washingtontimes--2020-05-25--Gavin Newsom, California governor, faces GOP lawsuit over vote-by-mail executive order

Republicans are taking California to court over Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s plan for his state to conduct November ’ s election entirely by mail over coronavirus fears .
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel announced on Twitter that her organization , the National Republican Congressional Committee and the California Republican Party have filed court papers seeking to block Mr. Newsom ’ s executive order that would send mail-in ballots to all 20.6 million registered voters .
The “ radical plan ” is an “ illegal election power grab ” that , Ms. McDaniel also called “ a recipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fraud & destroy the confidence Californians deserve to have in their elections.
” While Ms. McDaniel noted that several states , one of which is heavily-Republican Utah , conduct elections entirely by mail , those were done more carefully and under better conditions .
“ None of them send millions of ballots to ‘ inactive ’ voters like Newsom is demanding .
In Washington , it took 5 years to transition to mail-in ballots .
Their SOS recently said ‘ you can ’ t just flip a switch ’ like Newsom wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Newsom and other California officials have defended the change ordered May 8 by citing public-health concerns of millions of people lining up to vote when there is a chance of infection .
They have said the change is temporary and they hope to conduct a safe in-person election on Nov. 3 , but will send mail-in ballots unsolicited to every registered voter in case not .
According to the Los Angeles Times , California has seen around 95,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,800 deaths among its 40-million populace .
Alex Padilla , California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to the lawsuit Sunday evening on Twitter by saying expanded voting isn ’ t a partisan issue and by taking a shot at President Trump .
“ Expanding vote-by-mail during a pandemic is not a partisan issue — it ’ s a moral imperative to protect voting rights and public safety .
Vote-by-mail has been used safely and effectively in red , blue , and purple states for years .
This lawsuit is just another part of Trump ’ s political smear campaign against voting by mail .
We will not let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he wrote over two tweets .
But Ms. McDaniel said it was the Democrats who were trying to not let a crisis go to waste .
“ Make no mistake , Democrats are trying to use this pandemic to redesign our entire election system for political gain , and we will not let their brazen attempts go unchallenged , ” she wrote .

Republicans are taking California to court over Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan for his state to conduct November’s election entirely by mail over coronavirus fears.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel announced on Twitter that her organization, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the California Republican Party have filed court papers seeking to block Mr. Newsom’s executive order that would send mail-in ballots to all 20.6 million registered voters.
The “radical plan” is an “illegal election power grab” that, Ms. McDaniel also called “a recipe for disaster that would create more opportunities for fraud & destroy the confidence Californians deserve to have in their elections.”
I am pleased to announce that the RNC, @NRCC & @CAGOP just sued Gavin Newsom over his illegal election power grab.
His radical plan is a recipe for disaster that would create more opportunities for fraud & destroy the confidence Californians deserve to have in their elections. — Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) May 24, 2020
While Ms. McDaniel noted that several states, one of which is heavily-Republican Utah, conduct elections entirely by mail, those were done more carefully and under better conditions.
SEE ALSO: Trump: ‘No way’ vote by mail will be ‘anything less than substantially fraudulent’
“None of them send millions of ballots to ‘inactive’ voters like Newsom is demanding. In Washington, it took 5 years to transition to mail-in ballots. Their SOS recently said ‘you can’t just flip a switch’ like Newsom wants, either,” she wrote.
Mr. Newsom and other California officials have defended the change ordered May 8 by citing public-health concerns of millions of people lining up to vote when there is a chance of infection. They have said the change is temporary and they hope to conduct a safe in-person election on Nov. 3, but will send mail-in ballots unsolicited to every registered voter in case not.
According to the Los Angeles Times, California has seen around 95,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,800 deaths among its 40-million populace.
Alex Padilla, California’s Democratic secretary of state, responded to the lawsuit Sunday evening on Twitter by saying expanded voting isn’t a partisan issue and by taking a shot at President Trump.
“Expanding vote-by-mail during a pandemic is not a partisan issue — it’s a moral imperative to protect voting rights and public safety. Vote-by-mail has been used safely and effectively in red, blue, and purple states for years. This lawsuit is just another part of Trump’s political smear campaign against voting by mail. We will not let this virus be exploited for voter suppression,” he wrote over two tweets.
But Ms. McDaniel said it was the Democrats who were trying to not let a crisis go to waste.
“Make no mistake, Democrats are trying to use this pandemic to redesign our entire election system for political gain, and we will not let their brazen attempts go unchallenged,” she wrote.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Tornado touches down briefly in Des Moines suburb

JOHNSTON , Iowa ( AP ) - A tornado briefly touched down Monday evening in the Des Moines suburb of @ @ @ @ @ damaging traffic signals .
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado Tuesday and noted that @ @ @ @ @ 67 mph wind gust in Newton , east of Des Moines .
The wind just @ @ @ @ @ thing I know , the trees fall , ” Richard Depenning of Johnston told KCCI @ @ @ @ @ right there and 15 to 20 seconds later , it was gone.
” The Weather @ @ @ @ @ is expected Tuesday with thunderstorms , heavy rain and a chance of tornadoes .
The @ @ @ @ @ flooding .

JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) - A tornado briefly touched down Monday evening in the Des Moines suburb of Johnston, uprooting trees and damaging traffic signals.
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado Tuesday and noted that another severe storm caused a 67 mph wind gust in Newton, east of Des Moines.
The wind just picked up and the next thing I know, the trees fall,” Richard Depenning of Johnston told KCCI. “We were standing right there and 15 to 20 seconds later, it was gone.”
In eastern Iowa, high winds Monday night near Luxemburg lifted the roof off a barn and crashed it into another building, causing it to collapse onto a hog nursery building. The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports the nursery building then caught on fire, killing 300 hogs inside.
The Weather Service said more severe weather is expected Tuesday with thunderstorms, heavy rain and a chance of tornadoes. The rain could lead to localized flooding.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Cargill donation helps FFA chapters deal with virus fallout

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - The National FFA Organization says a donation from agribusiness giant Cargill will fund a program @ @ @ @ @ amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Cargill announced Thursday that it will contribute $ 500,000 to @ @ @ @ @ .
National FFA chief program officer Christine White said spring and summer are traditionally a @ @ @ @ @ .
However , school closures and the current need for social distancing have made it @ @ @ @ @ money .
Banquets , spring plant sales and other fundraisers have been canceled .
The @ @ @ @ @ to receive up to $ 2,000 in funding to help offset the loss of program @ @ @ @ @ longtime partner of the Indianapolis-based FFA .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The National FFA Organization says a donation from agribusiness giant Cargill will fund a program to help chapters with funding amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Cargill announced Thursday that it will contribute $500,000 to the program to assist chapters.
National FFA chief program officer Christine White said spring and summer are traditionally a key fundraising period for chapters. However, school closures and the current need for social distancing have made it difficult for chapters to raise money. Banquets, spring plant sales and other fundraisers have been canceled.
The FFA program will allow chapters to receive up to $2,000 in funding to help offset the loss of program revenue.
Cargill is a longtime partner of the Indianapolis-based FFA.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Judge: Illinois federal courts will look 'quite different'

CHICAGO ( AP ) - The chief judge of federal courts in Northern Illinois says things will look “ quite different ” as some operations resume at courthouses in Chicago and Rockford .
Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said in a video message released Monday that a task force has been planning for how courts can proceed safely during the coronavirus pandemic .
She said the court will issue an order Tuesday outlining details .
Federal courthouses have been largely empty since mid-March .
One emergency judge has been on duty at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago each day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by paper filings , telephone or video .
Under a court order , most hearings were rescheduled for after June 1 and trials were ordered rescheduled for June 29 or later .
Pallmeyer said in her video message that the task force has been working with public health officials to determine the safest way to screen visitors entering the courthouse , sanitize facilities and eventually resume jury trials .
She didn ’ t say when jury trials will be resumed , but said the focus will be on scheduling criminal trials that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pallmeyer said emergency judges have handled over 500 motions since the pandemic started in Illinois .
Since March 18 , attorneys have filed more than 7,200 motions , judges have entered 34,200 orders and more than 1,350 new civil cases have been filed , she said .

CHICAGO (AP) - The chief judge of federal courts in Northern Illinois says things will look “quite different” as some operations resume at courthouses in Chicago and Rockford.
Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said in a video message released Monday that a task force has been planning for how courts can proceed safely during the coronavirus pandemic. She said the court will issue an order Tuesday outlining details.
Federal courthouses have been largely empty since mid-March. One emergency judge has been on duty at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago each day, but most court proceedings have been conducted by paper filings, telephone or video. Under a court order, most hearings were rescheduled for after June 1 and trials were ordered rescheduled for June 29 or later.
Pallmeyer said in her video message that the task force has been working with public health officials to determine the safest way to screen visitors entering the courthouse, sanitize facilities and eventually resume jury trials. She didn’t say when jury trials will be resumed, but said the focus will be on scheduling criminal trials that have been delayed the longest amount of time.
Pallmeyer said emergency judges have handled over 500 motions since the pandemic started in Illinois. Since March 18, attorneys have filed more than 7,200 motions, judges have entered 34,200 orders and more than 1,350 new civil cases have been filed, she said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas gov., ties recent uptick in coronavirus cases to more testing

Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday tied a recent uptick of coronavirus cases in his state to expanded testing — not necessarily an easing of virus-related restrictions .
“ Right now , part of it is because we ’ ve almost doubled the number of tests that we ’ re doing , ” Mr. Hutchinson said on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America.
” “ We increased our testing ; we increased our radar system so we know what ’ s coming in advance , and I attribute it to that.
” The state on Thursday reported 455 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily increase since the outbreak started .
“ I also attribute it to the fact that we know what ’ s going on out there , but when you look at the data you see it spread out among the state — you don ’ t see a large outbreak in a particular area , ” he said .
Arkansas is one of a handful of states that didn ’ t impose a statewide stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic , though there have been some restrictions .
Mr. Hutchinson also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who attended a high school swim party recently tested positive .
He pointed out that restaurants and facilities that are following guidelines don ’ t attract widespread attention .
“ We re-educate , we learn by experience , but we dig in there real deep so that if we have an identity of one of the restrictions we lifted is causing an outbreak , we can address it and we can tighten that up , ” he said .

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday tied a recent uptick of coronavirus cases in his state to expanded testing — not necessarily an easing of virus-related restrictions.
“Right now, part of it is because we’ve almost doubled the number of tests that we’re doing,” Mr. Hutchinson said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “We increased our testing; we increased our radar system so we know what’s coming in advance, and I attribute it to that.”
The state on Thursday reported 455 more cases, which was the biggest daily increase since the outbreak started.
“I also attribute it to the fact that we know what’s going on out there, but when you look at the data you see it spread out among the state — you don’t see a large outbreak in a particular area,” he said.
Arkansas is one of a handful of states that didn’t impose a statewide stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, though there have been some restrictions.
Mr. Hutchinson also said over the weekend that a few people who attended a high school swim party recently tested positive.
He pointed out that restaurants and facilities that are following guidelines don’t attract widespread attention.
“We re-educate, we learn by experience, but we dig in there real deep so that if we have an identity of one of the restrictions we lifted is causing an outbreak, we can address it and we can tighten that up,” he said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Rights group: Satellite images show Myanmar village burning

YANGON , Myanmar ( AP ) - Satellite imagery that shows a village burning in a conflict zone in western Myanmar lends credence to reports that houses were set ablaze there by government soldiers , a major human rights group said Tuesday .
Human Rights Watch said in a statement that an investigation is necessary to determine who was responsible for setting at least 200 buildings on fire on May 16 in the village of Let Kar in Rakhine state ’ s Mrauk-U township .
The burning of villages was a tactic used on a large scale by the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigations carried out separately by the United Nations and human rights groups .
The tactic was used at the time against villages housing civilians from the Muslim Rohingya minority community .
Since January last year , Rakhine has been the scene of an increasingly fierce armed conflict between the government and the Arakan Army , a guerrilla force of the Rakhine ethnic minority seeking greater autonomy for the state .
The government recently officially declared the Arakan Army a terrorist organization .
Online media sympathetic to the Rakhine cause blame Myanmar ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kar , while the military has blamed the guerrillas .
Access to the area by qualified independent observers is discouraged .
Human Rights Watch said most of the village ’ s residents abandoned the area over a year ago when fighting increased .
Human Rights Watch said that a satellite photo taken on the morning of May 16 shows no signs of damage in Let Kar , but that remote imaging by an environmental satellite detected extensive fires burning there in the afternoon .
It estimated that at least 200 buildings were burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with accounts provided by witnesses on the ground .
A villager contacted by phone told The Associated Press that soldiers opened fire with heavy weapons at the village ’ s entrance , and soon afterward fires broke out in the center and southern parts of the village as gunfire continued .
“ They left Let Kar at around 4:30 pm .
When they left , the whole village was burning .
They were inside the village for more than two hours , ” said the villager , a 39-year-old man who asked not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his safety .
The military ’ s version of the incident , issued May 17 , said its soldiers had entered the village on patrol and were attacked by the Arakan Army .
Its statement blamed the guerrillas for setting the fires before retreating .
The military also released photos of the burning village , including several evidently taken by a drone , that it said backed its version of events .
“ The burning of Let Kar village has all the hallmarks of Myanmar military arson on Rohingya villages in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia director for Human Rights Watch .
“ A credible and impartial investigation is urgently needed to find out what happened , punish those responsible , and provide compensation to villagers harmed.
” The military claimed it was carrying out counterinsurgency operations against Rohingya insurgents in 2017 , but critics charge they were employing a campaign of terror to drive the Rohingya out of the country .
An estimated 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh , where they remain in refugee camps .
Human Rights Watch also said the military raided Let Kar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men for interrogation about alleged links to the Arakan Army .
The military-owned Myawaddy newspaper reported that three of the detainees died in custody of “ heart failure , ” said the New York-based rights group .

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Satellite imagery that shows a village burning in a conflict zone in western Myanmar lends credence to reports that houses were set ablaze there by government soldiers, a major human rights group said Tuesday.
Human Rights Watch said in a statement that an investigation is necessary to determine who was responsible for setting at least 200 buildings on fire on May 16 in the village of Let Kar in Rakhine state’s Mrauk-U township.
The burning of villages was a tactic used on a large scale by the military in Rakhine in 2017, according to investigations carried out separately by the United Nations and human rights groups. The tactic was used at the time against villages housing civilians from the Muslim Rohingya minority community.
Since January last year, Rakhine has been the scene of an increasingly fierce armed conflict between the government and the Arakan Army, a guerrilla force of the Rakhine ethnic minority seeking greater autonomy for the state. The government recently officially declared the Arakan Army a terrorist organization.
Online media sympathetic to the Rakhine cause blame Myanmar’s military for setting the fires in Let Kar, while the military has blamed the guerrillas. Access to the area by qualified independent observers is discouraged. Human Rights Watch said most of the village’s residents abandoned the area over a year ago when fighting increased.
Human Rights Watch said that a satellite photo taken on the morning of May 16 shows no signs of damage in Let Kar, but that remote imaging by an environmental satellite detected extensive fires burning there in the afternoon. It estimated that at least 200 buildings were burned, and said the imagery was consistent with accounts provided by witnesses on the ground.
A villager contacted by phone told The Associated Press that soldiers opened fire with heavy weapons at the village’s entrance, and soon afterward fires broke out in the center and southern parts of the village as gunfire continued.
“They left Let Kar at around 4:30 pm. When they left, the whole village was burning. They were inside the village for more than two hours,” said the villager, a 39-year-old man who asked not to be named because he feared for his safety.
The military’s version of the incident, issued May 17, said its soldiers had entered the village on patrol and were attacked by the Arakan Army. Its statement blamed the guerrillas for setting the fires before retreating. The military also released photos of the burning village, including several evidently taken by a drone, that it said backed its version of events.
“The burning of Let Kar village has all the hallmarks of Myanmar military arson on Rohingya villages in recent years,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch. “A credible and impartial investigation is urgently needed to find out what happened, punish those responsible, and provide compensation to villagers harmed.”
The military claimed it was carrying out counterinsurgency operations against Rohingya insurgents in 2017, but critics charge they were employing a campaign of terror to drive the Rohingya out of the country. An estimated 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh, where they remain in refugee camps.
Human Rights Watch also said the military raided Let Kar in April last year and detained 27 men for interrogation about alleged links to the Arakan Army. The military-owned Myawaddy newspaper reported that three of the detainees died in custody of “heart failure,” said the New York-based rights group.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Large warehouse project planned for suburban Indianapolis

WHITELAND , Ind .
( AP ) - A developer is moving ahead with plans for a nearly 1 million @ @ @ @ @ warehouse in suburban Indianapolis .
The Whiteland Town Council recently agreed to approve rezoning for @ @ @ @ @ on a 124-acre ( 50-hectare ) site near Interstate 65 south of Indianapolis .
The @ @ @ @ @ up for the warehouse but is not ready to announce its plans , Whiteland town @ @ @ @ @ ( Franklin ) Daily Journal .
The new warehouse could employ has many as 200 @ @ @ @ @ The site was formerly part of Whiteland Orchard and has been vacant for years , @ @ @ @ @ 20 acres ( 8.1 hectares ) are wetlands that will be eventually be turned into @ @ @ @ @ developer plans to spend $ 44.7 million on warehouse construction and infrastructure improvements , plus @ @ @ @ @ equipment for the building , the Indianapolis Business Journal reported .

WHITELAND, Ind. (AP) - A developer is moving ahead with plans for a nearly 1 million square-foot (92,903 square-meter) warehouse in suburban Indianapolis.
The Whiteland Town Council recently agreed to approve rezoning for a $55 million project on a 124-acre (50-hectare) site near Interstate 65 south of Indianapolis.
The developer has a tenant lined up for the warehouse but is not ready to announce its plans, Whiteland town manager Norm Gabehart told the (Franklin) Daily Journal. The new warehouse could employ has many as 200 workers, he said.
The site was formerly part of Whiteland Orchard and has been vacant for years, Gabehart said. At least 20 acres (8.1 hectares) are wetlands that will be eventually be turned into a park area.
The developer plans to spend $44.7 million on warehouse construction and infrastructure improvements, plus $10 million on logistics equipment for the building, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Family: Mississippi man found dead in Alabama wanted iPhone

BESSEMER , Ala. ( AP ) - A Mississippi man found shot to death in Alabama was lured across the state line by someone offering a cheap used iPhone , his family said .
Michael Jones , of Columbus , Miss.
, was traveling to meet with a seller on the “ Letgo ” trading app , according to Joshua Tatum , Jones ’ brother-in-law .
Tatum told Al.com that the seller first offered to sell the phone in Tuscaloosa , Ala. , but then lowered the price to get Jones to drive to Bessemer , nearly doubling his trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately began to search for him after he failed to show up for work .
They were able to track his phone to Tuscaloosa , and then Bessemer , and learned about his communications on Letgo .
They tried to retrace his journey .
“ We were looking for a car running off the road , not this , ’ ’ said another relative , Martha Salone .
“ That last ping … all roads led to Bessemer.
” Bessemer police found his body with gunshot wounds in an abandoned house in on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bessemer and Mississippi are working together to determine who is responsible .
Jones ‘ wife and other relatives traveled again from Mississippi to Bessemer on Sunday to lay a floral cross and balloons at the crime scene .
They now want justice for Jones , 45 , who also leaves behind two adult children .
“ We want whoever did this to Michael to know , you ’ re going to get it , ’ ’ Salone said .
“ Justice shall be served .
”

BESSEMER, Ala. (AP) - A Mississippi man found shot to death in Alabama was lured across the state line by someone offering a cheap used iPhone, his family said.
Michael Jones, of Columbus, Miss., was traveling to meet with a seller on the “Letgo” trading app, according to Joshua Tatum, Jones’ brother-in-law. Tatum told Al.com that the seller first offered to sell the phone in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but then lowered the price to get Jones to drive to Bessemer, nearly doubling his trip.
Jones’ large, close-knit family immediately began to search for him after he failed to show up for work. They were able to track his phone to Tuscaloosa, and then Bessemer, and learned about his communications on Letgo. They tried to retrace his journey.
“We were looking for a car running off the road, not this,’’ said another relative, Martha Salone. “That last ping … all roads led to Bessemer.”
Bessemer police found his body with gunshot wounds in an abandoned house in on Friday, police said. Investigators from Bessemer and Mississippi are working together to determine who is responsible.
Jones’ wife and other relatives traveled again from Mississippi to Bessemer on Sunday to lay a floral cross and balloons at the crime scene. They now want justice for Jones, 45, who also leaves behind two adult children.
“We want whoever did this to Michael to know, you’re going to get it,’’ Salone said. “Justice shall be served.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Israeli court rules alleged pedophile is fit to stand trial

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - An Israeli court on Tuesday ruled that a former teacher wanted on pedophilia charges in @ @ @ @ @ trial for extradition .
The ruling in the Jerusalem district court capped a years-long legal @ @ @ @ @ Malka Leifer , a former educator who is accused of sexually abusing former students .
@ @ @ @ @ Manny Waks , an advocate for the victims , wrote on Facebook in a liveblog @ @ @ @ @ Goosebumps throughout my body.
” The Associated Press does not usually identify alleged victims of @ @ @ @ @ and her two sisters have spoken publicly about their allegations against Leifer .
Leifer has @ @ @ @ @ for six years , and the legal wrangle to bring her before an Australian court @ @ @ @ @ between the allies .
Leifer ’ s lawyers had challenged a finding by a psychiatric @ @ @ @ @ to stand trial .
Her accusers expect Tuesday ’ s decision to clear the way @ @ @ @ @ Australia .

JERUSALEM (AP) - An Israeli court Tuesday ruled that a former teacher accused of sexually abusing her students in Australia is fit to stand trial for extradition, capping a years-long battle that has strained relations between the two allies and angered Australia’s pro-Israel Jewish community.
The ruling was hailed by Malka Leifer’s alleged victims, who have accused their one-time school principal and Israeli authorities of dragging out the case for far too long. A July 20 extradition hearing was set by the court.
“OMG!!!” Dassi Erlich, one of her accusers, wrote on Facebook. “Too many emotions to process!!! This is huge!”
She accused Leifer of “exploiting the Israeli courts for 6 years” and causing delays that have “lengthened our ongoing trauma!”
The Associated Press does not usually identify alleged victims of sexual abuse, but Erlich and two of her sisters have spoken publicly about their allegations against Leifer.
The women say Leifer abused them while they were students at an ultra-Orthodox school in Melbourne, and there are said to be other victims. In 2008, as allegations surfaced, the Israeli-born Leifer - a trusted educator in an insular religious community - left her position at the school suddenly and returned to Israel, where she has lived since.
Australia requested Leifer’s extradition in 2014 on 74 charges of child sex abuse and more than 60 Israeli court hearings have followed.
In Israel, critics say the legal proceedings have been marred by needless delays by Leifer’s legal team. Israeli police also have recommended charges of fraud and breach of trust be brought against former Health Minister Yaakov Litzman for suspicions he pressured ministry employees to skew Leifer’s psychiatric evaluations in her favor. Litzman, a powerful ultra-Orthodox politician, denies wrongdoing.
After Australia filed its extradition request, Leifer was put under house arrest and underwent the beginnings of an extradition process that ended in 2016 when a mental health evaluation determined she wasn’t fit to stand trial.
But investigators later claimed to catch her leading a seemingly normal life and accused her of faking mental illness to avoid prosecution. Leifer was again arrested in early 2018 and the court asked for another psychological review. She has since been held in Israeli custody.
In a statement, prosecutors Matan Akiva and Avital Ribner Oron said they were pleased the court had found Leifer had faked her mental incompetence.
“The removal of this obstacle that has stood in the way of any significant progress in this case will now enable the court to bring this matter to a timely and swift conclusion,” they said.
In recent years, leaders in Australia had expressed impatience over the slow pace of justice, and Australia’s prime minister raised the matter with Israel’s president during an official visit to Australia in February. Leaders in Australia’s pro-Israel Jewish community had also criticized the Israeli justice system.
Australia’s attorney general, Christian Porter, called the ruling a “positive sign,” and said his government is “strongly committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
“At this time, the thoughts of the Australian Government are very much with alleged victims and hopefully this positive development will give them some confidence that proceedings in Israel are moving towards their aim of seeing proceedings commence in Australia,” he said.
Josh Burns, an Australian lawmaker who recently introduced a motion in Parliament demanding Israel extradite Leifer, said in a statement that “Justice is finally arriving for the victims in Australia.”
“We will all keep fighting until Leifer is in a Victorian courtroom facing justice,” he said.
Manny Waks, chief executive of Kol v’Oz, a Jewish organization that combats child sex abuse and has been representing the three sisters, said that all the discussion about Leifer’s mental state had distracted attention from the damage suffered by her alleged victims.
“They deserve our compassion, our support and now moving forward we expect the Israeli judicial system to move expeditiously, as quickly as possible, to ensure that any appeal and the extradition itself happens as soon as possible,” he said outside the courtroom.
___
Associated Press writer Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, contributed reporting.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--UP county expanding parking at popular Lake Superior lookout

MARQUETTE , Mich. ( AP ) - A popular lookout that offers a pleasing view of Lake Superior has become @ @ @ @ @ in the Upper Peninsula needs more parking .
Marquette County commissioners last week agreed to @ @ @ @ @ , The Mining Journal reported .
More than 60,000 people took the short hike to @ @ @ @ @ last year .
Sugarloaf Mountain is about 6 miles north of downtown Marquette .
“ @ @ @ @ @ in the past through the ‘ 60s , ’ 70s , ‘ 80s , but @ @ @ @ @ popular tourist attraction , 2018 saw 47,620 visitors just in that year and in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ ” commissioner Johnny Depetro said .
The money will come from the county ’ s @ @ @ @ @ used for parks and recreation projects , board chairman Gerald Corkin said .

MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) - A popular lookout that offers a pleasing view of Lake Superior has become too popular: Sugarloaf Mountain in the Upper Peninsula needs more parking.
Marquette County commissioners last week agreed to spend $331,000 for improvements, The Mining Journal reported. More than 60,000 people took the short hike to the top of the mountain last year.
Sugarloaf Mountain is about 6 miles north of downtown Marquette.
“They averaged around 10,000 visitors in the past through the ‘60s, ’70s, ‘80s, but once this became a very popular tourist attraction, 2018 saw 47,620 visitors just in that year and in 2019 saw over 60,000 visitors,” commissioner Johnny Depetro said.
The money will come from the county’s forestry fund, which is used for parks and recreation projects, board chairman Gerald Corkin said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--New Jersey man dies after shooting at Pennsylvania hotel

FALLS , Pa. ( AP ) - A New Jersey man who was shot during a disturbance at a hotel @ @ @ @ @ his wounds , authorities said .
When Falls police responded to the hotel around 1 @ @ @ @ @ shots fired , they encountered a large number of people trying to leave the site @ @ @ @ @ Frink , 25 , in the parking lot near the hotel ’ s front entrance @ @ @ @ @ face and neck , authorities said Frink was taken to a hospital but died there @ @ @ @ @ injuries were reported in the shooting , and a motive remains under investigation .
No @ @ @ @ @ Frink was among a group of Trenton residents who had rented several rooms at the @ @ @ @

FALLS, Pa. (AP) - A New Jersey man who was shot during a disturbance at a hotel in Pennsylvania has died from his wounds, authorities said.
When Falls police responded to the hotel around 1 a.m. Sunday for reports of shots fired, they encountered a large number of people trying to leave the site. They soon found Davon Frink, 25, in the parking lot near the hotel’s front entrance with gunshot wounds to his face and neck, authorities said
Frink was taken to a hospital but died there later Sunday. No other injuries were reported in the shooting, and a motive remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.
Frink was among a group of Trenton residents who had rented several rooms at the hotel on Saturday.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan gov., not apologizing for strict coronavirus stay-at-home orders

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said she ’ s not apologizing for her state ’ s tough stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic and said pictures of armed protesters in the state represent a small slice of the population .
“ I ’ m never going to apologize for the fact that because there was a vacuum of leadership at the federal level , we had to take action to save people here in Michigan , ” Ms. Whitmer said in an interview for “ Axios on HBO ” that was published this week .
Ms. Whitmer recently extended her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 even as some restrictions in certain parts of Michigan have been relaxed .
The strict lockdowns have prompted significant pushback from Republicans in the state , as well as protesters .
“ There ’ s a slim part of the population that is showing up at the capital with their assault rifles and their Confederate flags and Nazi symbolism .
But you know what ?
That ’ s not what you see as you get across Michigan , ” she said .
She said the “ vast majority ” of people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms. Whitmer dodged when asked about the prospects of potentially joining the Democratic ticket with presumptive presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden .
“ I ’ ve told the Biden team that where I can help them , I want to , ” she said .
“ Honestly , I ’ m not looking to leave Michigan .
… I ’ m not looking to leave , and I think that ’ s all I can say at this point .
”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she’s not apologizing for her state’s tough stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic and said pictures of armed protesters in the state represent a small slice of the population.
“I’m never going to apologize for the fact that because there was a vacuum of leadership at the federal level, we had to take action to save people here in Michigan,” Ms. Whitmer said in an interview for “Axios on HBO” that was published this week.
Ms. Whitmer recently extended her state’s stay-at-home order to June 12 even as some restrictions in certain parts of Michigan have been relaxed.
The strict lockdowns have prompted significant pushback from Republicans in the state, as well as protesters.
“There’s a slim part of the population that is showing up at the capital with their assault rifles and their Confederate flags and Nazi symbolism. But you know what? That’s not what you see as you get across Michigan,” she said.
She said the “vast majority” of people in the state are doing the right thing.
Ms. Whitmer dodged when asked about the prospects of potentially joining the Democratic ticket with presumptive presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden.
“I’ve told the Biden team that where I can help them, I want to,” she said. “Honestly, I’m not looking to leave Michigan. … I’m not looking to leave, and I think that’s all I can say at this point.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Boy killed in utility vehicle crash in Pembina County

MOUNTAIN , N.D. ( AP ) - A 10-year-old boy has died in a utility terrain vehicle crash in northeastern @ @ @ @ @ happened shortly before 4 p.m. Monday just south of Mountain in Pembina County , according @ @ @ @ @ Patrol .
The boy was driving the side-by-side UTV on a gravel road when the @ @ @ @ @ road and the vehicle tipped on its side , the patrol said .
KFGO reports @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle and died at the scene .
He has not been identified .

MOUNTAIN, N.D. (AP) - A 10-year-old boy has died in a utility terrain vehicle crash in northeastern North Dakota.
The crash happened shortly before 4 p.m. Monday just south of Mountain in Pembina County, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
The boy was driving the side-by-side UTV on a gravel road when the left side wheels left the road and the vehicle tipped on its side, the patrol said.
KFGO reports the boy was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. He has not been identified.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Millennial Money: How to learn from, not live in, a mistake

“ I feel like such an idiot.
” It ’ s something I ’ ve said more than once as I crumble in the face of a money mistake .
I recently called myself the i-word as I revealed to my husband that I hadn ’ t checked my cash flow in a few months or contributed to my Roth IRA for 2019 , even though he assumed I had .
But calling myself a mean name didn ’ t fix anything .
Facing the problem head-on was far more productive .
Here ’ s how experts recommend recovering from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself .
Whether it ’ s in relationships , careers , money or whatever , everybody messes up sometimes , says Jill Schlesinger , certified financial planner , author of “ The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money ” and host of the “ Jill on Money ” podcast .
She recalls early in her career when she tried - unsuccessfully - to time the stock market .
Aim for some perspective .
“ It ’ s not like you made a mistake and somebody died , ” she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s really OK. ” That means no name-calling , which is both unfair and unproductive .
Calling myself an idiot , for example , is a cop-out .
No need to consider what went wrong or how to do better next time - I ’ m just an idiot !
That kind of language usually “ shuts down the process of reflection pretty quickly , ” says Ed Coambs , certified financial planner and marriage counselor who specializes in financial therapy .
More on reflection later .
Beating yourself up can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to deal with something that makes them feel stupid ?
But those problems tend to compound , Coambs says .
For example , a few missed bill payments can trigger late fees , debt , collections , damaged credit and so on .
Coambs says shame about unaddressed money mistakes can also lead some to secrecy and hiding problems from others .
At a certain point , “ it becomes lying , ” he says .
DO : REFLECT ON THE MISTAKE OK , Schlesinger admits , it ’ s not easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among us wants to look at our foibles ?
” she asks .
But it ’ s a lot easier to do so when you practice empathy and self-forgiveness , Coambs points out .
This approach helps you look at why the mistake may have happened and how to solve it .
“ When we reframe it as , ‘ I ’ m a human ; I can make mistakes and recover , ’ it leaves us open to exploring new options , ” he says .
It also gives us “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty simple money mistakes , ” he adds .
After I took a breather and my husband reassured me I ’ m not an idiot , I thought about why I avoided checking my cash flow and didn ’ t contribute to my Roth IRA .
We talked it out and came up with a few solutions , like regular money check-ins .
I was hurting my own feelings .
Once I stopped doing that , the reflection and problem-solving was pretty painless .
And , as it sometimes happens , reflection revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Even small failures can get blown out of proportion , ” Coambs says .
My husband pointed out that we have until Tax Day - which is July 15 this year - to contribute to my 2019 IRA .
So we set up automatic payments and made other simple moves to help us max it out by then .
I ’ d be remiss in telling this money story without pointing out how helpful it was to have my husband as an ally .
( Not only did he troubleshoot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I couldn ’ t remember the login information for any of my financial institutions . )
Coambs says a nonjudgmental friend or partner is invaluable when managing financial mistakes .
“ If you were able to have that person in your life , that would provide a lot of psychological relief and a positive experience , ” he says .
If you ’ re like me and ridicule yourself for forgivable missteps , take your reflection beyond the money mistake .
“ Are ( you ) trapped in shame-inducing thought , self-criticism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ note of times when you ’ re mean to yourself and what that language sounds like , then remember that it ’ s not healthy or helpful .
“ Many of us are so used to beating ourselves up that we don ’ t know that we ’ re doing it anymore , ” Coambs says .
You may also want to ask why you ’ re being so harsh .
Whether you ’ re working on being kinder to yourself , handling money better , or both , remember that it takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with money is an ongoing process , ” Coambs says .
“ Let this be a progressive journey.
” This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet .
Laura McMullen is a writer at NerdWallet .
Email : [ email protected ] Twitter : @ lauramcmullen .

“I feel like such an idiot.” It’s something I’ve said more than once as I crumble in the face of a money mistake.
I recently called myself the i-word as I revealed to my husband that I hadn’t checked my cash flow in a few months or contributed to my Roth IRA for 2019, even though he assumed I had.
But calling myself a mean name didn’t fix anything. Facing the problem head-on was far more productive. Here’s how experts recommend recovering from money mistakes without being a jerk to yourself.
DO: FORGIVE YOURSELF
Whether it’s in relationships, careers, money or whatever, everybody messes up sometimes, says Jill Schlesinger, certified financial planner, author of “The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money” and host of the “Jill on Money” podcast. She recalls early in her career when she tried - unsuccessfully - to time the stock market.
Aim for some perspective. “It’s not like you made a mistake and somebody died,” she says. “You can forgive yourself. It’s really OK.”
That means no name-calling, which is both unfair and unproductive. Calling myself an idiot, for example, is a cop-out. No need to consider what went wrong or how to do better next time - I’m just an idiot!
That kind of language usually “shuts down the process of reflection pretty quickly,” says Ed Coambs, certified financial planner and marriage counselor who specializes in financial therapy. More on reflection later.
DON’T: IGNORE PROBLEMS
Beating yourself up can make it easy to ignore problems. Who wants to deal with something that makes them feel stupid? But those problems tend to compound, Coambs says. For example, a few missed bill payments can trigger late fees, debt, collections, damaged credit and so on.
Coambs says shame about unaddressed money mistakes can also lead some to secrecy and hiding problems from others. At a certain point, “it becomes lying,” he says.
DO: REFLECT ON THE MISTAKE
OK, Schlesinger admits, it’s not easy to examine our mistakes. “Who among us wants to look at our foibles?” she asks.
But it’s a lot easier to do so when you practice empathy and self-forgiveness, Coambs points out. This approach helps you look at why the mistake may have happened and how to solve it.
“When we reframe it as, ‘I’m a human; I can make mistakes and recover,’ it leaves us open to exploring new options,” he says. It also gives us “a richer insight into what may seem like pretty simple money mistakes,” he adds.
After I took a breather and my husband reassured me I’m not an idiot, I thought about why I avoided checking my cash flow and didn’t contribute to my Roth IRA. We talked it out and came up with a few solutions, like regular money check-ins. I was hurting my own feelings. Once I stopped doing that, the reflection and problem-solving was pretty painless.
And, as it sometimes happens, reflection revealed that my mistake wasn’t catastrophic. “Even small failures can get blown out of proportion,” Coambs says. My husband pointed out that we have until Tax Day - which is July 15 this year - to contribute to my 2019 IRA. So we set up automatic payments and made other simple moves to help us max it out by then.
I’d be remiss in telling this money story without pointing out how helpful it was to have my husband as an ally. (Not only did he troubleshoot, but he also made no comment when I couldn’t remember the login information for any of my financial institutions.)
Coambs says a nonjudgmental friend or partner is invaluable when managing financial mistakes. “If you were able to have that person in your life, that would provide a lot of psychological relief and a positive experience,” he says.
DON’T: GET TRAPPED
If you’re like me and ridicule yourself for forgivable missteps, take your reflection beyond the money mistake. “Are (you) trapped in shame-inducing thought, self-criticism and self-contempt?” Coambs asks.
Take note of times when you’re mean to yourself and what that language sounds like, then remember that it’s not healthy or helpful. “Many of us are so used to beating ourselves up that we don’t know that we’re doing it anymore,” Coambs says. You may also want to ask why you’re being so harsh.
Whether you’re working on being kinder to yourself, handling money better, or both, remember that it takes practice.
“Developing a healthy relationship with money is an ongoing process,” Coambs says. “Let this be a progressive journey.”
___________________________
This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Laura McMullen is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: lmcmullen@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lauramcmullen.
RELATED LINKS:
NerdWallet: Master the quick and painless money check-in https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-money-check-in


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Afghan gov't to free 900 prisoners; Taliban may extend truce

KABUL , Afghanistan ( AP ) - The Afghan government said it would free 900 prisoners on Tuesday , its single largest prisoner release since the U.S. and the Taliban signed a peace deal earlier this year that spells out an exchange of detainees between the warring sides .
The announcement came as a three-day cease-fire with the insurgents draws to an end .
The Taliban had called for the truce during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan .
There are expectations that the prisoner release could lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials say they are considering an extension of the cease-fire .
A senior Taliban figure confirmed this to The Associated Press .
“ If these developments , like the announcement of prisoner release continues , it is possible to move forward with decisions like extending the brief cease-fire and to move in a positive direction with some minor issues , ” the Taliban official said .
The prisoner release is part of the U.S. deal with the Taliban , signed on Feb. 29 to allow for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. and NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the country ’ s protracted war and America ’ s longest military involvement .
When the deal was signed , it was touted as Afghanistan ’ s best chance for peace after decades of war but political feuding in Kabul and delays in prisoner exchanges have slowed the deal ’ s progress toward intra-Afghan negotiations , considered the second and most critical phase of the accord .
Under the deal , Kabul is to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners while the insurgents are to free 1,000 captives they hold , mostly government officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can begin .
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had welcomed the Taliban cease-fire announcement during the Muslim holiday .
Javid Faisal , a national security spokesman in Kabul , urged the Taliban to extend the cease-fire and said the government would release 900 prisoners on Tuesday .
That would bring to 2,000 the number of Taliban prisoners released so far under the U.S.-Taliban deal .
The Taliban say they have released 240 of captives they held .
However , the Taliban have yet to confirm whether those released so far by the government were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given U.S. negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad , the architect of the Feb. 29 deal .
A second Taliban official told the AP that those released so far were n fact on the Taliban list of demands , including the uncle of Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada .
Key in deciding which names would appear on the list was Mullah Nooruddin Turabi , a senior figure who had recently recovered from COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus .
Turabi was the much feared vice and virtue minister during the Taliban rule , known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music or not attending the mosque .
He once slapped a Taliban commander who spoke with a woman journalist .
Both Taliban officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters .

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The Afghan government released hundreds of Taliban prisoners Tuesday, its single largest prisoner release since the U.S. and the Taliban signed a peace deal earlier this year that spells out an exchange of detainees between the warring sides.
The government announced it would release 900 Taliban prisoners as a three-day cease-fire with the insurgents draws to an end. The Taliban had called for the truce during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
There were expectations that the prisoner release could lead to new reductions in violence, and Taliban officials were considering an extension of the cease-fire, a senior Taliban figure confirmed to The Associated Press.
“If these developments, like the announcement of prisoner releases, continues, it is possible to move forward with decisions like extending the brief cease-fire and to move in a positive direction with some minor issues,” the Taliban official said.
The prisoners were being released from Bagram prison, where the U.S. still maintains a major military base north of Kabul, and from Pul-e-Charkhi prison on the eastern edge of the Afghan capital.
By late afternoon, the AP witnessed scores of men pouring out of the Bagram compound, presumably released prisoners. It wasn’t immediately possible to verify their numbers or whether they were all Taliban members. They were transported on six buses parked outside the prison.
An official at Bagram said 525 men were to be released but he spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to the media.
No number was given for how many prisoners would be released from Pul-e-Charkhi.
In a tweet late Tuesday, Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen in Doha said the insurgent group planned to release “a remarkable number” of government prisoners. He called the Afghan government’s release of 900 “good progress.”
The prisoner release is part of the U.S. deal with the Taliban, signed on Feb. 29, to allow for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan, bringing to an end the country’s protracted war and America’s longest military involvement.
When the deal was signed, it was touted as Afghanistan’s best chance for peace after decades of war. But political feuding in Kabul and delays in prisoner exchanges have slowed the deal’s progress toward intra-Afghan negotiations, considered the second and most critical phase of the accord.
Under the deal, Kabul is to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners while the insurgents are to free 1,000 captives, mostly government officials and Afghan forces, before intra-Afghan negotiations can begin.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had welcomed the Taliban cease-fire announcement during the Muslim holiday.
Javid Faisal, a national security spokesman in Kabul, urged the Taliban to extend the cease-fire and said the government would release 900 prisoners Tuesday. That would bring to 2,000 the number of Taliban prisoners released so far under the U.S.-Taliban deal. The Taliban say they have released 240 captives.
However, the Taliban have yet to confirm whether those released so far by the government were among the 5,000 names the insurgents had given U.S. negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad, the architect of the Feb. 29 deal.
A second Taliban official told the AP that those released so far were on the Taliban list, including the uncle of Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada. Key in deciding which names would appear on the list was Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, a senior figure who had recently recovered from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Turabi was the much feared vice and virtue minister during the Taliban rule, known for beating men who were found listening to music or not attending mosque. He once slapped a Taliban commander who spoke with a woman journalist.
Both Taliban officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.
Many Afghans have expressed frustration at the slow and often stalled peace process. Many have known only conflict in their homeland for the past several decades.
“If both sides stop this war and sit at the negotiating table … maybe my youngest children will experience a good life, which we never experienced,” said Sayed Agha, a truck driver from eastern Logar province.
Agha, 45, was wounded in April, caught in cross-fire during a battle between the Taliban and Afghan soldiers.
“I have spent my whole life in war,” he said.
___
Gannon reported from Islamabad.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Sheriff: Deputies fatally shoot man in Jacksonville

No officers were injured in the shooting , the Jacksonville Sheriff ’ s Office said on Twitter .
The road @ @ @ @ @ side where the shooting occurred has been shut down for an investigation .
Motorists were @ @ @ @ @ routes .
The agency provided no details about what caused the shooting , including the @ @ @ @ @ the officers involved .

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Police officers in Florida fatally shot a man early Tuesday, authorities said.
No officers were injured in the shooting, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said on Twitter.
The road on Jacksonville’s south side where the shooting occurred has been shut down for an investigation. Motorists were being asked to find other routes.
The agency provided no details about what caused the shooting, including the name of the suspect or the officers involved.
An investigation is continuing.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Minister quits U.K. government over aide's lockdown breach

LONDON ( AP ) — A junior British government minister quit on Tuesday over Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s failure to fire his top aide for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules .
Johnson has stood by Dominic Cummings over his decision to drive 250 miles ( 400 kilometers ) to his parents ’ house at the end of March , despite a national order for people to remain at home .
Cummings says he traveled so that extended family could care for his 4-year-old son if he and his wife , who both had suspected coronavirus infections , fell ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mockery of the sacrifices of people who followed the rules to stop the spread of the disease , even when it meant staying away from loved ones .
Scotland Minister Douglas Ross said in a resignation letter that “ the vast majority of people ” didn ’ t agree with Cummings .
“ I have constituents who didn ’ t get to say goodbye to loved ones ; families who could not mourn together ; people who didn ’ t visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right.
” Johnson has stood staunchly by his adviser , saying Cummings “ followed the instincts of every father and every parent.
” On Tuesday , Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove insisted that Cummings “ didn ’ t break the law .
He didn ’ t break the rules .
He sought to protect his family.
” But Cummings ‘ road trip has drawn criticism from scientists , doctors , bishops and Britons across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also troubles a growing number of Conservative lawmakers .
“ We can not throw away valuable public & political good will any longer , ” tweeted Conservative lawmaker William Wragg .
“ It ’ s humiliating & degrading to their office to see ministers put out agreed lines in defence of an advisor .
This is a time of national emergency and our focus must be unrelenting .
We owe it to the nation .
”

LONDON (AP) — A junior British government minister quit on Tuesday over Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s failure to fire his top aide for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules.
Johnson has stood by Dominic Cummings over his decision to drive 250 miles (400 kilometers) to his parents’ house at the end of March, despite a national order for people to remain at home. Cummings says he traveled so that extended family could care for his 4-year-old son if he and his wife, who both had suspected coronavirus infections, fell ill.
But many Britons say Cummings made a mockery of the sacrifices of people who followed the rules to stop the spread of the disease, even when it meant staying away from loved ones.
Scotland Minister Douglas Ross said in a resignation letter that “the vast majority of people” didn’t agree with Cummings.
“I have constituents who didn’t get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn’t visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government,” he wrote. “I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right.”
Johnson has stood staunchly by his adviser, saying Cummings “followed the instincts of every father and every parent.”
On Tuesday, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove insisted that Cummings “didn’t break the law. He didn’t break the rules. He sought to protect his family.”
But Cummings’ road trip has drawn criticism from scientists, doctors, bishops and Britons across the country. Ominously for Johnson, it also troubles a growing number of Conservative lawmakers.
“We cannot throw away valuable public & political good will any longer,” tweeted Conservative lawmaker William Wragg. “It’s humiliating & degrading to their office to see ministers put out agreed lines in defence of an advisor. This is a time of national emergency and our focus must be unrelenting. We owe it to the nation.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Serbia criticizes Montenegro for keeping border ban on Serbs

PODGORICA , Montenegro ( AP ) - Montenegro , the first European country to declare itself free of the coronavirus , plans to open its borders to citizens of several European countries except for former ally Serbia - drawing angry reaction Tuesday from Serbian officials .
Montenegro ’ s prime minister said Monday its borders will be opened June 1 for citizens of countries that meet the entry criteria set by Montenegro ’ s health authorities : to have at most 25 COVID-19 patients per 100,000 inhabitants .
Premier Dusko Markovic said states that meet the criteria are Croatia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Czech Republic , Hungary , Albania and Greece .
“ We will open the borders to the countries that have a similar epidemiological status , ” he said .
“ We will not ask for special tests , everyone will receive clear instructions on what awaits them in the country and what regulations they must respect.
” Markovic didn ’ t mention neighboring Serbia , triggering an angry rebuke from Belgrade - even though Serbia isn ’ t saying that it meets Montenegro ’ s entry criteria .
Serbs traditionally are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which depends on tourism .
Serbian Foreign Minister , Ivica Dacic called Montenegro ’ s decision “ ridiculous ” and politically motivated and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said it shows that Serbs are unwelcome in the Adriatic state .
Both said Serbia for now won ’ t introduce reciprocal measures .
Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin said the Montenegrin entry “ ban ” will further fuel anti-Serb sentiment .
“ The government in Montenegro is not fighting against the virus , it is fighting against the Serbs , ” Vulin said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Montenegro was about three weeks ago .
The country declared itself free of COVID-19 on Sunday .
A country of 620,000 , Montenegro split from much larger Serbia in 2006 , but many in Montenegro and Serbia still remain opposed to the separation .
Serbs represent about 30 % of Montenegro ’ s population .
Tensions between Serbia and Montenegro have escalated over a religious law adopted by the Montenegrin parliament last year that the Serbian Orthodox Church says would strip it of its property .
Belgrade has openly supported mostly peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law revoked .
Montenegrin officials have accused Belgrade and Moscow of trying to destabilize the small state ’ s pro-Western government .
Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 despite strong opposition from historic Slavic ally Russia .
Montenegro imposed a strict lockdown to curb its outbreak and recorded only 324 cases and nine deaths .
Serbia has recorded over 11,000 cases and nearly 240 virus deaths .

PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) - Montenegro, the first European country to declare itself free of the coronavirus, plans to open its borders to citizens of several European countries except for former ally Serbia - drawing angry reaction Tuesday from Serbian officials.
Montenegro’s prime minister said Monday its borders will be opened June 1 for citizens of countries that meet the entry criteria set by Montenegro’s health authorities: to have at most 25 COVID-19 patients per 100,000 inhabitants.
Premier Dusko Markovic said states that meet the criteria are Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania and Greece.
“We will open the borders to the countries that have a similar epidemiological status,” he said. “We will not ask for special tests, everyone will receive clear instructions on what awaits them in the country and what regulations they must respect.”
Markovic didn’t mention neighboring Serbia, triggering an angry rebuke from Belgrade - even though Serbia isn’t saying that it meets Montenegro’s entry criteria. Serbs traditionally are the most frequent visitors to Montenegro, which depends on tourism.
Serbian Foreign Minister, Ivica Dacic called Montenegro’s decision “ridiculous” and politically motivated and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said it shows that Serbs are unwelcome in the Adriatic state. Both said Serbia for now won’t introduce reciprocal measures.
Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin said the Montenegrin entry “ban” will further fuel anti-Serb sentiment.
“The government in Montenegro is not fighting against the virus, it is fighting against the Serbs,” Vulin said Tuesday.
The last recorded case of coronavirus in Montenegro was about three weeks ago. The country declared itself free of COVID-19 on Sunday.
A country of 620,000, Montenegro split from much larger Serbia in 2006, but many in Montenegro and Serbia still remain opposed to the separation. Serbs represent about 30% of Montenegro’s population.
Tensions between Serbia and Montenegro have escalated over a religious law adopted by the Montenegrin parliament last year that the Serbian Orthodox Church says would strip it of its property. Belgrade has openly supported mostly peaceful protests by Serbs in Montenegro who want the law revoked.
Montenegrin officials have accused Belgrade and Moscow of trying to destabilize the small state’s pro-Western government. Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 despite strong opposition from historic Slavic ally Russia.
Montenegro imposed a strict lockdown to curb its outbreak and recorded only 324 cases and nine deaths. Serbia has recorded over 11,000 cases and nearly 240 virus deaths.
___
Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Steve King of Iowa fights for his seat, shunned by his party

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) — Rep. Steve King is fighting for his political life — but not because he ’ s compared immigrants crossing the border illegally to cattle .
His Republican opponents in next week ’ s primary aren ’ t raking him over the coals for making light of rape and incest .
His chief rival ’ s ads don ’ t mention the time he wondered when the term “ white supremacist ” became offensive .
Instead , the nine-term congressman known for his nativist politics is fighting to prove he can still deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since Republican leaders stripped him of his committee assignments , in a rare punishment , King has been dogged by questions over whether he ’ s lost all effectiveness .
Some longtime supporters are turning away , not because of his incendiary remarks but because they think he can no longer do the job .
“ We all want to feel that we ’ re being represented in Washington , D.C. , that we have a voice , ” said Iowa state Sen. Annette Sweeney , a former King supporter .
Establishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whom share King ’ s policy views and have long tolerated his provocative remarks , have largely abandoned the congressman , throwing their weight behind Randy Feenstra , a conservative state senator .
That sets up the June 2 primary , a five-way fight in a GOP-heavy district , as a test of whether the establishment can effectively police the party and distance itself from racist and far-right voices who critics say have been amplified in recent years .
But Republican activists in King ’ s district , a sprawling swath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , haven ’ t been quick to accept the influence from outsiders .
“ He ’ s not what he ’ s portrayed to be by certain media outlets , ” said Barb Clayton , a leading GOP activist in the district .
Clayton says she “ respects ” King and believes his comments about white supremacy were taken out of context .
Still , she ’ s backing one of his four opponents , though she won ’ t say whom , because she ’ s worried King ’ s diminished influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My primary issue is being able to hold the seat .
It makes it more difficult to do that when he ’ s lost his committees , ” she said .
Sweeney , who has endorsed Feenstra , offered only glancing criticism of King .
“ His comments at times were just off the cuff , ” she said .
“ Sometimes some of them might have been him trying to be funny or cute , though some weren ’ t .
In fact , some were repulsive.
” Still , Sweeney hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 , when he faced what was expected to be a competitive challenge from former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack , a Democrat .
King won decisively .
By then , King had a reputation for controversial statements about race , immigration and religion .
In 2006 , King proposed electrifying the U.S.-Mexico border fencing to curb illegal border crossings , saying , “ We do that with livestock all the time.
” In 2013 , he said for every one well-intended “ Dreamer , ” immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 130 pounds and they ’ ve got calves the size of cantaloupes ” from hauling drugs across the desert .
In recent years , King received scrutiny for his overtures to foreign , right-wing extremists .
The outreach prompted the House campaign committee to pull its financial backing in 2018 .
King was stripped of his membership on the House judiciary and agriculture committees the following January after he was quoted in the New York Times seeming to defend white nationalism .
The punishment sidelined King from defending President Donald Trump during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have relished .
It also silenced him on agriculture policy , a blow in a district that ranks second nationally in agricultural production , according to federal statistics .
But it hasn ’ t muted King .
He ’ s continued to defend his hard-right abortion stance with provocative comments .
Asked in August about his opposition to abortion in cases of rape and incest , he wondered whether there would be “ any population of the world left ” if not for births stemming from rape and incest .
Feenstra has called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t made them the focus of his critique of King .
Instead , the 51-year-old former candy company executive promotes his work in the statehouse on big issues such as tax cut legislation and attacks King for a lack of sway on farming and agribusiness issues .
“ Steve King , the congressman who couldn ’ t , ” the narrator says in Feenstra ’ s television ads .
“ Steve King couldn ’ t protect our farmers and couldn ’ t protect President Trump from impeachment.
” It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in part because it doesn ’ t shame Iowans who have long defended King .
“ You move away from the argument that he ’ s an embarrassment and into an argument of effectiveness — when you get into that zone , people say this matters , ” said Iowa Republican strategist John Stineman , who ’ s unaffiliated with any campaign in the race .
King argues that establishment Republicans have targeted him for being such an effective defender of conservative causes .
“ It ’ s no single thing , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to their argument that this is part of a pattern with me they are uncomfortable with.
” But Feenstra ’ s focus on King ’ s diminished role also appears to have hit a nerve .
In recent candidate forums , King started telling voters he has struck a deal with House leaders to resume his committee posts if he wins reelection .
King told The Associated Press that Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he would vouch for him when King appeals to his GOP colleagues for reinstatement .
“ Congressman King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I never said that , ” McCarthy told reporters last week .
“ He ’ ll have the opportunity to make his case , talking to the members of the Steering Committee .
I think he ’ ll get the same answer that he got before.
” If King pulls out a primary win , McCarthy could have another headache on his hands .
Some fear mainstream Republicans might leave the ballot empty rather than vote for King , allowing Democrat J.D .
Scholten , who lost by 2 percentage points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Republican Congressional Committee , the GOP ’ s congressional campaign arm , declined Friday to say whether it would support King in November or opt for a second time to withhold support .
Associated Press writer Alan Fram in Washington contributed to this report .

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Rep. Steve King is fighting for his political life — but not because he’s compared immigrants crossing the border illegally to cattle.
His Republican opponents in next week’s primary aren’t raking him over the coals for making light of rape and incest. His chief rival’s ads don’t mention the time he wondered when the term “white supremacist” became offensive.
Instead, the nine-term congressman known for his nativist politics is fighting to prove he can still deliver for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. Since Republican leaders stripped him of his committee assignments, in a rare punishment, King has been dogged by questions over whether he’s lost all effectiveness. Some longtime supporters are turning away, not because of his incendiary remarks but because they think he can no longer do the job.
“We all want to feel that we’re being represented in Washington, D.C., that we have a voice,” said Iowa state Sen. Annette Sweeney, a former King supporter.
Establishment Republicans in Iowa and Washington, some of whom share King’s policy views and have long tolerated his provocative remarks, have largely abandoned the congressman, throwing their weight behind Randy Feenstra, a conservative state senator.
That sets up the June 2 primary, a five-way fight in a GOP-heavy district, as a test of whether the establishment can effectively police the party and distance itself from racist and far-right voices who critics say have been amplified in recent years.
But Republican activists in King’s district, a sprawling swath of corn, soybeans and towering wind turbines, haven’t been quick to accept the influence from outsiders.
“He’s not what he’s portrayed to be by certain media outlets,” said Barb Clayton, a leading GOP activist in the district. Clayton says she “respects” King and believes his comments about white supremacy were taken out of context.
Still, she’s backing one of his four opponents, though she won’t say whom, because she’s worried King’s diminished influence would cost him in November.
“My primary issue is being able to hold the seat. It makes it more difficult to do that when he’s lost his committees,” she said.
Sweeney, who has endorsed Feenstra, offered only glancing criticism of King.
“His comments at times were just off the cuff,” she said. “Sometimes some of them might have been him trying to be funny or cute, though some weren’t. In fact, some were repulsive.”
Still, Sweeney hosted two fundraisers at her home for King in 2014, when he faced what was expected to be a competitive challenge from former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack, a Democrat. King won decisively.
By then, King had a reputation for controversial statements about race, immigration and religion.
In 2006, King proposed electrifying the U.S.-Mexico border fencing to curb illegal border crossings, saying, “We do that with livestock all the time.”
In 2013, he said for every one well-intended “Dreamer,” immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, 100 more “weigh 130 pounds and they’ve got calves the size of cantaloupes” from hauling drugs across the desert.
In recent years, King received scrutiny for his overtures to foreign, right-wing extremists. The outreach prompted the House campaign committee to pull its financial backing in 2018. King was stripped of his membership on the House judiciary and agriculture committees the following January after he was quoted in the New York Times seeming to defend white nationalism.
The punishment sidelined King from defending President Donald Trump during the impeachment hearings, a spotlight King would have relished. It also silenced him on agriculture policy, a blow in a district that ranks second nationally in agricultural production, according to federal statistics.
But it hasn’t muted King. He’s continued to defend his hard-right abortion stance with provocative comments. Asked in August about his opposition to abortion in cases of rape and incest, he wondered whether there would be “any population of the world left” if not for births stemming from rape and incest.
Feenstra has called the comments “bizarre” but hasn’t made them the focus of his critique of King. Instead, the 51-year-old former candy company executive promotes his work in the statehouse on big issues such as tax cut legislation and attacks King for a lack of sway on farming and agribusiness issues.
“Steve King, the congressman who couldn’t,” the narrator says in Feenstra’s television ads. “Steve King couldn’t protect our farmers and couldn’t protect President Trump from impeachment.”
It’s a tack Iowa Republicans say is working, in part because it doesn’t shame Iowans who have long defended King.
“You move away from the argument that he’s an embarrassment and into an argument of effectiveness — when you get into that zone, people say this matters,” said Iowa Republican strategist John Stineman, who’s unaffiliated with any campaign in the race.
King argues that establishment Republicans have targeted him for being such an effective defender of conservative causes.
“It’s no single thing,” King said. “But it gets back to their argument that this is part of a pattern with me they are uncomfortable with.”
But Feenstra’s focus on King’s diminished role also appears to have hit a nerve. In recent candidate forums, King started telling voters he has struck a deal with House leaders to resume his committee posts if he wins reelection.
King told The Associated Press that Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he would vouch for him when King appeals to his GOP colleagues for reinstatement.
McCarthy has dismissed King’s claim.
“Congressman King’s comments cannot be exonerated, and I never said that,” McCarthy told reporters last week. “He’ll have the opportunity to make his case, talking to the members of the Steering Committee. I think he’ll get the same answer that he got before.”
If King pulls out a primary win, McCarthy could have another headache on his hands. Some fear mainstream Republicans might leave the ballot empty rather than vote for King, allowing Democrat J.D. Scholten, who lost by 2 percentage points in 2018, to win.
The National Republican Congressional Committee, the GOP’s congressional campaign arm, declined Friday to say whether it would support King in November or opt for a second time to withhold support.
___
Associated Press writer Alan Fram in Washington contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--5 things to know today - that aren't about the virus

Your daily look at late-breaking news , upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today : 1 .
HONG KONG LEADER SAYS CIVIL RIGHTS NOT AT RISK FROM CHINA Carrie Lam says there is “ no need for us to worry ” over legislation proposed by China signalling its determination to take greater control of the semi-autonomous territory .
2 .
VIRGIN ORBIT , WE HAVE A PROBLEM A test launch by a Richard Branson company of a new rocket to put satellites into space failed off the coast of Southern California shortly after the rocket was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumbo jet .
3 .
PIONEER OF MODERN GAMBLING IN CHINA DIE S Stanley Ho , the 98-year-old Macao casino tycoon known as the “ King of Gambling , ” was also an accomplished ballroom dancer and suspected by the U.S. of ties to organized crime .
4 .
BLAME IT ON THE WEATHER The planned launch Wednesday in Florida of a SpaceX rocket with astronauts aboard , a first for a private company , may be delayed by unfavorable meteorological conditions .
5 .
‘ KIND OF BLUE ’ DRUMMER DIES Jimmy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last surviving member of the group of musicians who recorded Miles Davis ’ groundbreaking 1959 album .

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
1. FIRINGS FOLLOW BLACK MAN’S DEATH Four Minneapolis officers involved in the arrest of a black man who died in police custody have been fired, hours after a bystander’s video provoked widespread outrage with footage that showed the man pleading that he could not breathe as a white officer knelt on his neck.
2. TWITTER REPROACHES TRUMP For the first time, the social network has flagged some of the president’s tweets with a fact-check warning. The move comes after years in which Twitter has declined to apply its community guidelines and other rules of the road to the 45th U.S. president.
2. COUNTDOWN FOR HISTORIC LAUNCH SpaceX is on the cusp of becoming the first private company to put astronauts in orbit, something achieved by just three countries - Russia, the U.S. and China.
4. HOW NHL WANTS TO GET BACK ON THE ICE The league announces it will abandon the rest of the regular season and go straight into the playoffs with 24 teams instead of 16 if it is able to resume play.
5. ‘ON THE RECORD’ TO PREMIERE A new #MeToo documentary about rape accusations against hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons is a powerful look at one woman’s agonizing decision to go public - and an exploration of misogyny and sexual harassment in the music industry.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--France to unveil rescue plan for struggling car industry

PARIS ( AP ) - French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil on Tuesday new measures to rescue the country ’ s car industry , which has been hammered by the virus lockdown and the resulting recession .
Macron tweeted that the government ’ s support for the national car industry , which includes brands like Peugeot-Citroen and Renault as well as parts suppliers , will increase “ massively.
” “ This is a part of our economy , thousands of jobs , ” he said .
Macron is meeting with carmakers and unions at the Elysee presidential palace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit supplier Valeo , which makes equipment for electric cars , at its factory in Etaples , in northern France , from where he will detail the rescue plan .
The issue is politically sensitive , since France is proud of its auto industry , which employs 400,000 people in the country and is a big part of its manufacturing sector .
The government wants carmakers to develop innovative products in France and keep jobs in the country .
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Monday that carmakers must commit to bringing back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support measures .
The aid is expected to include government subsidies for consumers to buy a battery-powered car as well as other incentives for people to scrap their old car and buy a lower-emissions model .
Auto sales in France fell by about 90 % in April compared with a year earlier as showrooms were shut and factories suspended production .
The country started easing restrictions since May 11 after two months of strict lockdowns .
The plan to support the industry comes at a crucial time for carmaker Renault , which came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape .
Le Maire said Monday its survival is at stake and that the government would not require Renault to keep all its French jobs and facilities in exchange for the rescue funds , in order to allow the company to adapt to the economic situation .
Renault ’ s alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi is a major global auto player but has struggled since the 2018 arrest of its longtime star CEO Carlos Ghosn .
The group reported its first losses in years in 2019 , and unions say it could announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France after meeting with staff Thursday .
The French government is its single biggest shareholder with a 15 % stake , and has been in talks over a 5 billion-euro ( $ 5.5 billion ) loan guarantee to help the company survive .
French carmakers won billions in bailout funds after the 2008 financial crisis and benefited from a government bonus plan that encouraged consumers to buy newer cars , though that didn ’ t prevent thousands of job cuts .
PSA Group , which makes Peugeot and Citroen cars , came into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after years of cost-cutting under CEO Carlos Tavares as the industry grapples with the transition to electric and driver-less vehicles .
PSA reported record profits last year , but has also seen sales plunge amid the virus lockdowns .
It is in the process of merging with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to create the world ’ s fourth-largest auto maker .
The French government owns a 12 % stake in PSA through the state investment bank .
Carmakers in other countries are also struggling .
U.S. automakers haven ’ t received direct government help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can apply for low-interest loans .
Some U.S. some politicians don ’ t want to bail out carmakers again after they got huge bailouts after the 2008 financial crisis .
Italian-American Fiat Chrysler , which has its corporate headquarters in the Netherlands and its financial base in Britain , confirmed this month a request for an Italian state-backed loan worth 6.3 billion euros ( $ 6.9 billion ) .
The move set off debate in Italy over whether such money should be made available to companies with legal headquarters overseas .
Angela Charlton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italy , contributed to this report .

PARIS (AP) - France’s government is injecting more than 8 billion euros ($8.8 billion) to save the country’s car industry from huge losses wrought by virus lockdowns, and wants to use the crisis to make France the No. 1 producer of electric vehicles in Europe.
Starting next week, consumers can get up to 12,000 euros from the government for buying an electric car under the “historic” plan unveiled Tuesday by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Our country wouldn’t be the same without its great brands – Renault, Peugeot, Citroen,” Macron said, decrying an “unprecedented crisis” for the industry that has seen production plunge more than 90% in France alone.
Carmakers and governments around the world are grappling with similar losses. Politicians are divided over whether and how to bail out an industry that already won billions in government support a decade ago after the 2008 financial crisis - and that was already facing major new costs and disruption with growing demand for autonomous and cleaner cars.
Macron’s 8-billion-euro plan includes a 5-billion-euro French government loan guarantee under discussion for struggling French automaker Renault, but not the millions the government has already spent on temporary unemployment payments to auto workers told to stay home for weeks to keep the virus at bay.
The new plan includes government subsidies to encourage consumers to scrap their old cars and buy lower-emissions models, and longer-term investment in innovative technology. Macron set a goal of producing 1 million electric cars in France by 2025.
“Our country should embody this avant-garde,” he said. “We need not only to save (the industry) but transform it.”
Macron’s plan appears ambitious. Battery-powered cars are still only a fraction of auto sales in Europe, though manufacturers are focusing on them to meet the European Union’s carbon emissions targets.
The biggest European maker of battery-powered and plug-in hybrid cars is Germany’s BMW, followed closely by Renault, but U.S.-based Tesla sells more than either, according to trade magazine EV Volumes. Germany is also the biggest European market for electric cars, and the country’s manufacturers are ramping up their offerings.
French unions blockaded a Renault plant in western France on Tuesday, fearing fallout from the virus could lead to widespread job losses and factory closures. Bailouts a decade ago included a government bonus plan that encouraged consumers to buy newer cars, though that didn’t prevent thousands of job cuts.
Renault is expected to announce a $2.2 billion cost-cutting plan to unions this week, and Macron said that the Renault loan guarantee is contingent on keeping open two key French factories.
France’s auto industry employs 400,000 people and is a big part of its manufacturing sector, but shuttered showrooms and suspended production as the virus swept across the country in March. The country started easing restrictions on May 11.
The plan to support the industry comes at a crucial time for carmaker Renault, which came into the virus crisis in bad shape after the 2018 arrest of its star CEO Carlos Ghosn. The French finance minister warned that the company’s survival is at stake, and Renault and Nissan have scheduled an announcement Wednesday that is expected to address the future of their alliance.
PSA Group, which makes Peugeot and Citroen cars, is in better shape after years of cost-cutting under CEO Carlos Tavares. PSA reported record profits last year, but has also seen sales plunge amid virus lockdowns. It is in the process of merging with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to create the world’s fourth-largest auto maker.
U.S. automakers haven’t received direct government help yet but car dealers and auto suppliers can apply for low-interest loans. Some U.S. some politicians don’t want to bail out carmakers again after they got huge bailouts after the 2008 financial crisis.
In Germany, automakers are pressing for car purchase incentives to support major employers and prevent layoffs. The idea is opposed by some legislators in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative party and by an expert council of economists, who advised tax breaks and lower energy costs for all companies instead of singling out one industry for help. A decision on the issue could come as early as next week.
Italian-American Fiat Chrysler, which has its corporate headquarters in the Netherlands and its financial base in Britain, confirmed this month a request for an Italian state-backed loan worth 6.3 billion euros ($6.9 billion). The move set off debate in Italy over whether such money should be made available to companies with legal headquarters overseas.
Britain’s government is considering bailing out companies whose demise would disproportionately affect the economy, on a “last resort basis.” The Financial Times reported Sunday that Jaguar Land Rover was among those approaching the government to acquire stakes as part of a broader manufacturing bailout. And supercar maker McLaren Group on Tuesday said it would cut 1,200 jobs - a quarter of its workforce.
___
This story has been corrected to show that a loan to Renault is part of the rescue package.
___
Angela Charlton in Paris, Colleen Barry in Milan, Italy, David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, and Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Former Alaska state Rep. Bob Lynn dies at age 87

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - Former Alaska state Rep. Bob Lynn has died .
He was 87 .
Lynn had been dealing with health issues when he died Monday , his son , John Lynn , said .
Lynn , a long-serving Anchorage Republican , was first elected to the House in 2002 .
He eventually was unseated by Chris Birch , who won the 2016 primary over Lynn .
Birch died last summer .
Lynn , a military veteran , last year moved to California , the state where he was born .
He maintained a prolific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father was opinionated but looked past politics in forming relationships .
“ And I think he taught me to also look past the issues and find the person , ” he said .
“ Regardless of your political background or ideology , he always looked at the person.
” House Speaker Bryce Edgmon said Lynn “ lived a full and interesting life.
” Rep. Dave Talerico called Lynn a friend and mentor .
Lynn was preceded in death by his wife , Marlene .
He is survived by his children , grandchildren @ @ @ @

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Former Alaska state Rep. Bob Lynn has died. He was 87.
Lynn had been dealing with health issues when he died Monday, his son, John Lynn, said.
Lynn, a long-serving Anchorage Republican, was first elected to the House in 2002. He eventually was unseated by Chris Birch, who won the 2016 primary over Lynn. Birch died last summer.
Lynn, a military veteran, last year moved to California, the state where he was born. He maintained a prolific social media presence.
John Lynn said his father was opinionated but looked past politics in forming relationships.
“And I think he taught me to also look past the issues and find the person,” he said. “Regardless of your political background or ideology, he always looked at the person.”
House Speaker Bryce Edgmon said Lynn “lived a full and interesting life.” Rep. Dave Talerico called Lynn a friend and mentor.
Lynn was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered flags be lowered in Lynn’s honor.


washingtontimes--2020-05-26--Vote counting in Suriname suspended due to ‘tired staff’

PARAMARIBO , Suriname ( AP ) - Vote counting from Suriname ’ s National Assembly elections was suspended Tuesday as the governing party trailed in announced returns , with authorities saying electoral personnel were exhausted a day after widespread problems in voting .
Opposition parties and good government groups already had raised claims of irregularities on election day , and the suspension brought new questions about the dangers of electoral fraud .
The vote count was halted with 73 % of the ballots counted , and President Desi Bouterse ’ s National Democratic Party appeared headed for defeat .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would drop from a majority 26 seats to 16 in the 51-seat parliament .
Chan Santokhi ’ s opposition United Reform Party would rise to 20 seats from nine .
Electoral officials said they had no choice but to stop the vote count .
“ We ’ ve been running for 36 hours .
I understand everyone ’ s desire to hear the results , but we ’ re just people , ” Mike Nerkust , chairman of the chief polling station , told Apintie Television .
He said there shouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There are police , there are soldiers and there are people from the political parties and camera systems who keep an eye on the ballot boxes tonight , ” he said .
Bouterse , a 74-year-old former coup leader and strongman who has been convicted of murder and drug smuggling , was hoping to ride the elections into another term despite Suriname ’ s economic problems , which include a foreign debt that experts say can not be repaid and high inflation .
The new National Assembly will select the president in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization of American States and local groups reported numerous irregularities during voting Monday , and some Surinamese voiced worries about the halt in vote counting .
However , a mission from the Caribbean Community called the criticism “ heavily exaggerated.
” At a news conference , the regional organization ’ s team said , “ Attention has been paid to almost all serious reports of possible electoral fraud .
The mission has not been able to establish this anywhere .
Local organization disagreed with that assessment .
The head of the independent Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this “ the most chaotic elections ” she ever experienced .
Dew Sharman , a opposition lawmaker , reported seeing already open ballot boxes being delivered to the counting center at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall .
“ I ’ m staying here tonight to make sure no one gets to the ballots , ” Pakitow Biervliet of another opposition party , Justice and Development , said during a report via Facebook from the sports hall .
A victory for Santokhi ’ s party would not assure him of the presidency .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win the presidency , so Bouterese ’ s party could block him .

PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) - Vote counting from Suriname’s National Assembly elections was suspended Tuesday as the governing party trailed in announced returns, with authorities saying electoral personnel were exhausted a day after widespread problems in voting.
Opposition parties and good government groups already had raised claims of irregularities on election day, and the suspension brought new questions about the dangers of electoral fraud.
The vote count was halted with 73% of the ballots counted, and President Desi Bouterse’s National Democratic Party appeared headed for defeat. If the trend held up, his party would drop from a majority 26 seats to 16 in the 51-seat parliament. Chan Santokhi’s opposition United Reform Party would rise to 20 seats from nine.
Electoral officials said they had no choice but to stop the vote count.
“We’ve been running for 36 hours. I understand everyone’s desire to hear the results, but we’re just people,” Mike Nerkust, chairman of the chief polling station, told Apintie Television.
He said there shouldn’t be any worries about the ballots. “There are police, there are soldiers and there are people from the political parties and camera systems who keep an eye on the ballot boxes tonight,” he said.
Bouterse, a 74-year-old former coup leader and strongman who has been convicted of murder and drug smuggling, was hoping to ride the elections into another term despite Suriname’s economic problems, which include a foreign debt that experts say cannot be repaid and high inflation. The new National Assembly will select the president in August.
An observer mission from the Organization of American States and local groups reported numerous irregularities during voting Monday, and some Surinamese voiced worries about the halt in vote counting.
However, a mission from the Caribbean Community called the criticism “heavily exaggerated.” At a news conference, the regional organization’s team said, “Attention has been paid to almost all serious reports of possible electoral fraud. The mission has not been able to establish this anywhere.
Local organization disagreed with that assessment. The head of the independent Electoral Bureau, Jennifer van Dijk-Silos, called this “the most chaotic elections” she ever experienced. Dew Sharman, a opposition lawmaker, reported seeing already open ballot boxes being delivered to the counting center at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall.
“I’m staying here tonight to make sure no one gets to the ballots,” Pakitow Biervliet of another opposition party, Justice and Development, said during a report via Facebook from the sports hall.
A victory for Santokhi’s party would not assure him of the presidency. A two-thirds vote by the parliament is required to win the presidency, so Bouterese’s party could block him.