washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Bosnia: Officials, firm owner arrested over ventilator deal

SARAJEVO , Bosnia-Herzegovina ( AP ) - Bosnian authorities have detained two high-ranking state officials and the owner of a private company which imported 100 ventilators from China that were found to be useless for COVID-19 patients .
Bosnia ’ s media quoted state prosecutors as saying Friday that the arrested men include the prime minister of Bosnia ’ s Muslim-Croat federation , a top state civil protection official and the owner of the fruit processing company that received about 5 million euros ( $ 5.5 million ) from the government to get the equipment .
The three are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embezzlement of state funds and other crimes , the prosecutors were quoted as saying .
The investigation was opened in March after a public outcry over why Silver Raspberry , the little-known company with ties to Bosnia ’ s political establishment , was granted the lucrative ventilator deal .
Prosecutors said in their initial report that the imported breathing machines “ do not meet even a minimum of necessary characteristics for adequate treatment ” of coronavirus patients .
The company owner has rejected accusations that he imported the ventilators at highly inflated prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connections in China to accomplish what he called a “ humanitarian mission.
” The allegations have come as no surprise in Bosnia , which is ranked poorly on Transparency International ’ s annual global corruption list .
The watchdog group last year placed Bosnia 101st out of 180 countries .
Bosnia , which went through a bloody civil war in the 1990 ’ s , is composed of the Muslim-Croat federation and a Serb entity .
Experts have warned that the COVID-19 pandemic , which caught officials in many countries unprepared and ill-equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ventilators , created opportunities for graft as governments rushed to secure supplies .

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) - Bosnian authorities have arrested two high-ranking state officials and the owner of a private company which imported 100 ventilators from China that were found to be useless for COVID-19 patients.
Bosnia’s state prosecutors said Friday that the arrested men include the prime minister of Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat federation, Fadil Novalic, a top state civil protection official, and the owner of the fruit processing company that received about 5 million euros ($5.5 million) from the government to get the equipment.
The three are being investigated for alleged money laundering, fraud, embezzlement of state funds and other crimes, the prosecutors said. They were detained for questioning late Thursday, kept overnight and then sent to prison.
The investigation was opened in March after a public outcry over why Silver Raspberry, the little-known company with ties to Bosnia’s political establishment, was granted the lucrative ventilator deal.
Prosecutors said in their initial report that the imported breathing machines “do not meet even a minimum of necessary characteristics for adequate treatment” of coronavirus patients.
The company owner has rejected accusations that he imported the ventilators at highly inflated prices. He said he used his business connections in China to accomplish what he called a “humanitarian mission.”
The chairman of Bosnia’s three-member presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic, said if the alleged crimes can be substantiated with evidence “this can be very dangerous for our country.”
“That’s why the prosecution and SIPA (the state investigation agency) have to come out with concrete evidence, as soon as possible,” he said.
The allegations have come as no surprise in Bosnia, which is ranked poorly on Transparency International’s annual global corruption list. The watchdog group last year placed Bosnia 101st out of 180 countries.
Bosnia, which went through a bloody civil war in the 1990s, is composed of the Muslim-Croat federation and a Serb entity.
Experts have warned that the COVID-19 pandemic, which caught officials in many countries unprepared and ill-equipped to meet the need for protective gear and ventilators, created opportunities for graft as governments rushed to secure supplies.
___
AP writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Ai Weiwei says new security law is the end of Hong Kong

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei believes the newly passed national security law for Hong Kong augurs the end for the semi-autonomous city .
Ai was arrested at Beijing ’ s airport in April 2011 and held for 81 days without explanation during a wider crackdown on dissent that coincided with the international ferment of the Arab Spring .
In an interview with The Associated Press , Ai said he identifies with Hong Kong ’ s democracy movement and has been working on a documentary about protests that began a year ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between police and demonstrators .
“ I experienced every detail of who they ( the protesters ) are , how they fight and how this is going to end , ” Ai said .
“ They are so determined and very pure .
So those stories are really , really hurting me.
” Many in Hong Kong fear their city will become like any other in mainland China after the National People ’ s Congress in Beijing approved the national security law .
It targets people and groups suspected of sedition or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent arrests of many leading pro-democracy activists in the former British colony .
According to Ai , the new measure is “ not lawful ” because even the Chinese state hasn ’ t established “ its own legitimacy of control.
” China ’ s communist leaders promised to allow Hong Kong to keep its own customs territory and financial system , laws and civil liberties for 50 years after Beijing took control in 1997 .
Critics of the new law say it may allow mainland security organs to interfere in local law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , China promised ‘ one country , two systems ’ for 50 years , now it ’ s far from that , ” Ai said from his home in Cambridge , England .
“ They violated their own words .
So , that ’ s more dangerous because once you ’ ve lost the trust of the international community , who ’ s going to ( have a ) dealing or have a business with someone like this ?
” “ In old China , we have a word that means if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trusted , ” he said .
Hong Kong ’ s status as a safe haven for dissent has been deteriorating for years , Ai said , pointing to abductions of business figures embroiled in mainland Chinese business disputes , among others .
In one of the best known cases , five Hong Kong booksellers went missing in 2015 and were later found to have been detained in China for selling books critical of the government .
“ Many people still disappeared and nobody knows where they are , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen.
” Ai also mentioned the disappearance 25 years ago of a boy chosen by the Dalai Lama , the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader , to be Tibetan Buddhism ’ s second-highest figure .
“ Nobody knows where this lama is and where his family is .
And all of those human rights lawyers disappeared , ” Ai said .
“ I was disappeared , ” he said , referring to his more than two months of detention in 2011 .
When Ai was released , it was announced that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.4 million bill .
He has since left China on his Chinese passport and legally has the right to return .
His last visit to the Chinese mainland was a few months after he first left in July 2015 , his studio said .
Before protesters turned the glitzy financial center into a canvas of anti-government graffiti , Hong Kong was famous for its bustling art scene - home to the annual Art Basel and many independent galleries .
When asked about Hong Kong ’ s future , Ai said the definition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Protest itself is a form of art , he said .
“ When you see what happened in Hong Kong with the protesters , the way they organize through the internet , every day they would create hundreds of different posters so fast , ” he said .
“ No any other art industry in the world can catch ( up to ) that kind of flexibility , ” he said , referring to countless posters and graffiti slogans on Hong Kong ’ s once-spotless walls , concrete barriers , roads , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hong Kong , they are smart , they are rational , and they are very brave , ” Ai said .
“ And then in some sense , they are very innocent , and naive , and they use their life to test out their ideology.
” Ai ’ s no stranger to documenting current events .
In 2003 , he produced a documentary film called “ Eat , Drink , and Be Merry , ” capturing carefree moments of his brother and friends against the backdrop of SARS , an infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has now turned his attention to Wuhan , the central Chinese city that became the origin of the coronavirus pandemic .
Ai said his artist friends in Wuhan have been sending him footage , even from a hospital , giving him multi-angled glimpses of vulnerable and fleeting moments of the city during its unprecedented lockdown .
“ I think China has handled it better ( than SARS ) because they ’ re much more experienced , ” Ai said .
But he said there ’ s still a lack of transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intentionally covered ( up ) the whole pandemic as a secret for many weeks , ” Ai said .
“ In a certain sense , they will never change .
”

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei believes the newly passed national security law for Hong Kong augurs the end for the semi-autonomous city.
Ai was arrested at Beijing’s airport in April 2011 and held for 81 days without explanation during a wider crackdown on dissent that coincided with the international ferment of the Arab Spring.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Ai said he identifies with Hong Kong’s democracy movement and has been working on a documentary about protests that began a year ago, at times erupting into tear gas-shrouded combat between police and demonstrators.
“I experienced every detail of who they (the protesters) are, how they fight and how this is going to end,” Ai said. “They are so determined and very pure. So those stories are really, really hurting me.”
Many in Hong Kong fear their city will become like any other in mainland China after the National People’s Congress in Beijing approved the national security law. It targets people and groups suspected of sedition or other threats to safety and security and follows recent arrests of many leading pro-democracy activists in the former British colony.
According to Ai, the new measure is “not lawful” because even the Chinese state hasn’t established “its own legitimacy of control.”
China’s communist leaders promised to allow Hong Kong to keep its own customs territory and financial system, laws and civil liberties for 50 years after Beijing took control in 1997. Critics of the new law say it may allow mainland security organs to interfere in local law enforcement, among other things.
“So, China promised ‘one country, two systems’ for 50 years, now it’s far from that,” Ai said from his home in Cambridge, England. “They violated their own words. So, that’s more dangerous because once you’ve lost the trust of the international community, who’s going to (have a) dealing or have a business with someone like this?”
“In old China, we have a word that means if you say something, it has to be trusted,” he said.
Hong Kong’s status as a safe haven for dissent has been deteriorating for years, Ai said, pointing to abductions of business figures embroiled in mainland Chinese business disputes, among others.
In one of the best known cases, five Hong Kong booksellers went missing in 2015 and were later found to have been detained in China for selling books critical of the government.
“Many people still disappeared and nobody knows where they are,” he said. “So Hong Kong cannot allow this to happen.”
Ai also mentioned the disappearance 25 years ago of a boy chosen by the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, to be Tibetan Buddhism’s second-highest figure.
“Nobody knows where this lama is and where his family is. And all of those human rights lawyers disappeared,” Ai said. “I was disappeared,” he said, referring to his more than two months of detention in 2011.
When Ai was released, it was announced that he had confessed to tax evasion and fined $2.4 million bill. He has since left China on his Chinese passport and legally has the right to return. His last visit to the Chinese mainland was a few months after he first left in July 2015, his studio said.
Before protesters turned the glitzy financial center into a canvas of anti-government graffiti, Hong Kong was famous for its bustling art scene - home to the annual Art Basel and many independent galleries.
When asked about Hong Kong’s future, Ai said the definition of art has been changing amid the unrest. Protest itself is a form of art, he said.
“When you see what happened in Hong Kong with the protesters, the way they organize through the internet, every day they would create hundreds of different posters so fast,” he said.
“No any other art industry in the world can catch (up to) that kind of flexibility,” he said, referring to countless posters and graffiti slogans on Hong Kong’s once-spotless walls, concrete barriers, roads, and tram tracks.
“Young people in Hong Kong, they are smart, they are rational, and they are very brave,” Ai said. “And then in some sense, they are very innocent, and naive, and they use their life to test out their ideology.”
Ai’s no stranger to documenting current events. In 2003, he produced a documentary film called “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry,” capturing carefree moments of his brother and friends against the backdrop of SARS, an infectious respiratory disease that hit Asia in 2003.
He has now turned his attention to Wuhan, the central Chinese city that became the origin of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ai said his artist friends in Wuhan have been sending him footage, even from a hospital, giving him multi-angled glimpses of vulnerable and fleeting moments of the city during its unprecedented lockdown.
“I think China has handled it better (than SARS) because they’re much more experienced,” Ai said. But he said there’s still a lack of transparency.
“They (Chinese government) intentionally covered (up) the whole pandemic as a secret for many weeks,” Ai said. “In a certain sense, they will never change.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Afghan government says Taliban attack on checkpoint kills 14

KABUL , Afghanistan ( AP ) - Taliban fighters attacked an army checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan , killing 14 military personnel , the Defense Ministry said Friday .
The Taliban took responsibility for Thursday ’ s attack in Paktia province , calling it a “ defensive action , ” without elaborating .
Javid Faisal , spokesman for the Afghanistan national security adviser ’ s office , said despite sporadic clashes , a truce in effect during the three-day Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr , which ended Tuesday , would continue .
The Taliban accused the Afghan government of carrying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government said the target was Taliban fighters .
Neither side appeared ready to return to all out fighting , however .
“ The détente that started during Eid al-Fitr continues despite reports of scattered incidents to the contrary , ” Faisal said .
Meanwhile , a team of five Taliban members were in Kabul discussing the release of Taliban and Afghan government prisoners from .
The Afghan government has released 2,000 Taliban prisoners since the signing of a peace deal between the United States and the Taliban on Feb. 29 and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peace deal , the Afghan government is to release up to 5,000 insurgents , while 1,000 Afghan soldiers and police will be freed by the Taliban .
The agreement was signed to allow American soldiers to return home , ending America ’ s longest military engagement .
The deal also calls for Afghans in Kabul and the Taliban to start negotiations to decide the country ’ s future .
Those negotiations have been delayed because of political feuding between Afghanistan ’ s President Ashraf Ghani and his rival in last year ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two reached an agreement earlier this month and the release of prisoners has raised expectations that negotiations can begin .

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Taliban fighters attacked an army checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan, killing 14 military personnel, the Defense Ministry said Friday.
The Taliban took responsibility for Thursday’s attack in Paktia province, calling it a “defensive action,” without elaborating.
Javid Faisal, spokesman for the Afghanistan national security adviser’s office, said despite sporadic clashes, a truce in effect during the three-day Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which ended Tuesday, would continue.
The Taliban accused the Afghan government of carrying out an airstrike Wednesday killing several civilians. The government said the target was Taliban fighters.
Neither side appeared ready to return to all out fighting, however. “The détente that started during Eid al-Fitr continues despite reports of scattered incidents to the contrary,” Faisal said.
Meanwhile, a team of five Taliban members were in Kabul discussing the release of Taliban and Afghan government prisoners from.
The Afghan government has released 2,000 Taliban prisoners since the signing of a peace deal between the United States and the Taliban on Feb. 29 and the insurgents have freed 347 captives.
Under the peace deal, the Afghan government is to release up to 5,000 insurgents, while 1,000 Afghan soldiers and police will be freed by the Taliban. The agreement was signed to allow American soldiers to return home, ending America’s longest military engagement.
The deal also calls for Afghans in Kabul and the Taliban to start negotiations to decide the country’s future. Those negotiations have been delayed because of political feuding between Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani and his rival in last year’s presidential polls, Abdullah Abdullah. The two reached an agreement earlier this month and the release of prisoners has raised expectations that negotiations can begin.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Kosovo court upholds nomination of new prime minister

PRISTINA , Kosovo ( AP ) - Kosovo ’ s president called on political parties Friday to speed up a parliamentary vote on a new government after the Constitutional Court upheld his nomination of a new prime minister .
Kosovar President Hashim Thaci last month nominated a politician from the center-right Democratic League of Kosovo , or LDK , to replace Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti .
Kurti ’ s Vetevendosje !
party ( Self-Determination Movement ) had argued that the presidential decree nominating Avdullah Hoti to become prime minister was unconstitutional , claiming it was the only party entitled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the most seats in Kosovo ’ s October general election .
But the Constitutional Court ruled late Thursday that Thaci ’ s decree was legal .
The court refused to order another election as the Vetevendosje !
’ s requested .
“ I invite all institutional and party leaders to apply and respect the court ’ s decision … ( and ) to work together for a regular democratic transition , ” Thaci said at a news conference on Friday .
Kurti has led a caretaker government since he lost a no-confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LDK , which at the time was the junior partner in his coalition government .
He called the court decision “ unfair , unacceptable ” and said his party will make its next political steps known soon .
adding that they will make known their next political steps soon .
Hoti ’ s LDK says it has the required number of votes , at least 61 in the 120-seat parliament , to secure his confirmation as prime minister .
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 from Serbia , which refuses to recognize its former @ @ @ @ @

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Kosovo’s president called on political parties Friday to speed up a parliamentary vote on a new government after the Constitutional Court upheld his nomination of a new prime minister.
Kosovar President Hashim Thaci last month nominated a politician from the center-right Democratic League of Kosovo, or LDK, to replace Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
Kurti’s Vetevendosje! party (Self-Determination Movement) had argued that the presidential decree nominating Avdullah Hoti to become prime minister was unconstitutional, claiming it was the only party entitled to form a new Cabinet because it won the most seats in Kosovo’s October general election.
But the Constitutional Court ruled late Thursday that Thaci’s decree was legal. The court refused to order another election as the Vetevendosje!’s requested.
“I invite all institutional and party leaders to apply and respect the court’s decision … (and) to work together for a regular democratic transition,” Thaci said at a news conference on Friday.
Kurti has led a caretaker government since he lost a no-confidence vote in late March initiated by the LDK, which at the time was the junior partner in his coalition government.
He called the court decision “unfair, unacceptable” and said his party will make its next political steps known soon. adding that they will make known their next political steps soon.
Hoti’s LDK says it has the required number of votes, at least 61 in the 120-seat parliament, to secure his confirmation as prime minister.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 from Serbia, which refuses to recognize its former province as a country.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Mississippi mayor flouts calls to resign over Floyd comments

PETAL , Miss .
( AP ) - A Mississippi mayor whose remarks about the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody sparked outrage is resisting calls to resign , including from his own town ’ s board of aldermen .
“ Why in the world would anyone choose to become a police officer in our society today ?
” Petal Mayor Hal Marx tweeted Tuesday , the day four Minneapolis police officers were fired .
The 46-year-old Floyd , a black man , was handcuffed and pleading for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican directly referenced the Floyd case , saying he “ didn ’ t see anything unreasonable ” : “ If you can say you can ’ t breathe , you ’ re breathing .
Most likely that man died of overdose or heart attack .
Video doesn ’ t show his resistance that got him in that position .
Police being crucified.
” Javon Patterson , an offensive lineman with the Indianapolis Colts , and Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Alford both criticized Marx on social media .
“ You know as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is truly disturbing to see , ” Patterson tweeted , attaching a screenshot of a Facebook post where Marx again said , “ If you can talk you can breathe.
” “ How could you watch this disturbing video and make such an idiotic comment .
But this guy is supposed to be the leader of ‘ the friendly city , ’ ” Alford , a Petal High School alumnus , wrote on Facebook .
“ This is why it ’ s important to vote people .
You don ’ t want people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Petal Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Thursday , voting unanimously to ask for Marx ’ s resignation , the Clarion Ledger reported .
“ Recently , Mayor Hal Marx has taken to social media and repeatedly made comments that have isolated , enraged and belittled individuals in a way that is unbecoming to our city , ” Aldermen Clint Moore read from a statement .
Residents also called for his resignation , and protests are planned for the coming days .
As Marx addressed the meeting , audience members shouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your minds made up about me , ” he said .
Marx , who was first elected mayor in 2009 and entertained a run for governor in 2019 , told the Hattiesburg American earlier this week that his remarks were misconstrued as racist , and that he was trying to caution people “ to get all the facts before they judge ” the police .
At Thursday ’ s meeting , he said he and his family had received death threats and called people asking for resignation bullies .
“ I will never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
In Mississippi , elected officials can only be removed form office if they ’ ve committed felonies , the Clarion Ledger reported .
Myla Cox grew up in Petal , a town of a little more than 10,000 people just east of Hattiesburg .
She said she ’ s been judged at her college , Brown University , because of her hometown “ Everybody looked down on me because they saw the type of people that run my city , specially you , ” the newspaper quoted her as addressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here today and say that we are bullies , and you to not hold accountability for your statements that we clearly do no agree with already shows what type of person you are .
”

PETAL, Miss. (AP) - At least 200 people protested Friday outside a Mississippi City Hall, calling for the resignation of a white mayor who sparked outrage when he said he “didn’t see anything unreasonable” about the death of an African American man in Minneapolis police custody.
Petal Mayor Hal Marx is resisting calls for his resignation, including from his own city’s board of aldermen.
“Why in the world would anyone choose to become a police officer in our society today?” Marx tweeted Tuesday, the day four Minneapolis police officers were fired. George Floyd, 46, was handcuffed and pleading for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck Monday.
In a follow-up tweet, the Republican directly referenced the Floyd case, saying he “didn’t see anything unreasonable”: “If you can say you can’t breathe, you’re breathing. Most likely that man died of overdose or heart attack. Video doesn’t show his resistance that got him in that position. Police being crucified.”
WDAM-TV carried live coverage of Friday’s protest, which drew a racially diverse crowd.
“Accountability must come into effect for Hal Marx,” said Bobby Sims Jr., a pastor from the nearby city of Hattiesburg, told the crowd.
Sims and other speakers said Petal has long had a problem of police pulling over black drivers for little or no reason.
Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Javon Patterson and Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Alford both criticized Marx on social media.
“You know as a former resident of Petal … this is truly disturbing to see,” Patterson tweeted, attaching a screenshot of a Facebook post where Marx again said, “If you can talk you can breathe.”
“How could you watch this disturbing video and make such an idiotic comment. But this guy is supposed to be the leader of ‘the friendly city,’” Alford, a Petal High School alumnus, wrote on Facebook. “This is why it’s important to vote people. You don’t want people like Mayor Hal Marx in charge.”
Marx’s Twitter account no longer exists.
The Petal Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Thursday, voting unanimously to ask for Marx’s resignation, the Clarion Ledger reported.
“Recently, Mayor Hal Marx has taken to social media and repeatedly made comments that have isolated, enraged and belittled individuals in a way that is unbecoming to our city,” Aldermen Clint Moore read from a statement.
Residents also called for his resignation, and protests are planned for the coming days. As Marx addressed the meeting, audience members shouted over him.
“You already have your minds made up about me,” he said.
Marx, who was first elected mayor in 2009 and entertained a run for governor in 2019, told the Hattiesburg American earlier this week that his remarks were misconstrued as racist, and that he was trying to caution people “to get all the facts before they judge” the police.
At Thursday’s meeting, he said he and his family had received death threats and called people asking for resignation bullies.
“I will never surrender to the mob mentality,” he said. In Mississippi, elected officials can only be removed from office if they’ve committed felonies.
Myla Cox grew up in Petal, a city of a little more than 10,000 people just east of Hattiesburg. She said she’s been judged at her college, Brown University, because of her hometown.
“Everybody looked down on me because they saw the type of people that run my city, specially you,” the newspaper quoted her as addressing Marx. “For you to come here today and say that we are bullies, and you to not hold accountability for your statements that we clearly do no agree with already shows what type of person you are.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--S. Carolina county to review EMS response to deadly shooting

BOWMAN , S.C. ( AP ) - Officials in a South Carolina county plan to review the response to a deadly shooting at a Memorial Day cookout to determine whether emergency responders followed all necessary protocols .
Three people - Austin Lee Benjamin , 17 , Malik Glover , 24 , and Antonio Smith , 19 - were fatally shot early Tuesday morning at the gathering in Bowman , Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall told The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg .
Five others were injured in the shooting , news outlets reported .
Dionne Summers lives in Bowman and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , WIS-TV reported .
She said she called 911 three times about the shooting .
“ We kept calling asking when EMS is coming because it was critical .
It seemed like it took them forever , ” she said .
The first call to 911 at 1:06 a.m. reported gunfire at the gathering , Orangeburg County EMS Director Stephanie Givens told The Times and Democrat .
Dispatchers didn ’ t learn that someone may have been shot until 1:15 a.m. , Givens said .
It had been a busy day and night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly nine deaths in a 24-hour period , ” Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said .
Young told the newspaper that he , Givens and County Risk Manager Todd Williams would look into the EMS response in Bowman and make adjustments if all protocols weren ’ t followed .
“ We need the local folks to get involved .
We have to have community involvement , ” Williams said .
No arrests were immediately announced in the fatal shooting .
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was investigating .

BOWMAN, S.C. (AP) - Officials in a South Carolina county plan to review the response to a deadly shooting at a Memorial Day cookout to determine whether emergency responders followed all necessary protocols.
Three people - Austin Lee Benjamin, 17, Malik Glover, 24, and Antonio Smith, 19 - were fatally shot early Tuesday morning at the gathering in Bowman, Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall told The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg.
Five others were injured in the shooting, news outlets reported.
Dionne Summers lives in Bowman and heard the gunfire from her living room, WIS-TV reported. She said she called 911 three times about the shooting.
“We kept calling asking when EMS is coming because it was critical. It seemed like it took them forever,” she said.
The first call to 911 at 1:06 a.m. reported gunfire at the gathering, Orangeburg County EMS Director Stephanie Givens told The Times and Democrat. Dispatchers didn’t learn that someone may have been shot until 1:15 a.m., Givens said.
It had been a busy day and night for EMS workers, who “saw nearly nine deaths in a 24-hour period,” Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said.
Young told the newspaper that he, Givens and County Risk Manager Todd Williams would look into the EMS response in Bowman and make adjustments if all protocols weren’t followed.
“We need the local folks to get involved. We have to have community involvement,” Williams said.
No arrests were immediately announced in the fatal shooting. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was investigating.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--No Eiffel, Mona Lisa or Versailles: Iconic sites stay closed

LE PECQ , France ( AP ) - Hold that smile , Mona Lisa .
The Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles will remain off-limits for the immediate future , too .
None of France ’ s three most iconic tourist sites will reopen when the country lifts most of its remaining coronavirus lockdown restrictions next week .
Some of Europe ’ s other major cultural sites are also taking their time to reopen .
The Eiffel Tower likely won ’ t be able to reopen before the second half of June , according to Stephane Dieu , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
He said they still need to fine tune with the site ’ s management how to protect employees and visitors and to maintain social distancing .
“ For the moment , it ’ s not possible with all of the best will in the world , ” Dieu said .
When the tower does reopen , sightseers seeking breathtaking views of Paris may be in for a stair workout : the elevators that usually whisk visitors to the three different levels will likely remain closed , Dieu said .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are aiming to reopen some time between the end of June and mid-July , said Andre Sacristin , a labor representative who has been involved in the planning discussions .
When the museum reopens , there will be strict public hygiene rules and visiting “ the Louvre will not at all be as it was before .
That ’ s impossible , ” Sacristin said .
He said he expects everyone , staff members and visitors , will have to wear face masks .
About 20 % -30 % of the museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ of course the Mona Lisa will be open , ” Sacristin said .
Details will be ironed out in further meetings between management and staff .
The Versailles Palace , the former home of France ’ s kings , also won ’ t reopen Tuesday , when most of the remaining lockdown restrictions are lifted in France .
The palace said a date for reopening hasn ’ t yet been decided .
Adapting major tourists draws to coronavirus imperatives is taking time elsewhere , too .
In Madrid , the Prado , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so-called “ triangle of the arts ” - are scheduled to jointly reopen on June 6 , two weeks after they were officially allowed to welcome visitors again .
Initially , some of their exhibition space will remain closed and visitor numbers will be limited to 30 % of their size before the pandemic .
While smaller Spanish museums were quick to reopen this month , major ones said they needed more time to prepare protective gear for staff , temperature checks for visitors and crowd-control measures .
The Prado , the crown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Francisco de Goya , Diego de Velázquez and other masters , has been shut since March 11 , its longest closure in eight decades , since the 1936-1939 Civil War .
The slogan chosen by the museum for its re-opening is “ Re-encounter .
”

LE PECQ, France (AP) - You may need a face mask to see the Mona Lisa. You will have your temperature taken at the Colosseum in Rome. And to see views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower might require taking the stairs.
After the cultural deprivation of the lockdown months during which their treasures were hidden away, many of Europe’s iconic museums and other tourist draws are preparing to reopen. Government officials hope this will breathe life back into coronavirus-battered economies, and lift the spirits of those who found staying at home to be an ordeal.
“Rarely will the French have felt such a need to rediscover the arts and heritage of our country as this summer,” France’s Culture Ministry declared Friday, in announcing the reopening of dozens of chateaux, museums and other sites starting from next week.
According to the ministry’s timetable, visitors will again be able to see how France’s kings lived at the Versailles Palace from June 6, fall in love all over again with the Impressionist painters at the Musée d’Orsay from June 23 and get selfies with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre from July 6.
All of the re-openings the ministry announced will be days or weeks after France lifts many of its remaining coronavirus lockdown restrictions next Tuesday.
Major attractions first need to be made safe for staff and visitors. Some of Europe’s other major cultural sites are also taking their time to reopen.
In Rome, the Colosseum is due to reopen on June 1, more than two weeks after the May 18 reopening date approved by the government for Italy’s museums. Visitors must wear protective masks and have their temperatures taken, and entrance times will be staggered to limit crowds.
Also reopening next week are the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and pontifical summer villa outside Rome and, in Florence, the Uffizi Galleries that are home to Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and other masterpieces.
In Germany, the Berlin Wall Memorial museum will reopen next week. There, too, masks will have to be worn.
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower likely won’t be able to reopen before the second half of June, according to Stephane Dieu, a labor representative for the monument’s staff. He said they still need to fine tune with the tower’s management how to protect employees and visitors and to maintain social distancing.
“For the moment, it’s not possible with all of the best will in the world,” Dieu said.
When the tower does reopen, sightseers seeking breathtaking views of Paris may be in for a stair workout: the elevators that usually whisk visitors to the three different levels will likely remain closed, Dieu said.
The tower’s operators confirmed that they plan to reopen this summer but said the date is not fixed.
At the Louvre Museum, there will be strict public hygiene rules and visiting “will not at all be as it was before. That’s impossible,” said Andre Sacristin, a labor representative who has been involved in the planning discussions for reopening.
He said he expects everyone, staff members and visitors, will have to wear face masks.
About 20%-30% of the museum’s rooms might be closed but “of course the Mona Lisa will be open,” Sacristin said.
Details will be ironed out in further meetings between management and staff.
Adapting major tourists draws to coronavirus imperatives is taking time elsewhere, too.
In Madrid, the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen museums - the so-called “triangle of the arts”- are scheduled to jointly reopen on June 6, two weeks after they were officially allowed to welcome visitors again.
Initially, some of their exhibition space will remain closed and visitor numbers will be limited to 30% of their size before the pandemic.
While smaller Spanish museums were quick to reopen this month, major ones said they needed more time to prepare protective gear for staff, temperature checks for visitors and crowd-control measures.
The Prado, the crown jewel of Spanish museums, housing works by Francisco de Goya, Diego de Velázquez and other masters, has been shut since March 11, its longest closure in eight decades, since the 1936-1939 Civil War.
The slogan chosen by the museum for its re-opening is “Re-encounter.”
___
AP writer Aritz Parra in Madrid, Nicole Winfield in Rome and David Rising in Berlin contributed.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--South Africa has virus testing backlog of nearly 100,000

JOHANNESBURG ( AP ) - South Africa says it has a backlog of nearly 100,000 unprocessed tests for the coronavirus , a striking example of the painful shortage of testing kits and reagents across Africa as cases steadily rise .
“ This challenge is caused by the limited availability of test kits globally , ” the health ministry said in a statement overnight putting the backlog at 96,480 as of Monday .
Priority is given to processing tests from patients admitted to hospitals and health workers , it said .
South Africa has conducted more tests for the virus than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 655,000 - and has the most confirmed cases with 27,403 .
One of the latest people to die in South Africa was an employee with the National Health Laboratory Services .
“ We understand this tragedy will certainly test you , ” the ministry said in a message to her colleagues , adding that the government is committed to providing proper protective gear .
That , too , faces shortages across Africa .
More than 3,400 health workers on the continent had been infected as of a week ago , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages , especially in testing materials , have jolted African authorities into facing uncomfortable truths : Richer countries are elbowing them out in the race to obtain crucial supplies , and the continent relies almost entirely on imports for drugs and other medical items .
“ We have to have Made in Africa products , ” the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , John Nkengasong , told reporters Thursday .
“ We can not keep importing basic things.
” He and others , including the WHO ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fair access , including for any vaccine or treatment that emerges .
“ Dozens of countries have imposed export controls on medical supplies and equipment , preventing them from being distributed equitably , based on need , ” scores of South African and other health and activist groups said in an open letter to Group of 20 leaders last month .
Complicating matters are global powers like the United States and China promoting aid to African countries during the pandemic as part of efforts to win support on the continent .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
President Donald Trump on May 21 said “ we just sent 1,000 ” ventilators to Nigeria , but the country ’ s information minister , Lai Mohammed , told reporters Thursday that “ to the best of my knowledge they have not arrived .
When they do arrive , it will be made public.
” Across Africa slightly under 2 million tests for the virus have been conducted , Nkengasong said , far below the target of testing 13 million people - or 1 % of the continent ’ s population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa ’ s most populous country with some 200 million people , just under 50,000 tests for the virus have been conducted , according to the country ’ s Center for Disease Control .
Nearly 9,000 cases have been confirmed while worries grow about undetected spread of the virus in the north .
In Ethiopia , Africa ’ s second most populous country with some 110 million people , the health ministry says more than 96,000 tests have been conducted .
More than 830 cases have been confirmed .
By the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been distributed to Africa ’ s 54 countries , Nkengasong said .
Despite the shortages , “ I ’ m optimistic that in the next two to three weeks it will be very different , ” he said , without giving details .
So far African nations have relied on tests donated by the Jack Ma Foundation , sourced via partners including the WHO and procured via a newly created platform that pools African countries ’ purchasing efforts on the international market .
Meanwhile , efforts at domestic production of testing materials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senegal and Ghana , the Africa CDC has said , with plans to have those countries aid each other in evaluating the products .
“ Africa is a continent that needs its own internal capacity to produce diagnostic kits , ” South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters on Thursday .
“ We need several millions of these kits.
” The supply so far has frustrated health officials .
“ Test kits obviously come in small ratios , obviously a big challenge for us , ” Uganda ’ s health minister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have compared the struggle to obtain equipment to fighting a war , one with no end in sight .
“ It has become clear we are likely to have this pandemic for more than a year or two years , ” Mkhize said .
“ We do understand it ’ s gon na be a big challenge.
” Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - South Africa says it has a backlog of nearly 100,000 unprocessed tests for the coronavirus, a striking example of the painful shortage of testing kits and reagents across Africa as cases steadily rise.
“This challenge is caused by the limited availability of test kits globally,” the health ministry said in a statement overnight, putting the backlog at 96,480 as of Monday. Priority is given to processing tests from patients admitted to hospitals and health workers, it said.
South Africa has conducted more tests for the virus than any other country in Africa - more than 655,000 - and has the most confirmed cases with 27,403.
One of the latest to die of COVID-19 in South Africa was a National Health Laboratory Services employee. “We understand this tragedy will certainly test you,” the ministry said in a message to her colleagues, adding that the government is committed to providing proper protective gear.
That, too, faces shortages across Africa. More than 3,400 health workers on the continent had been infected as of a week ago, according to the World Health Organization.
The shortages, especially in testing materials, have jolted African authorities into facing uncomfortable truths: Richer countries are elbowing them out in the race to obtain crucial supplies, and the continent relies almost entirely on imports for drugs and other medical items.
“We have to have Made in Africa products,” the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, told reporters Thursday. “We cannot keep importing basic things.”
He and others, including the WHO’s Ethiopian director-general, have raised the cry for fair access, including for any vaccine or treatment that emerges.
“Dozens of countries have imposed export controls on medical supplies and equipment,” scores of South African and other health and activist groups said in an open letter to Group of 20 leaders last month.
Complicating matters are global powers like the United States and China promoting aid to African countries during the pandemic as part of efforts to win support on the continent. But that aid doesn’t always show up.
President Donald Trump on May 21 said “we just sent 1,000” ventilators to Nigeria, but the country’s information minister, Lai Mohammed, told reporters Thursday that “to the best of my knowledge they have not arrived. When they do arrive, it will be made public.”
But the testing shortages are especially frustrating for African health officials, who have been praised for swiftly expanding testing capability for the virus continent-wide, from just two countries in February.
“Low levels of testing might be artificially lowering apparent infection rates,” The Lancet said in a new editorial noting Africa’s quick response but also the challenges that lie ahead.
Across Africa slightly under 2 million tests for the virus have been conducted, Nkengasong said, far below the target of testing 13 million people - or 1% of the continent’s population of 1.3 billion.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with some 200 million people, has one of the lowest coronavirus testing rates in the world with 286 tests per million people. More than 58,000 tests for the virus have been conducted, according to the country’s Center for Disease Control. Nearly 9,000 cases have been confirmed while worries grow about undetected spread of the virus in the north.
In Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country with some 110 million people, the health ministry says more than 96,000 tests have been conducted. More than 830 cases have been confirmed.
As of mid-May, Chad had carried out 105 tests per million people and Mali had tested just 173 per million, compared to some 38,000 tests per million in the United States, the International Rescue Committee said last week.
By the end of this week 2.5 million tests will have been distributed to Africa’s 54 countries, the Africa CDC’s Nkengasong said.
Despite the shortages, “I’m optimistic that in the next two to three weeks it will be very different,” he said, without giving details.
So far African nations have relied on tests donated by the Jack Ma Foundation, sourced via partners including the WHO and procured via a newly created platform that pools African countries’ purchasing efforts on the international market.
Meanwhile, efforts at domestic production of testing materials have begun in South Africa, Morocco, Senegal and Kenya, the Africa CDC has said, with plans to have those countries aid each other in evaluating the products.
“Africa is a continent that needs its own internal capacity to produce diagnostic kits,” South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters on Thursday. “We need several millions of these kits.”
___
Sam Olukoya in Lagos, Nigeria and Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal contributed.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--2 dead in house fire, cause under investigation

DUQUESNE , Pa. ( AP ) - Authorities in western Pennsylvania on Friday were trying to determine what sparked an @ @ @ @ @ the lives of a man and a woman .
Firefighters found intense flames and heavy @ @ @ @ @ the scene on Karl Avenue early Friday .
Neighbors told them two people were trapped @ @ @ @ @ heavy fire conditions and heavy fire load throughout , ” said Fire Chief Frank Cobb @ @ @ @ @ to back out and then immediately through a transitional attack to get the fire knocked @ @ @ @ @ the house.
” Most of the damage was on the second floor , Cobb said @ @ @ @ @ firefighters found the victims .
One was at the top of the stairs and the @ @ @ @ @ .
Their names have not been released .
The Allegheny County fire marshal was investigating @ @ @

DUQUESNE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in western Pennsylvania on Friday were trying to determine what sparked an early-morning house fire that claimed the lives of a man and a woman.
Firefighters found intense flames and heavy smoke when they arrived on the scene on Karl Avenue early Friday. Neighbors told them two people were trapped inside.
“Crews encountered heavy fire conditions and heavy fire load throughout,” said Fire Chief Frank Cobb. “So crews had to back out and then immediately through a transitional attack to get the fire knocked out and make entry to the house.”
Most of the damage was on the second floor, Cobb said, and that was where firefighters found the victims. One was at the top of the stairs and the other was in a bedroom.
Their names have not been released.
The Allegheny County fire marshal was investigating the cause.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Police: Alabama worker killed trying to unjam wood chipper

PHENIX , Ala. ( AP ) - A man in Alabama died when he got caught in a wood chipper @ @ @ @ @ workplace , police said .
When officers arrived at Phenix Lumber Co. within the hour @ @ @ @ @ , they found partial remains of Brandon Lee Vandyke by the wood chipper , Phenix @ @ @ @ @ Williams said in a news release .
Vandyke , 34 , was pronounced dead at @ @ @ @ @ Coroner ’ s office , news outlets reported .
Williams said there is not a @ @ @ @ @ s death but other agencies including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be looking @ @ @ @ @ operation .

PHENIX, Ala. (AP) - A man in Alabama died when he got caught in a wood chipper that got jammed at his workplace, police said.
When officers arrived at Phenix Lumber Co. within the hour of the accident Wednesday morning, they found partial remains of Brandon Lee Vandyke by the wood chipper, Phenix City Police Capt. Darryl Williams said in a news release.
Vandyke, 34, was pronounced dead at the scene by Russell County Coroner’s office, news outlets reported. Williams said there is not a criminal investigation into Vandyke’s death but other agencies including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be looking into the mill’s operation.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--5 things to know today - that aren't about the virus

Your daily look at nonvirus stories in the news : 1 .
PROTESTS RAGE FOR A 3RD NIGHT IN MINNEAPOLIS @ @ @ @ @ and cause damage elsewhere as violent demonstrations continued over the death of George Floyd , @ @ @ @ @ died in police custody .
2 .
7 SHOT AT LOUISVILLE PROTEST Police say none @ @ @ @ @ weapons as hundreds of protesters turned out to demand justice for Breonna Taylor , a @ @ @ @ @ police in her home in March .
3 .
US-CHINA FALLOUT ESCALATES The Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ Chinese graduate students enrolled at U.S. universities .
4. WHO PULLED OUT OF BIDEN ’ @ @ @ @ @ Masto of Nevada says that she ’ s not interested in serving as running mate @ @ @ @ @ .
5 .
SPELL ‘ KAROSHTHI ’ That ’ s the word that Navneeth Murali @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey , spelled correctly to win an online spelling bee to fill the void @ @ @ @ @ National Spelling Bee .

Your daily look at nonvirus stories in the news:
1. PROTESTS RAGE FOR A 3RD NIGHT IN MINNEAPOLIS Protesters torch a police station and cause damage elsewhere as violent demonstrations continued over the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died in police custody.
2. 7 SHOT AT LOUISVILLE PROTEST Police say none of their officers fired their weapons as hundreds of protesters turned out to demand justice for Breonna Taylor, a black woman fatally shot by police in her home in March.
3. US-CHINA FALLOUT ESCALATES The Trump administration may soon expel thousands of Chinese graduate students enrolled at U.S. universities.
4. WHO PULLED OUT OF BIDEN’S VEEPSTAKES Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada says that she’s not interested in serving as running mate to the presumptive presidential nominee.
5. SPELL ‘KAROSHTHI’ That’s the word that Navneeth Murali, an eighth grader from New Jersey, spelled correctly to win an online spelling bee to fill the void left by the canceled Scripps National Spelling Bee.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Family of George Floyd wants charges against officer upped to first-degree murder

The family of George Floyd called Friday for ex-cop Derek Chauvin to be charged with first-degree murder instead of third-degree murder in the “ brutal killing ” of Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis .
Ben Crump , attorney for the Floyd family , released a statement calling the arrest of the former Minneapolis police officer “ a welcome but overdue step on the road to justice.
” “ We expected a first-degree murder charge .
We want a first-degree murder charge , ” said the statement .
“ And we want to see the other officers arrested .
We call on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the true culpability of this officer.
” Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman on Friday charged Mr. Chauvin , 44 , with third-degree murder and manslaughter for kneeling on Mr. Floyd ’ s neck for more than eight minutes during a Monday arrest for forgery .
An autopsy found that Mr. Floyd , 46 , died of underlying health problems exacerbated by the police restraint , but not asphyxiation , according to the preliminary findings of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner .
Mr. Floyd , who had been accused of paying for merchandise with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the four officers at the scene that he couldn ’ t breathe and became unresponsive after about six minutes , according to a viral video of the incident .
“ For four officers to inflict this kind of unnecessary , lethal force — or watch it happen — despite outcry from witnesses who were recording the violence demonstrates a breakdown in training and policy by the City , ” said the statement .
The death of Mr. Floyd , who is black , during a confrontation with the white officer prompted protests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night with the burning down of the Third Precinct building .
The protests spread nationwide Friday night to multiple cities , including Atlanta , New York City and Washington , D.C. , sparking clashes with police .
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued an 8 p.m. curfew for Friday and Saturday even as police and National Guard prepared for a fourth night of rioting .

The family of George Floyd called Friday for ex-cop Derek Chauvin to be charged with first-degree murder instead of third-degree murder in the “brutal killing” of Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis.
Ben Crump, attorney for the Floyd family, released a statement calling the arrest of the former Minneapolis police officer “a welcome but overdue step on the road to justice.”
“We expected a first-degree murder charge. We want a first-degree murder charge,” said the statement. “And we want to see the other officers arrested. We call on authorities to revise the charges to reflect the true culpability of this officer.”
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman on Friday charged Mr. Chauvin, 44, with third-degree murder and manslaughter for kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes during a Monday arrest for forgery.
An autopsy found that Mr. Floyd, 46, died of underlying health problems exacerbated by the police restraint, but not asphyxiation, according to the preliminary findings of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
FAMILY STATEMENT: The family of #GeorgeFloyd and I released the following statement in response to the arrest of Derek Chauvin, the officer videoed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck. #JusticeForFloyd #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/BkSFRlYB6j — Benjamin Crump, Esq. (@AttorneyCrump) May 29, 2020
Asphyxiation not the cause of George Floyd’s death: Autopsy https://t.co/ul8bxEo9Y2 — The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 29, 2020
Mr. Floyd, who had been accused of paying for merchandise with a phony $20 bill, told the four officers at the scene that he couldn’t breathe and became unresponsive after about six minutes, according to a viral video of the incident.
“For four officers to inflict this kind of unnecessary, lethal force — or watch it happen — despite outcry from witnesses who were recording the violence demonstrates a breakdown in training and policy by the City,” said the statement.
The death of Mr. Floyd, who is black, during a confrontation with the white officer prompted protests, rioting and looting in Minneapolis, culminating Thursday night with the burning down of the Third Precinct building.
The protests spread nationwide Friday night to multiple cities, including Atlanta, New York City and Washington, D.C., sparking clashes with police.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued an 8 p.m. curfew for Friday and Saturday even as police and National Guard prepared for a fourth night of rioting.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Arrest made after California homeless fed poisoned food

SANTA ANA , Calif. ( AP ) - One person was arrested after eight homeless people were given poisoned food @ @ @ @ @ hospital , Southern California authorities said Friday .
The poisonings occurred over the course of @ @ @ @ @ in Huntington Beach in Orange County south of Los Angeles , authorities said .
The @ @ @ @ @ with oleoresin capsicum , “ which is twice as strong as the pepper spray used @ @ @ @ @ reactions to the poisoned food were filmed , ” according to an advisory from the @ @ @ @ @ office , which planned to provide more details at a news conference next Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ variety of symptoms including seizure-like symptoms , difficulty breathing , vomiting , and intense mouth @ @ @ @ @ the announcement said .
“ Several of the victims required hospitalization.
” An investigation continued @ @ @ @ @ more victims or suspects , authorities said .

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - One person was arrested after eight homeless people were given poisoned food that sent several to the hospital, Southern California authorities said Friday.
The poisonings occurred over the course of about a week in mid-May in Huntington Beach in Orange County south of Los Angeles, authorities said.
The victims were given food laced with oleoresin capsicum, “which is twice as strong as the pepper spray used by police, and their reactions to the poisoned food were filmed,” according to an advisory from the county district attorney’s office, which planned to provide more details at a news conference next Monday.
“The victims suffered a variety of symptoms including seizure-like symptoms, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and intense mouth and stomach pain,” the announcement said. “Several of the victims required hospitalization.”
No deaths were reported.
An investigation continued to determine whether there are more victims or suspects, authorities said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--California prison employees suspended over racist remarks

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California prison officials said Friday that they suspended multiple employees who made racist jokes about the death of an unarmed black man in police custody in Minneapolis , a disclosure that came amid protests across the state and nation .
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation “ was made aware of abhorrent comments made on social media by some employees that will not be tolerated , ” spokeswoman Dana Simas said .
“ The employees who made the comments were immediately suspended , and we are investigating the incidents fully.
” Secretary Ralph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff that what he described as “ distasteful jokes and comments ” about the death of George Floyd dishonored the department .
He called the comments “ extremely hurtful and disrespectful to ( Floyd ’ s ) family and members of the community.
” “ In addition to racist remarks , a religious group was also singled out for disparagement , ” he said , without elaborating .
Simas would not say how many employees were suspended , where they are located , or whether they are correctional officers or have other duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said unethical or racist conduct will not be tolerated regardless of whether employees are sworn correctional officers or other employees , or happen while they are on duty or off duty .
The union representing correctional officers did not immediately comment .
Floyd died after several Minneapolis police officers sat on him and one was shown in a viral video with his knee on Floyd ’ s neck .
That officer , Derek Chauvin , was charged Friday with third-degree murder and manslaughter .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California prison officials said Friday that they suspended multiple employees who made racist jokes about the death of an African American man in police custody in Minneapolis, a disclosure that came amid protests across the state and nation.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation “was made aware of abhorrent comments made on social media by some employees that will not be tolerated,” spokeswoman Dana Simas said. “The employees who made the comments were immediately suspended, and we are investigating the incidents fully.”
Secretary Ralph Diaz said in a letter to his staff that what he described as “distasteful jokes and comments” about the death of George Floyd dishonored the department. He called the comments “extremely hurtful and disrespectful to (Floyd’s) family and members of the community.”
“In addition to racist remarks, a religious group was also singled out for disparagement,” he said, without elaborating.
Simas would not say how many employees were suspended, where they are located, or whether they are correctional officers or have other duties, citing the active investigations.
Diaz said unethical or racist conduct will not be tolerated regardless of whether employees are sworn correctional officers or other employees, or happen while they are on duty or off duty.
The union representing correctional officers did not immediately comment.
Floyd died after several Minneapolis police officers sat on him and one was shown in a viral video with his knee on Floyd’s neck. That officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged Friday with third-degree murder and manslaughter.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Donald Trump vetoes first domestic bill in four years, rejects measure on education loan forgiveness

President Trump vetoed a domestic policy bill for the first time Friday night , rejecting a bipartisan measure that would have barred Education Secretary Betsy DeVos from implementing a new rule determining how defrauded student borrowers could get loan forgiveness .
The president said the legislation “ sought to reimpose an Obama-era regulation that defined educational fraud so broadly that it threatened to paralyze the nation ’ s system of higher education.
” “ The Department of Education ’ s rule strikes a better balance , protecting students ’ rights to recover from schools that defraud them while foreclosing frivolous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxpayers to needless loss , ” he said .
Mrs. DeVos crafted the “ borrower defense to repayment ” rule to revise a 2016 Obama rule that she said was too generous to students claiming they were defrauded .
The president said leaders of historically black colleges and universities ( HBCUs ) have told him that the legislation “ would have irreparably harmed their great institutions.
” “ As president , I have been strongly committed to fighting for HBCUs , ” Mr. Trump said in a statement .
“ As I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better champion in the White House .
My disapproval of this resolution is another marker of that support.
” He urged lawmakers “ to sustain my veto , and to stand with HBCUs and students against the trial lawyers who want to undermine our higher education system for their own financial gain.
” When the Senate approved the legislation , 10 Republican senators joined all Democrats in voting for the measure .
It ’ s expected to be difficult for the Senate to override the veto .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s veto .
“ It is sad that the president rejected the will of the Congress and the country with his veto , ” Mrs. Pelosi said .
“ The House will soon vote to overturn this veto , which poses a grave harm to the financial security and futures of America ’ s students , particularly as America ’ s students are hurting more now than ever during the COVID-19 crisis.
” She noted that 34 veterans ’ groups support the legislation and opposed the Education Department ’ s new rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our men and women in uniform to the mercy of predatory schools that see them ‘ as nothing more than dollar signs.
’ ” Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin , Illinois Democrat , asked the president on Twitter , “ in 4 days did you forget those flag waving Memorial Day speeches as you vetoed a bill veterans were begging for ?
”

President Trump has vetoed a domestic policy bill for the first time, rejecting a bipartisan measure that would have barred Education Secretary Betsy DeVos from implementing a new rule determining how defrauded student borrowers could get loan forgiveness.
Mr. Trump said the legislation “sought to reimpose an Obama-era regulation that defined educational fraud so broadly that it threatened to paralyze the nation’s system of higher education.”
“The Department of Education’s rule strikes a better balance, protecting students’ rights to recover from schools that defraud them while foreclosing frivolous lawsuits that undermine higher education and expose taxpayers to needless loss,” he said in a Friday night statement.
Mrs. DeVos crafted the “borrower defense to repayment” rule to revise a 2016 Obama rule that she said was too generous to students claiming they were defrauded.
Mr. Trump said leaders of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have told him that the legislation “would have irreparably harmed their great institutions.”
“As president, I have been strongly committed to fighting for HBCUs,” Mr. Trump said in a statement. “As I have said before, HBCUs have never had a better champion in the White House. My disapproval of this resolution is another marker of that support.”
He urged lawmakers “to sustain my veto, and to stand with HBCUs and students against the trial lawyers who want to undermine our higher education system for their own financial gain.”
When the Senate approved the legislation, 10 Republican senators voted for the measure. But that 53-42 vote would not provide the two-thirds supermajority needed to override the veto.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the Democratic-controlled chamber will overturn the veto.
“It is sad that the president rejected the will of the Congress and the country with his veto,” Mrs. Pelosi said. “The House will soon vote to overturn this veto, which poses a grave harm to the financial security and futures of America’s students, particularly as America’s students are hurting more now than ever during the COVID-19 crisis.”
She noted that 34 veterans’ groups support the legislation and opposed the Education Department’s new rule, “even warning that it leaves our men and women in uniform to the mercy of predatory schools that see them ‘as nothing more than dollar signs.’”
Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin, Illinois Democrat, asked the president on Twitter, “in 4 days did you forget those flag waving Memorial Day speeches as you vetoed a bill veterans were begging for?”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Master of cargo ship charged over Australia container spill

BRISBANE , Australia ( AP ) - The ship master of a Singapore-registered vessel that spilled some of its cargo off the Australian east coast has been charged with damage of the marine environment and pollution .
The APL England was en route to Melbourne from China when rough seas caused 50 shipping containers to topple overboard last Sunday .
The marine authority said the spill resulted from poor cargo loading .
On Saturday , ship operator ANL said the APL England ’ s crew had done well to maneuver the ship to safety amid poor weather conditions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Brisbane .
“ This was an unnerving event , even for seasoned maritime professionals , and the captain and the crew have ANL ’ s full support , ” the operator said in a statement .
ANL also said it had contracted two companies to help with the cleanup , including the removal of debris and spilled containers .
Only about 15 containers have been accounted for .
Marine authority operations general manager Allan Schwartz handed down the charges against the ship master on Friday , a decision he said was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents remind us of the important role the ship ’ s master has in ensuring the ships that ply our waters are operated safely and do not damage our marine environment , ” Schwartz said in a statement .
Cleanup efforts were concentrated on beaches around eastern Sydney and north to Newcastle , 160 kilometers ( 100 miles ) away .

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) - The ship master of a Singapore-registered vessel that spilled some of its cargo off the Australian east coast has been charged with damage of the marine environment and pollution.
The APL England was en route to Melbourne from China when rough seas caused 50 shipping containers to topple overboard last Sunday. The marine authority said the spill resulted from poor cargo loading.
On Saturday, ship operator ANL said the APL England’s crew had done well to maneuver the ship to safety amid poor weather conditions. The ship is now detained at the Port of Brisbane.
“This was an unnerving event, even for seasoned maritime professionals, and the captain and the crew have ANL’s full support,” the operator said in a statement.
ANL also said it had contracted two companies to help with the cleanup, including the removal of debris and spilled containers. Only about 15 containers have been accounted for.
Marine authority operations general manager Allan Schwartz handed down the charges against the ship master on Friday, a decision he said was not taken lightly.
“This and other incidents remind us of the important role the ship’s master has in ensuring the ships that ply our waters are operated safely and do not damage our marine environment,” Schwartz said in a statement.
Cleanup efforts were concentrated on beaches around eastern Sydney and north to Newcastle, 160 kilometers (100 miles) away.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--An emotional Gov. Newsom talks privilege, race amid protests

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s four young children thrust a cell phone into his face as he got out of his car , demanding he watch a video of a black man pleading with a white police officer in Minnesota to take his knee off his neck so he could breathe .
Newsom ’ s 10-year old daughter Montana said it was wrong .
Her brother Hunter , 8 , said it was “ worse than wrong , ” because “ bad people are supposed to be bad but good people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-year-old brother , Dutch , chimed in to say it wasn ’ t right because “ police officers are good people.
” That ’ s when Brooklyn , 6 , “ completely broke down , ” Newsom said , and ran away saying : “ I can ’ t talk about all this.
” “ That was before I even walked into the house , ” Newsom recounted Friday at the start of his briefing on the state ’ s response to the cornavirus .
“ Four young kids , trying to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to come to grips with.
” The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police this week has sparked protests in California and around the country as the nation again confronts racial injustice .
Newsom , known for a wonky speaking style that favors terms like “ through-put ” that are more fitted to a Silicon Valley board room , responded on Friday the way he sometimes does when he wants to convey his feelings on a difficult subject : He talked about his family .
At times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was holding back tears .
In mid-March , two days before Newsom imposed the nation ’ s first statewide stay-at-home order , he delivered what at the time was stunning news that it was unlikely public schools would reopen this academic year .
He said he felt obligated to inform the public after telling his daughter the night before : “ ‘ Honey , I don ’ t think the schools are gon na open again.
’ ” “ If I can tell my daughter that and not tell your daughter … then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true to the people of the state of California , ” Newsom said .
On Friday , he said his conversation with his children about Floyd ’ s death brought home “ the privilege of my background , ” including “ the privilege my kids have in terms of their upbringing , the fact that they ’ re white.
” “ I don ’ t have to raise my kids like my friends ’ kids are raised and so many other millions of Americans ’ kids are raised , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many , there ’ s deep anger , there ’ s deep frustration , there ’ s deep fear .
And I - I can attest to that .
But only intellectually.
” California ’ s history is interwoven with racial injustice and violence , from riots in the 1870s in Los Angeles and San Francisco that saw Chinese immigrants murdered to the 1992 LA riots where dozens were killed and thousands arrested following the acquittal of four white police officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King .
Two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fatal police shooting of a young black man .
No officers were charged .
Last year , Newsom signed a law that was influenced by the Sacramento killing .
It changing the standard for when police officers can use deadly force and when they can be prosecuted for abusing it .
The new law is among the nation ’ s most comprehensive governing police use of force .
“ Passing a law , you ’ re not solving problems .
You ’ ve got to change the culture , ” Newsom said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fundamentally change who we are and recognize what we ’ re capable of being.
” Newsom said change is needed beyond just the criminal justice system and includes public health .
While blacks make up about 6.5 % of the state ’ s population of 40 million , they have accounted for 10.1 % of the state ’ s coronavirus deaths .
“ We have to be more resolved now than ever to do more and be better as human beings , as parents , as leader in our own right and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his voice catching as he invoked the Rev .
Martin Luther King , who he said reminded people “ that we ’ re all bound together by a web of mutuality , that we ’ re all in this together.
” Newsom urged protesters this weekend to express themselves “ thoughtfully and gently - but forcefully ” so that “ we , collectively , can not only hear your voice but we can resolve to do something with the lesson that we learn .
”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four young children thrust a cell phone into his face as he got out of his car, demanding he watch a video of a black man pleading with a white police officer in Minnesota to take his knee off his neck so he could breathe.
Newsom’s 10-year old daughter Montana said it was wrong. Her brother Hunter, 8, said it was “worse than wrong,” because “bad people are supposed to be bad but good people are supposed to be good.” Their 4-year-old brother, Dutch, chimed in to say it wasn’t right because “police officers are good people.”
That’s when Brooklyn, 6, “completely broke down,” Newsom said, and ran away saying: “I can’t talk about all this.”
“That was before I even walked into the house,” Newsom recounted Friday at the start of his briefing on the state’s response to the cornavirus. “Four young kids, trying to come to grips with what millions of Americans are trying to come to grips with.”
The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police this week has sparked protests in California and around the country as the nation again confronts racial injustice.
Newsom, known for a wonky speaking style that favors terms like “through-put” that are more fitted to a Silicon Valley board room, responded on Friday the way he sometimes does when he wants to convey his feelings on a difficult subject: He talked about his family. At times, his voice quivered and it seemed he was holding back tears.
In mid-March, two days before Newsom imposed the nation’s first statewide stay-at-home order, he delivered what at the time was stunning news that it was unlikely public schools would reopen this academic year. He said he felt obligated to inform the public after telling his daughter the night before: “‘Honey, I don’t think the schools are gonna open again.’”
“If I can tell my daughter that and not tell your daughter … then I’m not being honest and true to the people of the state of California,” Newsom said.
On Friday, he said his conversation with his children about Floyd’s death brought home “the privilege of my background,” including “the privilege my kids have in terms of their upbringing, the fact that they’re white.”
“I don’t have to raise my kids like my friends’ kids are raised and so many other millions of Americans’ kids are raised,” he said. “I know in the hearts of so many, there’s deep anger, there’s deep frustration, there’s deep fear. And I - I can attest to that. But only intellectually.”
California’s history is interwoven with racial injustice and violence, from riots in the 1870s in Los Angeles and San Francisco that saw Chinese immigrants murdered to the 1992 LA riots where dozens were killed and thousands arrested following the acquittal of four white police officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King.
Two years ago Sacramento was roiled by protests over the fatal police shooting of a young black man. No officers were charged.
Last year, Newsom signed a law that was influenced by the Sacramento killing. It changing the standard for when police officers can use deadly force and when they can be prosecuted for abusing it. The new law is among the nation’s most comprehensive governing police use of force.
“Passing a law, you’re not solving problems. You’ve got to change the culture,” Newsom said Friday. “We’ve got to fundamentally change who we are and recognize what we’re capable of being.”
Newsom said change is needed beyond just the criminal justice system and includes public health. While blacks make up about 6.5% of the state’s population of 40 million, they have accounted for 10.1% of the state’s coronavirus deaths.
“We have to be more resolved now than ever to do more and be better as human beings, as parents, as leader in our own right and to model better behavior,” Newsom, his voice catching as he invoked the Rev. Martin Luther King, who he said reminded people “that we’re all bound together by a web of mutuality, that we’re all in this together.”
Newsom urged protesters this weekend to express themselves “thoughtfully and gently - but forcefully” so that “we, collectively, can not only hear your voice but we can resolve to do something with the lesson that we learn.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--White House locked down as crowd protests death of George Floyd

The White House was on lockdown Friday night as hundreds of demonstrators gathered in adjacent Lafayette Park chanting , “ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a reference to an alleged case of police brutality in Minnesota .
The @ @ @ @ @ were “ assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ safety we encourage all to remain peaceful , ” the agency tweeted .
President Trump @ @ @ @ @ at the time of the demonstration .
The demonstrators were protesting the killing of George @ @ @ @ @ man , who died after Minneapolis police officers kneeled on him on the street for @ @ @ @

The White House was on lockdown Friday night as hundreds of demonstrators gathered in adjacent Lafayette Park chanting, “I can’t breathe,” a reference to an alleged case of police brutality in Minnesota.
The Secret Service said its personnel were “assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park.”
“In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful,” the agency tweeted.
President Trump was in the White House at the time of the demonstration.
The demonstrators were protesting the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after Minneapolis police officers kneeled on him on the street for nearly nine minutes.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Police: Trans man fatally shot by officer after pointing gun

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. ( AP ) - A transgender black man was fatally shot by an officer in Florida after fatally stabbing another man and pointing a gun at the officer , authorities said .
Tony McDade , 38 , was shot and killed by a Tallahassee police officer Wednesday after McDade fatally stabbed her next-door neighbor 21-year-old Malik Jackson , news outlets reported .
McDade went by male pronouns on Facebook and local LGBTQ organizations identified McDade as a transgender man .
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said officers found Jackson suffering from fatal stab wounds in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect fled but was found 15 minutes later at a different apartment complex , Revell said .
McDade had a gun and pointed it at an officer , who then shot him , Revell said .
Police haven ’ t released the officer ’ s identity but witnesses said the officer was white , news outlets reported .
During a news conference , Revell said there was no indication that the shooting was racially motivated nor was there an indication that the shooting was unjustified .
McDade posted a video on Facebook before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get revenge on several men who attacked him the previous day .
McDade also said he would have a standoff with police , adding “ I ’ m living suicidal right now.
” Another social media video shows a group of men attack a person believed to be McDade .
Police said they were working to authenticate the videos .
McDade was arrested on May 4 and accused of aggravated assault and pointing a gun at someone .
Police said McDade was carrying a BB gun and that he always carried a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came days after the killing of George Floyd , a Minneapolis man who died while being detained by police .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A transgender black man was fatally shot by an officer in Florida after fatally stabbing another man and pointing a gun at the officer, authorities said.
Tony McDade, 38, was shot and killed by a Tallahassee police officer Wednesday after McDade fatally stabbed his next-door neighbor 21-year-old Malik Jackson, news outlets reported. McDade went by male pronouns on Facebook and local LGBTQ organizations identified McDade as a transgender man.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said officers found Jackson suffering from fatal stab wounds in front of his mother’s home.
The suspect fled but was found 15 minutes later at a different apartment complex, Revell said.
McDade had a gun and pointed it at an officer, who then shot him, Revell said. Police haven’t released the officer’s identity but witnesses said the officer was white, news outlets reported.
During a news conference, Revell said there was no indication that the shooting was racially motivated nor was there an indication that the shooting was unjustified.
McDade posted a video on Facebook before the stabbing, stating he was going to get revenge on several men who attacked him the previous day. McDade also said he would have a standoff with police, adding “I’m living suicidal right now.”
Another social media video shows a group of men attack a person believed to be McDade.
Police said they were working to authenticate the videos.
McDade was arrested on May 4 and accused of aggravated assault and pointing a gun at someone. Police said McDade was carrying a BB gun and that he always carried a BB gun with him.
The shooting came days after the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died while being detained by police.
___
This story was first published on May 29, 2020. It was updated on June 1, 2020, to correct the wrong pronoun used in one instance for a transgender black man who was fatally shot by police. The second paragraph should have said Tony McDade fatally stabbed his next-door neighbor, not ‘her’ next-door neighbor. Masculine pronouns were used for McDade elsewhere in the original story.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Coronavirus protest concert blocked by Utah judge

SALT LAKE CITY ( AP ) - A Utah judge blocked a concert protesting coronavirus restrictions Friday , siding with county health officials who said the event expected to attract thousands of people could worsen the pandemic .
Judge Dianna Gibson decided there was a real risk of spreading the virus within the audience and others they might carry it back to .
The decision came hours after Utah marked its largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases .
“ Not allowing this event to move forward under these circumstances is not a deprivation of anyone ’ s individual constitutional right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also not government overreach.
” Organizers didn ’ t immediately say whether they would abide by the orders and cancel the concert by well-known Nashville-based country singer Collin Raye .
The concert scheduled for Saturday has been expected to draw 3,000 to 5,000 people to a remote amphitheater in the desert west of Salt Lake City .
It ’ s organized by the group Utah Business Revival , which has also hosted other protests against business-closure directives aimed at slowing the spread of the virus .
Republican Gov .
Gary Herbert has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses to reopen , but gatherings of more than 50 people are still banned .
Organizers found the venue in Tooele County last week , after a backlash pushed them out of their first planned location in Kaysville .
But Tooele County officials again blocked the event , saying that they wouldn ’ t have time to issue a permit under normal circumstances , much less during a pandemic .
The venue ’ s largest previous event had 700 people .
“ If it was thoroughly vetted , maybe this concert could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this , ” said Tooele County Attorney Scott Broadhead .
“ The people that get sick and spread the virus all over the state , they pay the price.
” Organizers , though , say they would take precautions by encouraging people to social distance , and providing plenty of hand sanitizer and masks .
“ I don ’ t want to put the public in jeopardy , but I think an outdoor event with huge potential for social distancing isn ’ t a risk at all , ” said Jason Manning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ranch .
The plans have also included booths from small businesses , many of which have been devastated by the steep economic toll exerted by the crisis , said organizer Eric Moutsos with Utah Business Revival .
He had appealed to Gibson to remove a temporary restraining order , promising to shoulder the legal consequences of violating the health rules .
“ We ’ re not talking here about the end of the world .
We ’ re talking about an outdoor concert event where people choose on their own to attend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
More than 100 people have died in Utah , and nearly 9,300 people have tested positive .
The number of reported cases increased by 343 on Friday , the largest single-day increase since the epidemic began .
That could indicate a trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be explained by testing resuming after a lull during the Memorial Day weekend , said state epidemiologist Angela Dunn .

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah judge blocked a concert protesting coronavirus restrictions Friday, siding with county health officials who said the event expected to attract thousands of people could worsen the pandemic.
Judge Dianna Gibson decided there was a real risk of spreading the virus within the audience and others they might carry it back to. The decision came hours after Utah marked its largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases.
“Not allowing this event to move forward under these circumstances is not a deprivation of anyone’s individual constitutional right,” she said. “It is also not government overreach.”
Organizers didn’t immediately say whether they would abide by the orders and cancel the concert by well-known Nashville-based country singer Collin Raye.
The concert scheduled for Saturday has been expected to draw 3,000 to 5,000 people to a remote amphitheater in the desert west of Salt Lake City. It’s organized by the group Utah Business Revival, which has also hosted other protests against business-closure directives aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.
Republican Gov. Gary Herbert has now loosened restrictions to allow nearly all businesses to reopen, but gatherings of more than 50 people are still banned. Organizers found the venue in Tooele County last week, after a backlash pushed them out of their first planned location in Kaysville.
But Tooele County officials again blocked the event, saying that they wouldn’t have time to issue a permit under normal circumstances, much less during a pandemic. The venue’s largest previous event had 700 people.
“If it was thoroughly vetted, maybe this concert could have happened, but not now, not like this,” said Tooele County Attorney Scott Broadhead. “The people that get sick and spread the virus all over the state, they pay the price.”
Organizers, though, say they would take precautions by encouraging people to social distance, and providing plenty of hand sanitizer and masks.
“I don’t want to put the public in jeopardy, but I think an outdoor event with huge potential for social distancing isn’t a risk at all,” said Jason Manning, owner of the Amphitheater at Studio Ranch.
The plans have also included booths from small businesses, many of which have been devastated by the steep economic toll exerted by the crisis, said organizer Eric Moutsos with Utah Business Revival. He had appealed to Gibson to remove a temporary restraining order, promising to shoulder the legal consequences of violating the health rules.
“We’re not talking here about the end of the world. We’re talking about an outdoor concert event where people choose on their own to attend,” said attorney Paxton Guymon.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
More than 100 people have died in Utah, and nearly 9,300 people have tested positive. The number of reported cases increased by 343 on Friday, the largest single-day increase since the epidemic began. That could indicate a trend in localized areas, but could also be explained by testing resuming after a lull during the Memorial Day weekend, said state epidemiologist Angela Dunn.


washingtontimes--2020-05-29--Arkansas hospital returns $8.8 million to federal government

MONTICELLO , Ark .
( AP ) - An Arkansas hospital that received $ 8.8 million in federal money during the pandemic has returned the payment after administrators realized a mistake had been made .
The federal government has been distributing funds to health care facilities that have been hit hard by the pandemic , the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported .
Scott Barrilleaux , chief executive at Monticello ’ s Drew Memorial Hospital , said officials did not expect to receive the deposit earlier this month .
The hospital had already received a $ 3.8 million payment for being a rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next day , and there was another big payment in our account , ” Barrilleaux said .
Barrilleaux figured out the mix up came from the data the hospital was supposed to give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .
Administrators submitted figures including “ probable ” and confirmed coronavirus cases , he noted .
The mistake qualified providers for a share of $ 12 billion in targeted payments for facilities struggling in the pandemic .
A department spokeswoman said in an email this week that the department had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed coronavirus admissions from Jan. 1 to April 10 .
In response to a question about how the department plans to verify case numbers at facilities , the spokeswoman said that providers had to agree to certain terms to accept the payment , and they could lose some or all of the money if they violated that agreement .
Policy experts are concerned about how the distribution of payment is tracked .
The inspector general overseeing the department last week announced audits of it first payouts to medical providers .

MONTICELLO, Ark. (AP) - An Arkansas hospital that received $8.8 million in federal money during the pandemic has returned the payment after administrators realized a mistake had been made.
The federal government has been distributing funds to health care facilities that have been hit hard by the pandemic, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
Scott Barrilleaux, chief executive at Monticello’s Drew Memorial Hospital, said officials did not expect to receive the deposit earlier this month. The hospital had already received a $3.8 million payment for being a rural facility.
“I got to work the next day, and there was another big payment in our account,” Barrilleaux said.
Barrilleaux figured out the mix up came from the data the hospital was supposed to give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Administrators submitted figures including “probable” and confirmed coronavirus cases, he noted.
The mistake qualified providers for a share of $12 billion in targeted payments for facilities struggling in the pandemic.
A department spokeswoman said in an email this week that the department had been clear that hospitals should submit information on confirmed coronavirus admissions from Jan. 1 to April 10.
In response to a question about how the department plans to verify case numbers at facilities, the spokeswoman said that providers had to agree to certain terms to accept the payment, and they could lose some or all of the money if they violated that agreement.
Policy experts are concerned about how the distribution of payment is tracked. The inspector general overseeing the department last week announced audits of it first payouts to medical providers.