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Leaders of the roughly 4,400-member machinists union at Bath Iron Works are calling for a strike, but company president Dirk Lesko said today that would be a mistake."The reason we shouldn't go on strike is it helps no one. It doesn't help us meet our customer's needs. Fundamentally, any business that doesn't meet its customer's needs can't be successful," Lesko said in a rare interview with WMTW inside the shipyard.The companys one customer is the U.S. Navy, for two kinds of destroyers that carry a price tag close to $1 billion and take years to make. BIW is a subsidiary of General Dynamics, one of the nations biggest defense contractors.The Local S6 chapter of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers commences voting on the proposed three-year contract online or over the phone at midnight Friday, and the balloting continues through noon Sunday.Im hopeful there will not be a strike, Lesko said. I believe the offer weve provided is fair. I have a lot of confidence in our workforce to exercise good judgment, to think for themselves, and to read the offer.The offer includes 3% annual raises for manufacturing workers and a $1,200 ratification bonus. But union leaders decried changes in rules affecting seniority and subcontractors. They said the new contract could force seasoned workers with certain skills to switch to new jobs and could lead to an increase in nonunion workers being brought into the shipyard.We are trying to use subcontractors as a means of supplementing the workforce we have. Weve been unable to hire enough people fast enough, Lesko said. Our preference is to use our own labor, is to have our own workforce, and thats why last year we hired and trained almost 2,000 people. Wed like to do at least 1,000 more this year.As a result of new hires and what Lesko described as an unprecedented number of retirements, 70% of BIWs manufacturing workforce has been on the jobs two years or less.Responding to the claim that the contract, hypothetically, could lead to an electrician becoming a pipefitter, Lesko said, It simply isnt true.He added, When you think about seniority, you think about seniority as it relates to layoffs, rehiring, vacation, accrual shift assignment, those things dont change in this contract. What does change is our ability to move people around to where the work is between facilities, if necessary, and that is a fundamental requirement of any business to match the people you have to do the work to the work.Union handouts refer to BIWs offer as a garbage contract and urged members, Dont be fooled. One flyer called Lesko deceitful, dishonest, despicable.Lesko said, I dont think anyone wants to be called a deceitful liar, but I am very, very confident that Im telling the truth. I have command of the facts. I understand what we need to improve, and I believe our workforce does as well.BIW production is 9 months behind its navy contract schedule, a pace that preceded a sharp attendance drop during the coronavirus outbreak. The company reported two confirmed cases in March and one in May.Lesko said, All of those people, and all of the people who were in contact with them are back at work at this point.BIW instituted social distancing policies and requires employees to wear masks inside the shipyard. But Lesko resisted calls for the company to slow down or stop operations at Maines largest congregant work site, with a total of 6,800 employees. (Nonunion workers would not be affected by a strike).We are part of the critical infrastructure industry, right? We were supposed to remain open. Our customer expected us to remain open, so our focus was how do we do that as safely as we possibly can? he said. Viewing COVID-19 purely through the lens of public health is important, but there are economic impacts to consider, there are other social impacts to consider, and for us, one of the things that it was clear up front we could never consider was closing, and that was not our decision.The company allowed employees to take unlimited unpaid leave from mid-March through early May. It was slow to approve telecommuting and didnt do so for many employees.Lesko cited the security concerns inherent with military work. You cant just take your BIW work home and use your home computer to do it.

Leaders of the roughly 4,400-member machinists union at Bath Iron Works are calling for a strike, but company president Dirk Lesko said today that would be a mistake.

"The reason we shouldn't go on strike is it helps no one. It doesn't help us meet our customer's needs. Fundamentally, any business that doesn't meet its customer's needs can't be successful," Lesko said in a rare interview with WMTW inside the shipyard.

The companys one customer is the U.S. Navy, for two kinds of destroyers that carry a price tag close to $1 billion and take years to make. BIW is a subsidiary of General Dynamics, one of the nations biggest defense contractors.

The Local S6 chapter of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers commences voting on the proposed three-year contract online or over the phone at midnight Friday, and the balloting continues through noon Sunday.

Im hopeful there will not be a strike, Lesko said. I believe the offer weve provided is fair. I have a lot of confidence in our workforce to exercise good judgment, to think for themselves, and to read the offer.

The offer includes 3% annual raises for manufacturing workers and a $1,200 ratification bonus.

But union leaders decried changes in rules affecting seniority and subcontractors. They said the new contract could force seasoned workers with certain skills to switch to new jobs and could lead to an increase in nonunion workers being brought into the shipyard.

We are trying to use subcontractors as a means of supplementing the workforce we have. Weve been unable to hire enough people fast enough, Lesko said. Our preference is to use our own labor, is to have our own workforce, and thats why last year we hired and trained almost 2,000 people. Wed like to do at least 1,000 more this year.

As a result of new hires and what Lesko described as an unprecedented number of retirements, 70% of BIWs manufacturing workforce has been on the jobs two years or less.

Responding to the claim that the contract, hypothetically, could lead to an electrician becoming a pipefitter, Lesko said, It simply isnt true.

He added, When you think about seniority, you think about seniority as it relates to layoffs, rehiring, vacation, accrual shift assignment, those things dont change in this contract. What does change is our ability to move people around to where the work is between facilities, if necessary, and that is a fundamental requirement of any business to match the people you have to do the work to the work.

Union handouts refer to BIWs offer as a garbage contract and urged members, Dont be fooled. One flyer called Lesko deceitful, dishonest, despicable.

Lesko said, I dont think anyone wants to be called a deceitful liar, but I am very, very confident that Im telling the truth. I have command of the facts. I understand what we need to improve, and I believe our workforce does as well.

BIW production is 9 months behind its navy contract schedule, a pace that preceded a sharp attendance drop during the coronavirus outbreak. The company reported two confirmed cases in March and one in May.

Lesko said, All of those people, and all of the people who were in contact with them are back at work at this point.

BIW instituted social distancing policies and requires employees to wear masks inside the shipyard. But Lesko resisted calls for the company to slow down or stop operations at Maines largest congregant work site, with a total of 6,800 employees. (Nonunion workers would not be affected by a strike).

We are part of the critical infrastructure industry, right? We were supposed to remain open. Our customer expected us to remain open, so our focus was how do we do that as safely as we possibly can? he said. Viewing COVID-19 purely through the lens of public health is important, but there are economic impacts to consider, there are other social impacts to consider, and for us, one of the things that it was clear up front we could never consider was closing, and that was not our decision.

The company allowed employees to take unlimited unpaid leave from mid-March through early May. It was slow to approve telecommuting and didnt do so for many employees.

Lesko cited the security concerns inherent with military work. You cant just take your BIW work home and use your home computer to do it.

View post:
BIW President: I'm hopeful there will not be a strike - WMTW Portland

Bitfarms Ltd. (Bitfarms”, or the Company”) (TSXV:BITF) today announced its consolidated results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

Q1 2020 Financial Summary and Corporate Highlights

We are pleased that, despite the difficulties in general market conditions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in Q1 2020 for most companies, Bitfarms’ operations were able to continue in normal course and yielded positive EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. We are pleased that the Company was able to achieve a 47% gross mining margin in the first quarter amidst challenging and uncertain market conditions.

We believe our financial performance relative to our competition reflects the difference in the strength of Bitfarms’ operational efficiency in Bitcoin mining versus our public peers. The cost efficiency of the Company’s operations is further reflected in the break-even cost of production of each Bitcoin of $3,988, which compared very favorably to publicly disclosed financial information of other miners. The break-even cost of production of each Bitcoin achieved of $3,988 achieved by the Company also compared very well to the average Bitcoin market price of approximately $8,261 during the first quarter” commented John Rim, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Emiliano Grodzki, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Bitfarms added, Bitfarms continues to solidify its position as the industry leader in terms of operational efficiency and financial performance. We will continue to carry out our strategy of disciplined, timely and cost efficient growth to achieve greater scale and further our leadership in this burgeoning industry.”

________________________ 1 EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Gross mining profit and Gross mining margin are non-IFRS performance measures; please refer to the end of this press release regarding the use of Non-IFRS Performance Measures. 2 Represents the break-even cost of Bitcoin based on variable cost of electricity and is calculated by taking the total electricity costs related to the Mining of each Bitcoin divided by the total number of Bitcoin mined, in the relevant period.

Financial Review

Consolidated Company Results (000’s)

(U.S.$ in thousands except where indicated)

Three months ended

For the periods ended as indicated

Mar. 31

2020

Mar. 31

2019

$ Change

% Change

Revenues

9,212

3,629

5,583

154%

Cost of sales

7,917

3,417

4,500

132%

Gross profit

1,295

212

1,083

511%

Gross margin

14%

6%

-

-

G&A and other expenses

2,805

1,923

882

46%

Operating loss

(1,510)

(1,711)

201

12%

Operating margin

(16%)

(47%)

-

-

Financial income

363

25

338

1352%

Interest expense

1,385

132

1,253

949%

Other financial expenses

-

188

(188)

(100%)

Total financial expenses

1,385

320

1,065

333%

Pre-tax loss

(2,532)

(2,006)

(526)

(26%)

Income tax recovery

(108)

-

(108)

100%

Net loss

(2,424)

(2,006)

(418)

(21%)

Net loss per share - basic

(0.03)

(0.02)

(0.01)

(44%)

Gross mining profit (1)

4,139

1,087

3,052

281%

Gross mining margin (1)

47%

36%

Read more:
Bitfarms Reports Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 - Stockhouse

(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Ever since the NBA announced that it would return, many have speculated that the Portland Trail Blazers could be a dark horse candidate in the Western Conference. Currently sitting in the 9-seed, the Blazers appeared ready to make a run at near full strength when the NBA resumes next month.

With the hiatus having provided time to let big men Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic heal back to full strength, Portland would add two stellar big men to their rotation. However, it appears that the team could be without Carmelo Anthony next month, and officially without Trevor Ariza after reports came out yesterday that he would sit out the remainder of the season.

While Anthony has not officially decided, it would be an absolutely detrimental blow to the teams contending chances if he sits out alongside Ariza. Whatever happens, the Blazers should look at the current free agent market during this transaction window to bolster their roster because, on paper, this team could make some noise.

With Ariza out, the Blazers will need to find a player to fill the void left behind. In 21 starts with the team, Ariza averaged 11.0 points per game on a stellar 49.1 percent shooting from the field and 40.0 percent 3-point shooting. The forward was a fantastic addition after coming over midseason through a trade with the Sacramento Kings and now find themselves in a predicament without him.

Standing pat with their current options at the small forward position appears not to be a legitimate option. The only other listed small forwards on the roster are Rodney Hood, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury this year, and Jaylen Hoard, a rookie on a two-way contract. Those circumstances do not leave the Blazers with many options within the organization, but thankfully, they do not have to solely rely on that.

With their starting small forward and lethal offensive threat opting out of the remainder of the season, Portland can pick their poison when it comes to replacements on the free-agent market. The team needs a wing that can shoot the ball efficiently and preferably also defend well to help them stay afloat in the standings.

A few notable names that come to mind are J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Gerald Green. All three can shoot the ball at a high-rate while simultaneously provide some versatile defense. Each of the three finds themselves out of the league for various reasons, but still undoubtedly have something left to contribute to a team in need.

Whether any of these household names can match or outproduce that of Arizas stature is questionable, but at this time, the gamble is worth it for the Portland Trail Blazers.

As Damian Lillard recently toldLisa Robinson of Vanity Fair,this team believes they can upset the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in a potential playoff series. Losing Ariza hurts, but it does not have to be the nail in the coffin if the Blazers can find a worthy replacement.

The team has until June 30th before the transaction window closes, and should pursue the opportunity quickly before the current free agents find homes elsewhere. This team has proven that they can compete with the best of the best, and finding an Ariza replacement would only improve their chances of keeping their season alive.

Link:
Portland Trail Blazers: Team needs to be active during transaction window - Hoops Habit

The board of governors and the players recently voted to move ahead with the NBA's return to play proposal, and the wheels are now officially in motion for games to resume on July 30 at Disney World in Orlando. Twenty-two teams will be in attendance, and they'll play eight regular-season games each before proceeding to the playoffs.

Now that an official plan is in place and all sides have agreed on a format and schedule, the league has begun to iron out some of the surrounding details. Among them is what to do in case of injury or a positive COVID-19 test. Once in Orlando, players will be tested nightly, and the league has made it clear that things will move along even if one of them comes down with the coronavirus.

Any players testing positive will be quarantined for at least seven days, and possibly up to 14, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Bobby Marks. Because of that risk, and the potential competitive disadvantage, teams are expected to be allowed to sign replacement players. Once a player tests positive, the team has up to seven days to sign a replacement player.Via ESPN:

If COVID-19 or a serious injury strikes a team during training camps or the eight regular-season seeding games, there is expected to be no limitations on the number of players a team could sign to replace those lost, but there would be restrictions on those in the pool of eligible players, sources said.

Eligible replacement players will likely have had to be signed in the NBA or G League or be on training camp contracts this season, sources said. Under these restrictions, for example, no team could sign veteran Jamal Crawford -- who went unsigned all season -- or an international player.

The league office has discussed the possibility with its teams that there could be a requirement that those players replaced for COVID-19 or injury would become ineligible to return for the balance of this season, sources said.

The league has set its "transaction window," in which teams will be permitted to sign replacement players, from Tuesday, June 23 at 12 p.m. ET to Tuesday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET., per Shams Charania of The Athletic. It will feature all 30 teams, not just the 22 that will be competing in Orlando. Once the period begins, teams will be able to sign eligible free agents, convert two-way players into full NBA contracts, and waive players during the given time frame.

While this is a necessary allowance, teams may not end up taking advantage of it. For one, the health and safety measures in place would mean a big delay between signing a free agent and them actually being able to help the team. They would need to be quarantined after arriving in Orlando, and then have to get up to speed with what the team is doing in very short order. Considering the pool of available players is going to be pretty shallow, it may just make more sense to wait for their player to return from injury and/or sickness.

That's not to say no teams will add players if necessary, but there's some real thought that will go into that decision, especially if replaced players are then ineligible to return for the rest of the season. Converting two-way players to full NBA contracts might be a better option, as two-way players offer a much simpler alternative for teams looking for roster flexibility than bringing in outside players. Plus, some two-way players have become key contributors for their respective teams.

Read more here:
NBA teams will be able to sign replacement players in case of positive coronavirus tests, per report - CBS Sports

Apple's incoming ARM-based Macs wont let users run Windows 10 in Boot Camp mode.

Although Apple Silicon-powered machines will be able to run iPhone and iPad apps natively, it appears they won't be able to run Windows, with Microsoft confirming to that it won't make Windows 10 for ARM available for the new Apple Silicon-based machines.

In a statement given to The Verge, the company said that it "only licences Windows on ARM to OEMs".When asked whether it plans tochange this policy to allow Boot Camp on ARM-based Macs, and the company said "we have nothing further to share at this time".

macOS 11 Big Sur will ship with Boot Camp installed, but it appears the ability to run a Windows environment will be limited to Intel machines. ARM-based Macs will not be able to access this functionality, and Apple has not yet announced a Boot Camp replacement.

To make matters worse, it also remains unclear whether macOS will be able to support Windows virtualisation via third-party tools such as Parallels and VMware Fusion.

Though Big Sur will ship with Rosetta 2, an emulation tool that will allow users to run non-ARM optimized apps, Apple has confirmed that this wont be able to translate x86_64 apps.

In developer support documentation, Apple confirms: "Rosetta can translate most Intel-based apps, including apps that contain just-in-time (JIT) compilers. However, Rosetta doesnt translate the following executables: kernel extensions, Virtual Machine apps that virtualize x86_64 computer platforms."

While the transition to ARM-based processors could spell the end of Windows on Mac, Apple has already confirmed that Microsofts Office apps, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, will work natively on Apple Silicon machines.

It also hinted that it's working to support virtualisation software, as during its WWDC keynote this week Apple demoed a Mac equipped with an ARM-basedA12Z Bionic SoC running a Linux distribution in Parallels.

See more here:
Apple's Silicon could signal the end of Windows 10 through Boot Camp - TechRadar

The NBA is still laying the groundwork for the resumption of the 2019-20 season on July 30, but most of the broader strokes of the plan are already figured out. It's the smaller details that are still up in the air. There will be new information trickling in on a daily basis regarding all aspects of the league's restart, and it can be difficult to keep all the facts straight. One of the more important pieces the NBA needs to get figured out before heading to Orlando is roster size, and how teams will replace a player due to injuries or if someone tests positive for COVID-19.

There have been various reports on roster size and replacement players, and while nothing has been made official by the league yet, we can start to get a picture of what it will entail. So, here are some frequently asked questions on the matter to break down all the current info as clear as possible.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are expected to agree on allowing teams to carry 17-man rosters into Orlando. Previously, teams were able to have 15 players on their roster, but as concerns about injuries and the potential for a player testing positive for the coronavirus rise, franchises want the ability to bring extra players into the bubble as an insurance policy.

Medical experts areconcerned about increasing the number of people brought to Orlando, but giving teams the ability to have players already on site is far easier than trying to fly a player in at the drop of a hat. There isn't clarity yet on if players on two-way contracts will count against the 17 guys teams can bring to Disney World, but when The Athletic's Shams Charania first reported about the expanded roster size, he said that it would include two-way players.

There are several teams heading to Orlando who will already have key pieces missing from their rotations. The Utah Jazz will be without Bojan Bogdanovic, who underwent season-ending wrist surgery just a week after the season was postponed. LaMarcus Aldridge won't be suiting up for San Antonio after it was announced that he had shoulder surgery in April. The Nets will still be without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, while the Dallas Mavericks will be without Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson, the latter of which had shoulder surgery in late March.

All of these teams will have extra roster spots to fill before the season restarts on July 30. As long as the number of players heading to Orlando for each team is 17 or below, there shouldn't be an issue. It's unclear if players like Irving and Durant would be able to join their respective teams in Orlando to support them, as the league wants to keep the number of people inside the bubble low. The traveling party for each team is expected to remain under 35 people each, so if a player wants to go to Orlando, it would count against that number.

It was previously reported that only players who were signed to an NBA or G League contract this season were in the pool of eligible players. However, that's since changed to potentially including players who have been on an NBA or G League contract either this season or last. Players who are deemed ineligible to be signed at this time are international players.

This significantly changes who teams will be able to bring to Orlando, outside of just two-way players. Guys like Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson and JR Smith, who haven't been signed to a team all season, are now top targets for contending squads. On the flip side of that, if a team decides they want to just bring their two-way players to Orlando, the expanded roster sizes give them the ability to skip the hurdle of having to convert their G League contract into an NBA one and save the contract negotiations until after the season is over.

For someone like Oklahoma City rookie Luguentz Dort, who was starting consistently before the league was shut down, it allows him to have time to negotiate a longer-term contract as a restricted free agent this summer, instead of rushing to get a deal done to play for the remainder of the season.

If a player tests positive and is asymptomatic, they will likely be quarantined for an unspecified amount of time before they are able to rejoin the team. If a player is showing symptoms, they would have to remain out of action until they are symptom-free. In either case, there are two avenues a team could take. The team can either decide to continue on without that player and hope they can return symptom-free in a short amount of time or, a team can decide to bring on a replacement player. According to a league memo to teams, replacing a player with COVID-19 must be done from the moment a player is confirmed positive up until seven days after he returns to practice, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The pool of eligible replacements would be the same as the players teams could sign to extra roster spots, which would include players who were signed to a G League or NBA contract either this season or last. However, the time it would take to fly in a player from outside the bubble and quarantine them before they can join the team may not even be worth it for some franchises. It's also expected that if a team brings in a replacement player during the season, the person who they are filling in for would not be able to return for the remainder of the season, per Wojnarowski.

The transaction window opens June 22 at noon ET and ends in early July after the NBA and NBPA finalized terms of the new CBA for the season restart, Wojnarowski reports. Allowing teams to sign players before heading to Orlando will give them the opportunity to get some practice in before the games are expected to start on July 30. If a team suffers an injury during the resumed season, though, or has a player test positive for coronavirus it is expected that franchises will be allowed to sign replacement players until the postseason starts.

Until last week, the decision to add two extra roster spots to teams didn't seem like it would make much impact for the remainder of the season. Most teams carry roster sizes of 17, which includes two-way players, so many teams heading to Orlando wouldn't need to make major changes. However, after a call last Friday night, where about 80 NBA and WNBA players led by Kyrie Irving discussed the idea of potentially sitting out the season to focus more on the current racial injustice and police brutality in this country, teams might have legitimate holes to fill in their rotations.

No one has officially announced that they will sit out the NBA restart, however, two Lakers players, Avery Bradley and Dwight Howardhave considered it. Both Bradley and Howard play key roles in the Lakers rotation. Howard was having a rejuvenated season in Los Angeles, while Avery Bradley is one of the Lakers' best perimeter defenders. If either of them were to sit out, the Lakers would have the ability to sign a free agent during the transaction window to fill their shoes. Any player who decides to sit out this season, though, whether it is due to safety concerns because of COVID-19, or because they want to focus on racial injustice, have to let their teams know by June 24.

See the rest here:
Everything to know about roster expansion and replacement players for NBA's restart in Orlando bubble - CBS Sports

Since its debut as a Chromium-based browser, Microsoft Edge has become much more popular and, on top of that, has started rolling out to many more users. Now, Microsoft is starting to deliver the new Microsoft Edge as a part of the latest Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 updates.

Microsoft Edge rolled out as a part of the latest Windows 10 updates earlier this year, potentially delivering the browser to millions of users. Now, millions of other users are about to get the browser installed on their laptops and desktops.

As noted in an update changelog directly from Microsoft, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are both about to get the Chromium-based Edge through Windows Update. This latest update actually started rolling out on June 17th, so it should be available for many at this point.

Microsoft explains that the new, Chromium-based Edge will be automatically pinned to the taskbar and will have a shortcut added to the desktop too. Users of the previous version of Edge, too, will see their shortcuts replaced. This wont happen for Internet Explorer, though. The new Microsoft Edge wont automatically become the default browser either.

Microsoft has released a new Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge. This new version provides best in class compatibility with extensions and websites. Additionally, this new version provides great support for the latest rendering capabilities, modern web applications, and powerful developer tools across all supported OS platforms. The new Microsoft Edge will be pinned to the taskbar and add a shortcut to the desktop. If your current version of Microsoft Edge already has a shortcut, it will be replaced.

Microsoft explains that Windows 8.1 users will get this update automatically, but there are a couple of prerequisites to get it on Windows 7. Users will need to be on Service Pack 1 with the SHA-2 update (KB4474419) update installed as well as the servicing stack update (SSU) (KB4490628). Both of those were released in 2019.

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Microsoft rolls out its Chromium-based Edge to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users - 9to5Google

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NBA teams looking to fill out their roster for the season restart will reportedly be allowed to begin signing free agents orconvert two-way and/or 10-day contracts into standard deals beginning June 23.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the league has set the transaction window for all 30 teams for June 23 at noon ET through June 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press noted the league will look to lock rosters on approximately Aug. 14:

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA has also pushed the 2020 draft back one day to Oct. 16, with the early entry deadline falling on Aug. 17. Per Wojnarowski, free agency will still open Oct. 18.

PerReynolds, teams in Orlando, Florida, will be allowed "toreplace players who opt out of playing at Disney or are otherwise excused, on a limited basis."

He added: "If a player tests positive for coronavirus during the playoffs, teams have been told that he can be replacedby a substitute player who has three or fewer years of service, per source."

According to Marc Stein of theNew York Times, players eligible to sign "must have held an NBA or G- League contract this season ... or were NOT under contract this season with a professional team outside of the United States."

The 22 teams that will be in Orlando for the season restart can carry up to 17 players on their roster, perCharania.

The additional roster spots will provide teams with insurance in case a player gets injured or tests positive for COVID-19.

In the NBA's health and safety manual provided to players and obtained byCharania, phase two of the return-to-play plan runs from June 23 to 30, and teams will conduct mandatory COVID-19 testing for all players and staff members.

Training camps will run from July 9 to 29, followed by eight regular-season "seeding" games, starting July 30, leading into the playoffs.

Link:
Report: NBA Transaction Window for Season Restart to Open on June 23 - Bleacher Report

Apple wants the iPhone to replace your car keys. On Monday, the tech company announced at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, a new feature that uses the smartphone to unlock and start a car.

While Apple's years-long ambition to build its own vehicle hasn't materialized, its CarPlay infotainment system is available in 97 per cent of new cars, according to the company.

And it thinks that the humble car key, which on new cars can take the shape of your vehicle, or even feature a screen of its own, can still be improved further.

"They've been around for over 100 years but they've become big, bulky and ripe for reimagining," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering.

Apple will first roll out the feature on the 2021 BMW 5 Series, but wants to expand it to other car models.

Emily Schubert, Apple senior manager of car experience engineering, demonstrated how a driver can tap the door handle with their iPhone to unlock the sedan. Then drivers place the iPhone on the car's charging pad and push the ignition button to start the car. The Apple technology relies on what's known as Near Field Communication, which allows devices within a few centimeters of each other to exchange data wirelessly.

Apple plans to transition to using a different technology, ultra wideband, which will allow for unlocking from greater distances. An iPhone could remain in a driver's pocket or bag.

BMW owners will also be able to share the virtual car key with friends through iMessage. Volvo offers a similar service in which keys can be shared with smartphones.

Apple is working with standards groups to pave the way for expanding the technology to more cars. Federighi said it expects to see support for the new ultra wideband standard in new vehicles next year.

In May, an industry group, the Car Connectivity Consortium, announced a standardized way to store digital keys. Its members include major automakers and tech companies such as Apple, BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Samsung and Volkswagen.

See the article here:
Apple's newest iPhone feature aims to replace the car key - CTV News

Prior to the Premier Leagues restart, there were suggestions players would be susceptible to injuries given the length of the enforced mid-season break.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, that has rung true. Within 25 minutes of the Gunners return to action against Manchester City, Mikel Arteta had already lost Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari.

Then, during Saturdays surprise defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion, Bernd Leno became the latest casualty, the goalkeeper suffering a serious knee injury following a collision with Seagulls striker Neal Maupay.

While Arsenal are yet to confirm the extent of the Germans lay-off, if it turns out to be a cruciate ligament problem, Leno faces several months on the sidelines.

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This will inevitably force the Gunners to look for reinforcements to support stand-in stopper Emiliano Martinez in the summer window. If they do, here are five options they should consider.

While he may be coming towards the end of his career at 37, the former Liverpool keeper boasts of a wealth of top-flight experience.

After leaving Liverpool in 2014, the Spaniard had spells with Bayern Munich, Napoli and AC Milan before joining Aston Villa on loan in January.

Reina has been given regular game time by Dean Smith but has been on the bench in the two games since the restart, with Orjan Nyland preferred.

While Villa are hoping to extend the three-time Premier League Golden Glove winners loan, Arsenal could move for the veteran before the start of the 2020/21 campaign, with Gianluigi Donnarumma having cemented his place as Milans first-choice.

Another former Liverpool stopper, Mignolet has rebuilt his career in his native Belgium with Club Brugge after leaving Anfield in 2019.

The 32-year-old kept 16 clean sheets in 27 games before Brugge - who were 15 points clear of Genk - were declared champions after the season was stopped in March.

Mignolet also impressed during his sides Europa League round of 32 clash at home to Manchester United, making a string of saves to help secure a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

While Mignolets return to Belgium has proved fruitful, he may feel as though he has unfinished business in England given how he was phased out at Anfield following Alissons arrival.

An affordable, stop-gap solution, Mignolet may be the ideal short-term fix for Arteta.

Having lost his place at Southampton to Alex McCarthy, Forster has spent this season on loan at Celtic, from whom the Saints signed him in 2014.

The six-time England international has enjoyed a regular run back at Parkhead and Arsenal would have to act quickly after Celtic boss Neil Lennon recently revealed his desire to retain the keepers services.

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"They're two players we'd dearly love to have for next season," Lennon told BBC Sport on Forster and fellow loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi.

"I don't think it's unrealistic. They added a lot last year and made a really positive contribution.

In November, Forster spoke of his desire to return to the England set-up. While Celtic have certainly helped resurrect his career, a successful stint at Arsenal would greatly enhance his chances of an international recall.

While Norwich Citys top-flight return looks destined to end in tears, it has been a positive campaign for Krul.

The Dutchman, who played a key role in the Canaries successful promotion bid last season, ranks third in saves among Premier League goalkeepers with 113, behind only Leno (120) and Martin Dubravka (116), as per Twenty3.

Granted, Krul has faced more shots than any other keeper with 161, but the 32-year-old has repeatedly reminded everyone of his considerable shot-stopping prowess, most notably his heroic double stop to deny Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita during Norwichs 1-0 defeat by Liverpool in February.

He has also saved two of the five penalties he has faced this term, once again demonstrating his ability to unnerve an opponent from 12 yards.

With Norwich set to go down, Krul may not be able to turn down an offer from Arsenal.

While Spanish duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and David de Gea have had their troubles in the Premier League this term, unheralded compatriot Guaita has forged a solid reputation for himself at Crystal Palace.

The 33-year-old, who joined the Eagles from Getafe in 2018, boasts some impressive statistics this season. He ranks first in aerial duels won with 17, while he has saved 97 of the 125 shots he has faced.

He has managed nine clean sheets in total, which is more than Kepa and De Gea.

The former Valencia stopper is currently on a run of four consecutive clean sheets and, having played a key role in Palaces run to 11th place in the table, a move to one of the Eagles more illustrious London rivals may be on the cards.

Originally posted here:
Arsenal's options to replace Bernd Leno in transfer window - Football.London