washingtontimes--2020-05-03--LAPD officer wounds fellow officer in off-duty shooting

BARSTOW , Calif. ( AP ) - A Los Angeles Police Department officer was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of shooting and wounding a fellow LAPD officer while they were off-duty at a Southern California recreation area , authorities said .
Deputies responded to reports of a shooting shortly before 1:30 a.m. in the desert just south of Barstow , the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department said .
They found a 48-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body , the statement said .
The man , whose identity was not immediately released , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is expected to survive , sheriff ’ s officials said in a statement .
Deputies arrested Ishmail Tamayo , of Ontario , on suspicion of attempted murder .
Tamayo , 44 , is a Los Angeles police officer , the LAPD said in a statement .
It wasn ’ t known if Tamayo had an attorney who could speak on his behalf .
Tamayo , the shooting victim and a third off-duty officer were camping and shooting guns at Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area about 120 miles ( 194 kilometres ) northeast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s statement said .
Stoddard Wells , which offers miles of off-road trails on federal Bureau of Land Management property , is open during the coronavirus pandemic , according to a phone recording at a number listed for the site .
The three men are friends , authorities said , and it ’ s unclear why or how the victim was shot .
The third man was not hurt .
Los Angeles officials were cooperating with the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department , which is leading the investigation , LA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The events overnight culminating in the serious injury to our off-duty officer , apparently at the hands of another member of this Department , give me great concern , ” Moore said in a statement .
“ I spoke earlier this morning with San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon , pledging our full support of their criminal investigation .
I am thankful our injured officer is in stable condition and expected to survive .
I am committed to determining what and how this occurred.
” Tamayo was in possession of a firearm when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement said .
The LAPD has opened an internal probe into the incident .
“ Officer Tamayo has been relieved of his police powers pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigation , ” the LAPD statement said .

BARSTOW, Calif. (AP) - A Los Angeles Police Department officer was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of shooting and wounding a fellow LAPD officer while they were off-duty at a Southern California recreation area, authorities said.
Deputies responded to reports of a shooting shortly before 1:30 a.m. in the desert just south of Barstow, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said.
They found a 48-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body, the statement said. The man, whose identity was not immediately released, was airlifted to a hospital in stable condition and is expected to survive, sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
Deputies arrested Ishmail Tamayo, of Ontario, on suspicion of attempted murder. Tamayo, 44, is a Los Angeles police officer, the LAPD said in a statement.
It wasn’t known if Tamayo had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
Tamayo, the shooting victim and a third off-duty officer were camping and shooting guns at Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area about 120 miles (194 kilometres) northeast of downtown Los Angeles, the sheriff’s statement said. Stoddard Wells, which offers miles of off-road trails on federal Bureau of Land Management property, is open during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a phone recording at a number listed for the site.
The three men are friends, authorities said, and it’s unclear why or how the victim was shot. The third man was not hurt.
Los Angeles officials were cooperating with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the investigation, LA Police Chief Michel Moore said.
“The events overnight culminating in the serious injury to our off-duty officer, apparently at the hands of another member of this Department, give me great concern,” Moore said in a statement. “I spoke earlier this morning with San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon, pledging our full support of their criminal investigation. I am thankful our injured officer is in stable condition and expected to survive. I am committed to determining what and how this occurred.”
Tamayo was in possession of a firearm when he was arrested without incident, the LAPD statement said.
The LAPD has opened an internal probe into the incident.
“Officer Tamayo has been relieved of his police powers pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigation,” the LAPD statement said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-03--Gianforte, Fox clash as Republican governor's race heats up

BILLINGS , Mont .
( AP ) - Montana ’ s Republican primary for governor is getting increasingly acrimonious as Attorney General Tim Fox steps up his attacks on Rep. Greg Gianforte for avoiding public appearances and sinking more than $ 1 million of his own money into the campaign .
Gianforte , the presumed front-runner who had largely avoided attacks on Fox and Sen. Al Olszewski , struck back forcefully during a virtual debate on Saturday night in which he called Fox ’ s accusations “ shameful.
” “ It is shameful because he ’ s trying to manipulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I ’ ll just leave it at that , ” said Gianforte , a former technology executive who challenged Gov .
Steve Bullock four years ago and lost .
Fox noted that Gianforte had missed two debates in the lead-up to the June 2 primary and said the congressman was “ social distancing long before the pandemic hit.
” “ You ’ ve ducked debates and forums , refused interviews with the press , avoided open public meetings and tough questions , and instead , used your considerable wealth to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those votes , ” Fox said .
Olszewski said his experience as a physician and small business owner made him well suited to lead the state as it grapples with the public health and economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Kalispell lawmaker also reiterated his opposition to a water compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and promised to renegotiate the deal if elected governor .
Saturday ’ s debate was conducted via video conference and sponsored by the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Greater Montana Foundation .
Lt. Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams faced off in a separate debate as they seek the Democratic nomination in the race .
Williams criticized the Bullock administration for allowing school districts the choice to reopen amid the pandemic .
But Cooney defended the move and said the administration has handled the public health crisis well .

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Montana’s Republican primary for governor is getting increasingly acrimonious as Attorney General Tim Fox steps up his attacks on Rep. Greg Gianforte for avoiding public appearances and sinking more than $1 million of his own money into the campaign.
Gianforte, the presumed front-runner who had largely avoided attacks on Fox and Sen. Al Olszewski, struck back forcefully during a virtual debate on Saturday night in which he called Fox’s accusations “shameful.”
“It is shameful because he’s trying to manipulate and use false statements to manipulate voters, and I’ll just leave it at that,” said Gianforte, a former technology executive who challenged Gov. Steve Bullock four years ago and lost.
Fox noted that Gianforte had missed two debates in the lead-up to the June 2 primary and said the congressman was “social distancing long before the pandemic hit.”
“You’ve ducked debates and forums, refused interviews with the press, avoided open public meetings and tough questions, and instead, used your considerable wealth to try to buy this election instead of earning those votes,” Fox said.
Olszewski said his experience as a physician and small business owner made him well suited to lead the state as it grapples with the public health and economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The Kalispell lawmaker also reiterated his opposition to a water compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and promised to renegotiate the deal if elected governor.
Saturday’s debate was conducted via video conference and sponsored by the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Greater Montana Foundation.
Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney and Missoula businesswoman Whitney Williams faced off in a separate debate as they seek the Democratic nomination in the race.
Williams criticized the Bullock administration for allowing school districts the choice to reopen amid the pandemic. But Cooney defended the move and said the administration has handled the public health crisis well.


washingtontimes--2020-05-03--Kentucky gov: Prison virus figures will be 'pretty tough'

FRANKFORT , Ky. ( AP ) - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases at a Kentucky state prison are expected @ @ @ @ @ Andy Beshear said Sunday .
Beshear said at his daily news briefing that test results @ @ @ @ @ Green River Correctional Complex in Muhlenberg County .
“ They ’ re going to be @ @ @ @ @ , ” Beshear said .
An outbreak at the prison led to the facility ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least one inmate has died from the virus .
The prison has 982 @ @ @ @ @ state Department of Corrections .
Overall , there have been at least 5,130 positive cases @ @ @ @ @ virus in Kentucky , Beshear said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes @ @ @ @ @ such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks .
For some , especially @ @ @ @ @ existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , even death .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases at a Kentucky state prison are expected to increase, Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday.
Beshear said at his daily news briefing that test results are expected Monday from the Green River Correctional Complex in Muhlenberg County.
“They’re going to be pretty tough numbers to see,” Beshear said.
An outbreak at the prison led to the facility’s entire population being tested. At least one inmate has died from the virus.
The prison has 982 inmates, according to the state Department of Corrections.
Overall, there have been at least 5,130 positive cases and 253 deaths from the virus in Kentucky, Beshear said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, even death.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-03--Coronavirus vaccine in 2020 'pretty good' Oxford University professor says

Prospects of landing a vaccine for the coronavirus this year are “ pretty good ” and a top candidate may show efficacy by June , a British front-runner in the medical race said Sunday , as the U.S. and other countries clamor for ways to shield people returning to work and other normal routines .
John Bell , an Oxford University professor , said his researchers have so many people to test the vaccine that they should have a sense of its safety and effectiveness within six weeks .
He said a hopeful world shouldn ’ t get carried away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but early animal studies put them in a good position .
“ I certainly wouldn ’ t put the possibility at 80 % .
That ’ s a pretty big number , ” he told NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press ” about the chances of developing a reliable vaccine this year .
“ But we are gradually reeling it in bit by bit , and as every day goes by , the likelihood of success goes up.
” Scientists and policymakers have pointed to a vaccine as the only true defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world , shuttered major economies and taxed a U.S. supply chain that was unprepared for the crisis .
The U.S. is still trying to ramp up diagnostic testing and to land reliable testing for antibodies as states begin to reopen their economies .
SEE ALSO : McConnell , Pelosi ‘ respectfully ’ turn down Trump offer for rapid testing Top leaders in Congress have rejected the Trump administration ’ s offer to deploy rapid coronavirus testing to Capitol Hill ahead of the Senate ’ s planned return Monday .
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers during the pandemic .
Given the difficulty of checking the vast U.S. population regularly or figuring out who has natural defenses to the disease , developing potential treatments or a preventive vaccine is vital .
Some people infected with the coronavirus don ’ t show symptoms , making it difficult to trace the pathogen and potential transmission .
“ I think we underestimated very early on the number of asymptomatic cases , ” Dr. Deborah Birx , U.S. coronavirus response coordinator , told Fox News Channel .
“ I think we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that get infected that those symptoms are so low-grade that they don ’ t even know that they ’ re infected.
” She reiterated her view that the best way to eliminate the virus is to develop a vaccine .
President Trump has name-checked Oxford ’ s efforts in recent days and launched Operation Warp Speed to streamline cooperation between his administration and major drugmakers such as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson , which are among dozens of players in the vaccine race .
“ I hope we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to fast-track it like you ’ ve never seen before , ” Mr. Trump said .
Although ongoing transmission of the virus is tragic , it is a scientific boon to researchers who are trying various candidates in real time .
Mr. Bell said the Oxford team is “ pretty confident that the vector itself is safe because it ’ s been used in about 5,000 people already up to now.
” “ So that ’ s allowed us to really accelerate the phase one program , and we hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get evidence that the vaccine has efficacy by the beginning of June , ” he told NBC .
Despite their progress , researchers have challenges .
Vaccines are given to healthy people , not the sick and desperate , so safety protocols are key and might drag on .
Developers are scrambling to compress into a year what can take up to five or 10 , so Mr. Trump is just as eager to advance drugs that can block the virus that causes COVID-19 and help vulnerable people recover from the respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically take shorter courses than those for vaccines .
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a promising antiviral , remdesivir , for emergency use in patients with severe cases of COVID-19 after clinical trials showed it was able to block the virus and speed up recovery times versus a placebo .
“ It ’ s really a very promising situation , ” Mr. Trump said in an Oval Office meeting with the CEO of Gilead Sciences , the maker of remdesivir .
“ We have very promising studies coming out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming out on therapeutics.
” Mr. Trump followed up the announcement with a trip to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland .
He didn ’ t make public appearances but used his Twitter thumbs to stoke political grievances and say he was “ glad to see ” North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un back in public after rumors that he was gravely ill or even dead .
He also highlighted his golf course in Scotland and boasted about his approval ratings and progress in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak ahead of a Sunday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memorial on reopening America .
Over a dozen states have moved to reopen their economies .
Large states such as Texas and Florida are using a phased-in approach that allows restaurants and retailers to open with 25 % occupancy .
A handful of movie theaters are set to reopen in Texas as well , and some reportedly are using infrared body temperature screenings and airport-style check-ins .
Michigan and some other states are contending with vociferous protests as they keep restrictions in place because of ongoing transmission .
“ We are still having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase in the rate of rise in cases , and we know that their hospital capacity is not what it should be .
We have to get our testing up as I know people across the country are working on .
So , while we are cautiously optimistic , we still think we need to be very careful , ” Joneigh Khaldun , a top Michigan health official , told NBC .
The White House released guidelines that outline how states can reopen safely in multiple phases , though it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path forward .
Mr. Trump encouraged states to take the lead in testing for the virus but has pledged federal resources of late and boasted that capacity is now robust .
Over the weekend , he pledged support for key players on Capitol Hill .
He said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Kentucky Republican , should accept his offer of rapid coronavirus tests from Abbott Laboratories despite reticence from congressional leaders .
“ No reason to turn it down , except politics , ” Mr. Trump said in a Twitter message .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe you need a new Doctor over there .
Crazy Nancy will use it as an excuse not to show up to work !
” In a rare joint statement , Mr. McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , California Democrat , said they “ respectfully ” reject the administration ’ s “ generous ” offer to provide rapid testing capabilities to Congress .
“ Our country ’ s testing capacities are continuing to scale up nationwide and Congress wants to keep directing resources to the front-line facilities where they can do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mrs. Pelosi and Mr. McConnell said .
The leaders said that consistent with federal guidance , Congress will use the testing protocols that the office of the attending physician has in place until quicker technology is more readily available .
Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said late Friday that the administration was sending three Abbott “ point of care ” testing machines and 1,000 tests to Capitol Hill as the Senate prepares to return to work Monday .
The White House last month mandated that anyone who wants to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence has to take a quick coronavirus test .
Dr. Brian P. Monahan , Congress ‘ in-house doctor , said he doubts he has enough rapid tests for all 100 senators and that he would likely have to limit the testing to senators and staffers who are sick or displaying symptoms .
The Democrat-led House scrapped plans to return Monday based on advice from Dr. Monahan and a rising number of COVID-19 cases in and around the nation ’ s capital .
Mr. McConnell expressed confidence that the Senate could reconvene safely @ @ @ @ @ @

Carleton Bryant, Kellan Howell and David Sherfinski

Prospects of landing a vaccine for the coronavirus this year are “pretty good” and a top candidate may show efficacy by June, a British front-runner in the medical race said Sunday, as the U.S. and other countries clamor for ways to shield people returning to work and other normal routines.
John Bell, an Oxford University professor, said his researchers have so many people to test the vaccine that they should have a sense of its safety and effectiveness within six weeks. He said a hopeful world shouldn’t get carried away — evaluating safety takes more time — but early animal studies put them in a good position.
“I certainly wouldn’t put the possibility at 80%. That’s a pretty big number,” he told NBC’s “Meet the Press” about the chances of developing a reliable vaccine this year. “But we are gradually reeling it in bit by bit, and as every day goes by, the likelihood of success goes up.”
Scientists and policymakers have pointed to a vaccine as the only true defense against the virus that has upended much of the world, shuttered major economies and taxed a U.S. supply chain that was unprepared for the crisis.
The national death toll reportedly eclipsed 66,000 on Sunday.
The U.S. is still trying to ramp up diagnostic testing and to land reliable testing for antibodies as states begin to reopen their economies.
SEE ALSO: Deborah Birx: U.S. ‘underestimated’ asymptomatic coronavirus spread early on
Top leaders in Congress have rejected the Trump administration’s offer to deploy rapid coronavirus testing to Capitol Hill ahead of the Senate’s planned return Monday. They said key supplies should be reserved for front-line workers during the pandemic.
Given the difficulty of checking the vast U.S. population regularly or figuring out who has natural defenses to the disease, developing potential treatments or a preventive vaccine is vital.
Some people infected with the coronavirus don’t show symptoms, making it difficult to trace the pathogen and potential transmission.
“I think we underestimated very early on the number of asymptomatic cases,” Dr. Deborah Birx, U.S. coronavirus response coordinator, told Fox News Channel. “I think we’re really beginning to understand there are people that get infected that those symptoms are so low-grade that they don’t even know that they’re infected.”
She reiterated her view that the best way to eliminate the virus is to develop a vaccine.
President Trump has name-checked Oxford’s efforts in recent days and launched Operation Warp Speed to streamline cooperation between his administration and major drugmakers such as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, which are among dozens of players in the vaccine race.
SEE ALSO: Pelosi, McConnell ‘respectfully’ reject administration offer on rapid testing
“I hope we’re going to have a vaccine, and we’re going to fast-track it like you’ve never seen before,” Mr. Trump said.
Although ongoing transmission of the virus is tragic, it is a scientific boon to researchers who are trying various candidates in real time.
Mr. Bell said the Oxford team is “pretty confident that the vector itself is safe because it’s been used in about 5,000 people already up to now.”
“So that’s allowed us to really accelerate the phase one program, and we hope that there would be enough disease that we would get evidence that the vaccine has efficacy by the beginning of June,” he told NBC.
Despite their progress, researchers have challenges. Vaccines are given to healthy people, not the sick and desperate, so safety protocols are key and might drag on. Developers are scrambling to compress into a year what can take up to five or 10, so Mr. Trump is just as eager to advance drugs that can block the virus that causes COVID-19 and help vulnerable people recover from the respiratory disease.
Clinical studies for drug treatments typically take shorter courses than those for vaccines.
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a promising antiviral, remdesivir, for emergency use in patients with severe cases of COVID-19 after clinical trials showed it was able to block the virus and speed up recovery times versus a placebo.
“It’s really a very promising situation,” Mr. Trump said in an Oval Office meeting with the CEO of Gilead Sciences, the maker of remdesivir. “We have very promising studies coming out on the vaccines. We have promising studies coming out on therapeutics.”
Mr. Trump followed up the announcement with a trip to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. He didn’t make public appearances but used his Twitter thumbs to stoke political grievances and say he was “glad to see” North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un back in public after rumors that he was gravely ill or even dead.
He also highlighted his golf course in Scotland and boasted about his approval ratings and progress in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak ahead of a Sunday night Fox News town hall at the Lincoln Memorial on reopening America.
Over a dozen states have moved to reopen their economies. Large states such as Texas and Florida are using a phased-in approach that allows restaurants and retailers to open with 25% occupancy. A handful of movie theaters are set to reopen in Texas as well, and some reportedly are using infrared body temperature screenings and airport-style check-ins.
Michigan and some other states are contending with vociferous protests as they keep restrictions in place because of ongoing transmission.
“We are still having parts of the state that are seeing an increase in the rate of rise in cases, and we know that their hospital capacity is not what it should be. We have to get our testing up as I know people across the country are working on. So, while we are cautiously optimistic, we still think we need to be very careful,” Joneigh Khaldun, a top Michigan health official, told NBC.
The White House released guidelines that outline how states can reopen safely in multiple phases, though it’s primarily up to governors to plot the path forward.
Mr. Trump encouraged states to take the lead in testing for the virus but has pledged federal resources of late and boasted that capacity is now robust. Over the weekend, he pledged support for key players on Capitol Hill. He said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, should accept his offer of rapid coronavirus tests from Abbott Laboratories despite reticence from congressional leaders.
“No reason to turn it down, except politics,” Mr. Trump said in a Twitter message. “We have plenty of testing. Maybe you need a new Doctor over there. Crazy Nancy will use it as an excuse not to show up to work!”
In a rare joint statement, Mr. McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, said they “respectfully” reject the administration’s “generous” offer to provide rapid testing capabilities to Congress.
“Our country’s testing capacities are continuing to scale up nationwide and Congress wants to keep directing resources to the front-line facilities where they can do the most good the most quickly,” Mrs. Pelosi and Mr. McConnell said.
The leaders said that consistent with federal guidance, Congress will use the testing protocols that the office of the attending physician has in place until quicker technology is more readily available.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said late Friday that the administration was sending three Abbott “point of care” testing machines and 1,000 tests to Capitol Hill as the Senate prepares to return to work Monday.
The White House last month mandated that anyone who wants to get close to Mr. Trump or Vice President Mike Pence has to take a quick coronavirus test.
Dr. Brian P. Monahan, Congress’ in-house doctor, said he doubts he has enough rapid tests for all 100 senators and that he would likely have to limit the testing to senators and staffers who are sick or displaying symptoms.
The Democrat-led House scrapped plans to return Monday based on advice from Dr. Monahan and a rising number of COVID-19 cases in and around the nation’s capital.
Mr. McConnell expressed confidence that the Senate could reconvene safely with proper precautions in place.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com. • Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com. • David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-03--Pentagon official spoke regularly with Washington Post columnist, records show

Newly released records show that a senior Pentagon official engaged in regular conversations with The Washington Post ’ s David Ignatius , the columnist who put his mark on the Trump-Russia affair by disclosing top secret intercepted telephone calls by retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn .
Mr. Ignatius ’ column about Flynn ’ s calls with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition became the impetus for FBI agent Peter Strzok to interview Flynn at the White House , which resulted in the retired officer pleading guilty to making false statements .
The Jan. 12 , 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the two-year media firestorm of Trump-Russian conspiracy stories that was extinguished when special counsel Robert Mueller reported in March 2019 that he found no election collusion .
The conservative watchdog Judicial Watch , through the Freedom of Information Act , uncovered the communications between Mr. Ignatius and James H. Baker , who directs the Pentagon Office of Net Assessment ( ONA ) .
Mr. Baker noted in one email that he has had a “ long history ” of talking with Mr. Ignatius , who writes an influential twice-weekly column on foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s attorney , filed papers in U.S. District Court in October saying Mr. Baker “ is believed to be ” the source for the Jan. 12 Ignatius column .
The Washington Times asked Mr. Baker to respond when the document was filed .
He declined through a spokesman , citing pending litigation .
There has been no independent confirmation that Mr. Baker leaked knowledge of the two Flynn-Kislyak phone calls .
ONA has become a nexus for Trump-Russia intrigue beyond the Baker-Ignatius relationship .
Stories about the White House National Security Council and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Office of Net Assessment , a secretive agency whose mission is to identify global threats .
Mr. Baker ’ s office has contracted for more than $ 1 million in studies with Stefan Halper , the longtime Washington national security figure who suddenly emerged as an FBI informant sent to plumb the minds of Trump supporters .
Mr. Halper surreptitiously recorded his conversations with campaign volunteers George Papadopoulos and Carter Page in London and Virginia .
The talks failed to produce any incriminating Russia conspiracy evidence .
In another Trump-Russia link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , left ONA at Flynn ’ s request to work at the National Security Council as a detailee .
Mr. Lovinger is a Flynn associate and Trump supporter who criticized in-house how Mr. Baker ran ONA and questioned Mr. Halper ’ s research techniques .
At the security council , Mr. Lovinger soon learned he was the target of an investigation initiated by Mr. Baker , who alleged that he had mishandled sensitive files .
Mr. Lovinger was pulled back to the Pentagon , was suspended without pay and lost his appeal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the help of Judicial Watch , later discovered a Navy intelligence report that cleared Mr. Lovinger of any security breaches .
His whistleblower reprisal complaint with the Defense Department inspector general is pending a decision .
Judicial Watch sued the Pentagon under FOIA to obtain more than 100 pages of emails that showed a source-reporter relationship between Mr. Baker and Mr. Ignatius .
The Pentagon also provided several emails between Mr. Baker and then-Deputy Defense Secretary Robert O .
Work .
All of those emails ’ contents were censored .
The Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FOIA process , which allows withholding material linked to ongoing litigation .
The fact that the Pentagon released the emails suggests that Mr. Ignatius was a topic of Work-Baker conversations because the Defense Department was compelled to comply with Judicial Watch ’ s exact FOIA request for any Baker-Ignatius-related communications .
Spanning 2015-2019 , the Ignatius-Baker emails show that they discussed a variety of national security issues .
Mr. Baker refers to the columnist as “ sir.
” Mr. Ignatius addresses him as “ Jim.
” If his phone call didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ no joy.
” In February 2016 , Mr. Baker discussed Mr. Ignatius with Zachery Mears , deputy chief of staff to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and chief of staff to Mr. Work .
“ As a reminder only , ” Mr. Baker told Mr. Mears , “ I have a long history with David and talk with him regularly.
” Mr. Baker responds : “ A nice piece and useful diagnosis .
Now — onto trying to solve whatever part of it I can !
” Later that spring , Mr. Ignatius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ bunch of things ” to talk over .
In an August 5 , 2015 , email , Mr. Baker congratulated Mr. Ignatius : “ David — another good column on Syria this morning , although you will be unsurprised I do not share your sense of ever flickers of optimism … A good article by our colleague Karen De Young on the NSC also .
Hope all remains well with you .
With respect , Jim.
” The next month , Mr. Ignatius sent an email asking if the two can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked by Mr. Baker for a topic , the columnist listed Russia , the value of the Euro and Saudi Arabia .
Subsequently , Mr. Baker emailed : “ A great column , sir .
Thoughtful , timely , thematic .
Thanks for the view.
” That December , Mr. Baker wrote : “ Sir , a nice column laying the drivers of our present strategy wrt ISIS … it ’ s advantages and its risks .
Have a blessed holiday.
” “ Thanks Jim , ” Mr. Ignatius answered .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” He also wrote : “ Jim : Had a fascinating breakfast this am with Work and [ Gen. Paul J . ]
Selva .
If you have a few mins this afternoon I ’ d be grateful for a call.
” Syria came up again in October 2016 , as Mr. Ignatius wrote : “ I ’ m trying to figure out what to recommend for Syria — stand down , stand in , stand still .
I ’ m reachable Monday.
” “ I am good for dinner on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Metropolitan Club at 17th and H ?
I promise a tasty dinner and a quiet place to talk , ” Mr. Ignatius wrote .
In October 2018 , Mr. Baker reminded the columnist of his rules : “ David , please , as always , our discussions are completely off the record .
If any of my observations strike you as worthy of mixing or folding into your own thinking , that is as usual fine .
Great to talk with you .
Have a good night.
” Mr. Ignatius asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will be trying to make sense of the days events intellectually , and I could use some wisdom .
Any chance we could talk at noon or so ?
” On the Lovinger matter , Mr. Lovinger and Flynn had known each other for more than 10 years when Mr. Trump won the election and Flynn joined the transition team .
Mr. Lovinger had complained to Flynn that Mr. Baker ’ s office was failing in its job to write classified net assessments and outline new military strategies .
He complained that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Mr. Halper to write academic-style research papers .
Once in office as national security adviser , Flynn had Mr. Lovinger transferred to the security council to perform assessments .
Around that time , Mr. Baker initiated an investigation for alleged security violations .
Mr. Baker testified at Mr. Lovinger ’ s administrative trial that he was aware of a rumor that the new administration might replace him as ONA director .
How did Mr. Ignatius ’ Jan. 12 , 2017 , column , based on a tip from the Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Flynn had spoken to Mr. Kislyak by phone and suggested the topic was how to respond to Obama-imposed sanctions .
Mr. Ignatius wondered if this would have violated the 1799 Logan Act .
The column reflected the exact conversation about Flynn being conducted inside the Obama Justice Department .
Flynn had been targeted in August 2016 by the FBI for a counterintelligence investigation on Russian election inference .
But no evidence ever materialized that he conspired with Moscow .
The Trump team denied that Flynn talked about sanctions .
The FBI had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had asked Moscow not to overreact .
The FBI Trump-Russia investigation , led by the since-fired Mr. Strzok , had the transcript .
They devised a plan to visit Flynn on Jan. 24 and see if he would lie about the call .
Flynn denied the subject came up .
He was fired and eventually pleaded guilty to providing a false statement to Mr. Strzok .
Ms. Powell is asking U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan to dismiss the case .
She unearthed documents that show Flynn pleaded guilty under threat from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son .
She said the FBI entrapped and “ framed ” her client .

Newly released records show that a senior Pentagon official engaged in regular conversations with The Washington Post’s David Ignatius, the columnist who put his mark on the Trump-Russia affair by disclosing top secret intercepted telephone calls by retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn.
Mr. Ignatius’ column about Flynn’s calls with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition became the impetus for FBI agent Peter Strzok to interview Flynn at the White House, which resulted in the retired officer pleading guilty to making false statements.
The Jan. 12, 2017, column is seen as a flash point in the two-year media firestorm of Trump-Russian conspiracy stories that was extinguished when special counsel Robert Mueller reported in March 2019 that he found no election collusion.
The conservative watchdog Judicial Watch, through the Freedom of Information Act, uncovered the communications between Mr. Ignatius and James H. Baker, who directs the Pentagon Office of Net Assessment (ONA).
Mr. Baker noted in one email that he has had a “long history” of talking with Mr. Ignatius, who writes an influential twice-weekly column on foreign affairs.
Sidney Powell, Flynn’s attorney, filed papers in U.S. District Court in October saying Mr. Baker “is believed to be” the source for the Jan. 12 Ignatius column.
The Washington Times asked Mr. Baker to respond when the document was filed. He declined through a spokesman, citing pending litigation.
There has been no independent confirmation that Mr. Baker leaked knowledge of the two Flynn-Kislyak phone calls.
ONA has become a nexus for Trump-Russia intrigue beyond the Baker-Ignatius relationship. Stories about the White House National Security Council and an important FBI spy both have links to the Office of Net Assessment, a secretive agency whose mission is to identify global threats.
Mr. Baker’s office has contracted for more than $1 million in studies with Stefan Halper, the longtime Washington national security figure who suddenly emerged as an FBI informant sent to plumb the minds of Trump supporters.
Mr. Halper surreptitiously recorded his conversations with campaign volunteers George Papadopoulos and Carter Page in London and Virginia. The talks failed to produce any incriminating Russia conspiracy evidence.
In another Trump-Russia link, a Baker analyst, Adam Lovinger, left ONA at Flynn’s request to work at the National Security Council as a detailee. Mr. Lovinger is a Flynn associate and Trump supporter who criticized in-house how Mr. Baker ran ONA and questioned Mr. Halper’s research techniques.
At the security council, Mr. Lovinger soon learned he was the target of an investigation initiated by Mr. Baker, who alleged that he had mishandled sensitive files.
Mr. Lovinger was pulled back to the Pentagon, was suspended without pay and lost his appeal with an administrative law judge. His attorney, with the help of Judicial Watch, later discovered a Navy intelligence report that cleared Mr. Lovinger of any security breaches.
His whistleblower reprisal complaint with the Defense Department inspector general is pending a decision.
Judicial Watch sued the Pentagon under FOIA to obtain more than 100 pages of emails that showed a source-reporter relationship between Mr. Baker and Mr. Ignatius.
The Pentagon also provided several emails between Mr. Baker and then-Deputy Defense Secretary Robert O. Work. All of those emails’ contents were censored. The Pentagon invoked exemption No. 5 in the FOIA process, which allows withholding material linked to ongoing litigation.
The fact that the Pentagon released the emails suggests that Mr. Ignatius was a topic of Work-Baker conversations because the Defense Department was compelled to comply with Judicial Watch’s exact FOIA request for any Baker-Ignatius-related communications.
Spanning 2015-2019, the Ignatius-Baker emails show that they discussed a variety of national security issues. Mr. Baker refers to the columnist as “sir.” Mr. Ignatius addresses him as “Jim.” If his phone call didn’t get through, Mr. Baker termed it “no joy.”
In February 2016, Mr. Baker discussed Mr. Ignatius with Zachery Mears, deputy chief of staff to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and chief of staff to Mr. Work.
“As a reminder only,” Mr. Baker told Mr. Mears, “I have a long history with David and talk with him regularly.”
Mr. Ignatius wrote an election-season March 2016 column, “How America’s political decay has fueled Trump’s rise.”
Mr. Baker responds: “A nice piece and useful diagnosis. Now — onto trying to solve whatever part of it I can!” Later that spring, Mr. Ignatius sent in an email that he has a “bunch of things” to talk over.
In an August 5, 2015, email, Mr. Baker congratulated Mr. Ignatius: “David — another good column on Syria this morning, although you will be unsurprised I do not share your sense of ever flickers of optimism … A good article by our colleague Karen De Young on the NSC also. Hope all remains well with you. With respect, Jim.”
The next month, Mr. Ignatius sent an email asking if the two can “chat” the next day.
Asked by Mr. Baker for a topic, the columnist listed Russia, the value of the Euro and Saudi Arabia.
Subsequently, Mr. Baker emailed: “A great column, sir. Thoughtful, timely, thematic. Thanks for the view.”
That December, Mr. Baker wrote: “Sir, a nice column laying the drivers of our present strategy wrt ISIS … it’s advantages and its risks. Have a blessed holiday.”
“Thanks Jim,” Mr. Ignatius answered. “You around this week for a phone chat?”
He also wrote: “Jim: Had a fascinating breakfast this am with Work and [ Gen. Paul J.] Selva. If you have a few mins this afternoon I’d be grateful for a call.”
Syria came up again in October 2016, as Mr. Ignatius wrote: “I’m trying to figure out what to recommend for Syria — stand down, stand in, stand still. I’m reachable Monday.”
“I am good for dinner on Wednesday 6 Dec. Would you be my guest at the Metropolitan Club at 17th and H ? I promise a tasty dinner and a quiet place to talk,” Mr. Ignatius wrote.
In October 2018, Mr. Baker reminded the columnist of his rules: “David, please, as always, our discussions are completely off the record. If any of my observations strike you as worthy of mixing or folding into your own thinking, that is as usual fine. Great to talk with you. Have a good night.”
Mr. Ignatius asked Mr. Baker in July 2018: “I will be trying to make sense of the days events intellectually, and I could use some wisdom. Any chance we could talk at noon or so?”
On the Lovinger matter, Mr. Lovinger and Flynn had known each other for more than 10 years when Mr. Trump won the election and Flynn joined the transition team.
Mr. Lovinger had complained to Flynn that Mr. Baker’s office was failing in its job to write classified net assessments and outline new military strategies. He complained that ONA had become a money-pot for analysts such as Mr. Halper to write academic-style research papers.
Once in office as national security adviser, Flynn had Mr. Lovinger transferred to the security council to perform assessments.
Around that time, Mr. Baker initiated an investigation for alleged security violations.
Mr. Baker testified at Mr. Lovinger’s administrative trial that he was aware of a rumor that the new administration might replace him as ONA director.
How did Mr. Ignatius’ Jan. 12, 2017, column, based on a tip from the Obama administration, change Trump world?
It disclosed that Flynn had spoken to Mr. Kislyak by phone and suggested the topic was how to respond to Obama-imposed sanctions. Mr. Ignatius wondered if this would have violated the 1799 Logan Act. The column reflected the exact conversation about Flynn being conducted inside the Obama Justice Department.
Flynn had been targeted in August 2016 by the FBI for a counterintelligence investigation on Russian election inference. But no evidence ever materialized that he conspired with Moscow.
The Trump team denied that Flynn talked about sanctions. The FBI had intercepted the call and knew that Flynn had asked Moscow not to overreact.
The FBI Trump-Russia investigation, led by the since-fired Mr. Strzok, had the transcript. They devised a plan to visit Flynn on Jan. 24 and see if he would lie about the call. Flynn denied the subject came up. He was fired and eventually pleaded guilty to providing a false statement to Mr. Strzok.
Ms. Powell is asking U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan to dismiss the case. She unearthed documents that show Flynn pleaded guilty under threat from the Mueller team that it would prosecute his son. She said the FBI entrapped and “framed” her client.
• Rowan Scarborough can be reached at rscarborough@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-03--California city settles police sex assault lawsuit for $1M

BRENTWOOD , Calif. ( AP ) - A California city agreed to a $ 1 million settlement with a former police officer who alleged she was sexually assaulted by a lieutenant while the police administration covered up the crime .
The city of Brentwood agreed to the settlement in exchange for the woman dropping her lawsuit and ending claims against all parties , The Mercury News reported Saturday .
The female officer accused former police Lt. Salvatore DiMercurio of sexually assaulting her in a hotel room in Reno , Nevada , where they were both attending a training conference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lawsuit was filed in February 2019 , two other women came forward with allegations against DiMercurio , including a claim he sexually assaulted one woman and a claim he retaliated against the other woman when she rebuffed a sexual advance .
DiMercurio retired from the force two days after the lawsuit was filed , city officials said .
DiMercurio ’ s attorney did not respond to requests for comment .
The initial accuser ’ s attorney , Gary Gwilliam , described the Brentwood Police Department as a “ good old boys club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sexual harassment .
Brentwood City Manager Tim Ogden said in an email that “ we won ’ t be responding to these unsubstantiated accusations ” about the department .
The woman ’ s claims were “ a serious personnel matter , ” Ogden said .
The city paid $ 50,000 of the $ 1 million settlement , while its insurance company covered the remainder , Ogden said .

BRENTWOOD, Calif. (AP) - A California city agreed to a $1 million settlement with a former police officer who alleged she was sexually assaulted by a lieutenant while the police administration covered up the crime.
The city of Brentwood agreed to the settlement in exchange for the woman dropping her lawsuit and ending claims against all parties, The Mercury News reported Saturday.
The female officer accused former police Lt. Salvatore DiMercurio of sexually assaulting her in a hotel room in Reno, Nevada, where they were both attending a training conference in September 2017.
After the officer’s lawsuit was filed in February 2019, two other women came forward with allegations against DiMercurio, including a claim he sexually assaulted one woman and a claim he retaliated against the other woman when she rebuffed a sexual advance.
DiMercurio retired from the force two days after the lawsuit was filed, city officials said. DiMercurio’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
The initial accuser’s attorney, Gary Gwilliam, described the Brentwood Police Department as a “good old boys club” where a blind eye was turned to sexual harassment.
Brentwood City Manager Tim Ogden said in an email that “we won’t be responding to these unsubstantiated accusations” about the department. The woman’s claims were “a serious personnel matter,” Ogden said.
The city paid $50,000 of the $1 million settlement, while its insurance company covered the remainder, Ogden said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-03--Driver dies after truck strikes tree, catches fire in Iowa

MCGREGOR , Iowa ( AP ) - One person died when a truck struck a tree and caught on fire @ @ @ @ @ Clayton County Sheriff ’ s office says the crash happened south of the town of @ @ @ @ @ 3:40 p.m. Saturday .
The sheriff ’ s office says the truck failed to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ and went into a ditch where it struck the tree and started on fire .
@ @ @ @ @ died at the scene of the crash .
Authorities did not immediately release the driver @ @ @ @

MCGREGOR, Iowa (AP) - One person died when a truck struck a tree and caught on fire in northeast Iowa.
The Clayton County Sheriff’s office says the crash happened south of the town of McGregor, Iowa, around 3:40 p.m. Saturday.
The sheriff’s office says the truck failed to negotiate a curve in the road and went into a ditch where it struck the tree and started on fire.
The driver of the truck died at the scene of the crash. Authorities did not immediately release the driver’s name.


washingtontimes--2020-05-03--New Mexico reports 118 new coronavirus cases, 12 more deaths

Health officials reported 12 more coronavirus-related deaths in New Mexico on Sunday , pushing the state total to 152 .
@ @ @ @ @ had 118 new positive COVID-19 tests since Saturday ’ s numbers were announcing , increasing @ @ @ @ @ cases .
Due to a technical lapse , reporting results from some labs to the @ @ @ @ @ delayed Sunday .
As a result , the data reflects only a partial total and @ @ @ @ @ included in the state ’ s reporting Monday as soon as they are received and @ @ @ @ @ reported deaths , five were elderly residents of a Farmington life care center and four @ @ @ @ @ All five had underlying medical conditions .
Authorities say there were two deaths reported in @ @ @ @ @ one in McKinley , San Juan and Valencia counties .
Of the 3,850 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ have been in McKinley County and 920 in Bernalillo County , the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Albuquerque metro area .

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham extended to Thursday the closure of all roads to nonessential traffic in Gallup, one of the largest communities bordering the Navajo Nation, where a surging coronavirus outbreak has already prompted widespread restrictions and weekend lockdowns.
Lujan Grisham’s extension of the order, which was issued Sunday, also required that businesses in Gallup close from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the city of about 20,000 people along Interstate 40, which remained open to through traffic.
Gallup Mayor Louis Bonaguidi asked the governor to extend the order, which Lujan Grisham first issued on Friday.
“Only through the extension of the invocation of your authority under the Riot Control Act can our community impose the measures necessary to stem transmission of COVID-19,” Bonaguidi wrote to the governor.
Also on Sunday, health officials reported 12 more coronavirus-related deaths in New Mexico, pushing the state total to 152.
They also said New Mexico had 118 new positive COVID-19 tests since Saturday’s numbers were announcing, increasing the state total to 3,850 cases.
Due to a technical lapse, reporting results from some labs to the state Department of Health were delayed Sunday.
As a result, the data reflects only a partial total and the delayed results will be included in the state’s reporting Monday as soon as they are received and lab-confirmed.
Of the 12 reported deaths, five were elderly residents of a Farmington life care center and four of them were women. All five had underlying medical conditions.
Authorities say there were two deaths reported in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties and one in McKinley, San Juan and Valencia counties.
Of the 3,850 coronavirus cases statewide, authorities say 1,144 have been in McKinley County and 920 in Bernalillo County, the state’s most populous that includes the Albuquerque metro area.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Police investigate shooting reported from store parking lot

MANCHESTER , N.H. ( AP ) - Police in New Hampshire are investigating a shooting that was reported from a @ @ @ @ @ in Manchester said when they arrived at the parking lot on Sunday afternoon , they @ @ @ @ @ not shot , but was taken to the hospital as a precaution .
They said @ @ @ @ @ the hospital on his own with a gunshot wound .
Police said the shooting does @ @ @ @ @ .
They asked anyone with information on what happened to call .

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - A man who was shot in a Walmart parking lot has been arrested, police in New Hampshire said Monday.
Police in Manchester said a man and a woman met in the parking lot Sunday to exchange items that belonged to one another. They began to argue and then Colby Mann,28, stepped in and allegedly pointed a gun at the man. Then, the man pulled out a gun and shot Mann, police said. Mann was hit, but got into his vehicle and drove away. He later arrived at a hospital.
Mann was charged with criminal threatening and was to be arraigned from the hospital on Monday afternoon, police said. It wasn’t immediately known if he had a lawyer. The person who allegedly shot Mann has not been arrested.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Pulitzer Prizes to be announced after delay caused by virus

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The Pulitzer Prizes in journalism and the arts will be announced Monday after being @ @ @ @ @ .
The initial Pulitzer ceremony , which was scheduled for April 20 , was pushed @ @ @ @ @ who were busy covering the pandemic more time to evaluate the finalists .
The awards @ @ @ @ @ at Columbia University in May will be postponed as well .
Details of a fall @ @ @ @ @ a later date , the Pulitzer Board said .
The Pulitzer Prizes in journalism were @ @ @ @ @ are considered the field ’ s most prestigious honor in the U.S .

NEW YORK (AP) - The Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica won the Pulitzer Prize in public service Monday for illuminating the sparse policing of remote Alaska villages, as a delayed awards ceremony recognized writing, photos and - for the first time - audio reporting on topics ranging from climate change to the legacy of slavery.
The public service winners contacted 600 village, tribal and other local governments and traveled by plane, sled and snowmobile to reveal that a third of rural Alaska communities had no local police protection, among other findings.
The “riveting” series spurred legislative changes and an influx of spending, the judges noted in an announcement postponed several weeks and held online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Anchorage Daily News Editor David Hulen said the series “called attention to some really serious problems in Alaska that have needed attention for a long time.”
“There’s more to be done,” and the paper will keep pursuing the issue, he said in a phone interview.
The New York Times won the investigative reporting prize for an expose of predatory lending in the New York City taxi industry and also took the international reporting award for what the judges called “enthralling stories, reported at great risk,” about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government.
The Times also was awarded the commentary prize for an essay that Nikole Hannah-Jones wrote as part of the paper’s ambitious 1619 Project, which followed the throughlines of slavery in American life to this day.
Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet told the staff - in a virtual meeting - that this year’s prizes were “particularly meaningful because they come as we are managing our lives under great difficulty even as we produce great journalism.”
The Washington Post’s work on global warming was recognized for explanatory reporting. The newspaper tracked nearly 170 years of temperature records to show that 10% of the planet’s surface has already exceeded a rise of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial times, the threshold world leaders have agreed they’d try not to exceed.
While the country is now focused on the coronavirus, “another worldwide public-health crisis is upon us” as the world warms, Executive Editor Martin Baron said.
Monday’s awards recognized reporting last year, before the virus sparked a pandemic.
In a development that recognized how podcasting has brought new attention to reporting aimed at listeners rather than readers or viewers, a first-ever award for audio reporting went to “This American Life,” the Los Angeles Times and Vice News for “The Out Crowd,” an examination of the Trump administration’s “remain in Mexico” immigration policy.
In another prize for the Los Angeles Times, Christopher Knight won the criticism award for what the judges called “extraordinary community service by a critic” in examining a proposal to overhaul of the L.A. County Museum of Art.
The staff of The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky, took the breaking news reporting award for unpacking racial disparities and other issues in a spate of governor’s pardons.
Two different projects won the national reporting award: ProPublica’s look at deadly accidents in the U.S. Navy and The Seattle Times’ examination of design flaws in the troubled Boeing 737 MAX jet.
ProPublica Managing Editor Robin Fields said its reporting “laid bare the avoidance of responsibility by the military’s most senior leaders.”
The local reporting award went to The Baltimore Sun for shedding light on a previously undisclosed financial relationship between the mayor and the public hospital system, which she helped oversee.
The New Yorker took the feature reporting prize for Ben Taub’s piece on a detainee at the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. New Yorker contributor Barry Blitt got the editorial cartooning award for work that “skewers the personalities and policies emanating from the Trump White House,” as the judges saw it.
The Associated Press won the feature photography prize for images made during India’s clampdown on Kashmir, where a sweeping curfew and shutdowns of phone and internet service added to the challenges of showing the world what was happening in the region.
AP photographers Dar Yasin, Mukhtar Khan and Channi Anand snaked around roadblocks, sometimes took cover in strangers’ homes and hid cameras in vegetable bags to capture images of protests, police and paramilitary action and daily life. Then they headed to an airport to persuade travelers to carry the photo files out with them and get them to the AP’s office in New Delhi.
“These journalists’ courage and compelling storytelling show the absolute best of what we do,” AP Executive Editor Sally Buzbee said.
Reuters won the breaking news photography award for its coverage of protests that shook Hong Kong. Editor-in-Chief Stephen Adler said the photos “brilliantly captured the magnitude of the protests.”
While big outlets and collaborations got plenty of recognition, the small Palestine Herald-Press, in East Texas, got a Pulitzer for Jeffery Gerritt’s editorials on the deaths of jail inmates awaiting trial.
In the arts categories, Michael R. Jackson’s musical “A Strange Loop” won the drama prize. And Colson Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys” won the fiction prize; he also won in 2017 for “The Underground Railroad.”
The Pulitzer board also issued a special citation Monday to the trailblazing African American journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, noting “her outstanding and courageous reporting” on lynchings.
Wells was a journalist and publisher in the late 1800s and later helped found civil rights and women’s suffrage groups; she died in 1931. The board said the citation comes with a bequest of at least $50,000 in support of Wells’ mission, with recipients to be announced.
The initial Pulitzer ceremony, which had been scheduled for April 20, was pushed to give Pulitzer Board members who were busy covering the pandemic more time to evaluate the finalists.
The Pulitzer Prizes in journalism were first awarded in 1917 and are considered the field’s most prestigious honor in the U.S.
___
Associated Press writer Deepti Hajela contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Police look for gunman in apparent road rage shooting

BISMARCK , N.D. ( AP ) - Bismarck police are searching for a gunman in an apparent road rage incident @ @ @ @ @ passenger on a motorcycle that had gotten close to a vehicle about 9 p.m. Saturday @ @ @ @ @ The passenger reached out and touched the vehicle ’ s side view mirror .
The @ @ @ @ @ the motorcycle and the passenger turned , pointed a gun at the vehicle and fired @ @ @ @ @ to police .
No one was hurt .
The Bismarck Tribune says the gunman then @ @ @ @ @ fled .
The motorcycle drove away .
Investigators recovered a shell casing from the scene @ @ @ @ @

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Bismarck police are searching for a gunman in an apparent road rage incident.
The suspect was a passenger on a motorcycle that had gotten close to a vehicle about 9 p.m. Saturday, according to authorities. The passenger reached out and touched the vehicle’s side view mirror.
The vehicle’s driver followed the motorcycle and the passenger turned, pointed a gun at the vehicle and fired into the air, according to police. No one was hurt.
The Bismarck Tribune says the gunman then got off the motorcycle and fled. The motorcycle drove away.
Investigators recovered a shell casing from the scene. The investigation continues.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Police: Virginia teen accidentally shot by relative in home

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - A 15-year-old in Virginia was hospitalized after a relative allegedly shot him inside @ @ @ @ @ by accident , authorities said .
Chesterfield police found the teen with a non-life threatening @ @ @ @ @ called to a Richmond home Thursday , news outlets reported .
An investigation into the @ @ @ @ @ Walker , 19 , “ inadvertently ” struck the teen with gunfire , police told @ @ @ @ @ did not specify how Walker and the victim were related .
Walker was charged with @ @ @ @ @ handling of a firearm .
Police did not provide details on who owned the weapon @ @ @ @ @ happened .
It was not immediately clear if Walker had a lawyer who could comment @ @ @ @

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A 15-year-old in Virginia was hospitalized after a relative allegedly shot him inside the family’s home by accident, authorities said.
Chesterfield police found the teen with a non-life threatening gunshot wound after they were called to a Richmond home Thursday, news outlets reported.
An investigation into the shooting found that Chynekqua J. Walker, 19, “inadvertently” struck the teen with gunfire, police told the Richmond Times. They did not specify how Walker and the victim were related.
Walker was charged with multiple charges, including reckless handling of a firearm. Police did not provide details on who owned the weapon, or how the shooting happened.
It was not immediately clear if Walker had a lawyer who could comment on her behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Some 2020 grads will take victory lap at Daytona speedway

DAYTONA BEACH , Fla. ( AP ) - Seniors at two Florida high schools won ’ t be taking the traditional walk across the stage to receive their diplomas because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Instead , they ’ ll be driving across the finish line at the Daytona International Speedway later this month .
The school district announced the ceremonies will take place May 31 .
Matanzas High School ’ s graduation will begin at 11 a.m. , followed by Flagler-Palm Coast High School ’ s ceremony at 4 p.m. Each graduate will be allowed one car , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremonies will be simulcast via radio inside the facility and will be live-streamed on the FlaglerSchools.com website , school officials said .
The graduations were originally scheduled for May 28 .
A committee of students and school officials met in April to come up with options .
They didn ’ t want to push the ceremonies into the summer and they didn ’ t want a virtual ceremony .
“ This class has gone through school closures caused by three hurricanes and a global pandemic so they all envisioned a ‘ historic ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers , ” according to a release from the district .
“ When presented with the offer from Daytona International Speedway , the soon-to-be graduates were excited at the prospect of taking a ‘ victory lap ’ as they end this chapter of their lives .
”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Seniors at two Florida high schools won’t be taking the traditional walk across the stage to receive their diplomas because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Instead, they’ll be driving across the finish line at the Daytona International Speedway later this month.
The school district announced the ceremonies will take place May 31. Matanzas High School’s graduation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by Flagler-Palm Coast High School’s ceremony at 4 p.m.
Each graduate will be allowed one car, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported.
The ceremonies will be simulcast via radio inside the facility and will be live-streamed on the FlaglerSchools.com website, school officials said.
The graduations were originally scheduled for May 28. A committee of students and school officials met in April to come up with options. They didn’t want to push the ceremonies into the summer and they didn’t want a virtual ceremony.
“This class has gone through school closures caused by three hurricanes and a global pandemic so they all envisioned a ‘historic ceremony’ to close out their high school careers,” according to a release from the district.
“When presented with the offer from Daytona International Speedway, the soon-to-be graduates were excited at the prospect of taking a ‘victory lap’ as they end this chapter of their lives.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Virginia man wounded after exchanging gunfire with deputies

POWHATAN , Va. ( AP ) - A Virginia man accused of brandishing multiple weapons and shooting at cars was @ @ @ @ @ a sheriff ’ s deputy , authorities said .
The Powhatan County Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ were dispatched to a home Sunday night on a report that a man was sending @ @ @ @ @ family members and law enforcement , the sheriff ’ s office said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ Authorities arrived to find Joshua Sprouse , 25 , shooting weapons at passing vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ Authorities said Sprouse later exited the house and shot at a deputy , who returned @ @ @ @ @ .
Sprouse was taken to a hospital where he was in surgery early Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ The deputy involved was placed on administrative leave and State Police were reviewing the shooting @

POWHATAN, Va. (AP) - A Virginia man accused of brandishing multiple weapons and shooting at cars was hospitalized after exchanging gunfire with a sheriff’s deputy, authorities said.
The Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police were dispatched to a home Sunday night on a report that a man was sending text messages threatening to kill family members and law enforcement, the sheriff’s office said in a statement obtained by news outlets.
Authorities arrived to find Joshua Sprouse, 25, shooting weapons at passing vehicles, according to the office. Authorities said Sprouse later exited the house and shot at a deputy, who returned fire and struck the suspect.
Sprouse was taken to a hospital where he was in surgery early Monday morning, news outlets reported.
The deputy involved was placed on administrative leave and State Police were reviewing the shooting.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Greece says Turkish fighter jets buzzed Greek chopper

ATHENS , Greece ( AP ) - Greece ’ s government has condemned what it described as a provocative act by Turkey , whose fighter jets Athens says buzzed a helicopter carrying the Greek defense minister and the head of the armed forces who were visiting a Greek island .
Turkey , however , denied its jets had ever harassed the helicopter , saying they were simply on a routine flight .
Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said Monday the incident on Sunday was another indication that “ Turkey often exceeds the limits of both the rules of international law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborliness.
” NATO allies and neighbors Greece and Turkey have a long history of testy relations , and have come to the brink of war three times since the mid 1970s .
They remain divided over a series of issues , including territorial claims in the Aegean Sea .
Tensions between the two increased recently , particularly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in late February declared his borders open to migrants wishing to leave to Europe .
Although Turkey also shares a border with European Union member Bulgaria , it was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of migrants appeared , demanding to cross .
Weeks of often violent clashes with border guards ensued .
In Sunday ’ s incident , Greek fighter jets repelled the two Turkish jets , Greek officials said .
Local media reported that Turkish jets continued to fly over the Greek island of Oinousses during a visit there by Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and the chief of the National Defense General Staff , Gen. Konstantinos Floros .
“ Such behavior by Turkey doesn ’ t help in defusing tension , which both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Panagiotopoulos said Sunday .
The Greek Foreign Ministry described the incident as “ another unacceptable Turkish action ” which confirms “ the negative role Turkey is playing in the region , insisting on anachronistic perceptions of international relations.
” Turkey , for its part , accused Greece of trying to escalate tensions .
“ Our warplanes carried out the task of recognition within the framework of routine activities in the Aegean , ” Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a written statement .
“ Trying to escalate tensions by dramatizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country , ” Aksoy said .
“ Instead , these issues should be addressed during the confidence-building process that was initiated by the two countries ’ defense ministries.
” Suzan Fraser in Ankara , Turkey , contributed to this report .

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greece’s government has condemned what it described as a provocative act by Turkey, whose fighter jets Athens says buzzed a helicopter carrying the Greek defense minister and the head of the armed forces who were visiting a Greek island.
Turkey, however, denied its jets had ever harassed the helicopter, saying they were simply on a routine flight.
Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said Monday the incident on Sunday was another indication that “Turkey often exceeds the limits of both the rules of international law and of course the rules of good neighborliness.”
NATO allies and neighbors Greece and Turkey have a long history of testy relations, and have come to the brink of war three times since the mid 1970s. They remain divided over a series of issues, including territorial claims in the Aegean Sea.
Tensions between the two increased recently, particularly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in late February declared his borders open to migrants wishing to leave to Europe. Although Turkey also shares a border with European Union member Bulgaria, it was only at its border with Greece that tens of thousands of migrants appeared, demanding to cross. Weeks of often violent clashes with border guards ensued.
In Sunday’s incident, Greek fighter jets repelled the two Turkish jets, Greek officials said. Local media reported that Turkish jets continued to fly over the Greek island of Oinousses during a visit there by Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and the chief of the National Defense General Staff, Gen. Konstantinos Floros.
“Such behavior by Turkey doesn’t help in defusing tension, which both sides should be seeking at this time,” Panagiotopoulos said Sunday. The Greek Foreign Ministry described the incident as “another unacceptable Turkish action” which confirms “the negative role Turkey is playing in the region, insisting on anachronistic perceptions of international relations.”
Turkey, for its part, accused Greece of trying to escalate tensions.
“Our warplanes carried out the task of recognition within the framework of routine activities in the Aegean,” Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a written statement.
“Trying to escalate tensions by dramatizing routine flights is of no benefit to this country,” Aksoy said. “Instead, these issues should be addressed during the confidence-building process that was initiated by the two countries’ defense ministries.”
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Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Jared Polis, Colorado gov.: Stay-at-home orders are 'so unsustainable'

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis on Monday said restrictive stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic are “ unsustainable ” as more states start reopening parts of their economies .
“ Stay-at-home is so unsustainable , ” Mr. Polis said on “ Fox & Friends.
” “ It ’ s like the most draconian thing you can ask people to do for a short period of time.
” “ Across the country , I think in all 50 states people really did stay at home — it was incredible , ” he said .
“ But that ’ s not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re social animals , we interact with others — we just have to do it in different ways.
” Mr. Polis was one of the first Democratic governors to offer a rolling reopening plan for his state .
“ We have to start being able to do this in a way that ’ s psychologically sustainable , economically sustainable , but also works from a health perspective so we don ’ t overwhelm our hospital system and that everybody who contracts COVID-19 gets a fighting chance of making it through , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the new coronavirus .
Starting on Monday , commercial businesses in Colorado can start allowing up to 50 % of their employees to work in-person .
“ Non-critical retail ” stores were already allowed to let customers back on their premises starting Friday with proper social distancing in place .
A number of other states have also started loosening their coronavirus-related business restrictions .

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Monday said restrictive stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic are “unsustainable” as more states start reopening parts of their economies.
“Stay-at-home is so unsustainable,” Mr. Polis said on “Fox & Friends.” “It’s like the most draconian thing you can ask people to do for a short period of time.”
“Across the country, I think in all 50 states people really did stay at home — it was incredible,” he said. “But that’s not the way we humans live. We’re social animals, we interact with others — we just have to do it in different ways.”
Mr. Polis was one of the first Democratic governors to offer a rolling reopening plan for his state.
“We have to start being able to do this in a way that’s psychologically sustainable, economically sustainable, but also works from a health perspective so we don’t overwhelm our hospital system and that everybody who contracts COVID-19 gets a fighting chance of making it through,” he said, referring to the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Starting on Monday, commercial businesses in Colorado can start allowing up to 50% of their employees to work in-person.
“Non-critical retail” stores were already allowed to let customers back on their premises starting Friday with proper social distancing in place.
A number of other states have also started loosening their coronavirus-related business restrictions.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Police: Officer responding to 911 call fatally shoots caller

OAKLAND CITY , Ind .
( AP ) - State police are investigating the fatal officer-involved shooting of a 69-year-old @ @ @ @ @ 911 to report that he and his wife were starving and someone was shooting at @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s deputy and a Petersburg police officer responded shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday @ @ @ @ @ in Oakland City , about 140 miles ( 225 kilometers ) southwest of Indianapolis , @ @ @ @ @ Faries ’ wife initially refused to let the officers into the home , but relented @ @ @ @ @ to check on his well-being since he called 911 .
Faries was shot by the @ @ @ @ @ after the officers entered the home , state police said .
He was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ handgun was recovered .
Investigators were unable to determine if someone was shooting at Faries @ @ @ @ @ according to state police .

OAKLAND CITY, Ind. (AP) - State police are investigating the fatal officer-involved shooting of a 69-year-old southwestern Indiana man who called 911 to report that he and his wife were starving and someone was shooting at them.
A Pikes County sheriff’s deputy and a Petersburg police officer responded shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday to Michael Faries’ home in Oakland City, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) southwest of Indianapolis, according to state police.
Faries’ wife initially refused to let the officers into the home, but relented after being told they had to check on his well-being since he called 911.
Faries was shot by the sheriff’s deputy seconds after the officers entered the home, state police said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered.
Investigators were unable to determine if someone was shooting at Faries before the officers arrived, according to state police.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--UMaine seeking landowners for tick surveillance project

YORK , Maine ( AP ) - Maine ’ s flagship public university is looking for forest landowners to work @ @ @ @ @ project .
The Maine Forest Tick Survey wants volunteers who own 10 to 1,000 acres @ @ @ @ @ of the state ’ s 16 counties .
The counties are in the southern and @ @ @ @ @ , including Cumberland and York counties , which are home to the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ UMaine said citizen scientists will collect ticks for identification and testing for pathogens .
The @ @ @ @ @ in July , which is when black-legged tick nymphs are active .
Ticks at that @ @ @ @ @ most infections of humans .
Ticks can infect humans with diseases such as Lyme disease @ @ @ @ @ a steady rise in Maine over the years .
UMaine has placed information about how @ @ @ @

YORK, Maine (AP) - Maine’s flagship public university is looking for forest landowners to work with on a tick surveillance project.
The Maine Forest Tick Survey wants volunteers who own 10 to 1,000 acres of wooded land in nine of the state’s 16 counties. The counties are in the southern and coastal parts of the state, including Cumberland and York counties, which are home to the state’s largest populations of residents.
UMaine said citizen scientists will collect ticks for identification and testing for pathogens. The sampling is expected to begin in July, which is when black-legged tick nymphs are active. Ticks at that life stage are responsible for most infections of humans.
Ticks can infect humans with diseases such as Lyme disease, which has been on a steady rise in Maine over the years.
UMaine has placed information about how to volunteer online.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Scientists to take the stage in different kind of moose fest

AUGUSTA , Maine ( AP ) - Maine ’ s annual moose hunt lottery is typically part of a big @ @ @ @ @ , but this year scientists and game wardens will take the stage .
The lottery @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s usually a live event paired with a moose festival that includes @ @ @ @ @ calling competition .
This year , the event is happening entirely online , so there @ @ @ @ @ .
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife said biologists and game wardens will @ @ @ @ @ biology , management and hunting techniques .
The live event had been scheduled to take @ @ @ @ @ now slated to happen there in 2021 , the department said .

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine’s annual moose hunt lottery is typically part of a big celebration of the giant animals, but this year scientists and game wardens will take the stage.
The lottery is scheduled for June 13. It’s usually a live event paired with a moose festival that includes events such as a moose calling competition.
This year, the event is happening entirely online, so there will be no live festival. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife said biologists and game wardens will also give presentations about moose biology, management and hunting techniques.
The live event had been scheduled to take place in Jackman and is now slated to happen there in 2021, the department said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Portsmouth Naval Shipyard neighbors warned of noise

KITTERY , Maine ( AP ) - Construction of a new lock system to make a dry dock less dependent @ @ @ @ @ get noisy at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard , officials said .
The $ 158 million project @ @ @ @ @ , or “ super flood basin , ” that ’ ll allow Navy submarines to @ @ @ @ @ .
1 without the assistance of buoyancy tanks , officials said .
“ This investment @ @ @ @ @ to operate independent of the Piscataqua River tides and optimizes our dry dock operations for @ @ @ @ @ use in continuing to deliver submarine readiness to the fleet , ” said Capt .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Dry Dock 1 is closest to the city of Portsmouth , New Hampshire , @ @ @ @ @ mitigate noise levels for neighbors as workers beginning pile driving in May , officials said @ @ @ @ @ remain in service during the construction project to keep submarine maintenance on schedule .

KITTERY, Maine (AP) - Construction of a new lock system to make a dry dock less dependent on tides is about to get noisy at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, officials said.
The $158 million project calls for a lock system, or “super flood basin,” that’ll allow Navy submarines to float into Dry Dock No. 1 without the assistance of buoyancy tanks, officials said.
“This investment in our infrastructure enables us to operate independent of the Piscataqua River tides and optimizes our dry dock operations for years of safe and efficient use in continuing to deliver submarine readiness to the fleet,” said Capt. Daniel Ettlich, shipyard commander.
Dry Dock 1 is closest to the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and workers will try to mitigate noise levels for neighbors as workers beginning pile driving in May, officials said.
The dry dock will remain in service during the construction project to keep submarine maintenance on schedule.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Justice Department sides with Virginia church in lawsuit over coronavirus restrictions

The Justice Department late Sunday sided with a Virginia church suing Gov .
Ralph Northam in what is believed to be the first legal action since Attorney General William P. Barr directed federal prosecutors to be on the lookout for state coronavirus restrictions that infringe upon religious and other freedoms .
Lighthouse Fellowship Church in Chincoteague Island , Virginia , filed a lawsuit last week against Mr. Northam , a Democrat , after local police issued a criminal citation threatening its pastor with jail time or a $ 2,500 fine for holding a 16-person church service on Palm Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ served a summons to pastor Kevin Wilson for holding a service on April 5 with 16 people spread apart in a church that holds 225 people .
Virginia officials say Mr. Wilson violated the state ’ s restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
The Justice Department says in its filing that Mr. Northam had banned in-person religious gatherings of more than 10 people , but he has allowed secular activities of more than 10 people if attendees practice social distancing .
“ By exempting other activities permitting similar opportunities for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while at the same time prohibiting churches from gathering more than ten — even with social distancing measures and other precautions — has impermissibly interfered with the church ’ s free exercise of religion , ” according to the filing .
Mr. Barr last week ordered U.S. attorneys and the department ’ s Civil Rights Division to be on the lookout for coronavirus measures that violate religious , free speech or economic rights .
The Virginia case is the first publicly announced action linked to that directive .

The Justice Department late Sunday sided with a Virginia church suing Gov. Ralph Northam in what is believed to be the first legal action since Attorney General William P. Barr directed federal prosecutors to be on the lookout for state coronavirus restrictions that infringe upon religious and other freedoms.
Lighthouse Fellowship Church in Chincoteague Island, Virginia, filed a lawsuit last week against Mr. Northam, a Democrat, after local police issued a criminal citation threatening its pastor with jail time or a $2,500 fine for holding a 16-person church service on Palm Sunday.
The church says police in protective gear served a summons to pastor Kevin Wilson for holding a service on April 5 with 16 people spread apart in a church that holds 225 people.
Virginia officials say Mr. Wilson violated the state’s restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The Justice Department says in its filing that Mr. Northam had banned in-person religious gatherings of more than 10 people, but he has allowed secular activities of more than 10 people if attendees practice social distancing.
“By exempting other activities permitting similar opportunities for in-person gatherings of more than ten individuals while at the same time prohibiting churches from gathering more than ten — even with social distancing measures and other precautions — has impermissibly interfered with the church’s free exercise of religion,” according to the filing.
A spokeswoman for Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring slammed the Justice Department’s involvement.
“Donald Trump and Bill Barr should focus on saving lives and ramping up testing, not teaming up with conservative activists to undermine effective public health measures that are slowing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives in Virginia and around the country,” Charlotte Gomer said.
The Liberty Counsel, a legal organization that advocates for religious liberty, is representing Mr. Wilson and the Lighthouse Fellowship Church.
Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman, called Mr. Northam’s actions discriminatory, accusing the governor of violating worshipers’ constitutional rights.
“Gov. Ralph Northam’s targeting of religious worship is a blatant violation of the Bill of Rights. I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Justice filed in support of our request for an injunction pending appeal. This discrimination must end,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Barr last week ordered U.S. attorneys and the department’s Civil Rights Division to be on the lookout for coronavirus measures that violate religious, free speech or economic rights. The Virginia case is the first publicly announced action linked to that directive.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--The Latest: Some Smithfield employees return to work

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
( AP ) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in South Dakota ( all times local ) : Some meatpackers are returning to work at Smithfield Foods in Sioux Falls .
The company is opening part of the plant Monday after being closed for more than two weeks .
The meatpacking plant asked about 250 employees to report to work in two departments - ground pork and night cleanup , according to the United Food and Commercial Workers local union .
The coronavirus has infected 853 of the plant ’ s 3,100 workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , those over 60 or who have existing health problems to stay home , according to the union .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
Meanwhile , OSHA is looking into worker complaints that the plant operated under unsafe conditions , the Argus Leader reported .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention toured the facility last month and recommended several changes to reduce crowding , especially in the break and locker @ @ @ @

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in South Dakota (all times local):
5 p.m.
A Sioux Falls senior living facility reports 13 people have died after testing positive for the coronavirus.
The Argus Leader reports it’s unclear if the virus caused the deaths. But the number is up from seven deaths reported by the Good Samaritan Society at the Sioux Falls Village location on Friday.
Overall, the facility reports 97 positive confirmed cases, up from 90 cases as of Friday. Of those cases, 59 are residents and 38 are employees. The total number of employees who have recovered is 14.
Officials have said residents who have tested positive continue to be isolated from the rest of the facility’s community.
A spokesman for Sanford Health said Monday that the majority of the confirmed cases stem from the skilled nursing facility within the Sioux Falls Village.
___
6:50 a.m.
Some meatpackers are returning to work at Smithfield Foods in Sioux Falls.
The company is opening part of the plant Monday after being closed for more than two weeks.
The meatpacking plant asked about 250 employees to report to work in two departments - ground pork and night cleanup, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers local union.
The coronavirus has infected 853 of the plant’s 3,100 workers.
Smithfield has told employees who are sick, those over 60 or who have existing health problems to stay home, according to the union.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
Meanwhile, OSHA is looking into worker complaints that the plant operated under unsafe conditions, the Argus Leader reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention toured the facility last month and recommended several changes to reduce crowding, especially in the break and locker rooms and cafeterias.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Arkansas boy drowns while swimming at Texas beach

GALVESTON , Texas ( AP ) - A 10-year-old Arkansas boy drowned after he went missing while swimming with his @ @ @ @ @ authorities said .
Micah Batson of Little Rock went missing shortly before noon Saturday while @ @ @ @ @ the waters off Crystal Beach , Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said .
The boy @ @ @ @ @ that he and his son were in waist-high water when a wave crashed over them @ @ @ @ @ Galveston County Daily News reported .
First responders found that boy ’ s body several @ @ @ @ @ .
The beach area on the Bolivar Peninsula does not have lifeguards .
Deputies reported @ @ @ @ @ holiday weekend , Trochesset said .
Stay-at-home orders issued because of the coronavirus pandemic were @ @ @

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - A 10-year-old Arkansas boy drowned after he went missing while swimming with his family in coastal Texas, authorities said.
Micah Batson of Little Rock went missing shortly before noon Saturday while swimming with his family in the waters off Crystal Beach, Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said.
The boy’s father told authorities that he and his son were in waist-high water when a wave crashed over them and separated them, the Galveston County Daily News reported.
First responders found that boy’s body several hours later, authorities said. The beach area on the Bolivar Peninsula does not have lifeguards.
Deputies reported busy beaches similar to a holiday weekend, Trochesset said. Stay-at-home orders issued because of the coronavirus pandemic were lifted Friday.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Teen charged with reckless homicide in girl's shooting death

COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) - A teenage boy who allegedly fired a shot inside a Columbus home last @ @ @ @ @ girl has been charged with reckless homicide , city police said .
The 15-year-old boy @ @ @ @ @ with evidence count stemming from the April 10 shooting .
The youth was charged Sunday @ @ @ @ @ it wasn ’ t known if he ’ s retained an attorney .
Authorities said @ @ @ @ @ home with Ciara Bray , of Columbus , when she was shot .
Emergency responders @ @ @ @ @ gunshot to her upper body and she was taken to a hospital , where she @ @ @ @ @ Investigators said the suspect fired the fatal shot and then tried to hide the evidence @ @ @ @ @ what sparked the shooting or if anyone else was in the residence at the time @

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A teenage boy who allegedly fired a shot inside a Columbus home last month that killed a 14-year-old girl has been charged with reckless homicide, city police said.
The 15-year-old boy also faces a tampering with evidence count stemming from the April 10 shooting. The youth was charged Sunday as a juvenile, and it wasn’t known if he’s retained an attorney.
Authorities said the boy was in the home with Ciara Bray, of Columbus, when she was shot. Emergency responders found Bray suffering from a gunshot to her upper body and she was taken to a hospital, where she died two days later.
Investigators said the suspect fired the fatal shot and then tried to hide the evidence. They have not said what sparked the shooting or if anyone else was in the residence at the time.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Donald Trump campaign rolls out ad touting president's response to coronavirus pandemic

President Trump ’ s reelection campaign is out with a new minute-long TV ad airing on national cable and broadcast outlets this week touting the president ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We built the greatest economy the world has ever seen , and we ’ re going to do it again , ” Mr. Trump says in the largely positive ad .
“ Together , we ’ re beating back the invisible enemy.
” Mr. Trump ’ s campaign on Monday described the buy supporting the ad as “ mid-seven figures.
” It features clips of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent U.S. Navy and Air Force flyover to thank them .
To paint a contrast with Democrats , the ad includes clips of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s dramatically ripping up a copy of Mr. Trump ’ s State of the Union speech and laughing in front of her refrigerator eating ice cream , for which she has received relentless mocking by the GOP .
It also includes short clips of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden , who the Trump campaign has criticized as being soft on China , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Cuomo of New York and Gavin Newsom of California .

President Trump’s reelection campaign is out with a new minute-long TV ad airing on national cable and broadcast outlets this week touting the president’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We built the greatest economy the world has ever seen, and we’re going to do it again,” Mr. Trump says in the largely positive ad. “Together, we’re beating back the invisible enemy.”
Mr. Trump’s campaign on Monday described the buy supporting the ad as “mid-seven figures.”
It features clips of frontline workers, as well as a recent U.S. Navy and Air Force flyover to thank them.
To paint a contrast with Democrats, the ad includes clips of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s dramatically ripping up a copy of Mr. Trump’s State of the Union speech and laughing in front of her refrigerator eating ice cream, for which she has received relentless mocking by the GOP.
It also includes short clips of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden, who the Trump campaign has criticized as being soft on China, and words of praise from Democratic Govs. Andrew Cuomo of New York and Gavin Newsom of California.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-04--Kentucky police find dead dogs and cats in shelter's freezer

WEBBVILLE , Ky. ( AP ) - Police seized 90 dogs from a no-kill animal shelter in Kentucky due to its allegedly poor conditions , and charged its owner after dead cats and dogs were found in the facility ’ s freezer .
The dogs were taken Saturday because of “ poor living conditions ” at the Trixie Foundation ’ s shelter , Kentucky State police said in a news release reported by news outlets .
The shelter ’ s website advertises itself as an “ Eden ” for animals and the “ best kept secret in animal welfare.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Animals , accompanied police during the raid .
She told the Lexington Herald-Ledger that the dogs suffered “ medical neglect ” and some were found with tumors .
Other dogs had to be tranquilized before leaving the shelter , and one dog was euthanized at the facility .
Police obtained a search warrant after receiving complaints about the shelter in April , the Herald-Ledger reported .
Shelter owner Randy Skaggs , who was scheduled to stand trial this June on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges from 2018 , said he provides medical care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he neglected to bury the seven cats and five dogs found in the freezer because of a high workload .
“ I ’ ve not intentionally done anything except try to help these animals , ” Skaggs said .
“ Everyone makes mistakes , and I ’ ve made plenty of them.
” Skaggs blames critics of his no-euthanization policy with influencing this latest raid , to pressure him to plead guilty to the earlier charges .
Skaggs , 68 , now faces 12 additional counts , of improper disposal .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intends to fight all the charges .

WEBBVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Police seized 90 dogs from a no-kill animal shelter in Kentucky due to its allegedly poor conditions, and charged its owner after dead cats and dogs were found in the facility’s freezer.
The dogs were taken Saturday because of “poor living conditions” at the Trixie Foundation’s shelter, Kentucky State police said in a news release reported by news outlets. The shelter’s website advertises itself as an “Eden” for animals and the “best kept secret in animal welfare.”
Melissa Bowman, president of Kentuckians Vote for Animals, accompanied police during the raid. She told the Lexington Herald-Ledger that the dogs suffered “medical neglect” and some were found with tumors. Other dogs had to be tranquilized before leaving the shelter, and one dog was euthanized at the facility.
Police obtained a search warrant after receiving complaints about the shelter in April, the Herald-Ledger reported.
Shelter owner Randy Skaggs, who was scheduled to stand trial this June on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges from 2018, said he provides medical care when the animals need it. He said he neglected to bury the seven cats and five dogs found in the freezer because of a high workload.
“I’ve not intentionally done anything except try to help these animals,” Skaggs said. “Everyone makes mistakes, and I’ve made plenty of them.”
Skaggs blames critics of his no-euthanization policy with influencing this latest raid, to pressure him to plead guilty to the earlier charges. Skaggs, 68, now faces 12 additional counts, of improper disposal. He was not arrested, and said he intends to fight all the charges.