Yemeni aid workers still working with the United Nations, Red Cross and NGOs. But most of the agencies are a few weeks from being broke."
Officials had hoped a shaky cease-fire between the Yemen government and Houthi rebels would lessen the need for assistance.


upi--2020-06-02--'Speak for Yourself' host Jason Whitlock out at Fox Sports

June 2 ( UPI ) -- Jason Whitlock , a co-host on FS1 's Speak for Yourself , will not return to Fox Sports after his contract expired with the network .
Sources told the New York Post and Outkick The Coverage Monday that Fox Sports and Whitlock could not agree to terms on a new contract .
Whitlock was frequently criticized for his controversial opinions on the show and on social media .
He last appeared on the show Friday .
Speak for Yourself will continue to air .
The show aired Monday without Whitlock .
`` Friday was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports , '' the network said in a statement .
`` We thank Jason for all of his hard work and dedication to the network , and we wish him the best in his future endeavors . ''
Whitlock joined the network in 2016 .
He had co-hosted Speak for Yourself alongside Marcellus Wiley since 2018 .
He co-hosted the show with Colin Cowherd before Wiley joined the program .
He has also worked as a columnist for the Kansas City Star and had multiple stints at ESPN and Fox Sports .
Sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now launch his own media business .
Whitlock , who is an avid Twitter user , has yet to comment on his departure from the network .
He has more than 325,000 Twitter followers .

Jason Whitlock last appeared Friday on FS1's Speak for Yourself, but will no longer appear on Fox Sports after his contract expired. Photo courtesy of Fox Sports
June 2 (UPI) -- Jason Whitlock, a co-host on FS1's Speak for Yourself, will not return to Fox Sports after his contract expired with the network. Sources told the New York Post and Outkick The Coverage Monday that Fox Sports and Whitlock could not agree to terms on a new contract. Advertisement
Whitlock was frequently criticized for his controversial opinions on the show and on social media. He last appeared on the show Friday. Speak for Yourself will continue to air. The show aired Monday without Whitlock.
"Friday was Jason Whitlock's last day with Fox Sports," the network said in a statement. "We thank Jason for all of his hard work and dedication to the network, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."
Whitlock joined the network in 2016. He had co-hosted Speak for Yourself alongside Marcellus Wiley since 2018. He co-hosted the show with Colin Cowherd before Wiley joined the program. He has also worked as a columnist for the Kansas City Star and had multiple stints at ESPN and Fox Sports.
Sources told the New York Post Whitlock may now launch his own media business.
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Whitlock, who is an avid Twitter user, has yet to comment on his departure from the network. He has more than 325,000 Twitter followers.


upi--2020-06-02--WWE Raw: Drew McIntyre takes on MVP, Asuka battles Charlotte Flair

June 2 ( UPI ) -- WWE Champion Drew McIntyre faced off against MVP , the new manager of Bobby Lashley on Raw .
Lashley , who will be facing McIntyre for the WWE Championship at Backlash on June 14 , joined MVP at ringside on Monday .
Lashley 's wife Lana , who has n't been getting along with MVP , was also present .
McIntyre was poised to defeat MVP early and nailed him with a Glasgow Kiss before Lashley got involved .
The All Mighty got close to McIntyre to distract him which allowed MVP to throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McIntyre would recover and then got ready for a Claymore , but Lashley saved MVP from the attack by pulling him out of the ring .
McIntyre then leapt over the top rope to take down both men .
McIntyre , back inside the ring , ended things with a Claymore to earn the victory .
Lashley quickly re-entered the ring and applied the Full Nelson to McIntyre as Raw went off the air .
Raw Women 's Champion Asuka took on NXT Women 's Champion Charlotte Flair in a Champion vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a highly-competitive bout with the Empress of Tomorrow applying the Armbar submission hold multiple times .
Flair was able to escape each time and was able to kick Asuka out of the ring where she was confronted by her Backlash opponent , Nia Jax .
Jax , who had defeated Asuka 's tag team partner Kairi Sane earlier in the night , came to the ring with Asuka 's music playing and mocked the Raw Women 's Champion by wearing one of her masks and by putting on her green face paint .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive a ring-out victory .
Jax then ran over Asuka before leaving .
Also on Raw , Seth Rollins held a retirement ceremony for Rey Mysterio after he injured the high-flyers left eye .
The Monday Night Messiah played a video package highlighting Mysterio 's legendary career but it ended with Rollins attacking his eye .
Rollins was interrupted by Aleister Black which started their match in the process .
Black received help from Humberto Carrillo after it looked like Rollins ' disciples Murphy and Austin Theory were going to get involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up Rollins for a three count which shocked The Monday Night Messiah .
Rollins then had Murphy and Theory hold down Black and Carrillo so that he could deliver a Curb Stomp to each of them .
Mysterio did address fans virtually from his home , stating that he does n't know if he will have to retire due to his eye injury .
Mysterio said he will never forgive Rollins for what he has put his family through .
Mysterio 's son Dominick , who has helped his father in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave a warning to Rollins .
`` An eye for an eye , '' Dominick said .
Other moments from Raw included Apollo Crews and Kevin Owens having their United States Championship match interrupted by Andrade and Angel Garza ; Crews and Owens defeating Andrade and Garza in a Tag Team match ; The Viking Raiders defeating Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits in a game of bowling ; Billie Kay of The IIconics defeating Women 's Tag Team Champion Nikki Cross ; and R-Truth defeating NFL star Rob Gronkowski at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gronkowski won the 24/7 Championship at WrestleMania 36 in April .
Truth dressed up as landscaper and was able to surprise Gronkowski with a pin .

June 2 (UPI) -- WWE Champion Drew McIntyre faced off against MVP, the new manager of Bobby Lashley on Raw.
Lashley, who will be facing McIntyre for the WWE Championship at Backlash on June 14, joined MVP at ringside on Monday. Lashley's wife Lana, who hasn't been getting along with MVP, was also present.
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McIntyre was poised to defeat MVP early and nailed him with a Glasgow Kiss before Lashley got involved. The All Mighty got close to McIntyre to distract him which allowed MVP to throw the WWE Champion into the ring post.
McIntyre would recover and then got ready for a Claymore, but Lashley saved MVP from the attack by pulling him out of the ring. McIntyre then leapt over the top rope to take down both men.
McIntyre, back inside the ring, ended things with a Claymore to earn the victory. Lashley quickly re-entered the ring and applied the Full Nelson to McIntyre as Raw went off the air.
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Raw Women's Champion Asuka took on NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair in a Champion vs. Champion match.
Asuka and Flair had a highly-competitive bout with the Empress of Tomorrow applying the Armbar submission hold multiple times. Flair was able to escape each time and was able to kick Asuka out of the ring where she was confronted by her Backlash opponent, Nia Jax.
Jax, who had defeated Asuka's tag team partner Kairi Sane earlier in the night, came to the ring with Asuka's music playing and mocked the Raw Women's Champion by wearing one of her masks and by putting on her green face paint.
Jax distracted Asuka enough for Flair to receive a ring-out victory. Jax then ran over Asuka before leaving.
Also on Raw, Seth Rollins held a retirement ceremony for Rey Mysterio after he injured the high-flyers left eye. The Monday Night Messiah played a video package highlighting Mysterio's legendary career but it ended with Rollins attacking his eye.
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Rollins was interrupted by Aleister Black which started their match in the process. Black received help from Humberto Carrillo after it looked like Rollins' disciples Murphy and Austin Theory were going to get involved in the match.
Black won by rolling up Rollins for a three count which shocked The Monday Night Messiah. Rollins then had Murphy and Theory hold down Black and Carrillo so that he could deliver a Curb Stomp to each of them.
Mysterio did address fans virtually from his home, stating that he doesn't know if he will have to retire due to his eye injury. Mysterio said he will never forgive Rollins for what he has put his family through.
Mysterio's son Dominick, who has helped his father in the past during his battles with Brock Lesnar, gave a warning to Rollins. "An eye for an eye," Dominick said.
Other moments from Raw included Apollo Crews and Kevin Owens having their United States Championship match interrupted by Andrade and Angel Garza; Crews and Owens defeating Andrade and Garza in a Tag Team match; The Viking Raiders defeating Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits in a game of bowling; Billie Kay of The IIconics defeating Women's Tag Team Champion Nikki Cross; and R-Truth defeating NFL star Rob Gronkowski at his home to become the new 24/7 Champion.
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Gronkowski won the 24/7 Championship at WrestleMania 36 in April. Truth dressed up as landscaper and was able to surprise Gronkowski with a pin.


upi--2020-06-02--Kim Jong Un-ordered hospital is moving ahead, state media says

June 2 ( UPI ) -- Construction of the Kim Jong Un-ordered Pyongyang General Hospital is in full `` battle mode '' ahead of an Oct. 10 deadline , North Korea state media said .
Pyongyang 's state-controlled news agency KCNA reported Tuesday the inpatient and outpatient wards are `` under construction '' at the same time as the frame construction , quoting a worker on site .
State media said the workers are North Korean soldiers who have been mobilized to work at the location .
KCNA added the worker-soldiers are using concrete mixers , steamrollers and other heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the site every day .
North Korea 's `` Eighth Construction Bureau '' is involved in the Kim-initiated project , described as a `` new innovation '' on Tuesday .
The hospital construction report comes less than a month after North Korea 's Rodong Sinmun said foundation construction was completed in 20 days , ahead of schedule .
When completed , the new building will occupy an area on Munsu Street in the Taedong River district of east Pyongyang , according to South Korean press reports in April .
In March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cope with an epidemic .
North Korea never confirmed any cases of COVID-19 in the country and has previously claimed victory over the deadly virus .
South Korea 's administration continues to pursue engagement with the North , and may be turning its attention to a `` post-coronavirus '' era of North Korea policy .
A source at Seoul 's unification ministry said Tuesday it is not reading too much into North Korea state media messages condemning the South , South Korean news service Newsis reported .
The ministry 's source said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services to criticize the South is `` unprecedented '' but because the messages are `` all of a kind , '' South Korean officials are not placing too much emphasis on the messages when formulating North Korea policy , the report says .

Kim Jong Un has ordered the construction of Pyongyang General Hospital amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The regime has said construction is to be completed by October. File Photo courtesy of DPRK Today
June 2 (UPI) -- Construction of the Kim Jong Un-ordered Pyongyang General Hospital is in full "battle mode" ahead of an Oct. 10 deadline, North Korea state media said. Pyongyang's state-controlled news agency KCNA reported Tuesday the inpatient and outpatient wards are "under construction" at the same time as the frame construction, quoting a worker on site. State media said the workers are North Korean soldiers who have been mobilized to work at the location. Advertisement
KCNA added the worker-soldiers are using concrete mixers, steamrollers and other heavy machinery to "achieve high performance" at the site every day. North Korea's "Eighth Construction Bureau" is involved in the Kim-initiated project, described as a "new innovation" on Tuesday.
The hospital construction report comes less than a month after North Korea's Rodong Sinmun said foundation construction was completed in 20 days, ahead of schedule. When completed, the new building will occupy an area on Munsu Street in the Taedong River district of east Pyongyang, according to South Korean press reports in April.
In March, Kim had suggested medical facilities were inadequate to cope with an epidemic. North Korea never confirmed any cases of COVID-19 in the country and has previously claimed victory over the deadly virus.
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South Korea's administration continues to pursue engagement with the North, and may be turning its attention to a "post-coronavirus" era of North Korea policy.
A source at Seoul's unification ministry said Tuesday it is not reading too much into North Korea state media messages condemning the South, South Korean news service Newsis reported.
The ministry's source said the move from multiple North Korean news services to criticize the South is "unprecedented" but because the messages are "all of a kind," South Korean officials are not placing too much emphasis on the messages when formulating North Korea policy, the report says.