mercurynews--2020-06-01--President Trump tweets anti-fascists group will be labeled a terrorist organization. What is Antifa?

As protests over George Floyd ’ s death spread across the country , officials have blamed the violent nature of some demonstrations on members of a controversial group known as Antifa .
President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States would designate Antifa a terrorist organization , though the federal government has no legal authority to label a wholly domestic group the way it designates foreign terrorist organizations .
Speaking at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday , Trump said the recent “ violence and vandalism ” seen across the country “ is being led by Antifa and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innocent , destroying jobs , hurting businesses and burning down buildings.
” The President did not provide any evidence for his assertion .
National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien echoed Trump ’ s comments on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” Sunday morning , telling Jake Tapper that the violence “ is being driven by Antifa.
” CNN has not independently verified whether the group is involved in recent protests .
Here ’ s a closer look at Antifa protesters , who have become more visible in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-fascists .
The term is used to define a broad group of people whose political beliefs lean toward the left — often the far left — but do not conform with the Democratic Party platform .
The group doesn ’ t have an official leader or headquarters , although groups in certain states hold regular meetings .
Antifa positions can be hard to define , but many members support oppressed populations and protest the amassing of wealth by corporations and elites .
Some employ radical or militant tactics to get their message across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizer , says the “ radical ideals ” promoted by Antifas are starting to be adopted by liberals .
“ They would never have looked at ( those ideals ) before , because they saw us as the enemy as much as the right-wingers.
” The majority of Antifa members don ’ t fall into a stereotype .
Since the election of President Trump , however , most new Antifa members are young voters .
How did the group start ?
The exact origins of the group are unknown , but Antifa can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action , a militant group founded in the 1980s in the United Kingdom .
Modern-day Antifa members have become more active in making themselves known at public rallies and within the progressive movement , says Brian Levin , director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University , San Bernardino .
“ What they ’ re trying to do now is not only become prominent through violence at these high-profile rallies , but also to reach out through small meetings and through social networking to cultivate disenfranchised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levin said .
Where do they protest ?
Members have been spotted at high-profile , right-wing events across the country .
In August 2017 members of the group showed up in Charlottesville , Virginia , to condemn racism and counter protest hundreds of white nationalists opposed to the removal of a Gen. Robert E. Lee statue .
The protests turned violent when James Fields , who is not a member of Antifa , plowed his car through a crowd of counter protesters , killing Heather Heyer .
Earlier that year , Antifa protested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alt-right provocateur , at the University of California , Berkeley .
They also protested President Donald Trump ’ s inauguration in January 2017 .
While it can be difficult to distinguish Antifa activists from other protesters , some dress head to toe in black .
Members call this the “ Black Bloc.
” They also wear masks to hide their identities from the police and whomever they are protesting .
Why are they controversial ?
The group is known for causing damage to property during protests .
In Berkeley , black-clad protesters wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the student union center where the Yiannopoulos event was to be held .
Crow , who was involved with Antifa for almost 30 years , said members use violence as a means of self-defense and they believe property destruction does not equate to violence .
“ There is a place for violence .
Is that the world that we want to live in ?
No .
Is it the world we want to inhabit ?
No .
Is it the world we want to create ?
No .
But will we push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Levin said Antifa activists feel the need to partake in violence because “ they believe that elites are controlling the government and the media .
So they need to make a statement head-on against the people who they regard as racist.
” “ There ’ s this ‘ It ’ s going down ’ mentality and this ‘ Hit them with your boots ’ mentality that goes back many decades to confrontations that took place , not only here in the American South , but also in places like Europe , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the so-called alt-right have denounced members of Antifa , sometimes calling them the “ alt-left.
” Many white nationalists from the Charlottesville rallies claimed it was the Antifa groups that led the protests to turn violent .
Peter Cvjetanovic , a white nationalist who attended the Virginia protests , said he believes the far left , including Antifa , are “ just as dangerous , if not more dangerous than the right wing could ever be.
” • Tanker truck drives through crowd in Minneapolis ; evening sees mass arrests but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underground bunker during Friday ’ s White House protests • Photos : Best images of George Floyd protests around the nation and world “ These are people who preach tolerance and love while at the same time threatening people with a different political ideology .
We go to our rallies and they harass us and attack us but they held theirs and we ignore them .
You don ’ t see right-wing protests get like this , ” Cvjetanovic told CNN affiliate KRNV .
But Crow said the philosophy of Antifa is based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The idea in Antifa is that we go where they ( right-wingers ) go .
That hate speech is not free speech .
That if you are endangering people with what you say and the actions that are behind them , then you do not have the right to do that .
“ And so we go to cause conflict , to shut them down where they are , because we don ’ t believe that Nazis or fascists of any stripe should have a mouthpiece .
”

As protests over George Floyd’s death spread across the country, officials have blamed the violent nature of some demonstrations on members of a controversial group known as Antifa.
President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States would designate Antifa a terrorist organization, though the federal government has no legal authority to label a wholly domestic group the way it designates foreign terrorist organizations.
Speaking at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, Trump said the recent “violence and vandalism” seen across the country “is being led by Antifa and other radical left-wing groups who are terrorizing the innocent, destroying jobs, hurting businesses and burning down buildings.”
The President did not provide any evidence for his assertion.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/05/31/trump-antifa-tweet-vinograd-wkd-nr-sot-vpx.cnn”]
National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien echoed Trump’s comments on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday morning, telling Jake Tapper that the violence “is being driven by Antifa.”
CNN has not independently verified whether the group is involved in recent protests.
Here’s a closer look at Antifa protesters, who have become more visible in the last several years.
What is Antifa?
Antifa is short for anti-fascists. The term is used to define a broad group of people whose political beliefs lean toward the left — often the far left — but do not conform with the Democratic Party platform. The group doesn’t have an official leader or headquarters, although groups in certain states hold regular meetings.
Antifa positions can be hard to define, but many members support oppressed populations and protest the amassing of wealth by corporations and elites. Some employ radical or militant tactics to get their message across.
Scott Crow, a former Antifa organizer, says the “radical ideals” promoted by Antifas are starting to be adopted by liberals. “They would never have looked at (those ideals) before, because they saw us as the enemy as much as the right-wingers.”
The majority of Antifa members don’t fall into a stereotype. Since the election of President Trump, however, most new Antifa members are young voters.
How did the group start?
The exact origins of the group are unknown, but Antifa can be traced to Nazi Germany and Anti-Fascist Action, a militant group founded in the 1980s in the United Kingdom.
Modern-day Antifa members have become more active in making themselves known at public rallies and within the progressive movement, says Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino.
“What they’re trying to do now is not only become prominent through violence at these high-profile rallies, but also to reach out through small meetings and through social networking to cultivate disenfranchised progressives who heretofore were peaceful,” Levin said.
Where do they protest?
Members have been spotted at high-profile, right-wing events across the country.
In August 2017 members of the group showed up in Charlottesville, Virginia, to condemn racism and counter protest hundreds of white nationalists opposed to the removal of a Gen. Robert E. Lee statue. The protests turned violent when James Fields, who is not a member of Antifa, plowed his car through a crowd of counter protesters, killing Heather Heyer.
Earlier that year, Antifa protested the appearance of Milo Yiannopoulos, an alt-right provocateur, at the University of California, Berkeley. They also protested President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017.
While it can be difficult to distinguish Antifa activists from other protesters, some dress head to toe in black. Members call this the “Black Bloc.”
They also wear masks to hide their identities from the police and whomever they are protesting.
Why are they controversial?
The group is known for causing damage to property during protests. In Berkeley, black-clad protesters wearing masks threw Molotov cocktails and smashed windows at the student union center where the Yiannopoulos event was to be held.
Crow, who was involved with Antifa for almost 30 years, said members use violence as a means of self-defense and they believe property destruction does not equate to violence.
“There is a place for violence. Is that the world that we want to live in? No. Is it the world we want to inhabit? No. Is it the world we want to create? No. But will we push back? Yes,” Crow said.
Levin said Antifa activists feel the need to partake in violence because “they believe that elites are controlling the government and the media. So they need to make a statement head-on against the people who they regard as racist.”
“There’s this ‘It’s going down’ mentality and this ‘Hit them with your boots’ mentality that goes back many decades to confrontations that took place, not only here in the American South, but also in places like Europe,” he added.
White nationalists and other members of the so-called alt-right have denounced members of Antifa, sometimes calling them the “alt-left.” Many white nationalists from the Charlottesville rallies claimed it was the Antifa groups that led the protests to turn violent.
Peter Cvjetanovic, a white nationalist who attended the Virginia protests, said he believes the far left, including Antifa, are “just as dangerous, if not more dangerous than the right wing could ever be.”
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But Crow said the philosophy of Antifa is based on the idea of direct action. “The idea in Antifa is that we go where they (right-wingers) go. That hate speech is not free speech. That if you are endangering people with what you say and the actions that are behind them, then you do not have the right to do that.
“And so we go to cause conflict, to shut them down where they are, because we don’t believe that Nazis or fascists of any stripe should have a mouthpiece.”
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mercurynews--2020-06-01--False claim targets wife of police officer Derek Chauvin charged in George Floyd’s death

By BEATRICE DUPUY | The Associated Press Amid reports that the wife of the white officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd filed for divorce , false social media posts emerged claiming her brother was among the officers involved in the arrest .
“ THE PLOT THICKENS !
” shouted a Facebook post Saturday claiming that Derek Chauvin ’ s wife , Kellie Chauvin , was the sister of an officer captured on video standing by as the 46-year-old black man cried out for help .
But Kellie Chauvin is not the sister of Tou Thao , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Tou Thao is NOT Ms. Chauvin ’ s brother .
I would GREATLY appreciate help putting that rumor to rest , ” Amanda Mason-Sekula , her divorce lawyer , said in an email .
“ Her family has been harassed and threatened based on multiple incorrect reports.
” Kellie Chauvin , who competed for the title of Mrs. Minnesota in 2018 with the hope of becoming the first Hmong winner , does have a brother , but it ’ s not Thao .
Her brother is a police officer in St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not involved in any aspect of Floyd ’ s death .
Both Kellie Chauvin and Thao are Asian .
Kellie Chauvin was born in Laos in 1974 .
Her family fled to Thailand in 1977 following the war .
Posts making the false claim spread across Twitter , Facebook and YouTube , with the rumor swirling in Minneapolis ’ Hmong community .
The widely shared posts included side-by-side photos of Thao , Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin .
Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of protests in the U.S. and violence .
All four officers involved in the arrest were fired .
• Former nightclub owner saw ‘ overkill ’ in Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin ’ s reaction to black clientele • Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin ’ s work , personal background detailed ; had nearly 20 complaints and two letters of reprimand “ Kellie Chauvin is the wife of Derek Chauvin , Tou Thao is Kellie Chauvin ’ s brother , ” said one post on Instagram with more than 3,000 likes .
False information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media amid protests calling for justice in the killing of Floyd who had recently moved to Minneapolis to start a new life for himself .
Charges have not been filed against Thao and the other officers at the scene .
Thao was sued in federal court in 2017 for alleged excessive force , according to online records obtained by The Associated Press .
According to the lawsuit , Lamar Ferguson claimed that in 2014 Thao and his partner stopped him and beat him up while he was on his way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit was settled for $ 25,000 .
Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report .

By BEATRICE DUPUY | The Associated Press
Amid reports that the wife of the white officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd filed for divorce, false social media posts emerged claiming her brother was among the officers involved in the arrest.
“THE PLOT THICKENS!” shouted a Facebook post Saturday claiming that Derek Chauvin’s wife, Kellie Chauvin, was the sister of an officer captured on video standing by as the 46-year-old black man cried out for help.
But Kellie Chauvin is not the sister of Tou Thao, one of the officers on the scene.
“Tou Thao is NOT Ms. Chauvin’s brother. I would GREATLY appreciate help putting that rumor to rest,” Amanda Mason-Sekula, her divorce lawyer, said in an email. “Her family has been harassed and threatened based on multiple incorrect reports.”
Kellie Chauvin, who competed for the title of Mrs. Minnesota in 2018 with the hope of becoming the first Hmong winner, does have a brother, but it’s not Thao. Her brother is a police officer in St. Paul, said Mason-Sekula, adding he was not involved in any aspect of Floyd’s death.
Both Kellie Chauvin and Thao are Asian. Kellie Chauvin was born in Laos in 1974. Her family fled to Thailand in 1977 following the war.
Posts making the false claim spread across Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, with the rumor swirling in Minneapolis’ Hmong community. The widely shared posts included side-by-side photos of Thao, Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin. Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of the Floyd, which has lead to days of protests in the U.S. and violence. All four officers involved in the arrest were fired.
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Former nightclub owner saw ‘overkill’ in Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin’s reaction to black clientele Crime and Public Safety | Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin’s work, personal background detailed; had nearly 20 complaints and two letters of reprimand “Kellie Chauvin is the wife of Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao is Kellie Chauvin’s brother,” said one post on Instagram with more than 3,000 likes.
False information surrounding Floyd’s death has snowballed on social media amid protests calling for justice in the killing of Floyd who had recently moved to Minneapolis to start a new life for himself.
Charges have not been filed against Thao and the other officers at the scene. Thao was sued in federal court in 2017 for alleged excessive force, according to online records obtained by The Associated Press. According to the lawsuit, Lamar Ferguson claimed that in 2014 Thao and his partner stopped him and beat him up while he was on his way to his girlfriend’s house. The lawsuit was settled for $25,000.
___
Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--Tanker truck drives through crowd in Minneapolis; evening sees mass arrests but little violence

An afternoon of peaceful demonstrations across the Twin Cities Sunday was shattered when a tanker truck drove into a crowd of demonstrators marching on Interstate 35W in Minneapolis .
But apparently , it hit none of them , according to authorities , who were unclear of the driver ’ s motives .
As evening drew on after curfew , the evening became punctuated by orderly mass arrests of curfew violators , but as of 11 p.m. , no fires and little violence .
Around 11:30 p.m. , Minneapolis responded to a fire at a small grocery store , and after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of looting and fires that could not be readily confirmed .
“ We ’ re seeing very few incidents , ” Gov .
Tim Walz said around 10:30 p.m. One large group of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis , preparing for a standoff with police on the ground where George Floyd , who death sparked protests last week .
Floyd , who was unarmed , died Monday after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on him .
The group neither exhibited — nor allowed — violence within its ranks , disobeying curfew for hours in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is a safe space , ” one of the demonstrators said .
By 1 a.m. , the group had hauled in trailers , signs and parts of fences to barricade the area from police , whom they assumed would arrive , sooner or later .
The lack of carnage in the truck incident was astounding to many .
“ Not to have a tragedy and many deaths is just an amazing thing , ” Walz said at 7 p.m. , a little over an hour after the incident happened .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained for police , who arrested him .
Video of the event shows him being forcibly removed and roughed up while some in the crowd pleaded with those grabbing him to not harm him .
After being treated at a hospital for non life-threatening injuries , he was released into police custody .
The horrifying and chaotic incident was still being investigated as nightfall approached , heralding the third straight night of curfew and highway closures as the metro area and thousands of law enforcement and National Guard personnel braced for whatever the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set and crowds dispersed from a peaceful protest in front of the State Capitol in St. Paul , several hundred previously peaceful protesters in Minneapolis ignored the curfew and marched on a different stretch of I-35W , apparently destined for a police confrontation .
After sunset , police began to make mass arrests of curfew breakers in Minneapolis — about 150 as of 10 p.m. A small group remained at the Capitol and briefly clashed with police , resulting in perhaps a dozen arrests , officials said .
Those arrests — slow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — contrasted sharply with the tear gas-tinged incursions of law enforcement the evening before .
Officials said the difference was that authorities were able to determine that Sunday ’ s groups did not include violent actors , but rather those engaging in peaceful disobedience .
The entire area is reeling following a week that witnessed widespread and unchecked violence , looting and fires until Saturday night , when the state ’ s largest-ever assemblage of law enforcement — a militarized force , really — was aided by widespread curfew compliance and seized control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has played out in cities across the nation , the demonstrations were followed by escalating violence after the death of Floyd .
While the early part of Sunday evening appeared relatively quiet , officials said that no decision had been made on whether curfew would be imposed Monday .
Top law enforcement officials will make a recommendation to Walz , who has instituted the previous curfews jointly with the respective mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis and authorized local officials across the state to do so as they see fit .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm — and it ’ s unclear exactly who they are — would try again Sunday .
Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said authorities continued to discover caches of incendiary materials in vehicles and other places .
Some appeared to be days old and were found in areas where fires previously had been set , while others appeared to have been placed within the previous 24 hours .
They were associated with a fleet of vehicles , many if not all stolen , that have been stripped of license plates .
Harrington said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordination .
TV aerial video and state traffic cameras showed a disturbing and chaotic series of events before 6 p.m. after a large crowd of marchers had taken to I-35W , which was officially closed at 5 p.m. Harrington said that preliminary reviews of state traffic cameras suggested the driver was already on the highway when crews began closing it .
Later , Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said that the driver did drive around a traffic “ diversion ” that was being set up to shunt vehicles off the highway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ later in the evening .
However , when throngs of peaceful demonstrators marched from a mostly peaceful event at U.S. Bank Stadium , several thousand headed toward the interstate .
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the 5 p.m. closure time about 20 minutes before it took effect .
Harrington said that action — by what he estimated were 4,000 to 7,000 people — prompted officials to decide to close the highway earlier than planned to protect the safety of the demonstrators , who were not authorized to march on the interstate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the edge of the crowd at what appeared to be swift speed — Schnell suggested it could have been above the speed limit — before coming to a halt .
The crowd largely appeared to scatter in advance of the truck , and some videos posted online showed the driver sounding his horn at one point .
“ It was sheer panic , ” said Rachel Quinn , a nurse from Minneapolis who was in the crowd when the truck rolled in .
The truck did not appear to swerve or veer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stop .
The cab was soon mobbed .
Video shows the truck then begin to drive forward again with people on its hood and clinging to both sides of the cab .
One of them appeared to break the driver ’ s front window , and the truck stopped came to a stop a second time .
That person can be seen breaching the cab through the driver ’ s front window .
Immediately following , the crowds fled — or attempted to flee — from the stretch of interstate , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the Mississippi River .
Some people could be seen vaulting over guardrails , while others stayed put .
Harrington said authorities didn ’ t know if the tanker and its content might be hazardous or explosive — or if they were secure .
As such , police aggressively cleared the crowd , using chemical irritants and other tactics that have become commonplace lately .
The tactic drew criticism from many in the crowd , who noted their demonstration , while civilly disobedient , had been non-violent .
Harrington said it was necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach and secure the tanker truck , which some witnesses told a TV reporter was leaking fuel .
Hennepin County jail records indicate the name of the trucker as Bogdan Vechirko , 35 , of Otsego , booked under suspicion of assault .
The trucking company described the driver as an independent contractor .
“ Our hearts go out to all those who are grieving the events of this past week .
We have been informed of an incident involving one of our independent contractors in Minneapolis , MN during recent protests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety and security of the public , our employees and our customers .
We will be cooperating fully with the investigating authorities in the days ahead .
It would be inappropriate to comment at this time until we have additional facts as the investigation is in its early stages .
We will comment further once we have more information.
” • President Trump tweets anti-fascists group will be labeled a terrorist organization .
What is Antifa ?
• President Trump taken to underground bunker during Friday ’ s White House protests • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests around the nation and world Some 1,500 people rallied at the Capitol in St. Paul and also took to the interstate afterward , but that event featured none of the horror of the otherwise-similar scene in Minneapolis .
Later , however , the situation became more heated .
The afternoon protest led to road closures around the Capitol complex and featured some tense moments near the front of the crowd , where police and soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard stood behind a fence they had erected .
Around 4 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Interstate 94 , headed west , and exited at Lexington Avenue .
By 8 p.m. , only a few remained at the Capitol .
St. Paul officers were assisting with the arrest of a small group of people at the Capitol for curfew violations about 9:30 p.m. Schnell said at one point a small group of people attempted to breach the fence around the Capitol .
This led to an exchange where authorities deployed gas .
Schnell said the number of those arrested was “ 10 to 12 or less.
” Derek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with third-degree murder for in Floyd ’ s death , was to make his first court appearance on Monday , but it was rescheduled to June 8 , according to a court record , which did not list an attorney for him .
Chauvin was booked into the Ramsey County Jail after Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents took him into custody Friday .
He was transferred Sunday to the Hennepin County Jail , according to a jail roster , and then moved to the state prison in Oak Park Heights Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frederick Melo and Mara H. Gottfried contributed to this report .

An afternoon of peaceful demonstrations across the Twin Cities Sunday was shattered when a tanker truck drove into a crowd of demonstrators marching on Interstate 35W in Minneapolis.
But apparently, it hit none of them, according to authorities, who were unclear of the driver’s motives.
As evening drew on after curfew, the evening became punctuated by orderly mass arrests of curfew violators, but as of 11 p.m., no fires and little violence. Around 11:30 p.m., Minneapolis responded to a fire at a small grocery store, and after midnight they responded to a few reports of looting and fires that could not be readily confirmed.
“We’re seeing very few incidents,” Gov. Tim Walz said around 10:30 p.m.
One large group of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis, preparing for a standoff with police on the ground where George Floyd, who death sparked protests last week. Floyd, who was unarmed, died Monday after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on him.
The group neither exhibited — nor allowed — violence within its ranks, disobeying curfew for hours in what was a largely solemn display. “This is a safe space,” one of the demonstrators said.
By 1 a.m., the group had hauled in trailers, signs and parts of fences to barricade the area from police, whom they assumed would arrive, sooner or later.
The lack of carnage in the truck incident was astounding to many.
“Not to have a tragedy and many deaths is just an amazing thing,” Walz said at 7 p.m., a little over an hour after the incident happened.
The driver was mobbed by the crowd and detained for police, who arrested him. Video of the event shows him being forcibly removed and roughed up while some in the crowd pleaded with those grabbing him to not harm him. After being treated at a hospital for non life-threatening injuries, he was released into police custody.
The horrifying and chaotic incident was still being investigated as nightfall approached, heralding the third straight night of curfew and highway closures as the metro area and thousands of law enforcement and National Guard personnel braced for whatever the night might bring.
As the sun set and crowds dispersed from a peaceful protest in front of the State Capitol in St. Paul, several hundred previously peaceful protesters in Minneapolis ignored the curfew and marched on a different stretch of I-35W, apparently destined for a police confrontation. After sunset, police began to make mass arrests of curfew breakers in Minneapolis — about 150 as of 10 p.m.
A small group remained at the Capitol and briefly clashed with police, resulting in perhaps a dozen arrests, officials said.
Those arrests — slow and methodical constrictions of police surrounding peaceful demonstrators — contrasted sharply with the tear gas-tinged incursions of law enforcement the evening before. Officials said the difference was that authorities were able to determine that Sunday’s groups did not include violent actors, but rather those engaging in peaceful disobedience.
The entire area is reeling following a week that witnessed widespread and unchecked violence, looting and fires until Saturday night, when the state’s largest-ever assemblage of law enforcement — a militarized force, really — was aided by widespread curfew compliance and seized control of the streets.
In a pattern that has played out in cities across the nation, the demonstrations were followed by escalating violence after the death of Floyd.
NO DECISION ON MONDAY CURFEW
While the early part of Sunday evening appeared relatively quiet, officials said that no decision had been made on whether curfew would be imposed Monday. Top law enforcement officials will make a recommendation to Walz, who has instituted the previous curfews jointly with the respective mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis and authorized local officials across the state to do so as they see fit.
ARSONISTS’ CACHES
There were signs that those intent on doing harm — and it’s unclear exactly who they are — would try again Sunday.
Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said authorities continued to discover caches of incendiary materials in vehicles and other places. Some appeared to be days old and were found in areas where fires previously had been set, while others appeared to have been placed within the previous 24 hours. They were associated with a fleet of vehicles, many if not all stolen, that have been stripped of license plates.
Harrington said the pattern speaks to sophisticated planning and coordination.
TRUCK VS. CROWD
TV aerial video and state traffic cameras showed a disturbing and chaotic series of events before 6 p.m. after a large crowd of marchers had taken to I-35W, which was officially closed at 5 p.m.
Absolutely frightening scene on I-35W as a tanker truck drivers through thousands of protesters. @WCCO has live coverage right now! https://t.co/onZsO4D5l5 — Jeff Wagner (@Jeff_Wagner4) May 31, 2020
Harrington said that preliminary reviews of state traffic cameras suggested the driver was already on the highway when crews began closing it. Later, Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said that the driver did drive around a traffic “diversion” that was being set up to shunt vehicles off the highway.
Authorities initially planned to close the highways later in the evening. However, when throngs of peaceful demonstrators marched from a mostly peaceful event at U.S. Bank Stadium, several thousand headed toward the interstate. The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the 5 p.m. closure time about 20 minutes before it took effect.
Harrington said that action — by what he estimated were 4,000 to 7,000 people — prompted officials to decide to close the highway earlier than planned to protect the safety of the demonstrators, who were not authorized to march on the interstate.
The 18-wheeler tanker truck drove toward and into the edge of the crowd at what appeared to be swift speed — Schnell suggested it could have been above the speed limit — before coming to a halt. The crowd largely appeared to scatter in advance of the truck, and some videos posted online showed the driver sounding his horn at one point.
“It was sheer panic,” said Rachel Quinn,a nurse from Minneapolis who was in the crowd when the truck rolled in.
The truck did not appear to swerve or veer toward the crowd as it came to a stop.
The cab was soon mobbed. Video shows the truck then begin to drive forward again with people on its hood and clinging to both sides of the cab. One of them appeared to break the driver’s front window, and the truck stopped came to a stop a second time. That person can be seen breaching the cab through the driver’s front window.
While protestors were taking a knee on I-35 a semi truck driver ran into protestors. The police have arrived macing protestors instead of going after the truck driver. pic.twitter.com/BmqFseSmUJ — Shade Pratt (@ShadePratt22) May 31, 2020
Immediately following, the crowds fled — or attempted to flee — from the stretch of interstate, which is elevated as it approaches a span over the Mississippi River. Some people could be seen vaulting over guardrails, while others stayed put.
Harrington said authorities didn’t know if the tanker and its content might be hazardous or explosive — or if they were secure. As such, police aggressively cleared the crowd, using chemical irritants and other tactics that have become commonplace lately. The tactic drew criticism from many in the crowd, who noted their demonstration, while civilly disobedient, had been non-violent.
Harrington said it was necessary for their safety and so authorities could reach and secure the tanker truck, which some witnesses told a TV reporter was leaking fuel.
Hennepin County jail records indicate the name of the trucker as Bogdan Vechirko, 35, of Otsego, booked under suspicion of assault.
The trucking company described the driver as an independent contractor.
Kenan Advantage Group, a major petroleum transportation company, released the following statement Sunday evening:
“Our hearts go out to all those who are grieving the events of this past week. We have been informed of an incident involving one of our independent contractors in Minneapolis, MN during recent protests. Our first and foremost concern is for the safety and security of the public, our employees and our customers. We will be cooperating fully with the investigating authorities in the days ahead. It would be inappropriate to comment at this time until we have additional facts as the investigation is in its early stages. We will comment further once we have more information.”
ST. PAUL PROTEST
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Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul Crime and Public Safety | Protesters try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone over the burning of Quran and Iraqi flag in Denmark Some 1,500 people rallied at the Capitol in St. Paul and also took to the interstate afterward, but that event featured none of the horror of the otherwise-similar scene in Minneapolis. Later, however, the situation became more heated.
The afternoon protest led to road closures around the Capitol complex and featured some tense moments near the front of the crowd, where police and soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard stood behind a fence they had erected. Around 4 p.m., a contingent of the crowd marched onto the Interstate 94, headed west, and exited at Lexington Avenue.
By 8 p.m., only a few remained at the Capitol. St. Paul officers were assisting with the arrest of a small group of people at the Capitol for curfew violations about 9:30 p.m.
Satara Strong, Black Lives Matter Twin Cities, says organized March officially dispersed when they got to the State Capitol, and they’re not in charge of this particular action at the fence. That’s organic and they need to be aware. 19 min to curfew. Some organizers nervous. pic.twitter.com/wmeMl6tNJA — Frederick Melo, Reporter (@FrederickMelo) June 1, 2020
Schnell said at one point a small group of people attempted to breach the fence around the Capitol. This led to an exchange where authorities deployed gas. Schnell said the number of those arrested was “10 to 12 or less.”
CHAUVIN COURT APPEARANCE
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with third-degree murder for in Floyd’s death, was to make his first court appearance on Monday, but it was rescheduled to June 8, according to a court record, which did not list an attorney for him.
Chauvin was booked into the Ramsey County Jail after Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents took him into custody Friday. He was transferred Sunday to the Hennepin County Jail, according to a jail roster, and then moved to the state prison in Oak Park Heights Sunday, Schnell said.
Nick Ferraro, Frederick Melo and Mara H. Gottfried contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--President Trump taken to underground bunker during Friday’s White House protests

As protesters gathered outside the White House Friday night in Washington , DC , President Donald Trump was briefly taken to the underground bunker for a period of time , according to a White House official and a law enforcement source .
The President was there for a little under an hour before being brought upstairs .
A law enforcement source and another source familiar with the matter tell CNN that first lady Melania Trump and their son , Barron , were also taken to the bunker .
The law enforcement source familiar with protocol said that if authorities moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning Melania and Barron .
The second source told CNN that “ if the condition at the White House is elevated to RED and the President is moved ” to the Emergency Operations Center “ Melania Trump , Barron Trump and any other first family members would be moved as well.
” Late Sunday night , the White House cautioned staffers who must go to work on Monday to hide their passes until they reach a Secret Service entry point and to hide them as they leave , according to an email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email repeated mandates for maximum telework status and said there is still an “ elevated security posture ” due to the protests .
Trump praised the Secret Service the next day for its handling of the protests outside the White House Friday night in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death last week in Minneapolis .
The New York Times first reported Trump was taken to the presidential bunker .
On Saturday , only hours after the protests outside the White House had ended , Trump declared himself safe as he lashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor and raised the prospect of his supporters gathering in place that night in what would amount to a counter protest .
In a series of tweets , Trump commended the US Secret Service for protecting him inside his fortified mansion Friday evening , saying he couldn ’ t have felt “ more safe ” as protesters gathered outside over Floyd ’ s death .
The President suggested that dogs and weaponry were waiting inside the gates .
Trump claimed DC Mayor Muriel Bowser did not permit the DC police to “ get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were on the scene .
Later in the day , speaking at NASA ’ s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the launch of the NASA/SpaceX rocket , Trump admonished protesters across the country , expressed support for the “ majority of police officers ” and blamed Antifa and the “ radical left ” — without any proof — in his most in-depth remarks since Floyd ’ s death and the ensuing nationwide demonstrations .
“ I stand before you as a friend and ally to every American seeking justice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in firm opposition to anyone exploiting this tragedy to loot , rob , attack and menace .
Healing , not hatred , justice , not chaos , are the mission at hand , ” Trump said .
Trump added that the voice of “ law abiding citizens must be heard and heard very loudly.
” “ We must defend the rights of every citizen to live without violence , prejudice or fear , ” Trump said before supporting “ the overwhelming majority of police officers who are incredible in every way and devoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more upset than fellow law enforcement officers by the small handful who failed to abide by their oath to serve and protect , ” Trump added .
In his Saturday morning Twitter messages , Trump did not seek to lower the temperature or console Americans who find themselves facing parallel health and racial crises .
The decision to physically move the President came as protesters confronted Secret Service officers outside the White House for hours on Friday — shouting , throwing water bottles and other objects at the line of officers , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At times , the crowd would remove the metal barriers and begin pushing up against the officers and their riot shields .
The Secret Service continually replaced the barriers throughout the night as protesters wrestled them away .
Protesters pushed hard enough a few times that officers had to walk away with what appeared to be minor injuries .
At one point , the agents responded to aggressive pushing and yelling by using pepper spray on the protesters .
Throughout the night , protesters could be heard chanting their support for Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being pinned down by a white police officer , and their dislike of Trump .
The protest , which began around 10 p.m .
ET , Friday night outside the White House , had mostly quieted down by 3:30 a.m .
ET , Saturday morning .
The crowd thinned out and Secret Service officers were able to expand their perimeter and barriers around Lafayette Park across from the White House .
Six arrests were made during the protests , the Secret Service confirmed in a statement Saturday afternoon .
The President on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retaliation and military intervention in Minnesota where protests turned violent and destructive — saying on Twitter that “ when the looting starts , the shooting starts.
” Trump ’ s weekend tweets also invoked imagery tied to brutal civil rights-era police tactics .
• President Trump tweets anti-fascists group will be labeled a terrorist organization .
What is Antifa ?
• Tanker truck drives through crowd in Minneapolis ; evening sees mass arrests but little violence • Photos : Best images of George Floyd protests around the nation and world Now , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s top allies and advisers over how the President should address several nights of protests and riots .
Trump is being urged by some advisers to formally address the nation and call for calm , while others have said he should condemn the rioting and looting more forcefully or risk losing middle-of-the-road voters in November , according to several sources familiar with the deliberations .
This story has been updated with new reporting about White House staffers being advised to hide their passes coming into and leaving work .

As protesters gathered outside the White House Friday night in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump was briefly taken to the underground bunker for a period of time, according to a White House official and a law enforcement source.
The President was there for a little under an hour before being brought upstairs.
A law enforcement source and another source familiar with the matter tell CNN that first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, were also taken to the bunker.
The law enforcement source familiar with protocol said that if authorities moved Trump, they would move all protectees, meaning Melania and Barron.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/06/01/trump-bunker-washington-protests-george-floyd-vpx.cnn”]
The second source told CNN that “if the condition at the White House is elevated to RED and the President is moved” to the Emergency Operations Center “Melania Trump, Barron Trump and any other first family members would be moved as well.”
Late Sunday night, the White House cautioned staffers who must go to work on Monday to hide their passes until they reach a Secret Service entry point and to hide them as they leave, according to an email which was viewed by CNN.
The email repeated mandates for maximum telework status and said there is still an “elevated security posture” due to the protests.
Trump praised the Secret Service the next day for its handling of the protests outside the White House Friday night in the wake of George Floyd’s death last week in Minneapolis.
The New York Times first reported Trump was taken to the presidential bunker.
On Saturday, only hours after the protests outside the White House had ended, Trump declared himself safe as he lashed out at the city’s Democratic mayor and raised the prospect of his supporters gathering in place that night in what would amount to a counter protest.
In a series of tweets, Trump commended the US Secret Service for protecting him inside his fortified mansion Friday evening, saying he couldn’t have felt “more safe” as protesters gathered outside over Floyd’s death. The President suggested that dogs and weaponry were waiting inside the gates.
Trump claimed DC Mayor Muriel Bowser did not permit the DC police to “get involved,” though Secret Service later said they were on the scene.
Later in the day, speaking at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the launch of the NASA/SpaceX rocket, Trump admonished protesters across the country, expressed support for the “majority of police officers” and blamed Antifa and the “radical left” — without any proof — in his most in-depth remarks since Floyd’s death and the ensuing nationwide demonstrations.
“I stand before you as a friend and ally to every American seeking justice and peace. And I stand before you in firm opposition to anyone exploiting this tragedy to loot, rob, attack and menace. Healing, not hatred, justice, not chaos, are the mission at hand,” Trump said.
Trump added that the voice of “law abiding citizens must be heard and heard very loudly.”
“We must defend the rights of every citizen to live without violence, prejudice or fear,” Trump said before supporting “the overwhelming majority of police officers who are incredible in every way and devoted public servants.”
“No one is more upset than fellow law enforcement officers by the small handful who failed to abide by their oath to serve and protect,” Trump added.
In his Saturday morning Twitter messages, Trump did not seek to lower the temperature or console Americans who find themselves facing parallel health and racial crises.
The decision to physically move the President came as protesters confronted Secret Service officers outside the White House for hours on Friday — shouting, throwing water bottles and other objects at the line of officers, and attempting to break through the metal barriers.
At times, the crowd would remove the metal barriers and begin pushing up against the officers and their riot shields. The Secret Service continually replaced the barriers throughout the night as protesters wrestled them away.
Protesters pushed hard enough a few times that officers had to walk away with what appeared to be minor injuries. At one point, the agents responded to aggressive pushing and yelling by using pepper spray on the protesters.
Throughout the night, protesters could be heard chanting their support for Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after being pinned down by a white police officer, and their dislike of Trump. The protest, which began around 10 p.m. ET, Friday night outside the White House, had mostly quieted down by 3:30 a.m. ET, Saturday morning.
The crowd thinned out and Secret Service officers were able to expand their perimeter and barriers around Lafayette Park across from the White House.
Six arrests were made during the protests, the Secret Service confirmed in a statement Saturday afternoon.
The President on Thursday had used the threat of police retaliation and military intervention in Minnesota where protests turned violent and destructive — saying on Twitter that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” Trump’s weekend tweets also invoked imagery tied to brutal civil rights-era police tactics.
Related Articles Politics | Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city
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Small group of protesters disrupts Drag Story Hour at Los Gatos Library Politics | Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul
Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul Politics | Protesters try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone over the burning of Quran and Iraqi flag in Denmark Now, a serious divide has emerged among the President’s top allies and advisers over how the President should address several nights of protests and riots.
Trump is being urged by some advisers to formally address the nation and call for calm, while others have said he should condemn the rioting and looting more forcefully or risk losing middle-of-the-road voters in November, according to several sources familiar with the deliberations.
This story has been updated with new reporting about White House staffers being advised to hide their passes coming into and leaving work.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--Horoscopes June 1, 2020: Amy Schumer and Heidi Klum share advice.

Happy Birthday : Learn as much as you can this year .
Documentaries and online seminars will help reshape you for what ’ s to come .
Consider what makes you happy or the type of challenge that will spark your imagination and motivate you to find a path that encourages you to follow your heart and dreams .
Commit to turning your intention into reality .
Your numbers are 8 , 11 , 20 , 26 , 32 , 35 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Listen , observe and tune in to what experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will help you make the right decision regarding your direction and income .
Working alongside someone you love will help you both get what you want .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Think matters through before you decide to make a move .
If you act prematurely , you will miss out on something better .
Have patience ; time is on your side .
Discipline and hard work will pay off .
A challenging job will ease stress .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
Minimize your needs , and declutter your surroundings .
Once you clear enough space , it will make room to start projects that will lead to a brighter future .
Personal growth and physical improvement are favored .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Work hard , and prepare for whatever comes your way .
Get fit and stay healthy .
A steady routine will help you reach your goal .
A couple of innovative alterations to your schedule will improve your lifestyle .
Idle time will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Pitch in and help .
Offer physical action if it will make a difference in your community .
Looking out for those who are vulnerable will help you gain respect and support when you decide to make a change .
Self-improvement is favored .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Stay on top of whatever job or responsibility belongs to you .
Focus on being productive and using whatever skills you have to get things done with efficiency and in a timely fashion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Explore possibilities .
Consider what you enjoy doing most and the skills you have to help you reach your goal .
Watch a tutorial or sign up for a course that will prepare you for a position you want to pursue .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Put a little thought and muscle into improving your surroundings .
Use your imagination , and declutter your space to make room for the jobs or pastimes you want to explore .
Avoid joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Go forward alone .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Proceed with caution .
Distance yourself from troublemakers or meddlers .
Use common sense , and take action if the information you receive is factual .
Refuse to let an outsider come between you and someone you love .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Review details , conversations and information that could influence a decision you want to make .
Implement a change at home based on practical needs .
Share your intentions , and find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Tend to money , contracts and personal documents with a goal in mind .
An incentive that makes you want to save and keep everything in order will leave you open to take advantage of an opportunity that ’ s heading your way .
5 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Do something you love .
Refuse to let what others do lead you astray or cause you to miss something you enjoy .
An idea you have will trigger a change that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pastimes you pursue .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , charming and imaginative .
You are persuasive and proactive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Willow Shields, 20; Amy Schumer, 39; Heidi Klum, 47; Morgan Freeman, 83.
Happy Birthday: Learn as much as you can this year. Documentaries and online seminars will help reshape you for what’s to come. Consider what makes you happy or the type of challenge that will spark your imagination and motivate you to find a path that encourages you to follow your heart and dreams. Commit to turning your intention into reality. Your numbers are 8, 11, 20, 26, 32, 35, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Listen, observe and tune in to what experts say. Fill your mind with information that will help you make the right decision regarding your direction and income. Working alongside someone you love will help you both get what you want. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Think matters through before you decide to make a move. If you act prematurely, you will miss out on something better. Have patience; time is on your side. Discipline and hard work will pay off. A challenging job will ease stress. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A little will go a long way. Minimize your needs, and declutter your surroundings. Once you clear enough space, it will make room to start projects that will lead to a brighter future. Personal growth and physical improvement are favored. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Work hard, and prepare for whatever comes your way. Get fit and stay healthy. A steady routine will help you reach your goal. A couple of innovative alterations to your schedule will improve your lifestyle. Idle time will lead to emotional pitfalls. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Pitch in and help. Offer physical action if it will make a difference in your community. Looking out for those who are vulnerable will help you gain respect and support when you decide to make a change. Self-improvement is favored. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stay on top of whatever job or responsibility belongs to you. Focus on being productive and using whatever skills you have to get things done with efficiency and in a timely fashion. Walk away from unsavory situations. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Explore possibilities. Consider what you enjoy doing most and the skills you have to help you reach your goal. Watch a tutorial or sign up for a course that will prepare you for a position you want to pursue. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Put a little thought and muscle into improving your surroundings. Use your imagination, and declutter your space to make room for the jobs or pastimes you want to explore. Avoid joint ventures or sharing expenses with others. Go forward alone. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Proceed with caution. Distance yourself from troublemakers or meddlers. Use common sense, and take action if the information you receive is factual. Refuse to let an outsider come between you and someone you love. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Review details, conversations and information that could influence a decision you want to make. Implement a change at home based on practical needs. Share your intentions, and find out where you stand. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Tend to money, contracts and personal documents with a goal in mind. An incentive that makes you want to save and keep everything in order will leave you open to take advantage of an opportunity that’s heading your way. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do something you love. Refuse to let what others do lead you astray or cause you to miss something you enjoy. An idea you have will trigger a change that will improve the way you live and the pastimes you pursue. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, charming and imaginative. You are persuasive and proactive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--Word Game: June 1, 2020

Word Game: June 1, 2020

Can you find 18 or more words in SAUGER ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — SAUGER (SAUGER: SAW-ger: A North American freshwater fish.)
Average mark 14 words
Time limit 25 minutes
Can you find 18 or more words in SAUGER? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — FURBELOW flew floe flour flow flower flue fore foul fouler
four fowl fowler froe fuel furl robe role roue ruble rule befoul below blew blow blower
blue bluer blur bole bore bowel bower bowl bowler brew brow burl elbow euro lobe
lore lower lure woeful wolf wore
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--Bridge: June 1, 2020

Bridge: June 1, 2020

As the bridge at the Mad Hatter ’ s continued , the Red Queens kept up their rancorous debate over who was greater .
“ My cousin can ’ t abide her card being captured , ” the Queen of Diamonds told Alice .
“ But losing a trick can be better than winning one.
” “ Of course , your majesty , ” Alice said wearily .
So Alice dealt and became declarer at six hearts .
West , the Hatter , led the ace of spades , and Alice ruffed and drew trumps .
How should she continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club finesse , she needed three diamond tricks — for two club discards from dummy .
But to lead to the ace and then lead the nine would work only if East held K-J-x or J-x-x .
Alice found the best play .
At Trick Four , she led the queen of diamonds .
West ’ s king covered — to play low would not have helped — and Alice took the ace , forced out East ’ s jack and won the rest .
“ Well done , ” the Queen of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean ?
” You hold : S None H A Q 7 6 3 2 D Q 10 8 3 C A K 5 .
Your partner opens one diamond .
The next player passes .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Slam chances are so bright that you should let partner know immediately .
Jump-shift to two hearts , planning to support the diamonds next .
If he has Q 6 5 , K 5 , A K 9 6 5 , 6 3 2 — a borderline opening — you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use “ weak jump-shifts , ” a treatment I do not favor because it makes big hands harder to handle .

As the bridge at the Mad Hatter’s continued, the Red Queens kept up their rancorous debate over who was greater.
“My cousin can’t abide her card being captured,” the Queen of Diamonds told Alice. “But losing a trick can be better than winning one.”
“Of course, your majesty,” Alice said wearily.
“Deal,” the Queen sniffed. “I’ll show you.”
So Alice dealt and became declarer at six hearts. West, the Hatter, led the ace of spades, and Alice ruffed and drew trumps. How should she continue?
DISCARDS
Alice saw that to avoid the club finesse, she needed three diamond tricks — for two club discards from dummy. But to lead to the ace and then lead the nine would work only if East held K-J-x or J-x-x.
Alice found the best play. At Trick Four, she led the queen of diamonds. West’s king covered — to play low would not have helped — and Alice took the ace, forced out East’s jack and won the rest.
“Well done,” the Queen of Diamonds nodded. “See what I mean?”
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S None H A Q 7 6 3 2 D Q 10 8 3 C A K 5. Your partner opens one diamond. The next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: Slam chances are so bright that you should let partner know immediately. Jump-shift to two hearts, planning to support the diamonds next. If he has Q 6 5, K 5, A K 9 6 5, 6 3 2 — a borderline opening — you can make seven diamonds. Some pairs use “weak jump-shifts,” a treatment I do not favor because it makes big hands harder to handle.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 6 2
H K 9 8 4
D A 9
C J 10 4 3
WEST
S A J 10 5 4
H 5
D K 6 5
C Q 9 6 2
EAST
S K 9 8 7 3
H J 10
D J 7 4 2
C 8 7
SOUTH
S None
H A Q 7 6 3 2
D Q 10 8 3
C A K 5
SouthWestNorthEast
1 H1 S3 H 3 S
6 HAll Pass
Opening lead — S A
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--Ask Amy: I just found out about my parents’ risky decision, and I’m floored

DEAR AMY : I live 3,000 miles away from my parents and have only been able to communicate with them by phone/video chat during COVID .
Due to age , my parents are considered to be higher-risk for the virus .
They tell me they are careful .
Last week , they announced they were going to a beach house with two other couples and planned to visit tourist destinations in the area that were reopening .
I was floored .
I begged them to reconsider and their response was , “ We understand your concern and promise to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutual friends that my parents have not been as careful as they ’ ve let on ( friends have been in their house , they regularly have meals with neighbors , etc. )
.
I don ’ t think they ’ ve lied to us , but I believe they ’ ve conveniently withheld details .
I don ’ t know what to do .
I ’ ve shared my concern about the consequences of their decisions .
• Ask Amy : Is it offensive for a white girl to speak Spanish ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire our scary handyman , but my husband won ’ t back me up • Ask Amy : Should we tell this teen what her mother is really like ?
• Ask Amy : Am I being creepy with this woman on Twitter ?
• Ask Amy : Now that she lives with me , her annoying habit is a big problem We ’ re all fatigued by this virus , but I want to put my foot down .
How do I get through to them ?
DEAR UPSET : You won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your parents are taking risks , and they know this because they haven ’ t been honest with you about their choices .
You can not control them from 3,000 miles away .
You likely wouldn ’ t be able to control them from one mile away .
This lack of control is a major stressor for family members everywhere , and it is a sadness you will have to learn to tolerate , while you put your hands together and hope for the best .
DEAR AMY : My husband and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one in the North , one in the South .
Our 40-year-old son still lives with us up north .
We spend about six months of the year in each place .
We are covering all expenses for our son ( except for his food , car , and telephone ) .
We pay heat , electric , water , cable , insurance , landscaping , etc .
He does not contribute financially in any way .
He has worked full-time since graduating college and is doing fine financially .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while we are gone .
He does take care of things if a need arises .
When we return , however , I have to deep-clean the place and my husband becomes 24-hour gardener to restore the home to how it was when we left .
I strongly feel that my son should be contributing financially and doing some chores , but my husband keeps saying , “ Oh , leave him alone.
” I think he should be paying rent .
And we definitely want to relax and not be interrupted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his acquaintances ) .
We love our son dearly and do not want to hurt or alienate him .
Can you help resolve this dilemma ?
DEAR FRUSTRATED : Your son should be paying rent during the six months when you are all in the house together .
His rent should be reduced or eliminated during the time he is basically house-sitting for you during the winter .
Many people hire seasonal house sitters during the off-season , because of the substantial risks to leaving a house empty .
Some house sitters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live , but many charge a per/day fee .
In terms of you returning home to face many large tasks , he is 40 years old !
He should help with cleaning and do all of the yard work ( unless your husband enjoys it ) , and yes – you should return to a house ( basically ) as clean as you left it .
It is completely reasonable to expect this .
I ’ m guessing you have never made this expectation clear to him , however .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sounds as if you just don ’ t want to live with your son .
That is completely understandable and absolutely within reason .
You could suggest he move out altogether , or look into a six-month furnished rental during the summer ( when you ’ re in the house ) and then move into your home ( rent-free ) in the winter .
DEAR AMY : You ran a letter from “ Wondering , ” who asked why liquor stores stayed open during the coronavirus pandemic .
As an addictionologist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit drinking “ cold-turkey ” risk the potential of severe , even life-threatening withdrawal .
While I doubt that this was in the thoughts of the politicians who made these decisions , keeping the liquor stores open saved lives .
DEAR CHARLES : Many other readers pointed out the risk of alcohol withdrawal , and I appreciate the perspective and correction .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

DEAR AMY: I live 3,000 miles away from my parents and have only been able to communicate with them by phone/video chat during COVID.
Due to age, my parents are considered to be higher-risk for the virus. They tell me they are careful. Last week, they announced they were going to a beach house with two other couples and planned to visit tourist destinations in the area that were reopening. I was floored. I begged them to reconsider and their response was, “We understand your concern and promise to be careful.”
My sister later learned through mutual friends that my parents have not been as careful as they’ve let on (friends have been in their house, they regularly have meals with neighbors, etc.).
I don’t think they’ve lied to us, but I believe they’ve conveniently withheld details. I don’t know what to do. I’ve shared my concern about the consequences of their decisions.
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Upset
DEAR UPSET: You won’t get through to them. Your parents are taking risks, and they know this because they haven’t been honest with you about their choices. You cannot control them from 3,000 miles away. You likely wouldn’t be able to control them from one mile away.
This lack of control is a major stressor for family members everywhere, and it is a sadness you will have to learn to tolerate, while you put your hands together and hope for the best.
DEAR AMY: My husband and I are retired. We own two homes, one in the North, one in the South. Our 40-year-old son still lives with us up north.
We spend about six months of the year in each place. We are covering all expenses for our son (except for his food, car, and telephone). We pay heat, electric, water, cable, insurance, landscaping, etc.
He does not contribute financially in any way. He has worked full-time since graduating college and is doing fine financially.
It is comforting to have someone in the house while we are gone. He does take care of things if a need arises. When we return, however, I have to deep-clean the place and my husband becomes 24-hour gardener to restore the home to how it was when we left.
I strongly feel that my son should be contributing financially and doing some chores, but my husband keeps saying, “Oh, leave him alone.”
I think he should be paying rent. And we definitely want to relax and not be interrupted by his comings and goings (and those of his acquaintances).
We love our son dearly and do not want to hurt or alienate him.
Can you help resolve this dilemma?
Frustrated Mom
DEAR FRUSTRATED: Your son should be paying rent during the six months when you are all in the house together. His rent should be reduced or eliminated during the time he is basically house-sitting for you during the winter.
Many people hire seasonal house sitters during the off-season, because of the substantial risks to leaving a house empty. Some house sitters do it in exchange for a place to live, but many charge a per/day fee.
In terms of you returning home to face many large tasks, he is 40 years old! He should help with cleaning and do all of the yard work (unless your husband enjoys it), and yes – you should return to a house (basically) as clean as you left it. It is completely reasonable to expect this. I’m guessing you have never made this expectation clear to him, however.
I’ve offered practical ideas. However, it sounds as if you just don’t want to live with your son. That is completely understandable and absolutely within reason. You could suggest he move out altogether, or look into a six-month furnished rental during the summer (when you’re in the house) and then move into your home (rent-free) in the winter.
DEAR AMY: You ran a letter from “Wondering,” who asked why liquor stores stayed open during the coronavirus pandemic.
As an addictionologist, I will tell you that individuals who quit drinking “cold-turkey” risk the potential of severe, even life-threatening withdrawal.
While I doubt that this was in the thoughts of the politicians who made these decisions, keeping the liquor stores open saved lives.
Charles Schauberger, MD, FASAM
DEAR CHARLES: Many other readers pointed out the risk of alcohol withdrawal, and I appreciate the perspective and correction.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--Harriette Cole: I feel like hell, but I don’t want to stay home

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have not been feeling well for the past few days , and it has got me scared .
What with the COVID-19 virus being everywhere , I wonder if I have it .
My stomach has been sick .
I can ’ t seem to hold food down , but I am still doing my job and taking care of my family .
On the news , they say just to stay home if you don ’ t feel well unless you have a high fever .
I don ’ t have a fever at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am worried that if I am sick I will infect my family .
Staying home does not seem like the best idea , to be honest .
But I don ’ t know where I can get a test or anything .
What should I do ?
DEAR NEED TESTING : The Centers for Disease Control has said that diarrhea can be an early sign of this disease .
For this reason , you should be able to get tested .
Call your doctor and describe your symptoms and your concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity of family members to you .
Ask your doctor to provide you with the paperwork you may need to get tested along with a recommended location to have it done .
At this point , testing is supposed to be available for anyone who may be symptomatic .
If you do not get support from your doctor , consider a walk-in medical facility .
Your last resort should be the emergency room if you can avoid it , simply because they still are fairly stretched — and hospitals do have the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I ’ m sorry for these young actors but I can ’ t do what they ask • Harriette Cole : Even one shower a week is too much for him • Harriette Cole : I must sit for hours without moving , and it ’ s stressing me out • Harriette Cole : If his college doesn ’ t reopen , what can I do about my son ?
• Harriette Cole : My friends say they ’ re having fun at home with their husbands .
I ’ m definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling unmotivated .
I lost my job two months ago .
I am getting unemployment , thank God .
But no matter how hard I look or how many résumés I send out , I have not gotten a single response back .
It feels like the whole world is frozen .
I do know that millions of people have lost their jobs , including me , but I don ’ t think I should wait around until things get better to look .
I ’ m worried that if I wait too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though it seems like there ’ s nothing now .
How can I get my spirits back up so that I can put better effort into my search ?
DEAR JOB HUNT : Stay focused on your pursuit of work .
I think it ’ s important to continue to look as vigorously as you can in a virtual and safe manner .
Think about the broadest range of jobs that you can do efficiently .
You may want to develop more than one résumé so that you can focus each one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most important , think about who can stand as a reference for you .
This should be someone who can speak to your character , your personality , your workstyle — you .
It ’ s best to think of a few different people who represent different parts of your life and who can honestly say positive things about you .
Be sure to ask them if they would be willing to speak up on your behalf .
Their declarations about you may help to seal the deal .
Harriette Cole is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have not been feeling well for the past few days, and it has got me scared. What with the COVID-19 virus being everywhere, I wonder if I have it.
My stomach has been sick. I can’t seem to hold food down, but I am still doing my job and taking care of my family. On the news, they say just to stay home if you don’t feel well unless you have a high fever. I don’t have a fever at all, but I feel like hell.
I am worried that if I am sick I will infect my family. Staying home does not seem like the best idea, to be honest. But I don’t know where I can get a test or anything. What should I do?
Need Testing
DEAR NEED TESTING: The Centers for Disease Control has said that diarrhea can be an early sign of this disease. For this reason, you should be able to get tested.
Call your doctor and describe your symptoms and your concerns. Describe your household as well and the proximity of family members to you. Ask your doctor to provide you with the paperwork you may need to get tested along with a recommended location to have it done. At this point, testing is supposed to be available for anyone who may be symptomatic.
If you do not get support from your doctor, consider a walk-in medical facility. Your last resort should be the emergency room if you can avoid it, simply because they still are fairly stretched — and hospitals do have the virus within their walls.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success DEAR HARRIETTE: I am feeling unmotivated. I lost my job two months ago. I am getting unemployment, thank God. But no matter how hard I look or how many résumés I send out, I have not gotten a single response back. It feels like the whole world is frozen.
I do know that millions of people have lost their jobs, including me, but I don’t think I should wait around until things get better to look. I’m worried that if I wait too long, there will be nothing, even though it seems like there’s nothing now.
How can I get my spirits back up so that I can put better effort into my search?
Job Hunt
DEAR JOB HUNT: Stay focused on your pursuit of work. I think it’s important to continue to look as vigorously as you can in a virtual and safe manner. Think about the broadest range of jobs that you can do efficiently. You may want to develop more than one résumé so that you can focus each one on particular skills for specific jobs.
Most important, think about who can stand as a reference for you. This should be someone who can speak to your character, your personality, your workstyle — you. It’s best to think of a few different people who represent different parts of your life and who can honestly say positive things about you. Be sure to ask them if they would be willing to speak up on your behalf. Their declarations about you may help to seal the deal.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-06-01--Miss Manners: Where did my son pick up this disgusting behavior?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our 34-year-old son back under our roof — temporarily , we all fervently hope .
For now , we are back to family dinnertime , like we used to have years ago .
In some ways , that is a silver lining .
I do enjoy his company , and he gives us some support .
However , his table manners seem to have lost something over time .
He wolfs his food in huge bites , sometimes so big they ’ re falling out of his mouth , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole , gulping noisily .
When he ’ s dined with us as a guest , I didn ’ t notice this so much , but now it is every night .
So far as I know , he ’ s never been fed skimpy portions — I always make sure there ’ s more than enough to go around — and no one is threatening to grab food off his plate if he doesn ’ t eat fast enough .
He typically just sits with an empty plate while others finish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I tend to think it ’ s just a bad habit from living by himself , but I don ’ t know .
• Miss Manners : They know I hate it , they do it anyway , and I ’ m going to explode • Miss Manners : What do I tell people if I end up canceling our big wedding ?
• Miss Manners : A stranger accosted me in the locker room about a disease I don ’ t have • Miss Manners : What should I do about sidewalk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss Manners : I complained about her phone calls , and she took it badly It ’ s well past time for me to be correcting his eating habits , but this is bothering me at mealtime and affecting my own appetite .
It seems like a poor compliment to my cooking for him to gobble indiscriminately , as if it were dog food .
What ’ s more , he will ( I trust ) resume his professional career when things get better , and he risks making a very poor impression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lunch .
I don ’ t know how to speak to him about this without making him feel like a reprimanded child .
It ’ s hard enough not falling back into a mom role with this grown man who ’ s now back in his old room .
I don ’ t want to introduce resentment or strife .
But I ’ m starting to dread mealtimes with his unexpectedly savage behavior .
I didn ’ t bring him up that way .
What do you suggest ?
GENTLE READER : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you recall , those were the occasions on which you taught not only table manners , but conversation , nutrition , pretending interest in how others spent the day , and other such basic skills of civilization .
Miss Manners understands that the remedial approach should be somewhat different .
Perhaps not “ because I ’ m your mother , and I say so , ” or even “ you don ’ t want to make a bad impression on others ” — because your son has , presumably , been getting along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunches , or among other gobblers ) .
Although maybe that ’ s why he is living by himself .
But health arguments , which have no effect on children , work with grownups .
If you are not afraid that he will choke on those huge , unchewed bites , you should be .
Please insist that he slow down so that you are not in terror of having to perform a Heimlich maneuver .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our 34-year-old son back under our roof — temporarily, we all fervently hope. For now, we are back to family dinnertime, like we used to have years ago.
In some ways, that is a silver lining. I do enjoy his company, and he gives us some support.
However, his table manners seem to have lost something over time. He wolfs his food in huge bites, sometimes so big they’re falling out of his mouth, and he seems to be practically swallowing his food whole, gulping noisily.
When he’s dined with us as a guest, I didn’t notice this so much, but now it is every night. So far as I know, he’s never been fed skimpy portions — I always make sure there’s more than enough to go around — and no one is threatening to grab food off his plate if he doesn’t eat fast enough.
He typically just sits with an empty plate while others finish, and he seldom goes for seconds. I tend to think it’s just a bad habit from living by himself, but I don’t know.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third It’s well past time for me to be correcting his eating habits, but this is bothering me at mealtime and affecting my own appetite.
It seems like a poor compliment to my cooking for him to gobble indiscriminately, as if it were dog food. What’s more, he will (I trust) resume his professional career when things get better, and he risks making a very poor impression when colleagues or prospective employers invite him to lunch.
I don’t know how to speak to him about this without making him feel like a reprimanded child. It’s hard enough not falling back into a mom role with this grown man who’s now back in his old room. I don’t want to introduce resentment or strife. But I’m starting to dread mealtimes with his unexpectedly savage behavior. I didn’t bring him up that way. What do you suggest?
GENTLE READER: Welcome back to Family Dinner. If you recall, those were the occasions on which you taught not only table manners, but conversation, nutrition, pretending interest in how others spent the day, and other such basic skills of civilization.
Time for a refresher course.
Miss Manners understands that the remedial approach should be somewhat different. Perhaps not “because I’m your mother, and I say so,” or even “you don’t want to make a bad impression on others” — because your son has, presumably, been getting along for some time (either without business lunches, or among other gobblers). Although maybe that’s why he is living by himself.
But health arguments, which have no effect on children, work with grownups. If you are not afraid that he will choke on those huge, unchewed bites, you should be. Please insist that he slow down so that you are not in terror of having to perform a Heimlich maneuver.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.