upi--2020-05-21--Report: U.N. Rights Council rejects petition regarding North Korean waitresses

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council has dismissed a formal petition from the families of the North Korean waitresses who fled a Pyongyang-run restaurant in China in 2016 , according to a South Korean press report .
Newsis reported Thursday the U.N. body rejected claims of an abduction from the North Korean family members of the 12 waitresses , who have resettled in the South under the condition of anonymity .
According to the U.N. Council , the North Korean appeal was rejected on the grounds the waitresses have been able to resettle in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on their individual freedoms .
The U.N. body also raised the issue of fair representation of the waitresses .
According to Newsis , Lawyers for a Democratic Society , a South Korean group that has urged the waitresses to be repatriated , are petitioning on behalf of their North Korean families .
The Rights Council said it would consider the petition if the families or the waitresses are allowed to exercise their right of habeas corpus .
Only then would the authority of their legal counsel , the LDS attorneys , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested , according to Newsis .
The South Korean lawyers ' group has claimed the waitresses were abducted and had requested protection for the waitresses with a South Korean court .
The court dismissed the claim in March 2017 .
LDS is a group that is also being linked to the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan , amid allegations the president of the NGO , Yoon Mi-hyang , misappropriated funds intended for former victims of Japanese wartime brothels .
Yonhap reported Thursday LDS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Heo Kang , the North Korean manager who escaped with the waitresses , and Yoon 's husband .
In an interview with Yonhap TV , Heo , who now resides in Australia , said Yoon 's husband urged him and others to `` return to the North '' to save their families .
Analysts have said Heo may have been threatened in some way by North Korea when he made claims of abduction in 2018 .

North Korean waitresses who escaped from China in 2016 resettled in the South. The defection has been condemned by North Korea. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council has dismissed a formal petition from the families of the North Korean waitresses who fled a Pyongyang-run restaurant in China in 2016, according to a South Korean press report. Newsis reported Thursday the U.N. body rejected claims of an abduction from the North Korean family members of the 12 waitresses, who have resettled in the South under the condition of anonymity. Advertisement
According to the U.N. Council, the North Korean appeal was rejected on the grounds the waitresses have been able to resettle in the South as ordinary citizens, without restrictions on their individual freedoms.
The U.N. body also raised the issue of fair representation of the waitresses. According to Newsis, Lawyers for a Democratic Society, a South Korean group that has urged the waitresses to be repatriated, are petitioning on behalf of their North Korean families.
The Rights Council said it would consider the petition if the families or the waitresses are allowed to exercise their right of habeas corpus. Only then would the authority of their legal counsel, the LDS attorneys, would be recognized, the U.N. body had suggested, according to Newsis.
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The South Korean lawyers' group has claimed the waitresses were abducted and had requested protection for the waitresses with a South Korean court. The court dismissed the claim in March 2017.
LDS is a group that is also being linked to the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, amid allegations the president of the NGO, Yoon Mi-hyang, misappropriated funds intended for former victims of Japanese wartime brothels.
Yonhap reported Thursday LDS lawyers might have played a mediating role between Heo Kang, the North Korean manager who escaped with the waitresses, and Yoon's husband.
In an interview with Yonhap TV, Heo, who now resides in Australia, said Yoon's husband urged him and others to "return to the North" to save their families.
Analysts have said Heo may have been threatened in some way by North Korea when he made claims of abduction in 2018.


upi--2020-05-21--SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft faces its biggest test

ORLANDO , Fla. , May 21 ( UPI ) -- The Crew Dragon space capsule made by Elon Musk 's SpaceX faces a final big test when two astronauts get on board to fly to the International Space Station next week .
The United States has n't had the capability to launch astronauts from U.S. soil since the last space shuttle mission in 2011 .
Since then , astronauts have flown to the space station only on Russian rockets launched from Kazakhstan .
A successful mission for Crew Dragon , which is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue the nation 's dominance in space , along with making scientific advances from space exploration .
The flight , called Demo 2 , is designed to certify the Crew Dragon for regular ferry service of astronauts to the space station .
`` I think it 's an outstanding flying machine , '' astronaut Doug Hurley said upon arrival at Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday .
He will be flight commander for the mission .
He and Bob Behnken , the other astronaut on the flight , each have two space shuttle missions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely not the space shuttle , in many ways , '' Hurley said of the capsule .
`` It 's much smaller , but it 's a capsule .
It 's state of the art from a technology standpoint . ''
Hurley and Behnken had trained in simulators at SpaceX 's headquarters for months .
Among the completely new features of the spacecraft are a touchscreen control panel , rather than a traditional hand controller like the shuttles had .
The Falcon 9 is to lift off at 4:33 p.m. EDT from Kennedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site , from which many previous Apollo and space shuttle missions were launched , is being leased by SpaceX .
`` This will be the first time humans have ridden on the Falcon 9 , even though it has flown many times , '' Hurley said in previous NASA interviews .
`` And so just taking in that experience and the sounds , and all those things that we can relay to future crews , and how the vehicle reacts during the launch process -- is going to be something important to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need is to stop relying on Russian Soyuz rockets to carry U.S. astronauts to the space station -- at a cost of more than $ 70 million per seat .
SpaceX is over two years behind schedule for the launch .
NASA awarded two finalist contracts in 2014 to certify new spacecraft to carry people by 2017 -- Boeing got $ 4.2 billion for its Starliner capsule and SpaceX got $ 2.6 billion for Crew Dragon .
A sobering report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office in June noted that both programs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays create `` continued uncertainty about when either contractor will be certified to begin conducting operational missions to the ISS . ''
SpaceX said Crew Dragon is capable of carrying up to seven passengers to and from Earth orbit , and beyond .
The capsule is about 13 feet around and 26.7 feet high , and can carry 13,228 pounds at launch .
Flight suits include a 3D-printed helmet and touchscreen-compatible gloves .
To prepare for this mission , SpaceX blew up a rocket in January in a final uncrewed test launch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astronauts to safety in a launch emergency .
At the time , Musk said sensors aboard the capsule showed astronauts would have experienced a maximum of 3.5 times Earth 's gravity .
That compares to nearly seven Gs endured by people on a Russian Soyuz capsule that aborted in October 2018 .
SpaceX already has sent uncrewed cargo Dragons on resupply missions to the space station several times .

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NASA astronaut Doug Hurley, shown on Jan. 13, trains for Wednesday's launch to the International Space Station in the Crew Dragon capsule. File Photo courtesy of SpaceX | License Photo
ORLANDO, Fla., May 21 (UPI) -- The Crew Dragon space capsule made by Elon Musk's SpaceX faces a final big test when two astronauts get on board to fly to the International Space Station next week. The United States hasn't had the capability to launch astronauts from U.S. soil since the last space shuttle mission in 2011. Since then, astronauts have flown to the space station only on Russian rockets launched from Kazakhstan. Advertisement
A successful mission for Crew Dragon, which is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket Wednesday, will restore that capability and continue the nation's dominance in space, along with making scientific advances from space exploration.
The flight, called Demo 2, is designed to certify the Crew Dragon for regular ferry service of astronauts to the space station.
"I think it's an outstanding flying machine," astronaut Doug Hurley said upon arrival at Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. He will be flight commander for the mission. He and Bob Behnken, the other astronaut on the flight, each have two space shuttle missions on their résumés.
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"It is definitely not the space shuttle, in many ways," Hurley said of the capsule. "It's much smaller, but it's a capsule. It's state of the art from a technology standpoint."
Hurley and Behnken had trained in simulators at SpaceX's headquarters for months. Among the completely new features of the spacecraft are a touchscreen control panel, rather than a traditional hand controller like the shuttles had.
The Falcon 9 is to lift off at 4:33 p.m. EDT, May 27, from Kennedy Space Center's Complex 39A. That site, from which many previous Apollo and space shuttle missions were launched, is being leased by SpaceX.
"This will be the first time humans have ridden on the Falcon 9, even though it has flown many times," Hurley said in previous NASA interviews.
"And so just taking in that experience and the sounds, and all those things that we can relay to future crews, and how the vehicle reacts during the launch process -- is going to be something important to do, too."
NASA's urgent need is to stop relying on Russian Soyuz rockets to carry U.S. astronauts to the space station -- at a cost of more than $70 million per seat.
SpaceX is over two years behind schedule for the launch. NASA awarded two finalist contracts in 2014 to certify new spacecraft to carry people by 2017 -- Boeing got $4.2 billion for its Starliner capsule and SpaceX got $2.6 billion for Crew Dragon.
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A sobering report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office in June noted that both programs were making progress, but also said continued delays create "continued uncertainty about when either contractor will be certified to begin conducting operational missions to the ISS."
SpaceX said Crew Dragon is capable of carrying up to seven passengers to and from Earth orbit, and beyond. The capsule is about 13 feet in diameter and 26.7 feet high, and can carry 13,228 pounds at launch. Flight suits include a 3D-printed helmet and touchscreen-compatible gloves.
To prepare for this mission, SpaceX blew up a rocket in January in a final uncrewed test launch of the capsule, proving it could carry astronauts to safety in a launch emergency.
At the time, Musk said sensors aboard the capsule showed astronauts would have experienced a maximum of 3.5 times Earth's gravity. That compares to nearly seven Gs endured by people on a Russian Soyuz capsule that aborted in October 2018.
SpaceX already has sent uncrewed cargo Dragons on resupply missions to the space station several times.
Astronauts make round trip to space station from U.S. soil


upi--2020-05-21--On This Day, May 21: Clara Barton founds American Red Cross

On this date in history : In 1832 , the first Democratic Party national convention convened in Baltimore .
In 1856 , Lawrence , Kan. , was burned by pro-slavery forces .
In 1924 , Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb kidnapped and killed Bobby Franks , 13 , of Chicago , in a `` thrill killing '' that was often called `` the crime of the century . ''
They were given life sentences .
Loeb was killed in prison ; Leopold was paroled after serving 33 years .
In 1927 , Charles Lindbergh landed the Spirit of St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solo flight across the Atlantic in 33 1/2 hours .
In 1932 , five years to the day after Charles Lindbergh ended his historic flight , Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from Newfoundland , Canada , to Ireland .
She completed her flight in 13 1/2 hours .
In 1960 , the first of what would become a series of earthquakes that lasted through early June rattled just south of Santiago , Chile .
The so-called Valdivia earthquake the next day was the most powerful earthquake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.4 and 9.6 on the richter scale .
Up to 7,000 people died in the temblors .
In 1988 , Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev , in an effort to consolidate power , sacked the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan after bloody nationalist demonstrations over the disputed region of Nagorno Karabakh .
In 1991 , former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated while campaigning .
In 2003 , an earthquake near Algiers , Algeria , killed more than 2,200 people and injured another 10,000 .
In 2019 , Nepalese sherpa Kami Rita set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climbs of Mount Everest -- 24 .
In 2019 , Jokha Alharthi became the first Arabic writer to win the Man Booker International Prize for her novel Celestial Bodies .

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On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. File photo courtesy Everett Historical
On this date in history: In 1832, the first Democratic Party national convention convened in Baltimore. Advertisement
In 1856, Lawrence, Kan., was burned by pro-slavery forces.
In 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.
In 1924, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb kidnapped and killed Bobby Franks, 13, of Chicago, in a "thrill killing" that was often called "the crime of the century." They were given life sentences. Loeb was killed in prison; Leopold was paroled after serving 33 years.
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed the Spirit of St. Louis in Paris, completing the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic in 33 1/2 hours.
File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI
In 1932, five years to the day after Charles Lindbergh ended his historic flight, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from Newfoundland, Canada, to Ireland. She completed her flight in 13 1/2 hours.
In 1960, the first of what would become a series of earthquakes that lasted through early June rattled just south of Santiago, Chile. The so-called Valdivia earthquake the next day was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded with a magnitude of between 9.4 and 9.6 on the richter scale. Up to 7,000 people died in the temblors.
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In 1988, Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, in an effort to consolidate power, sacked the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan after bloody nationalist demonstrations over the disputed region of Nagorno Karabakh.
File Photo by Maxim Marmur/UPI
In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated while campaigning.
In 2003, an earthquake near Algiers, Algeria, killed more than 2,200 people and injured another 10,000.
In 2019, Nepalese sherpa Kami Rita set the record for most number of successful climbs of Mount Everest -- 24.
In 2019, Jokha Alharthi became the first Arabic writer to win the Man Booker International Prize for her novel Celestial Bodies.


upi--2020-05-21--Famous birthdays for May 21: Mr. T, Lisa Edelstein

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- King @ @ @ @ @ who launched the Spanish Armada , in 1527 -- Former U.S. Sen./comedian Al Franken , @ @ @ @ @ age 69 )

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Mr. T attends the funeral for Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., on March 11, 2016. The actor turns 68 on May 21. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- German painter Albrecht Durer in 1471
-- King Philip II of Spain, who launched the Spanish Armada, in 1527
-- English poet and satirist Alexander Pope in 1688
-- French painter Henri Rousseau in 1844
-- French diplomat/Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leon Bourgeois in 1851
-- Architect Marcel Breuer in 1902
-- Composer and barrelhouse piano player Thomas "Fats" Waller in 1904
-- Singer Dennis Day in 1916
-- Actor Raymond Burr in 1917
UPI File Photo
-- Hall of Fame football Coach Ara Parseghian in 1923
-- Actor Peggy Cass in 1924
-- Former baseball manager Bobby Cox in 1941 (age 79)
-- Singer Ronald Isley in 1941 (age 79)
File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
-- Former U.S. Sen./comedian Al Franken, D-Minn., in 1951 (age 69)
-- Convicted serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in 1960
-- Actor Mr. T, born Lawrence Tureaud, in 1952 (age 68)
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-- Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch in 1959 (age 61)
-- Actor Lisa Edelstein in 1966 (age 54)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Rapper The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, in 1972
-- TV personality Noel Fielding in 1973 (age 47)
-- Singer Gotye, born Wouter "Wally" De Backer, in 1980 (age 40)
-- British Olympic diver Tom Daley in 1994 (age 26)
-- Actor Keith L. Williams in 2007 (age 13)


upi--2020-05-21--Police: 3 injured, suspect arrested in Arizona shooting

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Police in Arizona have taken a suspect into custody after three people were shot at a popular Glendale shopping and entertainment district , authorities said .
One victim was in critical condition and taken to a local hospital while two others sustained non-life threatening injuries , Glendale Police Officer Tiffany Ngalula said Wednesday night in a press briefing .
The suspect 's identity was not released .
The shooting occurred late Wednesday at the Westgate Entertainment District , a busy complex of stores , restaurants and sporting event venues .
Ngalula said the suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Westgate area after being confronted by police .
Police locked down the Westgate area and businesses were told to shelter in place as officers patrolled for further victims or suspects , she said .
`` If you have loved ones in the Westgate area we ask that you stay at home , '' she said .
`` I know how difficult that can be , especially in a traumatic incident like this to ask you to do that , but we want to ensure we are n't flooding the area with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quezada said he saw the suspect armed with a semi-automatic rifle .
`` I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate , '' he said via Twitter .
`` There are multiple victims .
I saw two victims with my own eyes .
Being told not to say anything else about details 'til I speak to police .
I 'm ok. Lots of shaken up people . ''
Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey said his office is monitoring the situation .
`` Our hearts and prayers are with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the first responders and police officers who are on the scene , '' he tweeted .
`` The state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community . ''

Westgate Entertainment District is home to professional sports teams the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL and the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Photo courtesy of Google Maps/ Website
May 21 (UPI) -- Police in Arizona have taken a suspect into custody after three people were shot at a popular Glendale shopping and entertainment district, authorities said. One victim was in critical condition and taken to a local hospital while two others sustained non-life threatening injuries, Glendale Police Officer Tiffany Ngalula said Wednesday night in a press briefing. Advertisement
The suspect's identity was not released.
The shooting occurred late Wednesday at the Westgate Entertainment District, a busy complex of stores, restaurants and sporting event venues.
Ngalula said the suspect was taken into police custody without incident in the Westgate area after being confronted by police.
Police locked down the Westgate area and businesses were told to shelter in place as officers patrolled for further victims or suspects, she said.
"If you have loved ones in the Westgate area we ask that you stay at home," she said. "I know how difficult that can be, especially in a traumatic incident like this to ask you to do that, but we want to ensure we aren't flooding the area with additional people."
State Sen. Martin Quezada said he saw the suspect armed with a semi-automatic rifle.
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"I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate," he said via Twitter. "There are multiple victims. I saw two victims with my own eyes. Being told not to say anything else about details 'til I speak to police. I'm ok. Lots of shaken up people."
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said his office is monitoring the situation.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted tonight, as well as the first responders and police officers who are on the scene," he tweeted. "The state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community."


upi--2020-05-21--USS Theodore Roosevelt returns to sea after months fighting COVID-19 outbreak

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has returned to sea after months of being moored in Guam following an outbreak of the deadly and infectious coronavirus among its crew , the U.S. Navy said .
The vessel left Guam and entered the Philippine Sea on Thursday to conduct carrier qualification flights with Carrier Air Wing 11 , the Navy said in a statement .
`` It feels great to be back at sea , '' said Rear Adm. Stu Baker , commander of Carrier Strike Group 9 .
`` Getting Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to their mission in the Indo-Pacific is a great achievement for the crew . ''
The ship docked in Guam on March 27 , after sailors on board tested positive for COVID-19 .
By the end of April , more than 1,100 of its nearly 4,900 crew had been infected with the virus .
Once moored , some 4,000 crew members were evacuated from the vessel , which has since been cleaned and disinfected , the Navy said .
The aircraft carrier was now operating with a scaled-back crew , who returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing a rigorous return-to-work criteria .
`` We are scaling our manning on board based on our mission requirement , '' said Capt .
Carlos Sardiello , the vessel 's commanding officer .
`` Carrier qualification requires fewer personnel than other missions , and bringing fewer sailors on board will enable enhanced social distancing while underway . ''
During the deployment , sailors on board the vessel will wear masks and execute COVID-19 prevention and mitigation policies , the Navy said , adding the entire crew will be under medical surveillance , in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be adjusted to lessen interactions between crew .
The outbreak on the ship first made news late March when its former commanding officer , Capt .
Brett Crozier , pleaded with the Navy in a four-page letter for more resources to combat the outbreak .
The letter was made public and Crozier was fired , however top Navy officials have asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reinstate him .
The Navy said late April that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak on the ship .

USS Theodore Roosevelt operates in the Philippine Sea on Thursday. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kaylianna Genier/U.S. Navy/ website
May 21 (UPI) -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has returned to sea after months of being moored in Guam following an outbreak of the deadly and infectious coronavirus among its crew, the U.S. Navy said. The vessel left Guam and entered the Philippine Sea on Thursday to conduct carrier qualification flights with Carrier Air Wing 11, the Navy said in a statement. Advertisement
"It feels great to be back at sea," said Rear Adm. Stu Baker, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. "Getting Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing 11 one step closer to returning to their mission in the Indo-Pacific is a great achievement for the crew."
The ship docked in Guam on March 27, after sailors on board tested positive for COVID-19. By the end of April, more than 1,100 of its nearly 4,900 crew had been infected with the virus.
Once moored, some 4,000 crew members were evacuated from the vessel, which has since been cleaned and disinfected, the Navy said.
The aircraft carrier was now operating with a scaled-back crew, who returned to the ship from quarantine and after passing a rigorous return-to-work criteria.
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"We are scaling our manning on board based on our mission requirement," said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, the vessel's commanding officer. "Carrier qualification requires fewer personnel than other missions, and bringing fewer sailors on board will enable enhanced social distancing while underway."
During the deployment, sailors on board the vessel will wear masks and execute COVID-19 prevention and mitigation policies, the Navy said, adding the entire crew will be under medical surveillance, in-person meetings will be minimized and meal hours will be adjusted to lessen interactions between crew.
The outbreak on the ship first made news late March when its former commanding officer, Capt. Brett Crozier, pleaded with the Navy in a four-page letter for more resources to combat the outbreak.
The letter was made public and Crozier was fired, however top Navy officials have asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reinstate him.
The Navy said late April that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak on the ship.


upi--2020-05-21--Multiple sclerosis increases risk for heart trouble, stroke

Multiple sclerosis can cause weakness , pain , fatigue and vision problems .
The disease also appears to increase the odds of heart disease and stroke , new research suggests .
Multiple sclerosis , or MS , is a central nervous system disorder that can affect movement .
The British study found that people with MS were nearly one-third more likely to have `` macrovascular disease . ''
Those are conditions that affect the large blood vessels in the body .
Heart disease and stroke can be examples of macrovascular disease .
People with MS had a 1.5-fold higher risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to people without the disease .
Those with MS also had 3.5-times higher odds of dying from any cause during the study than did people without the condition .
These differences were more pronounced in women than in men .
One piece of good news the study found was that cholesterol-lowering medications , mainly statins , were linked to a lower risk of dying for people with MS. Study lead author Raffaele Palladino , from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London in England , said it 's important for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blood vessel health monitored regularly .
Regular follow-up could help `` identify those who might benefit the most from intensive vascular risk reduction strategies , '' which might include cholesterol-lowering medications , he said .
Kathleen Costello , associate vice president for health care access for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society , agreed that it 's vital to take steps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke .
`` While disease-modifying therapies for MS are important , lifestyle and wellness behaviors are important , too .
Quitting smoking , increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heart-healthy diet and managing emotional health are all important , '' said Costello , who was n't involved with the study .
Costello noted that these behaviors can help prevent heart disease and stroke , and can help with MS as well .
She noted that for some people with MS , physical activity can be difficult .
`` Anyone with MS -- no matter where their physical capabilities are -- can see improvement with activity .
The more activity people have , the better -- even just breathing exercises can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking to your doctor about exercises that are right for you and lessening any risk of injury .
Some may also need to consult a rehabilitation specialist , Costello said .
The study included more than 12,000 people with multiple sclerosis living in England .
Sixty-seven percent were women .
Average age was 45 .
The researchers compared them to a larger , matched group of more than 72,000 people without MS. Palladino said he believes the study 's findings apply to other populations , including people in the United States .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart disease and strokes is inflammation .
Palladino explained that inflammation associated with MS might lead to more blood vessel inflammation , which could then lead to more heart attacks and strokes .
`` However , further research is needed to clarify this association , '' he said .
Why would women with MS seem to have an even greater risk of developing these heart and blood vessel concerns ?
Palladino said it may be because healthy younger women typically have a lower risk of heart disease .
So the effect might seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would normally have a much lower risk than what was seen in the study .
Costello said the finding in women was an `` interesting observation , and not traditionally who you think about when you think about people with cardiovascular disease . ''
She said more study is needed to understand this finding .
Also , Costello said people with MS should have a primary care provider that they see on a regular basis .
`` It 's important to have your health tracked regularly .
It 's better to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The study results were published earlier this month in JAMA Neurology .
Learn more about living a healthy lifestyle with MS from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society .

Multiple sclerosis can cause weakness, pain, fatigue and vision problems. The disease also appears to increase the odds of heart disease and stroke, new research suggests.
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a central nervous system disorder that can affect movement. The British study found that people with MS were nearly one-third more likely to have "macrovascular disease." Those are conditions that affect the large blood vessels in the body. Heart disease and stroke can be examples of macrovascular disease.
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People with MS had a 1.5-fold higher risk of dying from heart disease or stroke compared to people without the disease. Those with MS also had 3.5-times higher odds of dying from any cause during the study than did people without the condition.
These differences were more pronounced in women than in men.
One piece of good news the study found was that cholesterol-lowering medications, mainly statins, were linked to a lower risk of dying for people with MS.
Advertisement
Study lead author Raffaele Palladino, from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London in England, said it's important for people with MS to have their heart and blood vessel health monitored regularly. Regular follow-up could help "identify those who might benefit the most from intensive vascular risk reduction strategies," which might include cholesterol-lowering medications, he said.
Kathleen Costello, associate vice president for health care access for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, agreed that it's vital to take steps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
"While disease-modifying therapies for MS are important, lifestyle and wellness behaviors are important, too. Quitting smoking, increasing physical activity however you can, eating a heart-healthy diet and managing emotional health are all important," said Costello, who wasn't involved with the study.
Costello noted that these behaviors can help prevent heart disease and stroke, and can help with MS as well.
She noted that for some people with MS, physical activity can be difficult. "Anyone with MS -- no matter where their physical capabilities are -- can see improvement with activity. The more activity people have, the better -- even just breathing exercises can help," Costello said.
She recommended talking to your doctor about exercises that are right for you and lessening any risk of injury. Some may also need to consult a rehabilitation specialist, Costello said.
Advertisement
The study included more than 12,000 people with multiple sclerosis living in England. Sixty-seven percent were women. Average age was 45. The researchers compared them to a larger, matched group of more than 72,000 people without MS.
Palladino said he believes the study's findings apply to other populations, including people in the United States.
One reason people with MS might have more heart disease and strokes is inflammation. Palladino explained that inflammation associated with MS might lead to more blood vessel inflammation, which could then lead to more heart attacks and strokes. "However, further research is needed to clarify this association," he said.
Why would women with MS seem to have an even greater risk of developing these heart and blood vessel concerns? Palladino said it may be because healthy younger women typically have a lower risk of heart disease. So the effect might seem more pronounced in women with MS because they would normally have a much lower risk than what was seen in the study.
Costello said the finding in women was an "interesting observation, and not traditionally who you think about when you think about people with cardiovascular disease." She said more study is needed to understand this finding.
Advertisement
Also, Costello said people with MS should have a primary care provider that they see on a regular basis. "It's important to have your health tracked regularly. It's better to start treating any problems early," she said.
The study results were published earlier this month in JAMA Neurology.
More information
Learn more about living a healthy lifestyle with MS from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-21--Trump administration blacklists Iran's interior minister on rights abuses

May 20 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration continued to increase pressure on Iran on Wednesday , imposing a new round of sanctions against Tehran 's interior minister and several others .
The United States blacklisted 12 individuals and entities as part of its `` maximum pressure campaign '' to force Iran back to the negotiating table over its nuclear program after President Donald Trump pulled out of a multi-nation accord aimed at preventing the Middle Eastern country from getting a nuclear weapon .
The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement it was sanctioning Iran 's Interior Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committing serious human rights abuses against Iranians , explaining he issued orders authorizing Tehran 's Law Enforcement Forces to use lethal force against protesters in November , killing hundreds of them .
Amnesty International said in early March that between Nov. 15-19 , Iran 's security forces killed more than 300 protesters , including 22 boys between the ages of 12 and 17 and a girl under the age of 12 .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Fazil of giving security forces `` carte blanche orders '' to use lethal force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hike in the cost of gasoline and a cut to fuel subsidies late last year .
`` His -- and the regime 's -- goal was to quash these peaceful protests and suppress the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression at any cost , '' Pompeo said in a statement .
He told reporters that Thursday will mark 24 months since the Trump administration 's maximum pressure campaign began , and part of it includes demanding the Iranian regime treat its people with respect and dignity .
`` His evil commands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're proud to mete out what justice we can on behalf of the slain and silenced inside Iran . ''
The Treasury also blacklisted seven senior officials of the LEF , including commander Hossein Ashtari Fard , and a brigadier general of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps , Hassan Shahvarpour , over their roles in suppressing the protests .
The LEF Cooperative Foundation and its managing director were also sanctioned for being affiliated with the LEF , the Treasury said .
The round of sanctions follows the Treasury blacklisting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline .
The sanctions block all property in the United States and prohibit U.S. citizens from conducting business with the designated individuals and entities .
They also ban Fazli , Shahvarpour and their family members from entry to the United States .
`` The Iranian regime violently suppresses dissent of the Iranian people , including peaceful protests , through physical and psychological abuse , '' Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said .
`` The United States will continue to hold accountable Iranian officials and institutions that oppress and abuse their own people ''

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks during a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- The Trump administration continued to increase pressure on Iran on Wednesday, imposing a new round of sanctions against Tehran's interior minister and several others. The United States blacklisted 12 individuals and entities as part of its "maximum pressure campaign" to force Iran back to the negotiating table over its nuclear program after President Donald Trump pulled out of a multi-nation accord aimed at preventing the Middle Eastern country from getting a nuclear weapon. Advertisement
The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement it was sanctioning Iran's Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli for his role in committing serious human rights abuses against Iranians, explaining he issued orders authorizing Tehran's Law Enforcement Forces to use lethal force against protesters in November, killing hundreds of them.
Amnesty International said in early March that between Nov. 15-19, Iran's security forces killed more than 300 protesters, including 22 boys between the ages of 12 and 17 and a girl under the age of 12.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Fazil of giving security forces "carte blanche orders" to use lethal force on those initially protesting a substantial price hike in the cost of gasoline and a cut to fuel subsidies late last year.
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"His -- and the regime's -- goal was to quash these peaceful protests and suppress the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression at any cost," Pompeo said in a statement.
He told reporters that Thursday will mark 24 months since the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign began, and part of it includes demanding the Iranian regime treat its people with respect and dignity.
"His evil commands killed Iranian citizens," he said. "We're proud to mete out what justice we can on behalf of the slain and silenced inside Iran."
The Treasury also blacklisted seven senior officials of the LEF, including commander Hossein Ashtari Fard, and a brigadier general of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hassan Shahvarpour, over their roles in suppressing the protests.
The LEF Cooperative Foundation and its managing director were also sanctioned for being affiliated with the LEF, the Treasury said.
The round of sanctions follows the Treasury blacklisting a Chinese company for working with an Iranian airline.
The sanctions block all property in the United States and prohibit U.S. citizens from conducting business with the designated individuals and entities. They also ban Fazli, Shahvarpour and their family members from entry to the United States.
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"The Iranian regime violently suppresses dissent of the Iranian people, including peaceful protests, through physical and psychological abuse," Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said. "The United States will continue to hold accountable Iranian officials and institutions that oppress and abuse their own people"


upi--2020-05-20--Appeals court blocks execution of Ohio man convicted in 1986 murder

May 20 ( UPI ) -- A federal appeals court on Wednesday ruled that Ohio can not execute a man sentenced to death in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old boy as he is intellectually disabled .
The three-judge panel for the 6th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals issued a unanimous opinion reversing and remanding Dany Hill 's death sentence in the 1986 murder of 12-year-old Raymond Fife .
The court ruled that executing Danny Hill would be unconstitutional under the 2002 Supreme Court decision in Atkins v. Virginia , which bars the execution of the intellectually disabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record could reasonably deny that Hill is intellectually disabled under Atkins .
In holding otherwise , the Ohio courts avoided giving serious consideration to past evidence of Hill 's intellectual disability , '' the panel wrote .
At the time of Hill 's original sentencing , there was no precedent in place barring the execution of intellectually disabled death row inmates .
An original petition for writ of habeas corpus for Hill was denied by U.S. District Judge John Adams in 2014 and later reversed by the 6th Circuit court but the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied an improper standard .
In its ruling on the current appeal , the court noted that Hill had already been convicted of two rape counts by the time he was 17 and had an IQ of 55-68 at the time of his trial , which the court said , `` easily meets the first element of the clinical definition of intellectual disability . ''
The court also stated that the Ohio Court of Appeals `` veered off track '' by focusing primarily on Hill 's interactions with law enforcement prison officials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discounted extensive past evidence of intellectual disability -- including multiple diagnoses of intellectual disability and numerous comments on Hill 's adaptive deficiencies made while Hill was in school , '' the panel wrote .

May 20 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court on Wednesday ruled that Ohio cannot execute a man sentenced to death in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old boy as he is intellectually disabled.
The three-judge panel for the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a unanimous opinion reversing and remanding Danny Hill's death sentence in the 1986 murder of 12-year-old Raymond Fife.
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The court ruled that executing Danny Hill would be unconstitutional under the 2002 Supreme Court decision in Atkins vs. Virginia, which bars the execution of the intellectually disabled.
"No person looking at this record could reasonably deny that Hill is intellectually disabled under Atkins. In holding otherwise, the Ohio courts avoided giving serious consideration to past evidence of Hill's intellectual disability," the panel wrote.
At the time of Hill's original sentencing, there was no precedent in place barring the execution of intellectually disabled death row inmates.
An original petition for writ of habeas corpus for Hill was denied by U.S. District Judge John Adams in 2014 and later reversed by the 6th Circuit court but the Supreme Court ultimately ruled the appeals court had applied an improper standard.
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In its ruling on the current appeal, the court noted that Hill had already been convicted of two rape counts by the time he was 17 and had an IQ of 55-68 at the time of his trial, which the court said, "easily meets the first element of the clinical definition of intellectual disability."
The court also stated that the Ohio Court of Appeals "veered off track" by focusing primarily on Hill's interactions with law enforcement prison officials and the courts.
"The Ohio courts discounted extensive past evidence of intellectual disability -- including multiple diagnoses of intellectual disability and numerous comments on Hill's adaptive deficiencies made while Hill was in school," the panel wrote.


upi--2020-05-20--China warns of countermeasures after Pompeo congratulates Tsai

May 20 ( UPI ) -- China on Wednesday expressed `` strong indignation and condemnation '' over U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's congratulatory remarks to Taiwan 's president on the start of her second term in office , threatening to take countermeasures .
On Wednesday , Pompeo tweeted congratulations to Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of her second four-year term as president of Taiwan , an island state China claims sovereignty over under the One China Policy .
`` Taiwan 's vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world , '' Pompeo said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our partnerships with Taiwan will continue to flourish . ''
He also issued a statement saying the United States considers Taiwan to be `` a force for good '' in the world and that the two governments have a shared vision for the region that includes the rule of law transparency , prosperity and security for all .
In a statement , Beijing 's foreign ministry condemned Pompeo 's comments , stating his calling Tsai president and use of the word partnership in connection to Taiwan `` constituted a gross interference in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. side must stop official interactions and moves aimed at upgrading substantive relations with Taiwan , '' the ministry said .
`` It must stop meddling in China 's internal affairs , and must terminate all moves and rhetoric that may jeopardize cross-Strait peace and stability and China-U.S. relations as a whole . ''
The ministry said it wanted to make clear to the United States its `` agenda '' for Taiwan independence will `` go nowhere '' and actions to embolden separatists `` is doomed to fail , '' stating any action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met with a `` forceful '' countermeasure without elaborating .
`` China will take necessary measures in response to the aforementioned wrong moves by the U.S. , '' it said .
`` The U.S. side must bear all consequences to arise therefrom . ''
Meanwhile , Taiwan 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked Pompeo for the message and `` high praise '' of its democracy in a tweet , stating `` the government & people of Taiwan are sincerely grateful for the friendship & support of the U.S. '' The ministry said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state had congratulated a Taiwan president .
During her inauguration speech Wednesday , Tsai rejected Beijing 's demand for Taiwan to reunify with China .
Tsai said her government will not accept Beijing 's One Country , Two System governmental framework for reunification .
`` We stand fast by this principle , '' she said .
In response to Pompeo 's tweet , Tsai said the Taiwan-U.S. partnership was strong and full of promise and that she looked forward to `` furthering our friendship based on our many shared values and interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials also congratulated Tsai , including presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden , former national security advisor John Bolton , Sen. Marco Rubio and others .

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen began her second four-year term in office Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Office of the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
May 20 (UPI) -- China on Wednesday expressed "strong indignation and condemnation" over U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's congratulatory remarks to Taiwan's president on the start of her second term in office, threatening to take countermeasures. On Wednesday, Pompeo tweeted congratulations to Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of her second four-year term as president of Taiwan, an island state China claims sovereignty over under the One China Policy. Advertisement
"Taiwan's vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world," Pompeo said. "With President Tsai at the helm, our partnerships with Taiwan will continue to flourish."
He also issued a statement saying the United States considers Taiwan to be "a force for good" in the world and that the two governments have a shared vision for the region that includes the rule of law transparency, prosperity and security for all.
Advertisement Congratulations to Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of your second-term as Taiwan's President. Taiwan's vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. With President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 19, 2020
In a statement, Beijing's foreign ministry condemned Pompeo's comments, stating his calling Tsai president and use of the word partnership in connection to Taiwan "constituted a gross interference in China's internal affairs."
"The U.S. side must stop official interactions and moves aimed at upgrading substantive relations with Taiwan," the ministry said. "It must stop meddling in China's internal affairs, and must terminate all moves and rhetoric that may jeopardize cross-Strait peace and stability and China-U.S. relations as a whole."
The ministry said it wanted to make clear to the United States its "agenda" for Taiwan independence will "go nowhere" and actions to embolden separatists "is doomed to fail," stating any action that threatens China's goals will be met with a "forceful" countermeasure without elaborating.
"China will take necessary measures in response to the aforementioned wrong moves by the U.S.," it said. "The U.S. side must bear all consequences to arise therefrom."
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Meanwhile, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked Pompeo for the message and "high praise" of its democracy in a tweet, stating "the government & people of Taiwan are sincerely grateful for the friendship & support of the U.S."
The ministry said it was the first time a U.S. secretary of state had congratulated a Taiwan president.
During her inauguration speech Wednesday, Tsai rejected Beijing's demand for Taiwan to reunify with China.
Tsai said her government will not accept Beijing's One Country, Two System governmental framework for reunification.
"We stand fast by this principle," she said.
In response to Pompeo's tweet, Tsai said the Taiwan-U.S. partnership was strong and full of promise and that she looked forward to "furthering our friendship based on our many shared values and interests."
Several other U.S. politicians and officials also congratulated Tsai, including presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, former national security advisor John Bolton, Sen. Marco Rubio and others.


upi--2020-05-20--NCAA to allow resumption of voluntary on-campus activities in football, basketball

May 20 ( UPI ) -- The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to allow the resumption of voluntary on-campus athletic activities in football and men 's and women 's basketball beginning June 1 .
After the coronavirus pandemic forced sports across the United States to suspend play , the NCAA council prohibited all on-campus workouts .
That ban was set to expire at the end of May .
The NCAA said it reached a decision after a virtual meeting Wednesday .
The organization said the status of other sports will be decided through an electronic vote at a later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use its discretion to make the best decisions possible for football and basketball student-athletes within the appropriate re-socialization framework , '' said council chair M. Grace Calhoun , the athletic director at Penn .
`` Allowing for voluntary athletics activity acknowledges that reopening our campuses will be an individual decision but should be based on advice from medical experts . ''
Voluntary on-campus workouts must be initiated by the student-athlete , according to the NCAA .
Coaches are barred from being present unless a sport-specific safety exception allows it , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach or reported back to a member of the coaching staff .
Athletic directors around the country are already making plans to have student-athletes return to campus .
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith told reporters on a conference call Wednesday that the school will permit voluntary workouts to resume June 8 , pending university approval .
Also Wednesday , Wyoming announced it will allow football and basketball players to return to campus beginning June 1 .
The university is only allowing a limited number of student-athletes to return , and those coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a COVID-19 test before being allowed into any facility .

May 20 (UPI) -- The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to allow the resumption of voluntary on-campus athletic activities in football and men's and women's basketball beginning June 1.
After the coronavirus pandemic forced sports across the United States to suspend play, the NCAA council prohibited all on-campus workouts. That ban was set to expire at the end of May.
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The NCAA said it reached a decision after a virtual meeting Wednesday. The organization said the status of other sports will be decided through an electronic vote at a later date.
"We encourage each school to use its discretion to make the best decisions possible for football and basketball student-athletes within the appropriate re-socialization framework," said council chair M. Grace Calhoun, the athletic director at Penn.
"Allowing for voluntary athletics activity acknowledges that reopening our campuses will be an individual decision but should be based on advice from medical experts."
Voluntary on-campus workouts must be initiated by the student-athlete, according to the NCAA. Coaches are barred from being present unless a sport-specific safety exception allows it, and the activities can't be directed by a coach or reported back to a member of the coaching staff.
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Athletic directors around the country are already making plans to have student-athletes return to campus. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith told reporters on a conference call Wednesday that the school will permit voluntary workouts to resume June 8, pending university approval.
Also Wednesday, Wyoming announced it will allow football and basketball players to return to campus beginning June 1. The university is only allowing a limited number of student-athletes to return, and those coming back must finish a 14-day quarantine and take a COVID-19 test before being allowed into any facility.


upi--2020-05-21--NFL owners considering onside kick change, extra referee

May 21 ( UPI ) -- As the NFL attempts to start its season on time amid the coronavirus pandemic , the 32 league owners will vote on a list of rule changes , highlighted by a proposal for an extra game official and another for an alternate to the onside kick .
NFL teams received the list of possible rule changes Thursday , and team owners will be asked to vote on the proposals during a virtual meeting May 28 .
All proposals must be approved by 75 percent ( 24 ) of the league 's owners to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Chargers both proposed the addition of a booth umpire -- also known as a sky judge -- as an eighth referee to the gameday officiating crew .
Those teams also recommended the addition of a senior technology adviser to provide assistance to the officiating crew .
The proposals to add a booth umpire and technology adviser were n't endorsed by the NFL 's competition committee , meaning they are unlikely to be approved as permanent rule changes .
Instead , the committee recommended a preseason experiment for the rules .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia Eagles -- involves an alternative to the onside kick .
Instead of kicking off after a score , a team would have the choice to run one offensive play from its own 25-yard line .
The club attempting to retain possession of the ball would need to gain at least 15 yards on the play .
NFL owners rejected a similar proposal last year from the Denver Broncos , but the league experimented with the change during the 2019 Pro Bowl .
Since the beginning of the 2018 campaign , when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery rate on onside kicks has been about 10.4 percent , according to NFL Media .
The success rate was 19.5 percent from 2001 to 2017 .
Meanwhile , the league 's competition committee endorsed two minor rule changes for NFL owners to consider .
The first change would expand defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who has secured possession of the ball but has n't had time to avoid impending contact , while the second would prevent teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead ball fouls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be reviewed will be making permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a penalty , and any extra point attempt .

NFL owners are expected to vote on the rule changes during a virtual meeting next week. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- As the NFL attempts to start its season on time amid the coronavirus pandemic, the 32 league owners will vote on a list of rule changes, highlighted by a proposal for an extra game official and another for an alternate to the onside kick. NFL teams received the list of possible rule changes Thursday, and team owners will be asked to vote on the proposals during a virtual meeting May 28. All proposals must be approved by 75 percent (24) of the league's owners to be adopted. Advertisement
The Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers both proposed the addition of a booth umpire -- also known as a sky judge -- as an eighth referee to the gameday officiating crew. Those teams also recommended the addition of a senior technology adviser to provide assistance to the officiating crew.
The proposals to add a booth umpire and technology adviser weren't endorsed by the NFL's competition committee, meaning they are unlikely to be approved as permanent rule changes. Instead, the committee recommended a preseason experiment for the rules.
The other notable proposal -- put forth by the Philadelphia Eagles -- involves an alternative to the onside kick. Instead of kicking off after a score, a team would have the choice to run one offensive play from its own 25-yard line. The club attempting to retain possession of the ball would need to gain at least 15 yards on the play.
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NFL owners rejected a similar proposal last year from the Denver Broncos, but the league experimented with the change during the 2019 Pro Bowl.
Since the beginning of the 2018 campaign, when the NFL implemented new kickoff rules, the recovery rate on onside kicks has been about 10.4 percent, according to NFL Media. The success rate was 19.5 percent from 2001 to 2017.
Meanwhile, the league's competition committee endorsed two minor rule changes for NFL owners to consider.
The first change would expand defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who has secured possession of the ball but hasn't had time to avoid impending contact, while the second would prevent teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead ball fouls while the clock is running.
Also to be reviewed will be making permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a penalty, and any extra point attempt.


upi--2020-05-21--Man who captured video of Ahmaud Arbery shooting charged with murder

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The man who recorded the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery has been arrested on murder charges , the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday .
The agency said William `` Roddie '' Bryan Jr. , 50 , was arrested on felony murder charges and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment stemming from the Feb. 23 shooting of Arbery .
Bryan will be booked into Glynn County Jail .
The GBI is investigating the case in partnership with District Attorney Joyette Holmes of the Cobb County District Attorney 's Office .
Arbery , 25 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Satilla shores neighborhood in Brunswick near his home after being confronted by Gregory McMichael , 64 , and his son , Travis McMichael , 34 .
The father and son were arrested on May 7 , two months after the incident .
Video of the shooting , captured by Bryan , surfaced on the Internet and led the case to gain national attention .
The video features a perspective from a vehicle trailing Arbery and shows him being confronted by the younger McMichael armed with what appears to be a shotgun before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men are seen fighting and a second shot is fired before the video concludes .
Waycross District Attorney George Barnhill said the video proves McMichael was acting in self-defense , as he claimed in a police report which stated he and his father began trailing Arbery because he looked like someone who was suspected of committing a series of break-ins in the area .

William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., the man who captured the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, pictured here, was arrested Thursday on felony murder charges and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Photo courtesy the Family of Ahmaud Arbery | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- The man who recorded the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery has been arrested on murder charges, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday. The agency said William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., 50, was arrested on felony murder charges and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment stemming from the Feb. 23 shooting of Arbery. Advertisement
Bryan will be booked into Glynn County Jail. The GBI is investigating the case in partnership with District Attorney Joyette Holmes of the Cobb County District Attorney's Office.
Arbery, 25, was shot and killed while jogging in the Satilla shores neighborhood in Brunswick near his home after being confronted by Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son, Travis McMichael, 34.
The father and son were arrested on May 7, two months after the incident.
Video of the shooting, captured by Bryan, surfaced on the Internet and led the case to gain national attention.
The video features a perspective from a vehicle trailing Arbery and shows him being confronted by the younger McMichael armed with what appears to be a shotgun before a shot is fired, the two men are seen fighting and a second shot is fired before the video concludes.
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Waycross District Attorney George Barnhill said the video proves McMichael was acting in self-defense, as he claimed in a police report which stated he and his father began trailing Arbery because he looked like someone who was suspected of committing a series of break-ins in the area.


upi--2020-05-21--Trump orders flags at half-staff for coronavirus victims

Volunteers distribute food during a Virtual Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Giveaway sponsored by United Hands Multi-Purpose Center to help feed thousands @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic in Compton , California on Saturday , May 2 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to @ @ @ @ @ 470 million this time .
The purchases , announced this week , will come in @ @ @ @ @ billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance @ @ @ @ @ 17 .
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | Postal workers return to the Hollywood Station @ @ @ @ @ shift in Los Angeles .
The U.S .
Postal Service warned Congress this week that @ @ @ @ @ out of cash '' in the next several months without immediate action from the White @ @ @ @ @ by Jim Ruymen/UPI |

The three-day period will begin Friday, after which the flags will remain lowered Monday to honor the military dead on Memorial Day. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Thursday said he's ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor some 94,000 Americans killed by COVID-19. The lowering of flags will begin Friday. Advertisement
"I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus," Trump tweeted.
"On Monday, the flags will be at half-staff in honor of the men and women in our Military who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice for our Nation."
As of Thursday evening, there were at least 94,600 U.S. deaths confirmed linked to the novel coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University. The school's global tracker indicates there have been 1.58 million confirmed cases in the United States and 298,000 recoveries.
Globally, the virus has killed 332,400 people, crossing the 5 million cases mark Thursday. There have been nearly 2 million recoveries across the globe.
California life in the COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-21--Falcons sign former Cardinals, Buccaneers LB Deone Bucannon

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Former Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Deone Bucannon agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons , the team announced Thursday .
`` Excited and ready to get to work , '' Bucannon wrote on social media .
`` Blessed to have this opportunity ! ''
Bucannon spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in Arizona , where he played both linebacker and safety .
In his second season with the Cardinals in 2015 , he recorded a career-best 109 total tackles and three sacks .
The former first-round pick in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent after the 2018 campaign and signed with the Buccaneers .
He appeared in five games with the Bucs and notched three tackles before he was released in early October .
Bucannon , 27 , finished the 2019 season with the New York Giants , playing in nine games and recording 25 tackles .
Bucannon , listed at 6-foot-1 , is a versatile defender in the box and could find a similar role in the Falcons ' defense , which lost leading tackler De'Vondre Campbell in free agency earlier this off-season .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buccaneers and Giants , Bucannon has tallied 434 total tackles , seven sacks , seven forced fumbles , five fumble recoveries , two interceptions , 12 passes defensed and one defensive touchdown .

Former Arizona Cardinals defender Deone Bucannon (20) spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants. File Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Former Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Deone Bucannon agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Thursday. "Excited and ready to get to work," Bucannon wrote on social media. "Blessed to have this opportunity!" Advertisement
Bucannon spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in Arizona, where he played both linebacker and safety. In his second season with the Cardinals in 2015, he recorded a career-best 109 total tackles and three sacks.
The former first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft became a free agent after the 2018 campaign and signed with the Buccaneers. He appeared in five games with the Bucs and notched three tackles before he was released in early October.
Bucannon, 27, finished the 2019 season with the New York Giants, playing in nine games and recording 25 tackles.
Excited and ready to get to work. Blessed to have this opportunity! https://t.co/QLcKDQCwx2— Deone Bucannon (@deonebucannon20) May 21, 2020
Bucannon, listed at 6-foot-1, is a versatile defender in the box and could find a similar role in the Falcons' defense, which lost leading tackler De'Vondre Campbell in free agency earlier this off-season.
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In 84 career games with the Cardinals, Buccaneers and Giants, Bucannon has tallied 434 total tackles, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, two interceptions, 12 passes defensed and one defensive touchdown.


upi--2020-05-21--Evacuations underway as flooding hits Roanoke, Va.

May 21 ( UPI ) -- An onslaught of heavy rain has triggered extensive life-threatening flooding in the southern Appalachians of North Carolina and Virginia , with evacuations underway in the city of Roanoke .
The flood danger prompted the National Weather Service 's Weather Prediction Center to issue a high risk for flooding for Wednesday and Wednesday night , the first time since Feb. 11 .
`` The same slow-moving storm that caused catastrophic flooding in portions of Michigan early this week will continue to inundate areas in its path into Thursday night , '' AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry weather , the storm shifted toward the southern Appalachians during the middle of the week and is now beginning to wander northeastward .
Through Thursday evening , AccuWeather meteorologists are concerned for a general 4 inches to 8 inches of rain from the storm and widespread flooding from northwestern North Carolina to part of western Virgnia .
Similar rain totals and flooding concerns are also expected at the North Carolina beaches .
Along the eastern slopes of the southern Appalachians , an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches can trigger extensive life-threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 homes were evacuated near Spring Valley Dam in Roanoke , Va. , as heavy rain pounded the area .
`` Due to heavy rains , the Spring Valley Dam located in the City of Roanoke near Lake Dr. is in danger of failing which could cause flooding in the immediate area of the dam , '' a post from the City of Roanoke on Twitter read .
The Roanoke Fire-EMS performed several swift water rescues as floodwaters rose Wednesday night , but no injuries were reported .
`` Please be reminded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are there for yours and our protection .
# TurnAroundDontDrown , '' the agency posted on Twitter .
`` This has been a very wet start for 2020 in western North Carolina with many places receiving 6 to 14 inches above normal precipitation , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Paul Walker said .
`` Heavy rains through Thursday on already saturated ground will lead to mudslides . ''
Mudslides have shut down sections of Interstate 40 through the North Carolina mountains in the past , and that danger is again present this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has already dealt with a damaging round of flash flooding in late April when over 3 inches of rain fell in a short amount of time , '' Buckingham added .
With this storm , rainfall totals have already exceeded 4 inches as of early Thursday morning .
In all areas being threatened by the widespread flooding through Thursday , residents should prepare for evacuations as small rivers and streams can quickly rise out of their banks and inundate neighboring land and communities .
Forecasters urge motorists never to drive through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself and your occupants in danger .
It takes only a foot of fast-flowing water to sweep away most cars , and floodwaters can be hide washed out roads and bridges .
`` Even in the absence of flooding , the heavy rain may continue to cause travel slowdowns and standing water on major roadways , such as I-77 , I-40 and I-26 , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said .
Standing water heightens the risk of vehicles hydroplaning when traveling at highway speeds , and motorists will also be faced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other vehicles .
Even though flooding will prove to be the greatest hazard from the storm , breaks of sunshine could set the stage for isolated severe thunderstorms across the eastern Carolinas and southern Georgia into Thursday evening .
`` During the latter part of the week , there should be some relief for cities such as Columbia , South Carolina , as the heaviest rain slowly lifts northward into North Carolina and Virginia , '' Pydynowski added .
On Friday , the storm and its rain will press farther north into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flood risk will wane with the storm , and the storm will be more of a headache to residents in the mid-Atlantic with disruptions to outdoor plans and travel .
The rain has yet to reach the Chesapeake Bay , but the effects of the storm are already being felt along the bay 's shoreline .
Stiff onshore winds will continue to create rough surf and drive water onshore in the area through Thursday .
The coastal flooding may put some areas underneath up to 1 foot of water , potentially leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes and vehicles .
As the rain moves into the mid-Atlantic , the risk of flooding may not be over for the Carolinas and southern Virginia .
`` Even after the heavy rain ends , there is likely to be a delayed response on the larger rivers , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said .
`` It may take until this weekend for moderate to major flooding to occur on the larger rivers as floodwaters drain downstream . ''
The Broad , Yadkin , Congaree , Dan and Roanoke rivers are among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the heavy rain has ended .
`` One of the hardest-hit river basins , in terms of flooding , is likely to be the New River basin , where the focus of the heavy rain has been on Wednesday and will continue into Thursday evening , '' Sosnowski said .
Dry weather is not anticipated to follow the inundation of rain through Thursday .
Showers and thunderstorms may continue over parts of the southern Appalachians this Memorial Day holiday weekend .
Widespread flooding problems are not expected , but any heavy downpours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hinder storm cleanup .

May 21 (UPI) -- An onslaught of heavy rain has triggered extensive life-threatening flooding in the southern Appalachians of North Carolina and Virginia, with evacuations underway in the city of Roanoke.
The flood danger prompted the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center to issue a high risk for flooding for Wednesday and Wednesday night, the first time since Feb. 11.
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"The same slow-moving storm that caused catastrophic flooding in portions of Michigan early this week will continue to inundate areas in its path into Thursday night," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.
While Michigan is welcoming much-needed dry weather, the storm shifted toward the southern Appalachians during the middle of the week and is now beginning to wander northeastward.
Through Thursday evening, AccuWeather meteorologists are concerned for a general 4 inches to 8 inches of rain from the storm and widespread flooding from northwestern North Carolina to part of western Virgnia. Similar rain totals and flooding concerns are also expected at the North Carolina beaches. Along the eastern slopes of the southern Appalachians, an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches can trigger extensive life-threatening flooding.
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On Wednesday night, approximately 13 homes were evacuated near Spring Valley Dam in Roanoke, Va., as heavy rain pounded the area.
"Due to heavy rains, the Spring Valley Dam located in the City of Roanoke near Lake Dr. is in danger of failing which could cause flooding in the immediate area of the dam," a post from the City of Roanoke on Twitter read.
Around 10:50pm, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the intersection of Bennington St and Edgerton Ave SE for persons trapped in a vehicle in flooded waters. Units arrived to find three occupants in the vehicle who were rescued by swift water crews. No injuries were reported. pic.twitter.com/d3B68b310W— Roanoke Fire-EMS (@RoanokeFireEMS) May 21, 2020
The Roanoke Fire-EMS performed several swift water rescues as floodwaters rose Wednesday night, but no injuries were reported.
"Please be reminded that barricades are in place for a reason. They are there for yours and our protection. #TurnAroundDontDrown," the agency posted on Twitter.
"This has been a very wet start for 2020 in western North Carolina with many places receiving 6 to 14 inches above normal precipitation," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Paul Walker said. "Heavy rains through Thursday on already saturated ground will lead to mudslides."
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Mudslides have shut down sections of Interstate 40 through the North Carolina mountains in the past, and that danger is again present this week.
"Boone, North Carolina, has already dealt with a damaging round of flash flooding in late April when over 3 inches of rain fell in a short amount of time," Buckingham added. With this storm, rainfall totals have already exceeded 4 inches as of early Thursday morning.
In all areas being threatened by the widespread flooding through Thursday, residents should prepare for evacuations as small rivers and streams can quickly rise out of their banks and inundate neighboring land and communities.
Forecasters urge motorists never to drive through a flooded road or bridge to avoid putting yourself and your occupants in danger. It takes only a foot of fast-flowing water to sweep away most cars, and floodwaters can be hide washed out roads and bridges.
"Even in the absence of flooding, the heavy rain may continue to cause travel slowdowns and standing water on major roadways, such as I-77, I-40 and I-26," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said.
Standing water heightens the risk of vehicles hydroplaning when traveling at highway speeds, and motorists will also be faced with reduced visibility from the downpours and spray from other vehicles.
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Even though flooding will prove to be the greatest hazard from the storm, breaks of sunshine could set the stage for isolated severe thunderstorms across the eastern Carolinas and southern Georgia into Thursday evening.
"During the latter part of the week, there should be some relief for cities such as Columbia, South Carolina, as the heaviest rain slowly lifts northward into North Carolina and Virginia," Pydynowski added.
On Friday, the storm and its rain will press farther north into the mid-Atlantic. By this time, the flood risk will wane with the storm, and the storm will be more of a headache to residents in the mid-Atlantic with disruptions to outdoor plans and travel.
The rain has yet to reach the Chesapeake Bay, but the effects of the storm are already being felt along the bay's shoreline.
Stiff onshore winds will continue to create rough surf and drive water onshore in the area through Thursday. The coastal flooding may put some areas underneath up to 1 foot of water, potentially leading to road closures and flood damage to homes and vehicles.
As the rain moves into the mid-Atlantic, the risk of flooding may not be over for the Carolinas and southern Virginia.
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"Even after the heavy rain ends, there is likely to be a delayed response on the larger rivers," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. "It may take until this weekend for moderate to major flooding to occur on the larger rivers as floodwaters drain downstream."
The Broad, Yadkin, Congaree, Dan and Roanoke rivers are among the waterways that may continue to rise after the heavy rain has ended.
"One of the hardest-hit river basins, in terms of flooding, is likely to be the New River basin, where the focus of the heavy rain has been on Wednesday and will continue into Thursday evening," Sosnowski said.
Dry weather is not anticipated to follow the inundation of rain through Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms may continue over parts of the southern Appalachians this Memorial Day holiday weekend. Widespread flooding problems are not expected, but any heavy downpours could slow the recession of floodwaters and hinder storm cleanup.


upi--2020-05-21--Air Force removes minimum height requirement for pilots

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The Air Force announced Thursday that it has removed the minimum height requirement for officer applicants who wish to fly .
According to the service , the change -- which took effect May 13 -- is part of an effort to encourage a more diverse pool of applicants to pursue careers in aviation .
`` We 're really focused on identifying and eliminating barriers to serve in the Air Force , '' said Gwendolyn DeFilippi , assistant deputy chief of staff for manpower , personnel and services .
DeFilippi , who chairs the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group , explained , `` This is a huge win , especially for women and minorities of smaller stature who previously may have assumed they were n't qualified to join our team . ''
Under the pervious Medical Standards Directory requirement , an individual who wanted to become a pilot had to have a standing height between 5 ' 4 '' and 6 ' 5 '' and have a sitting height between 34 and 40 inches .
Under the new policy , initial applicants outside that height range no longer require an accession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eliminated about 44 percent of American women between the age of 20 and 29 , the Air Force said .
`` Studies have shown that women 's perceptions about being fully qualified for a job makes them less likely to apply , even though there is a waiver option . ''
said Lt. Col. Jessica Ruttenber , Air Force mobility planner and programmer and team leader on the Women 's Initiative Team , who led the height standards adjustment effort .
`` Modifying the height standard allows the Air Force to accommodate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within existing aircraft constraints . ''

Capt. Michelle “Mace” Curran, an F-16 pilot and the first woman assigned to fly in the 355th Fighter Squadron, looks up during launch preparations on the flightline in this March 2017 photo. The Air Force announced this week that it is removing minimum height requirements for pilots. Photo by Samantha Mathison/U.S. Air Force
May 21 (UPI) -- The Air Force announced Thursday that it has removed the minimum height requirement for officer applicants who wish to fly. According to the service, the change -- which took effect May 13 -- is part of an effort to encourage a more diverse pool of applicants to pursue careers in aviation. Advertisement
"We're really focused on identifying and eliminating barriers to serve in the Air Force," said Gwendolyn DeFilippi, assistant deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. DeFilippi, who chairs the Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group, explained, "This is a huge win, especially for women and minorities of smaller stature who previously may have assumed they weren't qualified to join our team."
Under the pervious Medical Standards Directory requirement, an individual who wanted to become a pilot had to have a standing height between 5'4" and 6'5" and have a sitting height between 34 and 40 inches.
Under the new policy, initial applicants outside that height range no longer require an accession range.
The previous height screening criteria eliminated about 44 percent of American women between the age of 20 and 29, the Air Force said.
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"Studies have shown that women's perceptions about being fully qualified for a job makes them less likely to apply, even though there is a waiver option." said Lt. Col. Jessica Ruttenber, Air Force mobility planner and programmer and team leader on the Women's Initiative Team, who led the height standards adjustment effort. "Modifying the height standard allows the Air Force to accommodate a larger and more diverse rated applicant pool within existing aircraft constraints."


upi--2020-05-21--Michelle Obama launches coalition to increase voter registration, engagement

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Former first lady Michelle Obama launched a coalition aimed at increasing voter registration and civic engagement for the 2020 election on Thursday .
The Civic Cities program , launched under her non-partisan voting initiative When We All Vote , includes 31 mayors from across the country who will work to brainstorm and promote methods to ensure Americans can safely and securely cast their ballots amid the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` This current crisis is a clear reminder of how critical it is to have competent leadership at all levels of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and activists .
`` Voting is bigger than any one party , any one issue , any one candidate , any one election . ''
Obama said the pandemic will `` likely have a significant impact '' on the November election and told the mayors it was important to ensure the economic crisis caused by the pandeimc `` does n't turn into a crisis of democracy '' as well .
`` Already in state and local elections , we 've seen voters forced to choose between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard and that 's absolutely not acceptable , '' she said .
Civil Cities will advocate for safe voting policies , including online voter registration , early in-person voting and vote-by-mail , she added .
`` No matter what party or ideology , we want everyone to participate and we need your voices in this with us -- and your constituents desperately need your leadership , '' Obama said .
`` It 's why I 'm going to keep pushing to help get you what you need to run a safe and fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday called for the Senate to pass the $ 3 trillion HEROES Act , which includes $ 3.6 billion in funding for vote-by-mail efforts .
President Donald Trump has repeatedly opposed vote-by-mail and earlier this week threatened to withhold federal funding from Michigan and Nevada for further pursuing methods to widely distribute mail-in ballots .

Former first lady Michelle Obama on Thursday launched a coalition of 31 mayors under her When We All Vote initiative, aimed at t increasing voter registration and civic engagement for the 2020 election amid the coronavirus pandemic, including advocating for online voter registration and mail-in voting. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Former first lady Michelle Obama launched a coalition aimed at increasing voter registration and civic engagement for the 2020 election on Thursday. The Civic Cities program, launched under her non-partisan voting initiative When We All Vote, includes 31 mayors from across the country who will work to brainstorm and promote methods to ensure Americans can safely and securely cast their ballots amid the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
"This current crisis is a clear reminder of how critical it is to have competent leadership at all levels of government," Obama said on a Zoom call with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and activists. "Voting is bigger than any one party, any one issue, any one candidate, any one election."
Obama said the pandemic will "likely have a significant impact" on the November election and told the mayors it was important to ensure the economic crisis caused by the pandeimc "doesn't turn into a crisis of democracy" as well.
"Already in state and local elections, we've seen voters forced to choose between protecting their health and making their voices heard and that's absolutely not acceptable," she said.
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Civil Cities will advocate for safe voting policies, including online voter registration, early in-person voting and vote-by-mail, she added.
"No matter what party or ideology, we want everyone to participate and we need your voices in this with us -- and your constituents desperately need your leadership," Obama said. "It's why I'm going to keep pushing to help get you what you need to run a safe and fair election."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called for the Senate to pass the $3 trillion HEROES Act, which includes $3.6 billion in funding for vote-by-mail efforts.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly opposed vote-by-mail and earlier this week threatened to withhold federal funding from Michigan and Nevada for further pursuing methods to widely distribute mail-in ballots.


upi--2020-05-21--ESPN to air nine-part docuseries on Tom Brady in 2021

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his nine Super Bowl trips will be the subject of a nine-part documentary series on ESPN , the network announced Thursday .
The docuseries , titled The Man in the Arena : Tom Brady , is scheduled to air in 2021 , according to ESPN .
The series will provide a look from Brady 's perspective at his six NFL championship wins and three Super Bowl losses that he experienced with the Patriots organization .
The documentary will be produced by ESPN , Gotham Chopra of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is Brady 's production company .
`` Through the series , we 're defining the key moments and challenges that were seemingly insurmountable , but through hard work and perseverance , became career-defining triumphs , in both victory and defeat , '' Brady said in a statement .
Brady , 42 , has won more Super Bowl titles than anyone else in NFL history and remains a star in the league despite his age .
The usually reserved quarterback left New England this off-season and signed a two-year contract with the Tampa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's executive vice president and one of the creators of the network 's 30 for 30 series , believes Brady , who typically does n't provide behind-the-scenes information , has many notable stories worth telling .
`` To have personal firsthand accounts and an athlete at Tom 's level who does n't often give firsthand accounts can add up to a remarkable series , '' Schell said .
The announcement follows the success of ESPN 's The Last Dance documentary , which chronicled the Chicago Bulls ' championship season in 1997-98 and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time with the organization .

Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this off-season. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his nine Super Bowl trips will be the subject of a nine-part documentary series on ESPN, the network announced Thursday. The docuseries, titled The Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, is scheduled to air in 2021, according to ESPN. The series will provide a look from Brady's perspective at his six NFL championship wins and three Super Bowl losses that he experienced with the Patriots organization. Advertisement
The documentary will be produced by ESPN, Gotham Chopra of Religion of Sports and 199 Productions, which is Brady's production company.
"Through the series, we're defining the key moments and challenges that were seemingly insurmountable, but through hard work and perseverance, became career-defining triumphs, in both victory and defeat," Brady said in a statement.
Brady, 42, has won more Super Bowl titles than anyone else in NFL history and remains a star in the league despite his age. The usually reserved quarterback left New England this off-season and signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Advertisement I have quoted Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" speech since I saw it painted on our weight room wall at UM in 1995. It's a constant reminder to ignore the noise, buckle my chinstrap, and battle through whatever comes my way. Coming 2021 on @espn! pic.twitter.com/nm9SdFYB7D— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) May 21, 2020
Connor Schell, ESPN's executive vice president and one of the creators of the network's 30 for 30 series, believes Brady, who typically doesn't provide behind-the-scenes information, has many notable stories worth telling.
"To have personal firsthand accounts and an athlete at Tom's level who doesn't often give firsthand accounts can add up to a remarkable series," Schell said.
The announcement follows the success of ESPN's The Last Dance documentary, which chronicled the Chicago Bulls' championship season in 1997-98 and other memorable moments involving Michael Jordan during his time with the organization.


upi--2020-05-21--Raytheon nabs $92.4M for work on NASAMS

Raytheon nabs $92.4M for work on NASAMS

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Raytheon was awarded a $ 92.4 million contract for work on the National Advanced @ @ @ @ @ , the Pentagon announced Thursday .
According to Raytheon , NASAMS is a mid-range air @ @ @ @ @ of the Sentinel radar , Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles -- for which Raytheon was @ @ @ @ @ contract in December -- and Kongsberg 's Fire Distribution Center .
The system is intended @ @ @ @ @ that can be tailored and maximized .
In 2015 Raytheon and Kongsberg extended their partnership @ @ @ @ @ .
Work locations and funding will be determined with each work order .
The contract @ @ @ @ @ of Feb. 14 , 2024 .
Bids were solicited through a competitive process with just @ @ @ @ @ to the Pentagon .

Raytheon was awarded a $92.4 million contract for work on the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System Thursday. Photo courtesy of Raytheon
May 21 (UPI) -- Raytheon was awarded a $92.4 million contract for work on the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System, the Pentagon announced Thursday. According to Raytheon, NASAMS is a mid-range air defense missile system that consists of the Sentinel radar, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles -- for which Raytheon was awarded a $768.3 million contract in December -- and Kongsberg's Fire Distribution Center. Advertisement
The system is intended to provide a state-of-the-art system that can be tailored and maximized.
In 2015 Raytheon and Kongsberg extended their partnership to further development of NASAMS.
Work locations and funding will be determined with each work order. The contract has an estimated completion date of Feb. 14, 2024.
Bids were solicited through a competitive process with just one proposal received, according to the Pentagon.