washingtontimes--2020-04-30--McDonald's says 1Q sales drop as 25% of stores are closed

Most McDonald ’ s restaurants in the U.S. and China are now open for drive-thru and delivery , but global lockdown orders still took a bite out of the company ’ s first quarter sales .
McDonald ’ s said Thursday its sales fell 6 % to $ 4.71 billion in the January-March period .
Declines have persisted in April .
Approximately 75 % of the fast food giant ’ s 39,000 stores globally are open .
In China , where 25 % of stores were closed in February , nearly all have reopened ; 99 % of U.S. stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ menus and takeout food .
But stores remain closed in some key markets like France , the United Kingdom and Italy .
McDonald ’ s started the year strong .
Through February , its same-store sales - or sales at stores open at least a year - were up 7.2 % worldwide and 8.1 % in the U.S .
But sales tumbled in March as global lockdowns took hold .
McDonald ’ s ended the quarter with same-store sales down 3.4 % .
McDonald ’ s said earlier investments in digital ordering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-store traffic .
Around 25,000 McDonald ’ s worldwide now offer delivery , while 20,000 let customers order and pay on their mobile phones .
In the U.S. , drive-thru already made up two-thirds of McDonald ’ s sales before the pandemic .
Chicago-based McDonald ’ s said its first-quarter earnings fell 17 % to $ 1.11 billion , or $ 1.47 per share .
That fell short of the $ 1.57 per share that Wall Street forecast , according to analysts polled by FactSet .
The company shored up its finances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt markets .
It also plans to conserve cash by reducing the number of new restaurant openings this year .
McDonald ’ s has withdrawn its 2020 financial guidance and its long-term outlook .

McDonald’s says it has likely reached the trough of global restaurant closures due to COVID-19, with 25% still shuttered. But business has been slow to return as lockdown orders continue to disrupt consumers’ routines.
McDonald’s said Thursday its sales fell 6% to $4.71 billion in the January-March period. Declines have persisted in April.
“We’re now operating in a completely different world,” McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a conference call with investors.
Worldwide, 75% of the fast food giant’s 39,000 stores are open. Kempczinski said locations are gradually reopening according to local regulations.
In China, where 25% of stores were closed in February, nearly all have reopened; 99% of U.S. stores are open as well, offering limited menus and takeout food. But most stores remain closed in some key markets like France, the United Kingdom and Italy.
When stores do reopen, business is generally slow, especially at breakfast, McDonald’s said. In China, for example, same-store sales - or sales at locations open at least a year - were down 20% in the first quarter. Those declines narrowed in April, but were still in the mid-teens. U.S. same-store sales were down 20% in April, slightly better than the 25% declines in the last part of March.
And even at stores that remained open through the crisis, business has changed. Before the pandemic, drive-thru made up two-thirds of McDonald’s U.S. sales. Now, drive-thru accounts for 90% of sales. In Canada, delivery sales have shot up 40%. In Australia, stores are selling milk, eggs and other grocery items in addition to food.
Kempczinski said McDonald’s is well-positioned as business returns, since customers are craving routine, comfort food and value. When one restaurant recently reopened in Austria, there was a two-mile line of customers waiting for food.
“There’s a desire to return to familiar favorites,” he said.
Kempczinski said there have been no disruptions to food, packaging or equipment supplies despite the coronavirus-related shutdown of some meat processing plants in the U.S.
McDonald’s started the year strong. Through February, its same-store sales were up 7.2% worldwide and 8.1% in the U.S. But sales tumbled in March as global lockdowns took hold. McDonald’s ended the quarter with same-store sales down 3.4%.
McDonald’s said earlier investments in digital ordering and delivery have helped it weather declines in in-store traffic. Around 25,000 McDonald’s worldwide now offer delivery, while 20,000 let customers order and pay on their mobile phones.
The company said it is supporting franchisees by deferring rent and royalties in most markets around the world. That has amounted to $1 billion in assistance, McDonald’s said. The company has also obtained more than 120 million face masks for its employees.
Chicago-based McDonald’s said its first-quarter earnings fell 17% to $1.11 billion, or $1.47 per share. That fell short of the $1.57 per share that Wall Street forecast, according to analysts polled by FactSet.
The company shored up its finances in March by raising $6.5 billion in debt markets. It also plans to conserve cash by reducing the number of new restaurant openings this year. McDonald’s has withdrawn its 2020 financial guidance and its long-term outlook.
McDonald’s shares fell 2% to $183.35 in morning trading.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Comcast profit slides as pandemic hits movies, theme parks

Comcast ’ s net income slid in the first three months of the year as the coronavirus pandemic forced it to shut down its theme parks and its movies were kept out of shuttered theaters .
Comcast also reported Thursday that it lost 409,000 cable TV customers , the biggest source of the company ’ s profits , as cord-cutting accelerated .
That ’ s already more than half the 671,000 customers it lost in all of 2019 .
But it added 477,000 internet customers , which it said was its best quarterly number in more than a decade .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March and a mass work-from-home migration underscored the role home internet plays in Americans ’ lives .
Americans are increasingly opting for cheaper streaming video providers that are delivered over the internet , like Netflix , which both benefits and harms Comcast ’ s business as an internet and traditional TV provider .
Competition in online video is also increasing with new entrants like Disney and Apple .
Comcast ’ s own streaming service , Peacock , will launch nationwide in July , with free and paid versions .
In the Philadelphia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slid 7 % and a key profit measure plunged by 25 % as the Universal Studios parks closed and closed movie theaters hurt box office .
It is experimenting with alternatives , releasing “ Trolls World Tour ” digitally in April , the current quarter .
Comcast said it was a success .
Analysts expect ad revenues on NBC and the company ’ s cable channels to decline this year , especially as the Olympics , a big ratings draw , have been postponed until 2021 .
Ad revenue in the first quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was nearly unchanged for the broadcast channels , NBC and Telemundo .
But the outbreak ’ s impact only started being felt in the U.S. at the end of the January-March period .
Comcast ’ s European TV and broadband arm , Sky , also lost money as the virus impacted Europe earlier than in the U.S. Its revenue fell 3.7 % when not counting currency conversions , and a key profit measure dropped 15.3 % .
Overall , Comcast net income dropped 40 % to $ 2.15 billion , or 46 cents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the value of some assets , earnings dropped 6.6 % to 71 cents per share , beating Wall Street ’ s estimate of 69 cents , according to FactSet .
Revenue fell nearly 1 % to $ 26.61 billion , just shy of analysts ’ estimate of $ 26.87 billion .

Comcast’s net income slid in the first three months of the year as the coronavirus pandemic forced it to shut down its theme parks and its movies were kept out of shuttered theaters.
Comcast also reported Thursday that it lost 409,000 cable TV customers, the biggest source of the company’s profits, as cord-cutting accelerated. That’s already more than half the 671,000 customers it lost in all of 2019.
But it added 477,000 internet customers, which it said was its best quarterly number in more than a decade. It came as U.S. workplace shutdowns began in March and a mass work-from-home migration underscored the role home internet plays in Americans’ lives.
Americans are increasingly opting for cheaper streaming video providers that are delivered over the internet, like Netflix, which both benefits and harms Comcast’s business as an internet and traditional TV provider.
Competition in online video is also increasing with new entrants like Disney and Apple. Comcast’s own streaming service, Peacock, will launch nationwide in July, with free and paid versions.
In the Philadelphia company’s NBCUniversal arm, revenue slid 7% and a key profit measure plunged by 25% as the Universal Studios parks closed and closed movie theaters hurt box office. It is experimenting with alternatives, releasing “Trolls World Tour” digitally in April, the current quarter. Comcast said it was a success.
Analysts expect ad revenues on NBC and the company’s cable channels to decline this year, especially as the Olympics, a big ratings draw, have been postponed until 2021. Ad revenue in the first quarter dipped 2.2% for cable channels and was nearly unchanged for the broadcast channels, NBC and Telemundo. But the outbreak’s impact only started being felt in the U.S. at the end of the January-March period.
Comcast’s European TV and broadband arm, Sky, also lost money as the virus impacted Europe earlier than in the U.S. Its revenue fell 3.7% when not counting currency conversions, and a key profit measure dropped 15.3%.
Overall, Comcast net income dropped 40% to $2.15 billion, or 46 cents per share. Adjusted to exclude write-downs of the value of some assets, earnings dropped 6.6% to 71 cents per share, beating Wall Street’s estimate of 69 cents, according to FactSet.
Revenue fell nearly 1% to $26.61 billion, just shy of analysts’ estimate of $26.87 billion.
In morning trading, shares slid more than 5% to $36.96.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Two people found dead in Ham Lake in apparent murder-suicide

HAM LAKE , Minn. ( AP ) - Sheriff ’ s officials say the deaths of two people whose bodies @ @ @ @ @ in Anoka County appear to be a murder-suicide .
Dispatchers received a 911 call about @ @ @ @ @ deputies arrived at the home in Ham Lake they heard a gunshot .
They entered @ @ @ @ @ reach anyone inside and found two people dead .
The sheriff ’ s office says @ @ @ @ @ any suspects and there is no apparent threat to the public .

HAM LAKE, Minn. (AP) - Sheriff’s officials say the deaths of two people whose bodies were found at a home in Anoka County appear to be a murder-suicide.
Dispatchers received a 911 call about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and when deputies arrived at the home in Ham Lake they heard a gunshot.
They entered the house after trying to reach anyone inside and found two people dead.
The sheriff’s office says they are not looking for any suspects and there is no apparent threat to the public.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--DC police: Suspect arrested for shooting at Cuban Embassy

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Someone opened fire using an assault rifle outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington early Thursday and was arrested , authorities said .
The gunfire broke out around 2 a.m. outside the embassy in northwest Washington .
Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to the scene after neighbors reported hearing gunshots , authorities said .
Officers found the suspect with an assault rifle and took the person into custody without incident , police said .
Investigators say they believe the person had been shooting toward the embassy , though details about any potential motivation remained unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charges against the suspect were not immediately known .
No injuries were reported .
Photos from the scene posted to social media showed a group of police officers outside the embassy after the shooting and investigators searching through an SUV parked there .
Other images showed investigators surveying the damage in front of the ornate embassy in Washington ’ s Adams-Morgan neighborhood , including a bullet hole in a window over the front door and damage to a flagpole and a column flanking a statue of Cuban independence hero José Martí .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Secret Service were investigating .

WASHINGTON (AP) - A man armed with an assault rifle was arrested after opening fire outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington early Thursday, his bullets tearing holes into the walls and pillars near the front entrance in what authorities suspect was a hate crime.
The gunfire broke out around 2 a.m. outside the embassy in northwest Washington. Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to the scene after neighbors reported hearing gunshots, authorities said. No injuries were reported.
Officers found the man, Alexander Alazo, 42, of Aubrey, Texas, armed with an assault rifle, and they and took him into custody without incident, police said.
A police report obtained by The Associated Press describes the shooting as a “suspected hate crime” and says Alazo “knowingly discharged multiple rounds from an AK-47 rifle into the Cuban Embassy.” But the report also says Alazo’s motivation is unknown.
Officers recovered the rifle, ammunition and a white powdery substance that was found in a small baggie after Alazo’s arrest, according to the report.
Alazo was arrested on charges of possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition, assault with intent to kill and possessing a high-capacity magazine, a U.S. Secret Service spokeswoman said.
Alazo remained in custody Thursday. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had a lawyer.
Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that embassy staff members were “safe and protected” but that the shooting caused “material damage” to the building. Photos showed large holes left in the building’s facade near the front door and in pillars outside the building.
The Cuban government didn’t know the suspect’s potential motives, the statement said, adding that the State Department was aware of the incident.
“It is the obligation of States to adopt appropriate steps to protect the premises of diplomatic missions accredited to their country against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity,” the statement said.
Photos from the scene posted to social media showed a group of police officers outside the embassy after the shooting and investigators searching through an SUV parked there. Other images showed investigators surveying the damage in front of the ornate embassy in Washington’s Adams-Morgan neighborhood, including a bullet hole in a window over the front door and damage to a flagpole and a column flanking a statue of Cuban independence hero José Martí.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service were investigating.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Prattville approves land sale for $2 million chemical plant

PRATTVILLE , Ala. ( AP ) - A city in Alabama has approved the sale of land to a chemical @ @ @ @ @ $ 2 million factory to support a paper mill .
Members of the Prattville city @ @ @ @ @ acres in the town ’ s industrial park to Autumn Tree LLC during a special @ @ @ @ @ the Montgomery Advertiser reported .
The company will bring about 10 jobs to the city @ @ @ @ @ International Paper mill .

PRATTVILLE, Ala. (AP) - A city in Alabama has approved the sale of land to a chemical company planning to build a $2 million factory to support a paper mill.
Members of the Prattville city council decided to sell 15 acres in the town’s industrial park to Autumn Tree LLC during a special meeting on Tuesday night, the Montgomery Advertiser reported.
The company will bring about 10 jobs to the city, supplying chemicals to an International Paper mill.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Think tank urges more deliberate approach to coronavirus reopening

After studying coronavirus reopening efforts around the globe , the Bipartisan Policy Center , a D.C. think tank , said the U.S. needs to triple its testing capacity , put more time between each phase and get used to the idea of phone apps that help track who ’ s contacted whom .
Uniform national metrics would also help so states can learn from each other , figuring out what works and what doesn ’ t , the think tank said in a new memo Wednesday .
And while the effectiveness of masks is still debatable , it appears they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to embark on a massive public education campaign to teach Americans best practices and potential pitfalls of wearing them .
“ Central to this campaign must be the key message that masks do not in any way replace personal protective measures or social distancing but rather complement these strategies , ” the think tank said .
Led by Dr. Anand Parekh , chief medical adviser to the BPC and a former deputy assistant secretary at Health and Human Services , the report looked at responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea to Spain and France , looking to see how they are relaxing their social distancing rules .
They also did a case study of Germany , which like the U.S. has seen a large number of cases and like the U.S. has a federal structure of government .
But Germany ’ s testing capacity and monitoring capabilities are advanced , with the public health service deploying one contact-tracing team for every 20,000 inhabitants .
“ According to the World Health Organization , countries with extensive testing have less than 10 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is well below that benchmark with a positive result rate of 7.5 % , ” the report said .
Some German states are gradually reopening , albeit slowly , and schools are slated to reopen May 4 , though large public gatherings are still banned through Aug. 31 , the BPC said .
When it comes to lessons for the U.S. , the think tank said testing capacity needs to be tripled , up to about 5 million tests per week , to have confidence that the right people are being monitored .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t push too far too fast .
Switzerland , the Czech Republic and Denmark all are allowing two to three weeks between each new reopening .
For the U.S. , the BPC recommended at least 14 days between each phase .
That ’ s the maximum incubation time for COVID-19 , so it will give health officials a chance to evaluate any hiccups with reopening .
As for schools , the U.S. will be able to watch some East Asian nations that continue schooling through the summer months to gauge their experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start in the late summer or fall here .

The U.S. needs to triple its testing capacity, put more time between each phase of reopening, and get used to the idea of smartphone apps that track who has contacted whom, a Washington think tank says after studying coronavirus reopening efforts around the world.
Uniform national metrics also would help so states can learn from each other, figuring out what works and what doesn’t, the Bipartisan Policy Center said in a memo Wednesday.
And while the effectiveness of face masks is still debatable, it appears they’re here to stay. So the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to embark on a massive public education campaign to teach Americans best practices and potential pitfalls of wearing them.
“Central to this campaign must be the key message that masks do not in any way replace personal protective measures or social distancing but rather complement these strategies,” the think tank said.
Led by Dr. Anand Parekh, chief medical adviser to the think tank and a former deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, the report looked at responses in countries including China, South Korea, Spain and France, to see how they are relaxing their social distancing rules.
They also did a case study of Germany, which like the U.S. has seen a large number of cases and like the U.S. has a federal structure of government.
But Germany’s testing capacity and monitoring capabilities are advanced, with the public health service deploying one contact tracing team for every 20,000 inhabitants.
“According to the World Health Organization, countries with extensive testing have less than 10% of their tests come back positive. Germany is well below that benchmark with a positive result rate of 7.5%,” the report said.
Some German states are gradually reopening, albeit slowly, and schools are slated to reopen May 4, though large public gatherings are banned through Aug. 31, the Bipartisan Policy Center said.
When it comes to lessons for the U.S., the think tank said testing capacity needs to be tripled, up to about 5 million tests per week, to have confidence that the right people are being monitored.
It’s also critical states don’t push too far, too fast. Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Denmark all are allowing two to three weeks between each new reopening.
For the U.S., the BPC recommended at least 14 days between each phase. That’s the maximum incubation time for COVID-19, so it would give health officials a chance to evaluate any hiccups with reopening.
As for schools, the U.S. will be able to watch some East Asian nations that continue schooling through the summer to gauge their experience and draw lessons before classes are slated to start in the late summer or fall in the U.S.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--5 things to know today - that aren't about the virus

Your daily look at nonvirus stories in the news : 1 .
NEW LIGHT SHED ON SEALS ’ MISSION IN @ @ @ @ @ Mark R. Frerichs , a 57-year-old military contractor from Illinois , Navy commandos raided a @ @ @ @ @ militants , the AP has learned .
2. WHO MIGHT PLAY SPOILER IN NOVEMBER Running @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Justin Amash faces almost impossibly steep odds , but his candidacy can produce unpredictable @ @ @ @ @ PICKS VETTING TEAM IN RUNNING MATE SEARCH Former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd , Delaware Rep. @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Apple executive Cynthia Hogan will serve as co-chairs on the @ @ @ @ @ FILM WINS BIG AT TRIBECA Alice Wu ’ s “ The Half of It , @ @ @ @ @ Cyrano de Bergerac , is the winner of the top award from the Tribeca Film @ @ @ @ @ MOVES TOWARD ATHLETE COMPENSATION By this time next year , college athletes may be permitted @ @ @ @ @ names , images and likenesses without compromising their eligibility .

Your daily look at nonvirus stories in the news:
1. NEW LIGHT SHED ON SEALS’ MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN In efforts to free Mark R. Frerichs, a 57-year-old military contractor from Illinois, Navy commandos raided a village and detained suspected Taliban-linked militants, the AP has learned.
2. WHO MIGHT PLAY SPOILER IN NOVEMBER Running as a Libertarian, Michigan Rep. Justin Amash faces almost impossibly steep odds, but his candidacy can produce unpredictable twists.
3. BIDEN AND SANDERS REACH DELEGATE DEAL: Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has agreed to let former primary rival Bernie Sanders keep hundreds of delegates he would otherwise forfeit by dropping out of the presidential race.
4. NETFLIX FILM WINS BIG AT TRIBECA Alice Wu’s “The Half of It,” a teenage spin on Cyrano de Bergerac, is the winner of the top award from the Tribeca Film Festival.
5. ALABAMA STUDENT NAMES MARS HELICOPTER - NASA chose Ingenuity, the name submitted by Vaneeza Rupani, for the helicopter that will be deployed to the red planet later this summer.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Apple and Google's smartphone coronavirus contact-tracing program to hit enlisting snag

Apple and Google ’ s work to create a coronavirus contact-tracing program on their phones looks poised to hit a major snag in enlisting people to voluntarily participate .
Nearly 60 % of people say they are unwilling or unable to use the coronavirus-exposure alert system , a new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll found .
Half of respondents said they would not use the system , and 17 % said they don ’ t have a smartphone or any cell phone .
Apple and Google have built a Bluetooth-based system for smartphones to track people ’ s interactions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
The companies say the system will require users to opt-in .
Apple and Google rolled out a beta version of the system primarily for developers this week , with more of the technology to become available later in May .
Apple ’ s version is expected to be added to the company ’ s devices through an operating system update , which users can turn on , and Google plans to make its version accessible via an application downloaded to Android phones .
The companies say their contact-tracing system will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech will not share the identities of coronavirus-infected persons , whose infections will be anonymously reported to the system .
Apple and Google appear to understand that the terminology “ contact tracing ” was initially interpreted to involve tracking users ’ physical location , and they have more recently taken to emphasizing the technology as an “ exposure notification ” system .
The draft documentation of the plan published on Apple ’ s website describes the system as “ privacy-preserving contact tracing ” and includes hyperlinks for more details on aspects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world ’ s most pressing problems , ” Apple says on its website .
“ Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers , governments and public health providers , we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID19 and accelerate the return of everyday life.
” Google and Apple are monitoring Android and iPhone users ’ mobility and travel plans to produce mobility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing guidelines and help researchers learn more about the spread of the coronavirus .
Those efforts are separate from the technology involved in the contact-tracing collaboration .
Nonetheless , Americans are skeptical of Big Tech generally and Apple and Google ’ s plans in particular .
Republicans appear far more skeptical of the technology than Democrats , according to the Washington Post , which conducted the poll .
The poll surveyed 1,008 adults from April 21-26 with a 3.5 % margin of error for the overall sample and a 4 % margin of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divide among users embracing the technology in the new polling is consistent with the Pew Research Center ’ s findings from earlier in April , which said 61 % of Democrats viewed government tracking the cellphones of coronavirus-infected people as acceptable whereas 45 % of Republicans felt the same way .

Apple and Google’s work to create a coronavirus contact-tracing program on their phones looks poised to hit a major snag in enlisting people to voluntarily participate.
Nearly 60% of people say they are unwilling or unable to use the coronavirus-exposure alert system, a new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll found.
Half of respondents said they would not use the system, and 17% said they don’t have a smartphone or any cell phone.
Apple and Google have built a Bluetooth-based system for smartphones to track people’s interactions with coronavirus-infected people to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The companies say the system will require users to opt-in.
Apple and Google rolled out a beta version of the system primarily for developers this week, with more of the technology to become available later in May. Apple’s version is expected to be added to the company’s devices through an operating system update, which users can turn on, and Google plans to make its version accessible via an application downloaded to Android phones.
The companies say their contact-tracing system will not monitor user-location data and that the tech will not share the identities of coronavirus-infected persons, whose infections will be anonymously reported to the system.
Apple and Google appear to understand that the terminology “contact tracing” was initially interpreted to involve tracking users’ physical location, and they have more recently taken to emphasizing the technology as an “exposure notification” system. The draft documentation of the plan published on Apple’s website describes the system as “privacy-preserving contact tracing” and includes hyperlinks for more details on aspects of the system.
“All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems,” Apple says on its website. “Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID19 and accelerate the return of everyday life.”
Google and Apple are monitoring Android and iPhone users’ mobility and travel plans to produce mobility reports that may help governments enforce social distancing guidelines and help researchers learn more about the spread of the coronavirus. Those efforts are separate from the technology involved in the contact-tracing collaboration.
Nonetheless, Americans are skeptical of Big Tech generally and Apple and Google’s plans in particular. Republicans appear far more skeptical of the technology than Democrats, according to the Washington Post, which conducted the poll.
The poll surveyed 1,008 adults from April 21-26 with a 3.5% margin of error for the overall sample and a 4% margin of error for smartphone users.
The political divide among users embracing the technology in the new polling is consistent with the Pew Research Center’s findings from earlier in April, which said 61% of Democrats viewed government tracking the cellphones of coronavirus-infected people as acceptable whereas 45% of Republicans felt the same way.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Powerball ticket sold in New Town wins $1M

NEW TOWN , N.D. ( AP ) - A Powerball player in North Dakota has won $ 1 million .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s Super Foods in New Town matched five white balls for a $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ numbers drawn Wednesday night were 2 , 20 , 49 , 61 , 67 and @ @ @ @ @ The Power Play multiplier was 2 .
North Dakota Lottery director Randy Miller says North @ @ @ @ @ out of 48 that sell Powerball to have a Match 5 Powerball winner in Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ Miller says if you have a winning ticket , the first thing you should do @ @ @ @ @ the ticket .
Winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim @ @ @ @ @ s Super Foods will receive a $ 5,000 bonus for selling the winning Powerball ticket @

NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) - A Powerball player in North Dakota has won $1 million.
A ticket sold at Jason’s Super Foods in New Town matched five white balls for a $1 million prize.
The winning numbers drawn Wednesday night were 2, 20, 49, 61, 67 and the Powerball was 20. The Power Play multiplier was 2.
North Dakota Lottery director Randy Miller says North Dakota was the only lottery out of 48 that sell Powerball to have a Match 5 Powerball winner in Wednesday night’s draw.
Miller says if you have a winning ticket, the first thing you should do is sign the back of the ticket.
Winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.
Jason’s Super Foods will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning Powerball ticket.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Alabama sues Tyson Foods over wastewater spill, fish kill

HANCEVILLE , Ala. ( AP ) - The state of Alabama sued Tyson Foods on Thursday over a 2019 wastewater spill that caused the largest recorded fish kill in the state .
The Alabama attorney general ’ s office filed the suit , saying Tyson was negligent “ by causing a public nuisance , ” AL.com reported .
A pipe failure at the Tyson plant caused over 200,000 gallons of “ insufficiently-treated wastewater ” to flow into the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River , leading to the death of around 175,000 fish , the attorney general ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Steve Marshall said the office wants the state and the community to be compensated for damages done to the environment .
Tyson Foods spokesman Worth Sparkman said the company was disappointed with the state ’ s decision to file the lawsuit .
Sparkman said the company has tried for months to work with the state , offering to “ initiate conservation and community projects including river access in the area of the accidental release.
” On June 8 , a pipe failed at the River Valley Ingredients poultry processing facility in Hanceville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wastewater into the river , the paper reported .
Described as the “ largest poultry rendering facility in the country , ” the facility would take parts of chicken not desired for human consumption and turn it into animal and pet feed .
The wastewater largely contained organic poultry material , which later caused bacteria in the water to increase , depriving the fish of oxygen .
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said the reported number of fish killed was conservative considering direct counting wasn ’ t possible .
Tyson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piping , which caused the spill .

HANCEVILLE, Ala. (AP) - The state of Alabama sued Tyson Foods on Thursday over a 2019 wastewater spill that caused the largest recorded fish kill in the state.
The Alabama attorney general’s office filed the suit, saying Tyson was negligent “by causing a public nuisance,” AL.com reported.
A pipe failure at the Tyson plant caused over 200,000 gallons of “insufficiently-treated wastewater” to flow into the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River, leading to the death of around 175,000 fish, the attorney general’s office said.
A statement from Attorney General Steve Marshall said the office wants the state and the community to be compensated for damages done to the environment.
Tyson Foods spokesman Worth Sparkman said the company was disappointed with the state’s decision to file the lawsuit.
Sparkman said the company has tried for months to work with the state, offering to “initiate conservation and community projects including river access in the area of the accidental release.”
On June 8, a pipe failed at the River Valley Ingredients poultry processing facility in Hanceville, sending huge amounts of partially treated wastewater into the river, the paper reported. Described as the “largest poultry rendering facility in the country,” the facility would take parts of chicken not desired for human consumption and turn it into animal and pet feed.
The wastewater largely contained organic poultry material, which later caused bacteria in the water to increase, depriving the fish of oxygen.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said the reported number of fish killed was conservative considering direct counting wasn’t possible.
Tyson said an outside contractor poorly installed temporary piping, which caused the spill.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--The Latest: Judge orders DOC to respond to Moose Lake claims

MOOSE LAKE , Minn. ( AP ) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Minnesota ( all times local @ @ @ @ @ ordered the Minnesota Department of Corrections to show that it is protecting inmates at the @ @ @ @ @ .
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a lawsuit in April alleging the @ @ @ @ @ Lake prison have failed to implement sufficient measures to slow or stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ argues the prison in northeastern Minnesota not fulfilling its duty to keep people in custody @ @ @ @ @ News reports Carlton County Judge Leslie Beiers ordered the Corrections Department to respond to the @ @ @ @ @ The department contends it has taken the necessary steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ correctional facilities .
As of Wednesday , 33 inmates at Moose Lake had tested positive @ @ @ @ @ were presumed to have the disease , and 30 staff members also have tested positive @

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Minnesota (all times local):
7:50 p.m.
A judge has ordered the Minnesota Department of Corrections to show that it is protecting inmates at the Moose Lake prison from COVID-19.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a lawsuit in April alleging the Corrections Department and the Moose Lake prison have failed to implement sufficient measures to slow or stop the spread of the coronavirus. The organization argues the prison in northeastern Minnesota not fulfilling its duty to keep people in custody safe.
Minnesota Public Radio News reports Carlton County Judge Leslie Beiers ordered the Corrections Department to respond to the allegations by May 11.
The department contends it has taken the necessary steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the state’s correctional facilities.
As of Wednesday, 33 inmates at Moose Lake had tested positive for COVID-19. Another 31 were presumed to have the disease, and 30 staff members also have tested positive.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Records: Driver in fatal crash was on drugs, watching video

EASTON , Mass .
( AP ) - A Massachusetts man was on medication and had YouTube open on his phone while driving at the time of a crash that killed another driver , court documents show .
Easton police officers found Jake McCabe ’ s phone unlocked with a video playing on it while investigating the fatal crash that took place Sunday , The Enterprise reported Thursday .
McCabe , 25 , was arrested Tuesday night and charged with manslaughter in connection with the head-on collision that killed Scott Lewis , 37 .
A police report also states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another prescribed psychiatric medication at the time of the crash .
Investigators are reviewing surveillance camera footage near the scene of the collision where several witnesses told officials they saw McCabe ’ s car speeding in the moments before his car collided with the victim ’ s vehicle .
McCabe ’ s lawyer , Kevin Nugent , said the McCabe family is “ devastated by this tragic event , ” but “ remain certain ” that the investigation will reveal that he did not operate his motor vehicle negligently .
McCabe is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court on June 2 , court officials said .
He posted $ 10,000 bail and was released Tuesday , according to the Bristol County district attorney ’ s office .

EASTON, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts man was on medication and had YouTube open on his phone while driving at the time of a crash that killed another driver, court documents show.
Easton police officers found Jake McCabe’s phone unlocked with a video playing on it while investigating the fatal crash that took place Sunday, The Enterprise reported Thursday.
McCabe, 25, was arrested Tuesday night and charged with manslaughter in connection with the head-on collision that killed Scott Lewis, 37.
A police report also states that McCabe told police he was using Xanax and another prescribed psychiatric medication at the time of the crash.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance camera footage near the scene of the collision where several witnesses told officials they saw McCabe’s car speeding in the moments before his car collided with the victim’s vehicle.
McCabe’s lawyer, Kevin Nugent, said the McCabe family is “devastated by this tragic event,” but “remain certain” that the investigation will reveal that he did not operate his motor vehicle negligently.
McCabe is set to be arraigned at Taunton District Court on June 2, court officials said.
He posted $10,000 bail and was released Tuesday, according to the Bristol County district attorney’s office.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Seattle University cuts pay, furloughs workers amid pandemic

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Seattle University will begin mandatory and voluntary pay reductions of up to 20 % and furlough nearly 80 staffers to handle some of the economic damage caused by closing campus during the coronavirus pandemic , officials said .
In a letter to faculty and staff , Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg said the private school ’ s Cabinet and deans will take mandatory pay cuts of 10 % and will be asked to consider further reductions , The Seattle Times reported .
Upper-level administrators and full-time faculty have been asked to take voluntary pay cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring furloughed staff back in August .
In the meantime they will retain medical benefits and be eligible for unemployment .
The university has lost $ 7 million switching to remote instruction and shutting most residence halls , he wrote , and for fiscal year 2021 , the school ’ s governing board plans a $ 9.1 million budget cut .
Sundborg said the university ’ s “ full intent is to reopen campus in the fall , ” but with options including a blend of in-person and hybrid classes , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nationally , higher education experts have speculated that the coronavirus will cause declines in enrollment this fall of up to 20 % , and that some smaller private colleges may not survive .

SEATTLE (AP) - Seattle University will begin mandatory and voluntary pay reductions of up to 20% and furlough nearly 80 staffers to handle some of the economic damage caused by closing campus during the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.
In a letter to faculty and staff, Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg said the private school’s Cabinet and deans will take mandatory pay cuts of 10% and will be asked to consider further reductions, The Seattle Times reported.
Upper-level administrators and full-time faculty have been asked to take voluntary pay cuts Sundborg wrote. The school intends to bring furloughed staff back in August. In the meantime they will retain medical benefits and be eligible for unemployment.
The university has lost $7 million switching to remote instruction and shutting most residence halls, he wrote, and for fiscal year 2021, the school’s governing board plans a $9.1 million budget cut.
Sundborg said the university’s “full intent is to reopen campus in the fall,” but with options including a blend of in-person and hybrid classes, along with social distancing and enhanced safety measures.
Nationally, higher education experts have speculated that the coronavirus will cause declines in enrollment this fall of up to 20%, and that some smaller private colleges may not survive.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Latest survey of California snow pack measures below normal

PHILLIPS STATION , Calif. ( AP ) - The last seasonal survey of snow in the Sierra Nevada confirms that California had a dry winter that will leave much-needed runoff levels below normal , authorities said Thursday .
The snow was only 1 ½ inches deep at the traditional manual measuring site at Phillips Station in the range east of Sacramento , and the water contained in it was equivalent to just a half-inch , which is 3 percent of the May average for the location , according to the state Department of Water Resources .
Sierra snow melt typically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s water supply .
More broadly , 130 electronic snow sensors scattered throughout the Sierras indicated that California ’ s snow pack water equivalent is 37 percent of the May average .
Readings for April also were well below average .
“ March and April storms brought needed snow to the Sierras , with the snow pack reaching its peak on April 9 , however those gains were not nearly enough to offset a very dry January and February ” and the last two weeks of higher temperatures have rapidly reduced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief of the department ’ s Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecast Section .
The snow measurements help in predicting runoff into reservoirs that will help meet California ’ s water demand in the summer and fall , the water agency said .
At the moment , reservoirs are in good shape , with the six largest close to or even above their historical averages .
Lake Shasta , California ’ s largest surface reservoir , is currently more than 80 % full , authorities said .
But the state already is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drought Monitor said half of the state was either abnormally dry or in drought as of this week .
The northern and central regions are chiefly affected .
A recent study of Western states led by Columbia University researchers concluded that overall , the region is in an emerging “ megadrought ” dating back to 2000 .
The study said the dry spell is turning into one of the deepest megadroughts in the region in more than 1,200 years and man-made global warming plays a major role .

PHILLIPS STATION, Calif. (AP) - The last seasonal survey of snow in the Sierra Nevada confirms that California had a dry winter that will leave much-needed runoff levels below normal, authorities said Thursday.
The snow was only 1 ½ inches deep at the traditional manual measuring site at Phillips Station in the range east of Sacramento, and the water contained in it was equivalent to just a half-inch, which is 3 percent of the May average for the location, according to the state Department of Water Resources.
Sierra snow melt typically provides about 30% of the state’s water supply.
More broadly, 130 electronic snow sensors scattered throughout the Sierras indicated that California’s snow pack water equivalent is 37 percent of the May average.
Readings for April also were well below average.
“March and April storms brought needed snow to the Sierras, with the snow pack reaching its peak on April 9, however those gains were not nearly enough to offset a very dry January and February” and the last two weeks of higher temperatures have rapidly reduced the snow pack, said Sean de Guzman, chief of the department’s Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecast Section.
The snow measurements help in predicting runoff into reservoirs that will help meet California’s water demand in the summer and fall, the water agency said.
At the moment, reservoirs are in good shape, with the six largest close to or even above their historical averages. Lake Shasta, California’s largest surface reservoir, is currently more than 80% full, authorities said.
But the state already is facing dry conditions. The federal U.S. Drought Monitor said half of the state was either abnormally dry or in drought as of this week. The northern and central regions are chiefly affected.
A recent study of Western states led by Columbia University researchers concluded that overall, the region is in an emerging “megadrought” dating back to 2000. The study said the dry spell is turning into one of the deepest megadroughts in the region in more than 1,200 years and man-made global warming plays a major role.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Mari Winsor, Pilates guru and celebrity trainer, dies at 70

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Mari Winsor , a celebrity trainer for Hollywood ’ s elite who became known as a Pilates guru , has died .
She was 70 .
Winsor ’ s family rep Alison Graham said in a statement that the famed trainer died peacefully while surrounded by family and close friends at her home on Tuesday in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Sherman Oaks .
Winsor died from complications of Lou Gehrig ’ s disease .
Winsor had been living with the progressive neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , or ALS , since 2013 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured dancer in music videos including Michael Jackson ’ s “ Smooth Criminal ” and films such as “ Roadhouse ” and “ Moonwalker.
” She released multiple fitness DVDs and ran several Pilates studios in the Los Angeles area catering to the biggest stars .
A small sample of her starry client list included Madonna , Steven Spielberg , Samuel L. Jackson , Sharon Stone and Miley Cyrus .
Winsor ’ s infomercials promoting her Pilates series featured celebrities from Marisa Tomei to Vanessa Williams .
She co-authored three fitness books focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexibility , maintaining strength and Pilates during pregnancy .
After Winsor ’ s ALS diagnosis , she became an advocate to help inspire those with the disease .
She participated in several benefit walks to defeat the disease including one in 2015 that involved Cyrus who made a surprise appearance to support her .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Mari Winsor, a celebrity trainer for Hollywood’s elite who became known as a Pilates guru, has died. She was 70.
Winsor’s family rep Alison Graham said in a statement that the famed trainer died peacefully while surrounded by family and close friends at her home on Tuesday in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Sherman Oaks. Winsor died from complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Winsor had been living with the progressive neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, since 2013.
The petite and energetic Winsor was a featured dancer in music videos including Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” and films such as “Roadhouse” and “Moonwalker.” She released multiple fitness DVDs and ran several Pilates studios in the Los Angeles area catering to the biggest stars. A small sample of her starry client list included Madonna, Steven Spielberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Sharon Stone and Miley Cyrus.
Winsor’s infomercials promoting her Pilates series featured celebrities from Marisa Tomei to Vanessa Williams. She co-authored three fitness books focusing on an array of topics such as flexibility, maintaining strength and Pilates during pregnancy.
After Winsor’s ALS diagnosis, she became an advocate to help inspire those with the disease. She participated in several benefit walks to defeat the disease including one in 2015 that involved Cyrus who made a surprise appearance to support her.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Inside the Beltway: Heartland power: 90% of farmers back Trump

Many have pondered President Trump ’ s grassroots support in the nation ’ s heartland .
Democrats , in fact , still marvel — or worry about — the 63 million folks who stood up and went to the polls in 2016 and voted for Mr. Trump .
It appears they are still out there , and still support the president in a big way .
Though the nation ’ s farmers are understandably fretting about their business outcomes , like most folks around America .
But pessimism is not affecting their support for Mr. Trump , according to DTN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specializing in agriculture , livestock , crops and other related fields .
“ While farmers ’ confidence is waning in their current and future situations , it is not lessening their support for the current administration .
When asked , 90 % of farmers polled by DTN said they would vote to keep the current administration , an increase of 15 percentage points from the same survey conducted in December 2019 , ” the organization says .
“ It ’ s interesting to note that through these challenging times , farmer support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are seeing that farmers approve of how the current administration is handling the pandemic and its resulting effect on the economy with the recently announced aid packages being distributed to farmers , ” says John Teeple , senior vice president of agriculture at DTN .
“ It is safe to say that farmers are anticipating a difficult year , and perhaps a difficult number of years ahead , ” notes Greg Horstmeier , editor-in-chief for DTN .
“ Even if their optimism continues to wane , we don ’ t anticipate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current administration .
We expect farmers , in general , to support the current president in the upcoming November election.
” This is the motto of Florida ’ s coronavirus recovery plan , as outlined by Gov .
Ron DeSantis , who developed the plan with input from physicians and medical personnel at Orlando Health , a network of hospitals and providers in central Florida .
“ Florida has done better than anyone predicted .
We have a big , diverse state that requires a tailored and measured approach .
Data and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a safe way , ” the governor explains in a terse tweet .
“ There is light at the end of the tunnel.
” That light brightens Monday when restaurants , stores and other gathering spots in the Sunshine State will be allowed to reopen — but at 25 % capacity .
This constitutes phase one of the governor ’ s plan .
He is being prudent , though — excluding Miami-Dade , Broward and Palm Beach counties from the order , with reassurance that those counties ’ turn to reopen would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deep Woods — a longtime Washington Times reader who indeed lives in the deep woods of the Northeast — is pondering what could be a mystery at the moment “ We have been following the Michael Flynn entrapment travesty and am asking a question the mainstream media should be asking .
Why did the Deep State go after him in the first place ?
He was ex-Obama administration , and one of theirs .
Was he just a stepping stone to gain access to President Trump or did he know stuff that needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latter , the only way to be assured he would always keep quiet was to threaten his family — which they did , ” writes Deep Woods .
He also is thinking ahead .
“ We have a prediction as well .
The last states to open up from quarantine will be red or purple states since that would prevent the president from having his rallies .
Just saying , ” Mr. Woods concludes .
There is fleeting comedy during the coronavirus pandemic .
A reader shares an example recently overheard in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a chance to have a sizable say this weekend on some relatively friendly airwaves and in a significant location .
Fox News hosts a two-hour virtual town hall with Mr. Trump from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday moderated by Bret Baier , chief political anchor and executive editor of “ Special Report , ” and Martha MacCallum , anchor and executive editor of “ The Story.
” The socially-distanced forum is titled “ America Together : Returning to Work , ” and will take place live from the Lincoln Memorial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Want to contribute ?
Viewers can submit questions to Fox News social media accounts on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
This will be the president ’ s first sit-down interview with the two anchors since the network ’ s March 5 town hall in Scranton , Pennsylvania — which made history as the most-watched election town hall ever on cable news , according to Nielsen ratings .
Gracious “ iconic ” southern home , built in 1948 on one acre in Greensboro , Georgia .
“ No expense spared ” in appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , marble fireplace , original woodworking and built-ins , commanding foyer , screened porch ; 2,606 square feet .
Exterior pillars , slate roof , specimen trees , extensive landscaping , brickwork .
Priced at $ 365,000 through TracySoutherland.com ; find the home here .
• 21 % of Americans want to end the lockdown and return to normal “ right now ” ; 44 % of Republicans , 22 % of independents and 4 % of Democrats agree .
• 36 % of Americans want to return to normal when new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their state ; 37 % of Republicans , 35 % of independents and 35 % of Democrats agree .
• 31 % overall want to return to normal when there are no new cases in their state ; 14 % of Republicans , 32 % of independents and 42 % of Democrats agree .
• 12 % overall want to return to normal after a vaccine is developed ; 4 % of Republicans , 12 % of independents and 18 % of Democrats agree .

NEWS AND OPINION:
Many have pondered President Trump‘s grassroots support in the nation’s heartland. Democrats, in fact, still marvel — or worry about — the 63 million folks who stood up and went to the polls in 2016 and voted for Mr. Trump. It appears they are still out there, and still support the president in a big way.
Though the nation’s farmers are understandably fretting about their business outcomes, like most folks around America.
But pessimism is not affecting their support for Mr. Trump, according to DTN, a Minneapolis-based research and marketing firm specializing in agriculture, livestock, crops and other related fields.
“While farmers’ confidence is waning in their current and future situations, it is not lessening their support for the current administration. When asked, 90% of farmers polled by DTN said they would vote to keep the current administration, an increase of 15 percentage points from the same survey conducted in December 2019,” the organization says.
“It’s interesting to note that through these challenging times, farmer support for President Trump is at an all-time high. We are seeing that farmers approve of how the current administration is handling the pandemic and its resulting effect on the economy with the recently announced aid packages being distributed to farmers,” says John Teeple, senior vice president of agriculture at DTN.
“It is safe to say that farmers are anticipating a difficult year, and perhaps a difficult number of years ahead,” notes Greg Horstmeier, editor-in-chief for DTN. “Even if their optimism continues to wane, we don’t anticipate seeing a shift in their support for the current administration. We expect farmers, in general, to support the current president in the upcoming November election.”
THE DESANTIS METHOD
“Safe. Smart. Step-by-step.”
This is the motto of Florida’s coronavirus recovery plan, as outlined by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who developed the plan with input from physicians and medical personnel at Orlando Health, a network of hospitals and providers in central Florida.
“Florida has done better than anyone predicted. We have a big, diverse state that requires a tailored and measured approach. Data and science have helped us flatten the curve in a safe way,” the governor explains in a terse tweet. “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
That light brightens Monday when restaurants, stores and other gathering spots in the Sunshine State will be allowed to reopen — but at 25% capacity. This constitutes phase one of the governor’s plan. He is being prudent, though — excluding Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties from the order, with reassurance that those counties’ turn to reopen would come “soon.”
PONDERING A MYSTERY
Our old friend Deep Woods — a longtime Washington Times reader who indeed lives in the deep woods of the Northeast — is pondering what could be a mystery at the moment
“We have been following the Michael Flynn entrapment travesty and am asking a question the mainstream media should be asking. Why did the Deep State go after him in the first place? He was ex-Obama administration, and one of theirs. Was he just a stepping stone to gain access to President Trump or did he know stuff that needed to be kept quiet? If the latter, the only way to be assured he would always keep quiet was to threaten his family — which they did,” writes Deep Woods.
He also is thinking ahead.
“We have a prediction as well. The last states to open up from quarantine will be red or purple states since that would prevent the president from having his rallies. Just saying,” Mr. Woods concludes.
HEARD ON THE STREET
There is fleeting comedy during the coronavirus pandemic.
A reader shares an example recently overheard in a Texas grocery store:
“I’ve been taking internal sanitizer for years. It’s called bourbon.”
FOXIFIED: MUST-SEE TV
President Trump will get a chance to have a sizable say this weekend on some relatively friendly airwaves and in a significant location.
Fox News hosts a two-hour virtual town hall with Mr. Trump from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday moderated by Bret Baier, chief political anchor and executive editor of “Special Report,” and Martha MacCallum, anchor and executive editor of “The Story.”
The socially-distanced forum is titled “America Together: Returning to Work,” and will take place live from the Lincoln Memorial. Mr. Trump will answer viewer-submitted questions. Want to contribute? Viewers can submit questions to Fox News social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
This will be the president’s first sit-down interview with the two anchors since the network’s March 5 town hall in Scranton, Pennsylvania — which made history as the most-watched election town hall ever on cable news, according to Nielsen ratings.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
Gracious “iconic” southern home, built in 1948 on one acre in Greensboro, Georgia. “No expense spared” in appropriate updates throughout, chef’s kitchen, marble fireplace, original woodworking and built-ins, commanding foyer, screened porch; 2,606 square feet. Exterior pillars, slate roof, specimen trees, extensive landscaping, brickwork. Priced at $365,000 through TracySoutherland.com; find the home here.
POLL DU JOUR
• 21% of Americans want to end the lockdown and return to normal “right now”; 44% of Republicans, 22% of independents and 4% of Democrats agree.
• 36% of Americans want to return to normal when new cases of coronavirus “decline significantly” in their state; 37% of Republicans, 35% of independents and 35% of Democrats agree.
• 31% overall want to return to normal when there are no new cases in their state; 14% of Republicans, 32% of independents and 42% of Democrats agree.
• 12% overall want to return to normal after a vaccine is developed; 4% of Republicans, 12% of independents and 18% of Democrats agree.
Survey: A Gallup of 7,921 U.S. adults conducted April 20-26.
• Kindly follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--US judge refuses to block Nevada's mail-in primary election

RENO , Nev. ( AP ) - Nevada ’ s plan to conduct its June 9 primary election mostly by mail survived its first legal test in federal court Thursday when a judge upheld the state ’ s authority to change the normal procedures in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic .
U.S. District Judge Miranda Du rejected an attempt by a conservative voting rights group to block the primary based on concerns about the potential for voter fraud .
Another hearing is scheduled next week in state court in Carson City , where Nevada Democrats are trying to halt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the impact on minorities , the poor and the elderly .
Du ruled in Reno Thursday that the plaintiffs in the federal case represented by lawyers for the right-leaning Voters ’ Rights Initiative failed to establish the legal standing necessary to obtain a court order blocking the election , primarily because the harm it claims is speculative .
But even if it had met that legal test , she said she would have denied the request for a preliminary injunction based on the merits of the case .
“ The court finds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in protecting the health and safety of Nevada ’ s voters and to safeguard the voting franchise in light of the COVID-19 pandemic far outweigh any burden on plaintiff ’ s right to vote , ” Du wrote in a 24-page opinion .
The plan announced in March by Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske still allows voters to cast their ballots in person if they choose during early voting that begins May 23 and on Election Day .
But she ’ s requiring only one polling place be established in each of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bopp Jr. , an Indiana-based lawyer representing the voting rights group , argued only Nevada ’ s legislature can change election rules .
He said Cegavske ’ s plan was never formalized as regulation subject to public hearings .
“ She can ’ t just go out on her own and establish election procedures , ” Bopp told the judge during a telephonic hearing Wednesday .
“ The Nevada Legislature has vested the secretary with authority to enact voting regulations , ” she wrote Thursday .
Democrats defend the mail-in approach generally .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier to block the plan based on concerns there won ’ t be enough polling places to accommodate in-person voters .
They also argue absentee ballots should be sent to all registered voters , not just those considered “ active ” because they participated in the last two elections .
Inactive voters must specifically request absentee ballots .
Du noted that Nevada ’ s Democratic Party made the same arguments as a formal intervenor in the federal case that it argues in the state case , but that those issues are not part @ @ @ @ @ @ @

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Nevada’s plan to conduct its June 9 primary election mostly by mail survived its first legal test in federal court Thursday when a judge upheld the state’s authority to change the normal procedures in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. District Judge Miranda Du rejected an attempt by a conservative voting rights group to block the primary based on concerns about the potential for voter fraud.
Another hearing is scheduled next week in state court in Carson City, where Nevada Democrats are trying to halt the current plan based on different concerns about the impact on minorities, the poor and the elderly.
Du ruled in Reno Thursday that the plaintiffs in the federal case represented by lawyers for the right-leaning Voters’ Rights Initiative failed to establish the legal standing necessary to obtain a court order blocking the election, primarily because the harm it claims is speculative.
But even if it had met that legal test, she said she would have denied the request for a preliminary injunction based on the merits of the case.
“The court finds that (Nevada’s) interests in protecting the health and safety of Nevada’s voters and to safeguard the voting franchise in light of the COVID-19 pandemic far outweigh any burden on plaintiff’s right to vote,” Du wrote in a 24-page opinion.
The plan announced in March by Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske still allows voters to cast their ballots in person if they choose during early voting that begins May 23 and on Election Day. But she’s requiring only one polling place be established in each of Nevada’s 17 counties.
James Bopp Jr., an Indiana-based lawyer representing the voting rights group, argued only Nevada’s legislature can change election rules. He said Cegavske’s plan was never formalized as regulation subject to public hearings.
“She can’t just go out on her own and establish election procedures,” Bopp told the judge during a telephonic hearing Wednesday.
Du disagreed.
“The Nevada Legislature has vested the secretary with authority to enact voting regulations,” she wrote Thursday.
Democrats defend the mail-in approach generally. But they filed suit in state court earlier to block the plan based on concerns there won’t be enough polling places to accommodate in-person voters.
They also argue absentee ballots should be sent to all registered voters, not just those considered “active” because they participated in the last two elections. Inactive voters must specifically request absentee ballots.
Du noted that Nevada’s Democratic Party made the same arguments as a formal intervenor in the federal case that it argues in the state case, but that those issues are not part of the case in her court.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Durst seeks mistrial over coronavirus delays in murder case

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Attorneys for real estate heir Robert Durst asked a Los Angeles judge to declare a mistrial Thursday in the murder case against him , arguing that he can not get a fair trial with the long pause in the proceedings brought on by coronavirus court closures .
Durst ’ s defense team filed a motion with the court calling the mid-trial break “ prejudicial , ” saying that the stoppage that will last months even in the best case scenario makes it unrealistic that the jury will be able to perform its functions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be accurately able to recall the evidence introduced prior to adjournment is heightened here , ” the motion says .
Prosecutors had no comment on the move .
The trial had been expected to last some five months and had been under way for just six days when it was put on hold , like all other Los Angeles County trials , because of the coronavirus .
The district attorney ’ s office announced later Thursday that Durst ’ s long-awaited trial in the killing of his best friend Susan Berman is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a break of more than three months , with more delays still possible .
Durst ’ s motion argues that “ the adjournment caused by COVID-19 has made it impossible for defendant to receive a fair trial .
The Constitution therefore demands a mistrial , even if it results in some moderate amount of judicial inefficiency.
” Judge Mark E. Windham has not weighed in on the motion , and may hold a hearing on it when the trial is scheduled to resume .
The 77-year-old scion of one of New York ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial in the killing of Berman in her home in Beverly Hills in December 2000 .
Prosecutors argued in opening statements that Durst shot Berman because she knew Durst had killed his wife , who disappeared in 1982 .
Durst has never been charged in his wife ’ s killing , and denied having any role in either death .
The trial had been in the works for five years , since Durst ’ s arrest on the eve of the airing of the final episode of “ The Jinx : The Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HBO documentary included interviews with Durst that helped lead to the charges against him .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Attorneys for real estate heir Robert Durst asked a Los Angeles judge to declare a mistrial Thursday in the murder case against him, arguing that he cannot get a fair trial with the long pause in the proceedings brought on by coronavirus court closures.
Durst’s defense team filed a motion with the court calling the mid-trial break “prejudicial,” saying that the stoppage that will last months even in the best case scenario makes it unrealistic that the jury will be able to perform its functions.
“The risk that jurors will not be accurately able to recall the evidence introduced prior to adjournment is heightened here,” the motion says.
Prosecutors had no comment on the move.
The trial had been expected to last some five months and had been under way for just six days when it was put on hold, like all other Los Angeles County trials, because of the coronavirus. The district attorney’s office announced later Thursday that Durst’s long-awaited trial in the killing of his best friend Susan Berman is scheduled to resume June 23. That means a break of more than three months, with more delays still possible.
Durst’s motion argues that “the adjournment caused by COVID-19 has made it impossible for defendant to receive a fair trial. The Constitution therefore demands a mistrial, even if it results in some moderate amount of judicial inefficiency.”
Judge Mark E. Windham has not weighed in on the motion, and may hold a hearing on it when the trial is scheduled to resume.
The 77-year-old scion of one of New York’s wealthiest real estate dynasties is on trial in the killing of Berman in her home in Beverly Hills in December 2000. Prosecutors argued in opening statements that Durst shot Berman because she knew Durst had killed his wife, who disappeared in 1982. Durst has never been charged in his wife’s killing, and denied having any role in either death.
The trial had been in the works for five years, since Durst’s arrest on the eve of the airing of the final episode of “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst.” The HBO documentary included interviews with Durst that helped lead to the charges against him.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Navajo death row inmate loses appeal to probe racial bias

PHOENIX ( AP ) - The only Native American on federal death row lost a bid Thursday to look into potential racial bias in his case .
The 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision by a federal court in Arizona that Lezmond Mitchell had no grounds to interview jurors for potential bias against Native Americans .
Mitchell was convicted of the 2001 murder of a fellow Navajo tribal member and her 9-year-old granddaughter on the reservation that extends into Arizona , New Mexico and Utah .
He was scheduled to be executed last December , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of his attorneys ’ appeal .
The three-judge panel found Mitchell failed to show any discrimination occurred among the jury and pointed out several safeguards that were in place .
“ Jurors were asked … about their attitudes towards Native Americans , were instructed not to consider race , and were required to sign a certification attesting that they did not consider race , ” Judge Sandra Ikuta wrote .
Mitchell ’ s attorneys could ask for a rehearing before the full 9th Circuit .
They said Thursday they will pursue all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ninth Circuit ’ s decision puts prisoners like Lezmond Mitchell in an impossible position , ” the attorneys said in a statement .
“ Although the Supreme Court has held that racial bias in jury deliberations renders a trial fundamentally unfair , Mr. Mitchell has been barred from investigating whether his jury was tainted by racial bias.
” Assistant U.S. Attorney William Voit equated the appeal to a “ fishing expedition ” during oral arguments in December .
The U.S. Department of Justice declined comment Thursday .
Mitchell and an accomplice abducted Alyce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October 2001 with plans to use Slim ’ s vehicle in a robbery .
Prosecutors said the two fatally stabbed Slim and slit the girl ’ s throat .
Their beheaded , mutilated bodies were found in a shallow grave on the Navajo Nation .
Despite the grisly nature of the killings , tribal officials and even the victims ’ family opposed the death penalty .
American Indian tribes for decades have been able to tell federal prosecutors if they want a death sentence considered for certain crimes on their land .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitchell was convicted of carjacking resulting in death - a crime that carries a possible death sentence no matter where it happens , meaning the tribe had no avenue to object .
Judges Morgan Christen and Andrew Hurwitz of the 9th Circuit concurred with the ruling Thursday but wrote separately that the United States should reconsider whether the death penalty is appropriate in Mitchell ’ s case .
“ The imposition of the death penalty in this case is a betrayal of a promise made to the Navajo Nation , and it demonstrates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Christen wrote .
“ People can disagree about whether the death penalty should ever be imposed , but our history shows that the United States gave tribes the option to decide for themselves.
” The Justice Department announced last year the federal government would resume executing death-row inmates for the first time since 2003 .
Mitchell was one of five male inmates scheduled to be put to death .
But the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration last December from carrying them out .
The federal appeals court in Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

PHOENIX (AP) - The only Native American on federal death row lost a bid Thursday to look into potential racial bias in his case.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision by a federal court in Arizona that Lezmond Mitchell had no grounds to interview jurors for potential bias against Native Americans.
Mitchell was convicted of the 2001 murder of a fellow Navajo tribal member and her 9-year-old granddaughter on the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. He was scheduled to be executed last December, but the 9th Circuit put it on hold because of his attorneys’ appeal.
The three-judge panel found Mitchell failed to show any discrimination occurred among the jury and pointed out several safeguards that were in place.
“Jurors were asked … about their attitudes towards Native Americans, were instructed not to consider race, and were required to sign a certification attesting that they did not consider race,” Judge Sandra Ikuta wrote.
Mitchell’s attorneys could ask for a rehearing before the full 9th Circuit. They said Thursday they will pursue all available avenues of relief.
“The Ninth Circuit’s decision puts prisoners like Lezmond Mitchell in an impossible position,” the attorneys said in a statement. “Although the Supreme Court has held that racial bias in jury deliberations renders a trial fundamentally unfair, Mr. Mitchell has been barred from investigating whether his jury was tainted by racial bias.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Voit equated the appeal to a “fishing expedition” during oral arguments in December. The U.S. Department of Justice declined comment Thursday.
Mitchell and an accomplice abducted Alyce Slim, 63, and her granddaughter in October 2001 with plans to use Slim’s vehicle in a robbery. Prosecutors said the two fatally stabbed Slim and slit the girl’s throat. Their beheaded, mutilated bodies were found in a shallow grave on the Navajo Nation.
Despite the grisly nature of the killings, tribal officials and even the victims’ family opposed the death penalty. American Indian tribes for decades have been able to tell federal prosecutors if they want a death sentence considered for certain crimes on their land. Nearly all have rejected that option.
Mitchell was convicted of carjacking resulting in death - a crime that carries a possible death sentence no matter where it happens, meaning the tribe had no avenue to object.
Judges Morgan Christen and Andrew Hurwitz of the 9th Circuit concurred with the ruling Thursday but wrote separately that the United States should reconsider whether the death penalty is appropriate in Mitchell’s case.
“The imposition of the death penalty in this case is a betrayal of a promise made to the Navajo Nation, and it demonstrates a deep disrespect for tribal sovereignty,” Christen wrote. “People can disagree about whether the death penalty should ever be imposed, but our history shows that the United States gave tribes the option to decide for themselves.”
The Justice Department announced last year the federal government would resume executing death-row inmates for the first time since 2003. Mitchell was one of five male inmates scheduled to be put to death. But the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration last December from carrying them out.
The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., is reviewing the case.
___
Fonseca reported from Flagstaff.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--UN chief:16 armed groups have responded to cease-fire appeal

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - Sixteen armed groups have responded positively to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ’ appeal for a global cease-fire to tackle the coronavirus pandemic , but the U.N. chief said Thursday that mistrust remains high and turning intentions into an end to hostilities is difficult .
He said at a news conference that his March 23 call “ has resonated widely , with endorsements from 114 governments , diverse regional organizations , religious leaders and more than 200 civil society groups spanning all regions.
” According to an informal tally kept by the U.N. based on various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded positively are from Yemen , Myanmar , Ukraine , Philippines , Colombia , Angola , Libya , Senegal , Sudan , Syria , Indonesia and Nagorno-Karabakh .
Guterres said his special representatives and envoys are working , with his own involvement when necessary , “ to turn expressed intentions into effective cease-fires.
” The secretary-general said he believes “ there is an opportunity for peace in Yemen.
” He said a cease-fire negotiated by Turkey and Russia in Syria ’ s northwest Idlib region , the last major opposition stronghold , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a country-wide end to hostilities.
” In Afghanistan , Guterres said , “ we are pushing hard for a humanitarian cease-fire between the government and the Taliban.
” But “ in Libya , regrettably , we have seen an escalation despite all our efforts and those of many others in the international community , ” he said .
Guterres stressed that all of the U.N. ’ s efforts “ depend on strong political backing , ” and he singled out divisions in the Security Council among its five veto-wielding members as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council resolution voicing support for the secretary-general ’ s cease-fire call is being held up by a dispute between the United States and China over a reference to the World Health Organization .
If adopted , it would be the council ’ s first resolution related to the pandemic .
The Chinese insist the text mention the WHO and its role in the global fight against the virus .
That is opposed by the U.S. , where President Donald Trump suspended funding for the U.N. agency in early April , accusing it of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saying it “ must be held accountable.
” Washington is insisting instead on a reference to “ transparency ” in information about the virus , diplomats said , speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions have been private .
Guterres told reporters , “ It is my hope the Security Council will be able to find unity and adopt decisions that can help to make cease-fires meaningful and real .
”

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Sixteen armed groups have responded positively to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ appeal for a global cease-fire to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, but the U.N. chief said Thursday that mistrust remains high and turning intentions into an end to hostilities is difficult.
He said at a news conference that his March 23 call “has resonated widely, with endorsements from 114 governments, diverse regional organizations, religious leaders and more than 200 civil society groups spanning all regions.”
According to an informal tally kept by the U.N. based on various sources, the 16 armed groups that responded positively are from Yemen, Myanmar, Ukraine, Philippines, Colombia, Angola, Libya, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Indonesia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Guterres said his special representatives and envoys are working, with his own involvement when necessary, “to turn expressed intentions into effective cease-fires.”
The secretary-general said he believes “there is an opportunity for peace in Yemen.” He said a cease-fire negotiated by Turkey and Russia in Syria’s northwest Idlib region, the last major opposition stronghold, is holding “but we are still hopeful for a country-wide end to hostilities.”
In Afghanistan, Guterres said, “we are pushing hard for a humanitarian cease-fire between the government and the Taliban.” But “in Libya, regrettably, we have seen an escalation despite all our efforts and those of many others in the international community,” he said.
Guterres stressed that all of the U.N.’s efforts “depend on strong political backing,” and he singled out divisions in the Security Council among its five veto-wielding members as an obstacle.
Diplomats say a draft Security Council resolution voicing support for the secretary-general’s cease-fire call is being held up by a dispute between the United States and China over a reference to the World Health Organization. If adopted, it would be the council’s first resolution related to the pandemic.
The Chinese insist the text mention the WHO and its role in the global fight against the virus. That is opposed by the U.S., where President Donald Trump suspended funding for the U.N. agency in early April, accusing it of failing to stop the virus from spreading and saying it “must be held accountable.” Washington is insisting instead on a reference to “transparency” in information about the virus, diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions have been private.
Guterres told reporters, “It is my hope the Security Council will be able to find unity and adopt decisions that can help to make cease-fires meaningful and real.”
According to the U.N.’s informal tally, the groups that have responded positively to Guterres’ cease-fire appeal include Houthi rebels who control Yemen’s capital of Sanaa and the country’s separatist Southern Transitional Council; Myanmar’s Arakan Army and Brotherhood Alliance; the Communist Party of the Philippines and its rebel New People’s Army; Colombia’s National Liberation Army; and Angola’s separatist Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda.
The others are the rebel Libyan National Army; Senegal’s Movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance; the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (Al-Hilu) and the Sudan Revolutionary Front; the Syrian Opposition Coalition; Indonesia’s West Papua National Liberation Army; de facto “authorities” in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh; and entities in control of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.


washingtontimes--2020-04-30--Lawsuit claims anti-male bias in campus sex assault probe

SYRACUSE , N.Y. ( AP ) - A federal judge has upheld a male student ’ s lawsuit against Colgate University alleging that his rights were violated in a campus sexual misconduct investigation that resulted in his expulsion .
The lawsuit is one of dozens filed against colleges in recent years complaining of reverse discrimination and unfair disciplinary proceedings against male students accused of sexual assault and harassment .
Attorney Andrew Miltenberg , who has represented many of the male students , said the Colgate case will be the first of its kind to proceed to a trial unless the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Colgate University said the college won ’ t comment on ongoing litigation .
The male student , identified by the pseudonym “ John Doe , ” was accused by a female student of having sex with her against her will in his dorm room in October 2016 .
He claimed the two had consensual sex .
The female student filed a complaint with campus security in March 2017 and an investigation was launched .
A campus hearing panel found Doe was not responsible for three charges of non-consensual sexual contact but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman was asleep at that time and thus unable to consent .
The panel decided to sanction Doe by expelling him .
He later filed a lawsuit alleging he was denied his rights to an impartial hearing and due process in an investigation biased against males .
He was not criminally charged .
“ This was a sham investigation with only one purpose – to find my client guilty and remove him from campus , ” Miltenberg said in a statement Thursday .
Judge Frederick Scullin set a trial date of Sept. 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in U.S. District Court in Syracuse .

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - A federal judge has upheld a male student’s lawsuit against Colgate University alleging that his rights were violated in a campus sexual misconduct investigation that resulted in his expulsion.
The lawsuit is one of dozens filed against colleges in recent years complaining of reverse discrimination and unfair disciplinary proceedings against male students accused of sexual assault and harassment. Attorney Andrew Miltenberg, who has represented many of the male students, said the Colgate case will be the first of its kind to proceed to a trial unless the college reaches a settlement.
A spokesman for Colgate University said the college won’t comment on ongoing litigation.
The male student, identified by the pseudonym “John Doe,” was accused by a female student of having sex with her against her will in his dorm room in October 2016. He claimed the two had consensual sex.
The female student filed a complaint with campus security in March 2017 and an investigation was launched. A campus hearing panel found Doe was not responsible for three charges of non-consensual sexual contact but was responsible for a fourth charge because the woman was asleep at that time and thus unable to consent.
The panel decided to sanction Doe by expelling him. He later filed a lawsuit alleging he was denied his rights to an impartial hearing and due process in an investigation biased against males. He was not criminally charged.
“This was a sham investigation with only one purpose – to find my client guilty and remove him from campus,” Miltenberg said in a statement Thursday.
Judge Frederick Scullin set a trial date of Sept. 14 for the the case to go forward in U.S. District Court in Syracuse.