washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Unemployment benefits keeping potential workers at home

Uncle Sam found it was actually pretty easy to get people to stop working for coronavirus — all it took was a generous $ 600-a-week boost in unemployment .
Getting them back on the job now is proving to be far tougher , at least as long as those payments are still rolling in .
From a bar in Baltimore to a restaurant-staffing service in Oregon , owners say they ’ ve tried to rehire employees , and got brushed off .
Their former employees are collecting significantly more money while binging on Netflix at home than they did sweating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on tables .
By one estimate , 63 % of workers would make more on unemployment than they would at their jobs .
In some states , it could be as high as 75 % .
President Trump weighed in Tuesday , according to multiple media reports , telling GOP senators in a closed-door meeting that he wants the enhanced federal benefits to expire at the end of July , as is called for in the stimulus law .
That puts him on a collision course with Democrats , who are already itching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year .
Douglas Holtz-Eakin , who is now president of the American Action Forum , says cutting off benefits completely on July 31 “ may appear heartless.
” But the AAF says its calculations show that the $ 600 federally backed payments , added to existing state unemployment , are more than most workers made at their jobs .
So keeping the payments going isn ’ t a viable option for an economy looking to get revving again .
Mr. Holtz-Eakin said one solution would be to ramp the benefit down over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , say by $ 100 a month .
That would entice more people into the workforce each month as their benefits drop below what they could make on the job .
He also said low-wage workers could be allowed to continue getting some benefits even when they ’ re back at work .
“ This turns the federal bonus into a reemployment bonus , with a larger bonus the sooner a person gets back on the job , ” Mr. Holtz-Eakin wrote in a memo .
Democrats , expecting a lengthy jobs slump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in , say the current program should be renewed .
The bill that Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed through the House last week would extend the $ 600-per-week plus-up through Jan. 31 .
Sen. Jack Reed , Rhode Island Democrat , proposed an extension through Dec. 31 , with a “ soft cutoff ” that would allow anyone who hasn ’ t yet collected the full 39 maximum weeks of benefits to continue getting paid until they do .
“ Being jobless in these uncertain times and relying on unemployment is stressful enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement announcing his bill .
“ If Congress arbitrarily cuts them off and tries to prematurely push them into unsafe work environments , it will cost families , businesses , and communities alike.
” Mr. Holtz-Eakin though , called plans for a blanket extension into next year “ the worst choice.
” The goal of the federal plus-up was to get people to stay home at the peak of the danger of coronavirus , helping to “ flatten the curve ” so hospitals wouldn ’ t be overwhelmed .
Now , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get workers off their couches , business owners say they ’ re butting up against the benefit .
Kurt Huffman , who owns a company that staffs restaurants in Portland , Oregon , said he initially laid off most of his folks because the businesses were limited by the state ’ s shutdown order .
But after it became clear that take-out dining was booming , he tried to rehire .
“ Almost all said ‘ No , ’ ” Mr. Huffman wrote in the Wall Street Journal .
He said his starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 an hour , plus at least $ 1 more in tips , so $ 640 a week before taxes .
Under the heightened coronavirus unemployment benefits , though , he said they ’ re getting $ 1,016 a week to stay home .
In Baltimore , the owner of Charles Village Pub said she faced the same issue .
“ I ’ m not even angry or upset .
I understand .
Why would you want to come back and actually work and make half as much money and you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , ” Melony Wagner told WBFF-TV .
Some Senate Republicans warned of the perverse effects of the $ 600-a-week benefit before the stimulus law passed in March .
At the time , the Trump administration said there was no way to more finely tune the benefit because state unemployment systems were so clunky .
On Tuesday , though , Mr. Trump signaled he ’ s not a fan of extending the benefit beyond the July expiration .
“ He agrees that that is hurting the economic recovery , ” Sen. Lindsey Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It doesn ’ t help Democrats ’ case that the $ 600 plus-up works out to the equivalent of a $ 15-an-hour minimum wage — one of Democrats ’ priorities well before coronavirus .
In this case , the $ 600 comes on top of state benefits , as Mr. Huffman ’ s example showed .
Nationwide , the average state benefit was $ 378 a week in March , according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities .
With thee federal plus-ups added , that meant the average person on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Massachusetts , which had the highest unemployment compensation rate at $ 557 a week , the jobless could collect $ 1,157 a week , which equates to pay of about $ 60,000 a year .
Under the coronavirus law , those claiming unemployment are supposed to lose their eligibility if their old employer calls up and offers their job back .
But experts said that with workers allowed to self-certify , and with unemployment systems so overwhelmed , it ’ s not likely many people will be snared .
Reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington state proving to be an epicenter .
The U.S. attorney for the state ’ s eastern portion issued a statement Monday warning that he ’ s prepared to prosecute fraudsters , but also warning the state to get its system in shape , and to set up a hotline so residents can figure out if someone filed a bogus claim in their name .

Uncle Sam found it was actually pretty easy to get people to stop working during the coronavirus crisis — all it took was a generous $600-a-week boost in unemployment.
Getting them back on the job now is proving to be far tougher, at least as long as those payments are still rolling in.
From a bar in Baltimore to a restaurant-staffing service in Oregon, owners say they’ve tried to rehire employees and got brushed off. Their former employees are collecting significantly more money while binging on Netflix at home than they did sweating 10-hour shifts in the kitchen or waiting on tables.
By one estimate, 63% of workers would make more on unemployment than they would at their jobs. In some states, it could be as high as 75%.
President Trump weighed in Tuesday, according to multiple media reports, telling GOP senators in a closed-door meeting that he wants the enhanced federal benefits to expire at the end of July, as is called for in the stimulus law.
That puts him on a collision course with Democrats, who are already itching to extend the $600-a-week payments into next year.
A former Congressional Budget Office director this week suggested a middle ground.
Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who is now president of the American Action Forum, says cutting off benefits completely on July 31 “may appear heartless.” But the AAF says its calculations show that the $600 federally backed payments, added to existing state unemployment, are more than most workers made at their jobs.
So keeping the payments going isn’t a viable option for an economy looking to get revving again.
Mr. Holtz-Eakin said one solution would be to ramp the benefit down over the final five months of the year, say by $100 a month. That would entice more people into the workforce each month as their benefits drop below what they could make on the job.
He also said low-wage workers could be allowed to continue getting some benefits even when they’re back at work.
“This turns the federal bonus into a reemployment bonus, with a larger bonus the sooner a person gets back on the job,” Mr. Holtz-Eakin wrote in a memo.
Democrats, expecting a lengthy jobs slump and eager to have the federal government step in, say the current program should be renewed.
The bill that Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed through the House last week would extend the $600-per-week plus-up through Jan. 31.
Sen. Jack Reed, Rhode Island Democrat, proposed an extension through Dec. 31, with a “soft cutoff” that would allow anyone who hasn’t yet collected the full 39 maximum weeks of benefits to continue getting paid until they do.
“Being jobless in these uncertain times and relying on unemployment is stressful enough,” Mr. Reed said in a statement announcing his bill. “If Congress arbitrarily cuts them off and tries to prematurely push them into unsafe work environments, it will cost families, businesses, and communities alike.”
Mr. Holtz-Eakin though, called plans for a blanket extension into next year “the worst choice.”
The goal of the federal plus-up was to get people to stay home at the peak of the danger of coronavirus, helping to “flatten the curve” so hospitals wouldn’t be overwhelmed.
Most analysts agreed a generous benefit helped keep people home.
Now, though, with governors across the country hoping to get workers off their couches, business owners say they’re butting up against the benefit.
Kurt Huffman, who owns a company that staffs restaurants in Portland, Oregon, said he initially laid off most of his folks because the businesses were limited by the state’s shutdown order. But after it became clear that take-out dining was booming, he tried to rehire.
“Almost all said ‘No,’” Mr. Huffman wrote in the Wall Street Journal.
He said his starting wage for a line cook was $15 an hour, plus at least $1 more in tips, so $640 a week before taxes. Under the heightened coronavirus unemployment benefits, though, he said they’re getting $1,016 a week to stay home.
In Baltimore, the owner of Charles Village Pub said she faced the same issue.
“I’m not even angry or upset. I understand. Why would you want to come back and actually work and make half as much money and you’re working as you can get to stay home,” Melony Wagner told WBFF-TV.
Some Senate Republicans warned of the perverse effects of the $600-a-week benefit before the stimulus law passed in March. At the time, the Trump administration said there was no way to more finely tune the benefit because state unemployment systems were so clunky.
On Tuesday, though, Mr. Trump signaled he’s not a fan of extending the benefit beyond the July expiration.
“He agrees that that is hurting the economic recovery,” Sen. Lindsey Graham said, according to The Washington Post.
It doesn’t help Democrats’ case that the $600 plus-up works out to the equivalent of a $15-an-hour minimum wage — one of Democrats’ priorities well before coronavirus.
In this case, the $600 comes on top of state benefits, as Mr. Huffman’s example showed.
Nationwide, the average state benefit was $378 a week in March, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. With thee federal plus-ups added, that meant the average person on unemployment gets nearly $1,000 a week.
In Massachusetts, which had the highest unemployment compensation rate at $557 a week, the jobless could collect $1,157 a week, which equates to pay of about $60,000 a year.
Under the coronavirus law, those claiming unemployment are supposed to lose their eligibility if their old employer calls up and offers their job back. But experts said that with workers allowed to self-certify, and with unemployment systems so overwhelmed, it’s not likely many people will be snared.
Reports of fraud are beginning to spread, with Washington state proving to be an epicenter.
The U.S. attorney for the state’s eastern portion issued a statement Monday warning that he’s prepared to prosecute fraudsters, but also warning the state to get its system in shape, and to set up a hotline so residents can figure out if someone filed a bogus claim in their name.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Designer: Trump vision for U.S.-made F-35 doable

President Trump wants to base the production line of the F-35 Lightning II entirely in the United States and a retired Air Force general who played a key role in designing the multi-role combat aircraft said the idea isn ’ t as far-fetched as critics make it out to be .
The F-35 was the result of the Joint Strike Fighter program , which merged several combat aircraft systems of the 1980s and 1990s .
From the beginning , several countries contributed funds to the design and were given the opportunity to bid on contracts .
But , in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Network , Mr. Trump railed against what he called the “ stupidity ” of having foreign countries involved in the F-35 supply chain .
“ If we have a problem with the country , you can ’ t make the jet .
We get parts from all over the place — it ’ s so crazy .
We should make everything in the United States , ” he told FBN ’ s Maria Bartiromo .
Mr. Trump has a point , in the opinion of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Frank B. Campbell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structure , resources and assessment on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon .
He was involved in the development of the cutting-edge fighter jet from the start .
During a Monday conference call organized by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America ( JINSA ) , Lt. Gen. Campbell said he thought it was possible to “ unwind ” foreign participation in the F-35 production , provided contractual issues could be solved .
“ A lot of that would be addressed case by case , ” he said .
The U.K. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner in the aircraft and spent a lot of their own money in the development phase.
” But it ’ s the role of Turkey , which signed up as an F-35 production partner but was kicked out of the program following its acceptance of the S-400 Russian-made air defense system , that looms as the key test case .
“ A significant production facility was going to be in Turkey and that ’ s been unwound , ” he said .
“ If we can unwind that one , we can unwind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a standard jet for the Air Force , a carrier-capable version for the Navy , and the F-35B , a short take-off and vertical land model for the U.S. Marine Corps .
Retired Gen. Mark Welsh , a former Air Force Chief of Staff , said the fighter ’ s stealthiness and ability to share vast quantities of networked information is why at least 4,000 F-35s will be built for the U.S. military during its expected 50-year run .
“ It ’ s the quarterback of the battlefield .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The F-35 was designed and built to stay ahead of the data technology improving curve.
” With Turkey no longer participating , the Pentagon has been scrambling to find other suppliers for the F-35 components they were manufacturing .
Lt. Gen. Campbell said the network capability and stealth technology of the F-35 — its core attributes — will remain protected even with foreign subcontractors .
But Mr. Trump ’ s musings about an entirely American-made F-35 are still a long way off .
Even after Turkey ’ s ouster from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal ” of the aircraft is still either assembled internationally or is built with parts manufactured overseas , Lt. Gen. Campbell said .
“ I think that will continue , ” he said .
The coronavirus pandemic has spotlighted concerns about U.S. civilian and military dependence on foreign sources for key raw materials and technology in other fields as well .
The Pentagon this week proposed new legislation to ease the near-total dependence on China for so-called “ rare earth ” minerals critical to the manufacture of a wide range of high-tech products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China accounts for more than 70 % of rare earth production globally and is the largest source for imports to the U.S. , which had been a major producer until it was priced out by Beijing in the late 1980s , according to Defense News , citing a Congressional Research Service report .
The Pentagon is asking Congress to consider legislation that would end the reliance on China and raise caps in the Defense Production Act so it could spend up to $ 1.75 billion on rare earth elements for munitions and missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Defense News .
Pentagon sources say they hope the proposal will be included in the next annual defense policy bill now being drafted on Capitol Hill .

President Trump wants to base the production line of the F-35 Lightning II entirely in the United States and a retired Air Force general who played a key role in designing the multi-role combat aircraft said the idea isn’t as far-fetched as critics make it out to be.
The F-35 was the result of the Joint Strike Fighter program, which merged several combat aircraft systems of the 1980s and 1990s. From the beginning, several countries contributed funds to the design and were given the opportunity to bid on contracts.
But, in an interview last week with the Fox Business Network, Mr. Trump railed against what he called the “stupidity” of having foreign countries involved in the F-35 supply chain.
“If we have a problem with the country, you can’t make the jet. We get parts from all over the place — it’s so crazy. We should make everything in the United States,” he told FBN’s Maria Bartiromo.
Mr. Trump has a point, in the opinion of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Frank B. Campbell Jr., a former director for force structure, resources and assessment on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. He was involved in the development of the cutting-edge fighter jet from the start.
During a Monday conference call organized by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Lt. Gen. Campbell said he thought it was possible to “unwind” foreign participation in the F-35 production, provided contractual issues could be solved.
“A lot of that would be addressed case by case,” he said. The U.K., he noted, “was an early partner in the aircraft and spent a lot of their own money in the development phase.”
But it’s the role of Turkey, which signed up as an F-35 production partner but was kicked out of the program following its acceptance of the S-400 Russian-made air defense system, that looms as the key test case.
“A significant production facility was going to be in Turkey and that’s been unwound,” he said. “If we can unwind that one, we can unwind anything.”
The F-35 has three variants — a standard jet for the Air Force, a carrier-capable version for the Navy, and the F-35B, a short take-off and vertical land model for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Retired Gen. Mark Welsh, a former Air Force Chief of Staff, said the fighter’s stealthiness and ability to share vast quantities of networked information is why at least 4,000 F-35s will be built for the U.S. military during its expected 50-year run.
“It’s the quarterback of the battlefield. It’s a phenomenal machine,” Gen. Welsh said. “The F-35 was designed and built to stay ahead of the data technology improving curve.”
With Turkey no longer participating, the Pentagon has been scrambling to find other suppliers for the F-35 components they were manufacturing. Lt. Gen. Campbell said the network capability and stealth technology of the F-35 — its core attributes — will remain protected even with foreign subcontractors.
But Mr. Trump’s musings about an entirely American-made F-35 are still a long way off.
Even after Turkey’s ouster from the F-35 program, a “good deal” of the aircraft is still either assembled internationally or is built with parts manufactured overseas, Lt. Gen. Campbell said.
“I think that will continue,” he said.
The coronavirus pandemic has spotlighted concerns about U.S. civilian and military dependence on foreign sources for key raw materials and technology in other fields as well.
The Pentagon this week proposed new legislation to ease the near-total dependence on China for so-called “rare earth” minerals critical to the manufacture of a wide range of high-tech products — including missiles and hypersonic weapons.
China accounts for more than 70% of rare earth production globally and is the largest source for imports to the U.S., which had been a major producer until it was priced out by Beijing in the late 1980s, according to Defense News, citing a Congressional Research Service report.
The Pentagon is asking Congress to consider legislation that would end the reliance on China and raise caps in the Defense Production Act so it could spend up to $1.75 billion on rare earth elements for munitions and missiles and $350 million for microelectronics, according to Defense News.
Pentagon sources say they hope the proposal will be included in the next annual defense policy bill now being drafted on Capitol Hill.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Bison injures visitor to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

MEDORA , N.D. ( AP ) - A bison had to be put down after injuring a woman visiting the @ @ @ @ @ National Park in North Dakota , the National Park Service said .
Officials said the @ @ @ @ @ was hiking around a bend on the Buckhorn Trail on Monday afternoon when she encountered @ @ @ @ @ trail .
The bull charged , striking the woman in the face and knocking her @ @ @ @ @ 911 while on the ground , and a U.S. park ranger responded and found the @ @ @ @ @ woman .
The bison did not respond to hazing measures and was showing increasing signs @ @ @ @ @ ranger shot the animal .
The woman was flown to Minot and treated for broken @ @ @ @ @ Park staff remind visitors that bison may appear docile , but are large , powerful @ @ @ @ @ require that visitors stay at least 25 yards ( 23 meters ) away from large @ @ @ @ @ elk , deer and horses .

MEDORA, N.D. (AP) - A bison had to be put down after injuring a woman visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, the National Park Service said.
Officials said the 55-year-old woman from Watford City was hiking around a bend on the Buckhorn Trail on Monday afternoon when she encountered a bull bison on the trail. The bull charged, striking the woman in the face and knocking her down.
The woman called 911 while on the ground, and a U.S. park ranger responded and found the bull still standing near the woman. The bison did not respond to hazing measures and was showing increasing signs of aggression, so the ranger shot the animal.
The woman was flown to Minot and treated for broken vertebrae and facial fractures.
Park staff remind visitors that bison may appear docile, but are large, powerful and fast-moving. Park regulations require that visitors stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from large animals such as bison, elk, deer and horses.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Lax safety led to fatal medical air crash, investigators say

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - A lax safety culture at an air ambulance company led to the crash of a medical helicopter last year in snowy weather in Ohio that killed three people , federal investigators said Tuesday .
Survival Flight ’ s “ inadequate management of safety ” led the pilot to depart in deteriorating conditions .
The helicopter was heading from one hospital to another to pick up a patient in January 2019 without a thorough pre-flight weather evaluation , the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday .
All three occupants - pilot , flight nurse and flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in rugged terrain about 75 miles ( 120 kilometers ) southeast of Columbus .
“ This accident was all but invited by the actions and culture of Survival Flight , ” NTSB Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt said in a statement .
“ Unfortunately , we have seen yet another case of how a poor safety culture can lead to tragedy.
” The safety board made six recommendations for changes at the company including revising flight risk assessment procedures “ including procedures for determining prior flight refusals by another helicopter air ambulance operator and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesperson for Survival Flight of Batesville , Arkansas , called the accident “ a tragedy that took the lives of three brave people who ’ d dedicated themselves to saving others.
” “ We ’ re learning from this tragedy and have already completed five of the NTSB ’ s six recommendations with ongoing work on the final recommendation , ” Stubenrauch said in a written statement .
“ Survival Flight will continue to learn , improve and adapt as a company in order to better serve our communities and save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which wasn ’ t supposed to operate in low-visibility conditions , made a sharp turn after encountering the second of two bands of snow showers - probably as the pilot tried to gain visibility , investigators said — but failed to maintain altitude and hit trees before going down near the tiny community of Zaleski .
Killed were pilot Jennifer Topper , 34 , of Sunbury , Ohio ; and flight nurses Bradley Haynes , 48 , of London , Ohio , and Rachel Cunningham , 33 , of Galloway , Ohio .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept the assignment over concerns about the weather that day , authorities said , but the pilot didn ’ t know that and didn ’ t know about potential bad weather along the planned route .
Current and former Survival Flight employees told investigators there was pressure from managers to operate flights in challenging conditions and to take flights other operators declined because of poor weather , the safety board said .
Survival Flight pilots and operations staff routinely failed to comply with pre-flight risk assessment procedures because such noncompliance had become “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s deficient safety culture , ” the board said .
Stubenrauch declined to comment on those assertions .
The board also faulted the Federal Aviation Administration ’ s oversight of the company ’ s risk management program and said it had repeatedly urged that all on-demand aircraft operators , including helicopter air ambulances , be required to have formal programs and procedures to manage safety risks .
An email seeking comment was sent to an FAA representative .

WASHINGTON (AP) - A lax safety culture at an air ambulance company led to the crash of a medical helicopter last year in snowy weather in Ohio that killed three people, federal investigators said Tuesday.
Survival Flight’s “inadequate management of safety” led the pilot to depart in deteriorating conditions. The helicopter was heading from one hospital to another to pick up a patient in January 2019 without a thorough pre-flight weather evaluation, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.
All three occupants - pilot, flight nurse and flight paramedic - were killed in the crash in rugged terrain about 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of Columbus.
“This accident was all but invited by the actions and culture of Survival Flight,” NTSB Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt said in a statement. “Unfortunately, we have seen yet another case of how a poor safety culture can lead to tragedy.”
The safety board made six recommendations for changes at the company including revising flight risk assessment procedures “including procedures for determining prior flight refusals by another helicopter air ambulance operator and forecast en route weather.”
Ryan Stubenrauch, a spokesperson for Survival Flight of Batesville, Arkansas, called the accident “a tragedy that took the lives of three brave people who’d dedicated themselves to saving others.”
“We’re learning from this tragedy and have already completed five of the NTSB’s six recommendations with ongoing work on the final recommendation,” Stubenrauch said in a written statement. “Survival Flight will continue to learn, improve and adapt as a company in order to better serve our communities and save lives.”
The Bell 407 helicopter, which wasn’t supposed to operate in low-visibility conditions, made a sharp turn after encountering the second of two bands of snow showers - probably as the pilot tried to gain visibility, investigators said — but failed to maintain altitude and hit trees before going down near the tiny community of Zaleski.
Killed were pilot Jennifer Topper, 34, of Sunbury, Ohio; and flight nurses Bradley Haynes, 48, of London, Ohio, and Rachel Cunningham, 33, of Galloway, Ohio.
Two other companies had opted not to accept the assignment over concerns about the weather that day, authorities said, but the pilot didn’t know that and didn’t know about potential bad weather along the planned route.
Current and former Survival Flight employees told investigators there was pressure from managers to operate flights in challenging conditions and to take flights other operators declined because of poor weather, the safety board said.
Survival Flight pilots and operations staff routinely failed to comply with pre-flight risk assessment procedures because such noncompliance had become “’normalized’ by Survival Flight’s deficient safety culture,” the board said.
Stubenrauch declined to comment on those assertions.
The board also faulted the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight of the company’s risk management program and said it had repeatedly urged that all on-demand aircraft operators, including helicopter air ambulances, be required to have formal programs and procedures to manage safety risks. An email seeking comment was sent to an FAA representative.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Delaware governor under fire for coronavirus restrictions

DOVER , Del .
( AP ) - Democratic Gov .
John Carney on Tuesday announced a further loosening of his coronavirus restrictions on Delaware businesses , but Republican lawmakers are claiming that Carney is moving too slowly and has abused his authority .
Carney said retail establishments may start operating by appointment only Wednesday morning , and that restaurants and bars can begin applying Friday to expand outdoor-seating capacity when those businesses reopen next month .
Carney had previously announced that retailers and restaurants would be allowed to resume indoor operations at 30 percent of stated fire capacity starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ’ s announcement will be allowed to accept two appointments per half hour .
They must also comply with social distancing and cleaning guidance from government officials .
Restrictions on swimming and sunbathing at Delaware beaches are scheduled to be lifted effective Friday evening , but Carney is facing increasing pressure to move faster .
A group of 15 GOP lawmakers sent a letter to Carney calling for a broad easing of his coronavirus restrictions .
“ We urge you in the strongest possible terms to give people and business owners back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for themselves and their communities , ” the letter reads .
The lawmakers accused Carney ’ s administration of favoring “ large and powerful business interests over our local merchants ” and of spreading panic and fear “ far and wide ” through mixed messages and confusion .
They called on Carney to begin the first phase of reopening Delaware ’ s economy on Friday , not June 1 , noting that Memorial Day weekend is a critical time for many businesses , especially at the beaches .
They also urged Carney to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lodging and children ’ s activities .
Republican lawmakers also called for an audit of hospitalizations and deaths , saying “ there is a great deal of chatter in the medical community about deaths being classified as COVID-19 that perhaps should not be.
” In his semiweekly coronavirus briefing , Carney said Tuesday that he was “ very disappointed ” by the letter .
“ It just sounds political to me , ” he said , noting what he described as its “ divisive tone and inaccuracies.
” Meanwhile , a trio of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday complaining that a host of actions taken by Carney in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus violate the constitutional rights of Delaware residents and business owners .
Those actions include banning large public gatherings , ordering people to stay at home except for “ essential travel , ” restricting access to public and private beaches , banning short-term rentals , and shuttering “ nonessential businesses ” while allowing “ essential businesses ” to remain open .
Sens .
Brian Pettyjohn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also noted that Carney unilaterally moved the date of Delaware ’ s presidential primary and authorized universal absentee voting in the primary .
The lawmakers maintain that Carney has usurped the authority of Delaware citizens and the legislative and judicial branches of state government , and that his decisions “ are not supported by a rational connection or nexus to the proclaimed state of emergency.
” “ We would respectfully request your immediate attention to this broad , unconstitutional overreaching by the Governor of Delaware and the wholesale violation of the important rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the letter concludes .
Elsewhere Tuesday , attorneys for a well-known pastor and African-American community activist in New Castle County sued Carney in federal court over his restrictions on church gatherings .
Rev .
Dr. Christopher Allan Bullock claims that Carney has been “ deliberately indifferent to the unconstitutional effect of his emergency orders ” on places of worship .
The lawsuit also states that Carney ’ s “ wholesale shutdown of religious worship ” has had a racially discriminatory effect on the black community .
Bullock is seeking an injunction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 31 .
The lawsuit was filed one day after Carney announced that churches , which he had limited to services involving no more than 10 staff and participants , would be allowed to hold services with crowds limited to no more than 30 % of stated fire occupancy .
But the governor also imposed a host of conditions and restrictions on those services , including limiting them to no more than one hour , banning choirs , prohibiting person-to-person administration of Communion , and banning communal receptacles for congregants to bless themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in imposing those restrictions on worship services , Carney crossed the line separating church and state .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Democratic Gov. John Carney on Tuesday announced a further loosening of his coronavirus restrictions on Delaware businesses, but Republican lawmakers are claiming that Carney is moving too slowly and has abused his authority.
Carney said retail establishments may start operating by appointment only Wednesday morning, and that restaurants and bars can begin applying Friday to expand outdoor-seating capacity when those businesses reopen next month.
Carney had previously announced that retailers and restaurants would be allowed to resume indoor operations at 30 percent of stated fire capacity starting June 1.
Retail establishments covered by Tuesday’s announcement will be allowed to accept two appointments per half hour. They must also comply with social distancing and cleaning guidance from government officials.
Restrictions on swimming and sunbathing at Delaware beaches are scheduled to be lifted effective Friday evening, but Carney is facing increasing pressure to move faster.
A group of 15 GOP lawmakers sent a letter to Carney calling for a broad easing of his coronavirus restrictions.
“We urge you in the strongest possible terms to give people and business owners back their freedom and let them assume responsibility for themselves and their communities,” the letter reads.
The lawmakers accused Carney’s administration of favoring “large and powerful business interests over our local merchants” and of spreading panic and fear “far and wide” through mixed messages and confusion.
They called on Carney to begin the first phase of reopening Delaware’s economy on Friday, not June 1, noting that Memorial Day weekend is a critical time for many businesses, especially at the beaches. They also urged Carney to end restrictions on church services, short-term lodging and children’s activities.
Republican lawmakers also called for an audit of hospitalizations and deaths, saying “there is a great deal of chatter in the medical community about deaths being classified as COVID-19 that perhaps should not be.”
In his semiweekly coronavirus briefing, Carney said Tuesday that he was “very disappointed” by the letter.
“It just sounds political to me,” he said, noting what he described as its “divisive tone and inaccuracies.”
Meanwhile, a trio of Republican lawmakers from southern Delaware sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday complaining that a host of actions taken by Carney in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus violate the constitutional rights of Delaware residents and business owners. Those actions include banning large public gatherings, ordering people to stay at home except for “essential travel,” restricting access to public and private beaches, banning short-term rentals, and shuttering “nonessential businesses” while allowing “essential businesses” to remain open.
Sens. Brian Pettyjohn and David Wilson and Rep. Ruth Briggs King also noted that Carney unilaterally moved the date of Delaware’s presidential primary and authorized universal absentee voting in the primary.
The lawmakers maintain that Carney has usurped the authority of Delaware citizens and the legislative and judicial branches of state government, and that his decisions “are not supported by a rational connection or nexus to the proclaimed state of emergency.”
“We would respectfully request your immediate attention to this broad, unconstitutional overreaching by the Governor of Delaware and the wholesale violation of the important rights guaranteed all citizens of these United States,” the letter concludes.
Elsewhere Tuesday, attorneys for a well-known pastor and African-American community activist in New Castle County sued Carney in federal court over his restrictions on church gatherings.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Allan Bullock claims that Carney has been “deliberately indifferent to the unconstitutional effect of his emergency orders” on places of worship. The lawsuit also states that Carney’s “wholesale shutdown of religious worship” has had a racially discriminatory effect on the black community.
Bullock is seeking an injunction opening up worship services effective Sunday, May 31.
The lawsuit was filed one day after Carney announced that churches, which he had limited to services involving no more than 10 staff and participants, would be allowed to hold services with crowds limited to no more than 30% of stated fire occupancy. But the governor also imposed a host of conditions and restrictions on those services, including limiting them to no more than one hour, banning choirs, prohibiting person-to-person administration of Communion, and banning communal receptacles for congregants to bless themselves with holy water.
The lawsuit suggests that in imposing those restrictions on worship services, Carney crossed the line separating church and state.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Ex-NFL star Chad Johnson leaves $1,000 tip at Florida eatery

COOPER CITY , Fla. ( AP ) - Former NFL star Chad Johnson left a $ 1,000 tip for his waiter after dining at a restaurant in Florida that recently reopened amid the coronavirus outbreak .
“ Congrats on re-opening , sorry about the pandemic , hope this helps .
I LOVE YOU , ” Johnson wrote Monday on his $ 37 tab .
He tweeted a photo of the receipt from Havana ’ s Cuban Cuisine in Cooper City with the caption “ Proverbs 11:25 , ” a bible verse that states “ a generous person will prosper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The restaurant also shared a photo of Johnson ’ s receipt on Facebook to thank the former NFL wide receiver for his “ continued patronage ” and generosity to their employees during “ these most difficult times.
” Restaurants in Broward County were allowed to reopen dine-in service Monday with 25 % limited indoor capacity , about two months after they closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Restaurants with outdoor seating would have to keep tables 6 feet ( 2 meters ) apart .
Other restaurants and retail shops in Florida started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ron DeSantis loosened some restrictions under the stay-at-home order .
Johnson spent most of his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals , played one year with the New England Patriots and participated in a training camp with the Miami Dolphins before he was cut from the team .

COOPER CITY, Fla. (AP) - Former NFL star Chad Johnson left a $1,000 tip for his waiter after dining at a restaurant in Florida that recently reopened amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“Congrats on re-opening, sorry about the pandemic, hope this helps. I LOVE YOU,” Johnson wrote Monday on his $37 tab. He tweeted a photo of the receipt from Havana’s Cuban Cuisine in Cooper City with the caption “Proverbs 11:25,” a bible verse that states “a generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
The restaurant also shared a photo of Johnson’s receipt on Facebook to thank the former NFL wide receiver for his “continued patronage” and generosity to their employees during “these most difficult times.”
Restaurants in Broward County were allowed to reopen dine-in service Monday with 25% limited indoor capacity, about two months after they closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants with outdoor seating would have to keep tables 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
Other restaurants and retail shops in Florida started opening earlier this month after Gov. Ron DeSantis loosened some restrictions under the stay-at-home order.
Johnson spent most of his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, played one year with the New England Patriots and participated in a training camp with the Miami Dolphins before he was cut from the team.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Donald Trump threatens to 'hold up funding' to Michigan after vote-by-mail announcement

President Trump on Wednesday threatened to withhold money to Michigan if the state presses forward with a plan to send vote-by-mail applications to every registered voter ahead of the November election .
“ Breaking : Michigan sends absentee ballots to 7.7 million people ahead of Primaries and the General Election .
This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State .
I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path !
” the president said on Twitter .
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state will get an application to vote by mail in the August and November elections , citing public health risks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Other states are expanding vote-by-mail options as well so people aren ’ t forced to go to the polls in person .
Mr. Trump has been wary of those efforts , saying voting by mail is prone to fraud and that Republicans would get sick at the very thought of doing something improper at the polls .
Michigan is a critical battleground state , and Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible vice presidential pick for likely Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden .

President Trump threatened to withhold federal aid from Michigan and Nevada on Wednesday if the two battleground states move ahead with plans to expand vote-by-mail options because of the coronavirus crisis, a move the president warned will lead to voter fraud.
At the same time, the Republican National Committee urged Nevada’s attorney general to investigate a suspected “backroom deal” on voting by mail between national Democratic Party leaders and Democratic commissioners of Clark County, where thousands of ballots reportedly have been sent to inactive voters.
Trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden in Michigan polls, the president objected to the announcement by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, that all 7.7 million registered voters in the state will receive an application to vote by mail in the August primary and the November general election. She cited public health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The president erroneously said in a Twitter posting that Ms. Benson was sending absentee ballots instead of applications. He later corrected his tweet.
“This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State,” the president tweeted. “I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path!”
Mr. Trump tagged Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin and Russ Vought, acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, in his tweet.
SEE ALSO: About 10,000 evacuated as river dams break in central Michigan
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, said the president’s comments were “disheartening” and that she will aggressively seek federal assistance for a “500 year” flood this week when two dams were breached.
“To see Twitter this morning and to see rhetoric like that is disheartening,” she said.
In a meeting with the governors of Arkansas and Kansas, the president said he wasn’t sure whether withholding federal aid would be necessary but insisted: “Mail-in ballots are a very dangerous thing. They’re the subject of massive fraud.
“They harvest, I guess the word is harvest them,” he said of mail-in ballots.
Ms. Benson responded in a tweet that her office “sent applications, not ballots. Just like my GOP colleagues in Iowa, Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia.”
“By mailing applications, we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote,” she said.
Trump campaign officials said Ms. Benson doesn’t have the legal authority to send absentee ballot applications to all voters.
The president was clashing with Ms. Whitmer’s administration a day before he was scheduled to visit Michigan, which he narrowly won in the 2016 election. Mr. Trump is set to travel to Ypsilanti, where he will tour a Ford factory that has shifted to production of ventilators and personal protective equipment to help fight the coronavirus outbreak.
The president also took a dig at Ms. Whitmer’s lockdown orders, which have fomented waves of protests.
“We have sent our best Military & @FEMA Teams, already there,” he said. “Governor must now ‘set you free’ to help. Will be with you soon!”
Mr. Trump said he probably will return to the state to tour the flood damage.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany wouldn’t say what funding the president might withhold. She said the president’s tweet was meant to alert administration officials in charge of budgeting decisions “about his concerns with trillions of dollars going to the states, and his noted concerns about a lot of fraud that is potentially at play when you have mass mail-in voting.”
She pointed to a report in 2005 by the bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, headed by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, that said, “Absentee ballots remain the largest source of potential voter fraud.”
Sherikia Hawkins, a Democratic city clerk in Southfield, Michigan, who had been honored by the state party for her work, was charged this week with multiple felonies related to discrepancies in absentee ballots for the 2018 elections. The charges included forging public documents and misconduct in office.
Half of Americans say they would vote by mail if their state allows it, according to a PBS/NPR/Marist Institute poll released Wednesday. More than 23% voted by mail or absentee ballot in the 2016 general election.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, called on the president to wear a face mask during his visit to the factory. She said it’s Ford policy and that the president has “a social and moral responsibility to take reasonable precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.”
But Erik Kiilunen, a Michigan businessman leading a rebellion against the governor’s stay-at-home orders, said of the president’s visit, “I hope he doesn’t wear a mask.”
“The whole world is overreacting to something that’s, in my opinion, less deadly than the flu,” Mr. Kiilunen said in an interview. “I started doing the math. You take the total people dead in the state of Michigan from COVID — it’s 5,017. We’ve got 10 million residents, and the [mortality rate] is .005%. We’re letting ‘perfect’ get in the way of the good.”
Mr. Kiilunen, who owns a contracting business in Ahmeek in the state’s upper peninsula, started agitating last month against Ms. Whitmer’s restrictions on businesses. His protest involves a GoFundMe page and statewide movement including billboards proclaiming “All Business Is Essential.”
He is defying the governor’s business restrictions and is encouraging others to do the same.
“I’ve really dedicated the last three weeks of my life to trying to get Michigan to wake up,” Mr. Kiilunen said. “It’s just insanity what’s going on here. It’s Orwellian right now.”
The governor announced this week that bars, restaurants and some stores in the upper peninsula and parts of the lower peninsula could open with limited capacity on Friday. Other restrictions will remain until at least next week.
On the issue of vote-by-mail, the president also criticized Nevada, which is sending absentee ballots to all active registered voters for the state’s June 9 primary.
“State of Nevada ‘thinks’ that they can send out illegal vote by mail ballots, creating a great Voter Fraud scenario for the State and the U.S. They can’t! If they do, ‘I think’ I can hold up funds to the State. Sorry, but you must not cheat in elections,” the president said.
Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, announced in March that the state’s June 9 primary would be conducted entirely by mail. This month, county election officials began sending absentee ballots to all active registered voters.
Other states are expanding vote-by-mail options as well so voters aren’t required to go to the polls in person. Mr. Trump has been wary of those efforts, saying voting by mail is prone to fraud.
Ms. Whitmer and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Nevada Democrat, have been mentioned as possible vice presidential picks for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden.
In a letter Wednesday to Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and the state Republican Party demanded an investigation into “troubling events in Clark County that may have violated Nevada’s open public meeting and election laws.”
The Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the liberal Priorities USA dropped a court request for immediate relief in a lawsuit against Clark County after local officials agreed to changes in the June primary including sending ballots to inactive voters.
The RNC accused Democrats of “seizing on the coronavirus pandemic in an attempt to push through their long-sought partisan election agenda.”
“The Democrat National Committee and other liberal groups have sued the Nevada secretary of state to willfully ignore and violate Nevada election law by suspending prosecution of ballot harvesters, sending ballots to all inactive voters, suspending verification procedures for absentee ballots such as signature matching, and demanding more than one in-person voting center, despite the state’s all-mail order for the June 9 primary,” the RNC said. “This is particularly troubling as media reports have confirmed that an excess of ballots sent to inactive voters are now littering Las Vegas’s streets, piling up in trash cans and apartment complexes, leaving Nevada’s elections open and vulnerable to fraud.”
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized Mr. Trump for threatening to withhold federal funds from states that allow absentee voting.
“It’s unconscionable that President Trump would threaten to withhold funding from certain states that are making it easier for people to exercise their right to vote during this pandemic,” she said. “States have considerable discretion in determining how their elections will be conducted. California, like many other states, has allowed votes to be cast by mail for nearly 60 years. Despite false claims and debunked conspiracy theories, there has not been widespread voter fraud.”
She said voting rights “should be strengthened, not weakened, during this pandemic.”
“Republican and Democratic governors should be working to ensure every voter has the opportunity to safely, securely and easily cast a ballot in November, and they shouldn’t be threatened for doing so,” she said.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com. • David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Gray whale washes ashore west of Seattle

SEATTLE ( AP ) - A gray whale carcass washed ashore on Bainbridge Island west of Seattle on Tuesday .
The whale appeared to be an adult and had been dead for a while , said Michael Milstein , spokesman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries West Coast region .
It was not immediately clear how this whale died , he told The Seattle Times .
A team from the nonprofit Cascadia Research Collective took photos and samples of its skin and blubber Tuesday , Milstein said .
Researchers are trying to understand why so many gray whales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches since spring 2019 .
More than 200 gray whales were stranded last year in an Unusual Mortality Event - about double the usual rate for a migration year - including 34 that stranded in Washington state waters alone , said John Calambokidis , senior researcher at the Cascadia Research Collective in Olympia .
“ Something has changed with their food supply in the Arctic in some way , but it ’ s not clear what that change is , ” Milstein said .
The whale will be towed to south Puget Sound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wildlife .
A large percentage of the whales that have stranded this year are thin .
There are not as many stranded whales this year as last with 26 strandings so far coastwide , including five in Washington .
At this time last year approximately 55 gray whales had stranded coastwide , and by the end of the migration , 215 whales died from Mexico to Canada during the entire migration season .
A similar die-off occurred in 1999-2000 .
But the whales still are at healthy numbers .

SEATTLE (AP) - A gray whale carcass washed ashore on Bainbridge Island west of Seattle on Tuesday.
The whale appeared to be an adult and had been dead for a while, said Michael Milstein, spokesman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries West Coast region.
It was not immediately clear how this whale died, he told The Seattle Times. A team from the nonprofit Cascadia Research Collective took photos and samples of its skin and blubber Tuesday, Milstein said.
Researchers are trying to understand why so many gray whales have been found dead and stranded on beaches since spring 2019. More than 200 gray whales were stranded last year in an Unusual Mortality Event - about double the usual rate for a migration year - including 34 that stranded in Washington state waters alone, said John Calambokidis, senior researcher at the Cascadia Research Collective in Olympia.
“Something has changed with their food supply in the Arctic in some way, but it’s not clear what that change is,” Milstein said.
The whale will be towed to south Puget Sound, by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
A large percentage of the whales that have stranded this year are thin. There are not as many stranded whales this year as last with 26 strandings so far coastwide, including five in Washington.
At this time last year approximately 55 gray whales had stranded coastwide, and by the end of the migration, 215 whales died from Mexico to Canada during the entire migration season.
A similar die-off occurred in 1999-2000. But the whales still are at healthy numbers.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Cops: Robbery suspect escapes despite being run over by car

AKRON , Ohio ( AP ) - A robbery suspect who jumped from a moving car was run over by @ @ @ @ @ to flee from police , authorities said .
Akron police saw the man jump from @ @ @ @ @ around 9:15 p.m. Monday , authorities said .
He was then struck when the car @ @ @ @ @ ran off and remains at large .
Authorities said the man has been identified , @ @ @ @ @ his name .
Two other men who were in the vehicle were both arrested on @ @ @ @ @ three loaded handguns were found in the car , two of which were within reach @ @ @ @ @ driver told police that the man who jumped from the vehicle had been trying to @ @ @ @ @ passenger .
The matter remains under investigation , authorities said .

AKRON, Ohio (AP) - A robbery suspect who jumped from a moving car was run over by the vehicle but still managed to flee from police, authorities said.
Akron police saw the man jump from the rear of the car around 9:15 p.m. Monday, authorities said. He was then struck when the car spun around, but he ran off and remains at large. Authorities said the man has been identified, but they did not release his name.
Two other men who were in the vehicle were both arrested on weapons charges. Authorities said three loaded handguns were found in the car, two of which were within reach of the occupants.
The driver told police that the man who jumped from the vehicle had been trying to rob him and the other passenger. The matter remains under investigation, authorities said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Heavy rain exacerbates Ozaukee County bluff erosion

TOWN OF GRAFTON , Wis. ( AP ) - Heavy rain earlier this week in Wisconsin flooded backyards and seeped into basements , but it ’ s left one home in Ozaukee County teetering on a bluff along Lake Michigan .
A large chunk of the bluff along Lake Shore Road collapsed after days of unrelenting rain .
“ There used to be 100 feet of frontage in the backyard for the yard , ” said Tom Grabow , Ozaukee County supervisor .
“ It ’ s all gone.
” Erosion isn ’ t limited to the home with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sections of the bluff have failed up and down the Ozaukee County shoreline .
County Emergency Management Director Scott Ziegler said bluff erosion has been an issue for a number of years .
“ Those areas are not safe , ” said Ziegler .
“ Some of the stuff we ’ ve been seeing lately is more ground saturation drainage , soil type .
They just come together and they don ’ t mix well , and we lose significant chunks of bluff.
” Ozaukee County officials have taken steps to rezone some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building too close to the edge .
The Ozaukee County Board plans to meet Wednesday night and discuss what to do about these properties .

TOWN OF GRAFTON, Wis. (AP) - Heavy rain earlier this week in Wisconsin flooded backyards and seeped into basements, but it’s left one home in Ozaukee County teetering on a bluff along Lake Michigan.
A large chunk of the bluff along Lake Shore Road collapsed after days of unrelenting rain.
“There used to be 100 feet of frontage in the backyard for the yard,” said Tom Grabow, Ozaukee County supervisor. “It’s all gone.”
Erosion isn’t limited to the home with the exposed foundation, WITI-TV reported. Small sections of the bluff have failed up and down the Ozaukee County shoreline.
County Emergency Management Director Scott Ziegler said bluff erosion has been an issue for a number of years.
“Those areas are not safe,” said Ziegler. “Some of the stuff we’ve been seeing lately is more ground saturation drainage, soil type. They just come together and they don’t mix well, and we lose significant chunks of bluff.”
Ozaukee County officials have taken steps to rezone some of the shoreline to prevent people from building too close to the edge.
The Ozaukee County Board plans to meet Wednesday night and discuss what to do about these properties.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Ex-deputy headed to prison for stealing from kid's charity

WEST PALM BEACH , Fla. ( AP ) - A former sheriff ’ s deputy and U.S. Navy veteran was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison for stealing $ 50,000 from a children ’ s charity and paying kickbacks to lure patients into a drug treatment center he ran in West Palm Beach .
Robert “ Bobby ” Simeone , 49 , pleaded guilty to 30 felony charges related to three cases .
The former Palm Beach County Sheriff ’ s deputy was arrested in February .
Evidence showed that Simeone paid two sober home operators to bring in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Florida , it is illegal offer or pay any commission , kickback or bribe to promote the referral of patients to or from a health care provider .
Simeone ’ s lawyers previously contended that his center helped vulnerable adults and that there was no evidence of patient brokering , the South Florida SunSentinel reported .
The newspaper reported that financial crimes investigators reviewed bank accounts tied to Simeone and his wife , and Children of Wounded Warriors , a nonprofit in Boynton Beach .
Court records show detectives found $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity between 2015 and 2019 , and $ 49,037 in transfers from the charity were deposited into Simeone ’ s personal and business accounts .
Circuit Judge Joseph Marx on Tuesday approved the terms on Tuesday .
Prosecutors dropped 27 felony counts and Simeone was convicted of 26 counts including patient brokering , conspiracy to commit patient brokering , and organized scheme to defraud , money laundering and grand theft .
While the charges are punishable by up to 175 years in prison , the deal means Simeone should be out in less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days credit for time already served .
He will then serve five years of probation .

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A former sheriff’s deputy and U.S. Navy veteran was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison for stealing $50,000 from a children’s charity and paying kickbacks to lure patients into a drug treatment center he ran in West Palm Beach.
Robert “Bobby” Simeone, 49, pleaded guilty to 30 felony charges related to three cases. The former Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested in February.
Evidence showed that Simeone paid two sober home operators to bring in patients to his center, prosecutors said. In Florida, it is illegal offer or pay any commission, kickback or bribe to promote the referral of patients to or from a health care provider.
Simeone’s lawyers previously contended that his center helped vulnerable adults and that there was no evidence of patient brokering, the South Florida SunSentinel reported.
The newspaper reported that financial crimes investigators reviewed bank accounts tied to Simeone and his wife, and Children of Wounded Warriors, a nonprofit in Boynton Beach.
Court records show detectives found $73,556 in deposits were made to the charity between 2015 and 2019, and $49,037 in transfers from the charity were deposited into Simeone’s personal and business accounts.
Circuit Judge Joseph Marx on Tuesday approved the terms on Tuesday.
Prosecutors dropped 27 felony counts and Simeone was convicted of 26 counts including patient brokering, conspiracy to commit patient brokering, and organized scheme to defraud, money laundering and grand theft.
While the charges are punishable by up to 175 years in prison, the deal means Simeone should be out in less than five years, factoring in 91 days credit for time already served. He will then serve five years of probation.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signs bill to prevent firearm confiscation

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) — Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt signed into law on Tuesday legislation to prevent local @ @ @ @ @ flag laws .
Such laws allow judges to order the confiscation of firearms when a @ @ @ @ @ to themselves or others .
The bill was among 37 measures Stitt signed into law @ @ @ @ @ seven other bills .
That sets up a possible showdown with lawmakers of his own @ @ @ @ @ up its work last week but left the door open to return for a potential @ @ @ @ @ House and Senate already overrode four separate budget bills Stitt vetoed earlier this year , @ @ @ @ @ leaders and Stitt has soured .
Several of the bills Stitt vetoed were sponsored by @ @ @ @ @ spokesman John Estus said : “ The House will respond in due course.
” The @ @ @ @ @ vote in each chamber to override the vetoes , an advantage Republicans have in both @ @

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law on Tuesday legislation to prevent local municipalities from implementing so-called red flag laws.
Such laws allow judges to order the confiscation of firearms when a person may be a danger to themselves or others.
The bill was among 37 measures Stitt signed into law, but he also vetoed seven other bills. That sets up a possible showdown with lawmakers of his own party.
The Legislature wrapped up its work last week but left the door open to return for a potential veto override. The Republican-controlled House and Senate already overrode four separate budget bills Stitt vetoed earlier this year, and the relationship between legislative leaders and Stitt has soured.
Several of the bills Stitt vetoed were sponsored by House Speaker Charles McCall whose spokesman John Estus said: “The House will respond in due course.”
The Legislature would need a two-thirds vote in each chamber to override the vetoes, an advantage Republicans have in both bodies.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Cliff Bentz wins GOP 2nd Congressional District primary

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) — Former state Sen. Cliff Bentz has won the Republican primary for state ’ @ @ @ @ @ covering eastern Oregon .
The GOP 2nd District race was one of the most closely @ @ @ @ @ primary as the incumbent , Rep. Greg Walden , the only Republican in the state @ @ @ @ @ is not running for a 12th term .
Bentz beat former 2018 Republican Oregon gubernatorial @ @ @ @ @ state legislator Jason Atkinson .
Bentz will be favored in the November election .
Four @ @ @ @ @ s nomination and that contest was too close to call .

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Former state Sen. Cliff Bentz has won the Republican primary for state’s vast 2nd Congressional District covering eastern Oregon.
The GOP 2nd District race was one of the most closely watched of Tuesday’s primary as the incumbent, Rep. Greg Walden, the only Republican in the state’s congressional delegation, is not running for a 12th term.
Bentz beat former 2018 Republican Oregon gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler and former state legislator Jason Atkinson. Bentz will be favored in the November election.
Four Democrats sought their party’s nomination and that contest was too close to call.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Forest fire consumes hundreds of acres in southern NJ

WINSLOW , N.J. ( AP ) - A forest fire that has consumed more than 750 acres in southern New @ @ @ @ @ , though authorities said it was not posing a threat to nearby homes or businesses @ @ @ @ @ around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Winslow Wildlife Management Area in Camden County .
Strong @ @ @ @ @ , and only about 10 percent of the fire had been contained by late Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ Forest Fire Service was battling the blaze on the ground and through the air , @ @ @ @ @ clear when the blaze might be fully contained .
No injuries were reported as of @ @ @ @ @ of the fire remains under investigation .
Officials said smoke from the blaze could cause @ @ @ @ @ area .

WINSLOW, N.J. (AP) - A forest fire that has consumed more than 2,100 acres in southern New Jersey had mostly been contained by Wednesday afternoon, and authorities said it was not posing a threat to nearby homes or businesses.
The fire apparently started around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Winslow Wildlife Management Area in Camden County, and strong winds helped the blaze spread quickly. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was battling the blaze on the ground and through the air, but it wasn’t clear when the blaze would be fully contained.
About 2,107 acres had burned by early Wednesday afternoon, officials said, but no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Officials said smoke from the blaze could cause some travel problems in the area.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Man accused of running over, assaulting victim in Fargo

FARGO , N.D. ( AP ) - A Fargo man is being held on a possible attempted murder charge for @ @ @ @ @ parking lot .
The 44-year-old suspect is accused of deliberately running over a man in @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday and then getting out of his vehicle and assaulting him .
KFGO reports police @ @ @ @ @ each other and the victim is accused of stealing the suspect ’ s vehicle in @ @ @ @ @ victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries .
Police arrested the suspect after @ @ @ @ @ parking lot .

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - A Fargo man is being held on a possible attempted murder charge for an assault in a mall parking lot.
The 44-year-old suspect is accused of deliberately running over a man in the West Acres parking lot Tuesday and then getting out of his vehicle and assaulting him.
KFGO reports police say the two men know each other and the victim is accused of stealing the suspect’s vehicle in Moorhead, Minnesota.
The victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Police arrested the suspect after he drove away from the parking lot.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Connecticut restaurants can begin outdoor dining service

HARTFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - Restaurants can begin offering service in outdoor dining areas Wednesday as part of the first phase of Connecticut ’ s statewide reopening , including in hard-hit Fairfield County on the New York state line .
Gov .
Ned Lamont and some eatery owners have said they will be wary of customers visiting from nearby sections of New York , where restaurants among other businesses remain closed .
While infection rates have been declining , the southwestern part of the state was affected by an outbreak in the greater New York City area worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fairfield County has had 122 deaths associated with COVID-19 per every 100,000 residents , compared with 119 fatalities per 100,000 in Manhattan , according to state figures .
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo said most people are looking forward to getting back at least a little sense of normalcy .
“ There are varying degrees of concern about health , ” he said .
“ It ’ s not just , ’ Let ’ s reopen and flip the switch.
’ But business owners are itching to open up and I think people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something to eat outside and maybe buy something from a vendor.
” Matt Storch , the owner of two Fairfield County restaurants , said after going over the logistics and finances , he came to the conclusion that just doesn ’ t make sense to open the Match Restaurant in South Norwalk and Match Burger Lobster in Westport - at least not yet .
“ I ’ m questioning whether or not I take the expense to purchase all the tables and umbrellas and the signage needed , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m trying to conserve as much capital as I can.
” He said he ’ s also not convinced that being open during a holiday weekend would be safe for his staff , with people potentially coming in large numbers including from neighboring New York .
At a news conference last week , Lamont , a Democrat , said there was a desire to avoid traffic across state lines for restaurants and bars .
“ I ’ m going to watch that like a hawk , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide to open must print out disposable menus or have the options posted on boards , silverware must be packaged or rolled up , and patrons must abide social distancing .
Malls and stores also can welcome customers , but seating areas , food courts and fitting rooms must remain closed and there must be separate entrances and exits , barriers at checkout and and signs or tape to keep shoppers 6-feet apart .
More offices can also open , but Lamont is urging people to continue to work from home , if @ @

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes on Wednesday announced plans to begin reopening portions of their sprawling Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun attractions on June 1, despite calls from Gov. Ned Lamont to remain shuttered to prevent another wave of infections from the coronavirus.
The Democratic governor said it’s “too early and dangerous” to reopen the casinos and hopes to persuade the sovereign nations to hold off in order to protect their employees, patrons and the greater community. But when pressed, Lamont said Connecticut has “a number of options,” including talking to unions that represent some of the casino workers about the potential dangers and warning casino patrons.
“We could always advise people driving into the casinos, ‘Hey, do you know that the governor has said this is not safe? Especially if you’re over 65. He has said stay safe, stay at home.’ These are the type of warnings I think I’m obligated to tell people before they take part in risky behavior.”
Responding to Lamont’s remarks, Mohegan Tribal Chairman James Gessner said the tribes’ plan makes it clear they’ll advise older customers to take specific precautions and to stay home if they are part of an at-risk group.
Under the state’s reopening plans, large venues would not reopen until possibly late July.
In a joint statement, the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans said they’ve collaborated on new safety protocols and operating procedures to mitigate risks, such as infrared temperature scanners, ongoing disinfection, required face masks and the replacement of dice, tiles and cards used in table games. The tribes said their policies are consistent with or exceed the state’s rules.
Neither property plans to immediately open concert venues, buffets or poker rooms. Tenant restaurants will only be open for take-out. Also, no out-of-state buses will be accepted and the casinos will only market to Connecticut and Rhode Island residents.
Late Tuesday, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler bristled at comments made by an informal advisor to Lamont who expressed concern about reopening casinos and suggested the state focus on “employment, economic impact and reduced public health impact” when deciding the “sweet spot” for what to reopen.
Butler said that “one need only look at the tragic map depicting the disproportionate share of unemployed in eastern and southeastern Connecticut” to understand the economic impact of closing the two casinos, which employ more than 10,000 people.
“We, too, have the best and brightest advising us on how to safely and responsibly restart our facilities,” he said. “To suggest otherwise conveys a level of disrespect that is insulting.”
In other coronavirus-related developments around Connecticut:
____
REOPENING CONNECTICUT
The state kicked off its phased reopening of its economy Wednesday, with restaurants allowed to serve at outdoor tables and malls welcoming masked customers amid strict guidelines.
While some communities worried Connecticut might be rushing into reopening, some, including Cromwell’s town council, complained the state was not moving fast enough. The body voted unanimously Tuesday night to draft a resolution asking Lamont to allow all businesses in town to open immediately.
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo said he believes most people are looking forward to getting back at least a little sense of normalcy.
“It’s not just, ’Let’s reopen and flip the switch,’” he said. “But business owners are itching to open up and I think people are itching to get out and grab something to eat outside and maybe buy something from a vendor.”
The second phase of reopening is expected to begin around June 20. That’s when hotels, gyms, fitness clubs, outdoor arts and entertainment events, movie theaters, bowling alleys, social clubs, pools, outdoor amusement parks, indoor restaurant seating and all personal services be allowed to restart. The third phase could occur at least three weeks later, with bars, indoor event spaces and venues, indoor amusement parks and arcades and outdoor events with up to 100 people reopening.
As of Wednesday, there have been nearly 40,000 positive cases of COVID-19 and 3,529 COVID-19-associated deaths in Connecticut.
___
PRISON WORKERS CONCERNED
Corrections officers, nurses and other prison workers say not enough is being done to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside those facilities.
During a video news conference, unionized workers described a tense atmosphere inside the prisons in which inmates are blaming staff for bringing the coronavirus into the system.
They also said cleaning is inadequate, temperature checks are often inaccurate, too few inmates are wearing masks, social distancing is not being enforced in many locations and is not possible in settings such as dormitories.
“These inmates are still allowed to congregate, play basketball games, shower with each other. There’s no way these guys are being kept separate at all,” said Sean Howard, a corrections officer at the Cheshire Correctional Institution.
Lindsay Petralito, a medical records clerk at the Hartford Correctional Center, said much of her work could be done at home, but the department has not given clerical staff that option.
The Department of Correction said it has been working collaboratively with the unions to provide adequate protective equipment and has hired additional staff, including heath care workers.
“I hear, understand and share the unions’ frustrations, and I am doing everything within my power to address them,” said Commissioner Rollin Cook. “However, we are operating during an unprecedented crisis, and collaboration is vital.”
As of Wednesday, 684 inmates 373 staff have tested positive for COVID-19. Six inmates have died.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
___
ABSENTEE VOTING
Lamont signed an executive order Wednesday allowing all eligible, registered voters to vote absentee in the August 11 primary, citing concerns about voters becoming infected with the coronavirus. State law only authorizes the use of an absentee ballot for limited reasons. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said polling places will still open that day.
____
PARK RESTRICTIONS
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced swimming will be allowed at state beaches on the shoreline when they reopen Friday, but swimming areas at inland state parks will be closed. Officials cited the limited size of the beach and swim areas at inland parks and social distancing rules.
Visitors to shoreline beaches must keep their blanket and chair areas a minimum of 15 feet from other beachgoers, allowing for a 6-foot radius around each person and a 3-foot walkway between groups.
Campgrounds will remain closed until at least June 11.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--Turkey's pandemic strategy hinges on hazmat-suited gumshoes

ISTANBUL ( AP ) — They see themselves as public health detectives , working 24/7 to track the coronavirus ’ insidious spread through a country of 83 million , blending door-to-door hoof work with mobile apps , CCTV footage and , if needed , police backup .
Instead of global coronavirus testing , Turkey has based its pandemic response on partial lockdowns and work by armies of contact tracers , who identify people possibly infected by a COVID-19 patient and seek to stamp out the fire before it consumes a neighborhood , town or region .
Officials from both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization say the tactic has paid off .
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca says it ’ s brought the pandemic “ under control , ” with virus deaths and confirmed infections falling .
The health ministry has recorded 151,615 confirmed cases — which places Turkey in the global top 10 for infections according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University — and 4,199 deaths .
“ We brought the sickness ’ spread under control by monitoring the source , ” Koca said .
A tracer ’ s job is to find out who an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprotected contact with for more than 15 minutes .
Once identified , these people are instructed to self-quarantine and are tracked by a mobile phone application .
If they develop coronavirus symptoms , they are tested .
Turkey takes quarantines seriously — breaches can be punished by fines up to $ 162 and a maximum 1-year prison term .
When Istanbul resident Betul Sahbaz , 47 , started showing symptoms after her flatmate tested positive for COVID-19 , she called a health care line .
“ I was scared , and panicked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Sure we hear about it , but it ’ s different when you experience it.
” Enter two tracers , in white protective gear , masks and face shields , who came to her home .
They took a nose swab and sent it to a lab for testing , which takes 24 to 48 hours .
“ We are taking samples from patients in the comfort of their own homes and … preventing them from going outside and spreading the infection , ” said Dr. Melek Nur Aslan , the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Istanbul , Turkey ’ s most populous city and the epicenter of its pandemic .
Fatih , which includes historic Constantinople , draws migrants from both Turkey and other parts of the world as well as tourists .
“ Thanks to our detective work , we have prevented our cases from having contact with others ” and helped lessen the strains on hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units , she said .
At least 6,239 tracers have reached 722,000 people who had contact with an infected person since March 10 , Koca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Istanbul , a city of 15.5 million people that lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia .
All the tracers are members of the country ’ s medical community , including doctors , nurses and dentists , and many have received additional training on proper sample collection .
Aslan said Turkey already had contact tracing experience before the pandemic and a small number of units to deal with potential measles outbreaks .
Public health expert Kayihan Pala from Bursa Uludag University ’ s Medical School commended the hard work and selflessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but criticized the health ministry for putting together the teams haphazardly and without what he called adequate training .
He also pointed to structural changes in Turkey ’ s health care system that could have weakened the initial response to the pandemic .
“ We could have responded earlier and stronger to fight the pandemic , ” Pala said .
The interim chief for WHO ’ s Turkish office , Irshad Ali Shaikh , said the country ’ s downward trajectory in reported confirmed cases “ shows whatever interventions ( were made ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely.
” Shaikh said the global goal is to test on average five close contacts of confirmed cases , and the government said in April that its tracers were reaching on average 4.5 contacts of an infected person .
“ So if they are 4.5 out of 5 , they are really very good in terms of global benchmarks , ” he said .
Turkey has opted for a partial lockdown to keep its economy running , having workers still go to their jobs as much as possible but ordering stay-at-home lockdowns for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senior citizens , an age group that is most vulnerable to the coronavirus , on Sunday got to go outdoors for only the second time amid the lockdown .
Other adults have had to follow two- to four-day lockdowns imposed in 31 provinces .
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a nationwide lockdown for four days during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr , voicing hopes that this will be the last stay-at-home restrictions .
But the independent Turkish Medical Association says it ’ s too soon to say if the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey .
The group has called for widespread coronavirus testing , including of people who have yet to show symptoms but were identified through contact tracing .
Some 1.67 million people have been tested for the disease so far in Turkey .
Aslan said while police sometimes accompany her teams on their home visits if they feel threatened , overall the Turkish public has been compliant , grateful and welcoming to their efforts to stamp out the global menace .
She said the teams have been very careful in their operations .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , and the worry is about possibly infecting our families , ” she added .

ISTANBUL (AP) — They see themselves as public health detectives, working 24/7 to track the coronavirus’ insidious spread through a country of 83 million, blending door-to-door hoof work with mobile apps, CCTV footage and, if needed, police backup.
Instead of global coronavirus testing, Turkey has based its pandemic response on partial lockdowns and work by armies of contact tracers, who identify people possibly infected by a COVID-19 patient and seek to stamp out the fire before it consumes a neighborhood, town or region.
Officials from both the Turkish government and the local World Health Organization say the tactic has paid off.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca says it’s brought the pandemic “under control,” with virus deaths and confirmed infections falling. The health ministry has recorded 151,615 confirmed cases — which places Turkey in the global top 10 for infections according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University — and 4,199 deaths.
“We brought the sickness’ spread under control by monitoring the source,” Koca said.
A tracer’s job is to find out who an infected person has come in close and unprotected contact with for more than 15 minutes. Once identified, these people are instructed to self-quarantine and are tracked by a mobile phone application. If they develop coronavirus symptoms, they are tested.
Turkey takes quarantines seriously — breaches can be punished by fines up to $162 and a maximum 1-year prison term.
When Istanbul resident Betul Sahbaz, 47, started showing symptoms after her flatmate tested positive for COVID-19, she called a health care line.
“I was scared, and panicked,” she told The Associated Press. “Sure we hear about it, but it’s different when you experience it.”
Enter two tracers, in white protective gear, masks and face shields, who came to her home. They took a nose swab and sent it to a lab for testing, which takes 24 to 48 hours.
“We are taking samples from patients in the comfort of their own homes and … preventing them from going outside and spreading the infection,” said Dr. Melek Nur Aslan, the local health director for the Fatih municipality in Istanbul, Turkey’s most populous city and the epicenter of its pandemic.
Fatih, which includes historic Constantinople, draws migrants from both Turkey and other parts of the world as well as tourists.
“Thanks to our detective work, we have prevented our cases from having contact with others” and helped lessen the strains on hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units, she said.
At least 6,239 tracers have reached 722,000 people who had contact with an infected person since March 10, Koca said. Some 1,200 of them work in Istanbul, a city of 15.5 million people that lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
All the tracers are members of the country’s medical community, including doctors, nurses and dentists, and many have received additional training on proper sample collection. Aslan said Turkey already had contact tracing experience before the pandemic and a small number of units to deal with potential measles outbreaks.
Public health expert Kayihan Pala from Bursa Uludag University’s Medical School commended the hard work and selflessness of Turkey’s contact tracers, but criticized the health ministry for putting together the teams haphazardly and without what he called adequate training. He also pointed to structural changes in Turkey’s health care system that could have weakened the initial response to the pandemic.
“We could have responded earlier and stronger to fight the pandemic,” Pala said.
The interim chief for WHO’s Turkish office, Irshad Ali Shaikh, said the country’s downward trajectory in reported confirmed cases “shows whatever interventions (were made) seem to have worked in favor, absolutely.”
Shaikh said the global goal is to test on average five close contacts of confirmed cases, and the government said in April that its tracers were reaching on average 4.5 contacts of an infected person.
“So if they are 4.5 out of 5, they are really very good in terms of global benchmarks,” he said.
Turkey has opted for a partial lockdown to keep its economy running, having workers still go to their jobs as much as possible but ordering stay-at-home lockdowns for people under 20 and above 65. Senior citizens, an age group that is most vulnerable to the coronavirus, on Sunday got to go outdoors for only the second time amid the lockdown. Other adults have had to follow two- to four-day lockdowns imposed in 31 provinces.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a nationwide lockdown for four days during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, voicing hopes that this will be the last stay-at-home restrictions.
But the independent Turkish Medical Association says it’s too soon to say if the pandemic’s spread has been curbed in Turkey. The group has called for widespread coronavirus testing, including of people who have yet to show symptoms but were identified through contact tracing.
Some 1.67 million people have been tested for the disease so far in Turkey.
Aslan said while police sometimes accompany her teams on their home visits if they feel threatened, overall the Turkish public has been compliant, grateful and welcoming to their efforts to stamp out the global menace. She said the teams have been very careful in their operations.
“Of course, we are anxious like others, and the worry is about possibly infecting our families,” she added.
___
Associated Press reporter Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-05-20--About 10,000 evacuated as river dams break in central Michigan

MIDLAND , Mich. ( AP ) — Rapidly rising water overtook dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in central Michigan , where flooding struck communities along rain-swollen waterways and the governor said one downtown could be “ under approximately 9 feet of water ” by Wednesday .
For the second time in less than 24 hours , families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered Tuesday evening to leave home .
By Wednesday morning , water that was several feet high covered some streets near the river in downtown Midland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel and parking lots .
The National Weather Service urged anyone near the river to seek higher ground following “ castastrophic dam failures ” at the Edenville Dam , about 140 miles ( 225 kilometers ) north of Detroit , and the Sanford Dam , about seven miles ( 11 kilometers ) downriver .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen said downtown Midland , a city of 42,000 about 8 miles ( 14 kilometers ) downstream from the Sanford Dam , faced an especially serious flooding threat .
Dow Chemical Co. ’ s main plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In the next 12 to 15 hours , downtown Midland could be under approximately 9 feet of water , ” the governor said during a late Tuesday briefing .
“ We are anticipating an historic high water level.
” Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County and urged residents threatened by the flooding to find a place to stay with friends or relatives or to seek out one of several shelters that opened across the county .
She encouraged people to do their best to take precautions to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a face covering and observing social distancing “ to the best of your ability.
” “ This is unlike anything we ’ ve seen in Midland County , ” she said .
“ If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state , go there now.
” Emergency responders went door-to-door early Tuesday morning warning residents living near the Edenville Dam of the rising water .
Some residents were able to return home , only to be told to leave again following the dam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The evacuations include the towns of Edenville , Sanford and parts of Midland , according to Selina Tisdale , spokeswoman for Midland County .
“ We were back at home and starting to feel comfortable that things were calming down , ” said Catherine Sias , who lives about 1 mile ( 1.6 kilometers ) from the Edenville Dam and first left home early Tuesday morning .
“ All of a sudden we heard the fire truck sirens going north toward the dam.
” Sias , 45 , said emergency alerts then began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling to make sure she was safe .
“ While packing , there were tons of police and fire trucks going up and down the roads , ” she added .
“ As far as I know , all of our neighbors got out.
” While driving along a jammed M-30 , the state highway that ’ s the main road through Edenville and that crosses the river north of town , Sias saw the rushing Tittabawassee River .
“ It was very dramatic , very fast and full of debris , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its emergency operations center and will be adjusting operations as a result of current flood stage conditions , spokeswoman Rachelle Schikorra said in an email .
“ Dow Michigan Operations is working with its tenants and Midland County officials and will continue to closely monitor the water levels on the Tittabawassee River , ” Schikorra said .
In 2018 , the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license of the company that operated the Edenville Dam due to non-compliance issues that included spillway capacity and the inability to pass the most severe flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edenville Dam , which was built in 1924 , was rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 by the state .
The Sanford Dam , which was built in 1925 , received a fair condition rating .
Both dams are in the process of being sold .
There were 19 high hazard dams in unsatisfactory or poor condition in Michigan in 2018 , ranking 20th among the 45 states and Puerto Rico for which The Associated Press obtained condition assessments .
Flood warnings in Michigan were issued following widespread rainfall of 4 to 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Sunday , according to the National Weather Service .
Heavy runoff pushed rivers higher .
The Tittabawassee River was at 30.5 feet ( 9.3 meters ) and rising Tuesday night - flood stage is 24 feet ( 7.3 meters ) .
It was expected to crest Wednesday at a record of about 38 feet ( 11.6 meters ) .

MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) — Rapidly rising water overtook dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in central Michigan, where flooding struck communities along rain-swollen waterways and the governor said one downtown could be “under approximately 9 feet of water” by Wednesday.
For the second time in less than 24 hours, families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered Tuesday evening to leave home. By Wednesday morning, water that was several feet high covered some streets near the river in downtown Midland, including riverside parkland, and reaching a hotel and parking lots.
The National Weather Service urged anyone near the river to seek higher ground following “castastrophic dam failures” at the Edenville Dam, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Detroit, and the Sanford Dam, about seven miles (11 kilometers) downriver.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen said downtown Midland, a city of 42,000 about 8 miles (14 kilometers) downstream from the Sanford Dam, faced an especially serious flooding threat. Dow Chemical Co.’s main plant sits on the city’s riverbank.
“In the next 12 to 15 hours, downtown Midland could be under approximately 9 feet of water,” the governor said during a late Tuesday briefing. “We are anticipating an historic high water level.”
Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County and urged residents threatened by the flooding to find a place to stay with friends or relatives or to seek out one of several shelters that opened across the county. She encouraged people to do their best to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, such as wearing a face covering and observing social distancing “to the best of your ability.”
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in Midland County,” she said. “If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state, go there now.”
Emergency responders went door-to-door early Tuesday morning warning residents living near the Edenville Dam of the rising water. Some residents were able to return home, only to be told to leave again following the dam’s breach several hours later. The evacuations include the towns of Edenville, Sanford and parts of Midland, according to Selina Tisdale, spokeswoman for Midland County.
“We were back at home and starting to feel comfortable that things were calming down,” said Catherine Sias, who lives about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Edenville Dam and first left home early Tuesday morning. “All of a sudden we heard the fire truck sirens going north toward the dam.”
Sias, 45, said emergency alerts then began coming on her cellphone and people started calling to make sure she was safe.
“While packing, there were tons of police and fire trucks going up and down the roads,” she added. “As far as I know, all of our neighbors got out.”
While driving along a jammed M-30, the state highway that’s the main road through Edenville and that crosses the river north of town, Sias saw the rushing Tittabawassee River. “It was very dramatic, very fast and full of debris,” she said.
Dow Chemical has activated its emergency operations center and will be adjusting operations as a result of current flood stage conditions, spokeswoman Rachelle Schikorra said in an email.
“Dow Michigan Operations is working with its tenants and Midland County officials and will continue to closely monitor the water levels on the Tittabawassee River,” Schikorra said.
In 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license of the company that operated the Edenville Dam due to non-compliance issues that included spillway capacity and the inability to pass the most severe flood reasonably possible in the area.
The Edenville Dam, which was built in 1924, was rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 by the state. The Sanford Dam, which was built in 1925, received a fair condition rating.
Both dams are in the process of being sold.
There were 19 high hazard dams in unsatisfactory or poor condition in Michigan in 2018, ranking 20th among the 45 states and Puerto Rico for which The Associated Press obtained condition assessments.
Flood warnings in Michigan were issued following widespread rainfall of 4 to 7 inches (10.2 to 17.8 centimeters) since Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy runoff pushed rivers higher.
The Tittabawassee River was at 30.5 feet (9.3 meters) and rising Tuesday night - flood stage is 24 feet (7.3 meters). It was expected to crest Wednesday at a record of about 38 feet (11.6 meters).