washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Manhunts after hundreds flee quarantine in Zimbabwe, Malawi

BLANTYRE , Malawi ( AP ) - Manhunts have begun after hundreds of people , some with the coronavirus , fled quarantine centers in Zimbabwe and Malawi while authorities worry they will spread COVID-19 in countries whose health systems can be rapidly overwhelmed .
In Malawi , more than 400 people recently repatriated from South Africa and elsewhere fled a center at a stadium in Blantyre , jumping over a fence or strolling out the gate while police and health workers watched .
Police and health workers told reporters they were unable to stop them as they lacked adequate protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus .
Some of those who fled told reporters they had bribed police .
And in Zimbabwe , police spokesman Paul Nyathi said officers were “ hunting down ” more than 100 people who escaped from centers where a 21-day quarantine is mandatory for those returning from abroad .
“ They escape and sneak into the villages … We are warning people to stop sheltering them .
These escapees are becoming a serious danger to communities , ” Nyathi said .
Nearly all of Zimbabwe ’ s 75 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hold hundreds of people who have returned , sometimes involuntarily , from neighboring South Africa and Botswana .
The quarantine centers have become “ our source of danger , ” Health Minister Obadiah Moyo told a special parliamentary committee this week .
Both Zimbabwe and Malawi have fewer than 200 confirmed cases but regional power South Africa , where many in both countries go to seek work , has more than 25,000 .
Zimbabwe ’ s information minister , Monica Mutsvangwa , on Wednesday told reporters that the government is increasing security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used as quarantine centers .
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana suggested that security officers guarding centers with high walls and razor wire might be receiving bribes to allow people to leave early .
Zimbabwe ’ s government is also worried about people crossing porous borders and failing to report at quarantine centers .
The information ministry has begun sharing a hotline number and asking people to stop harboring “ border jumpers ” and those who “ abscond ” from quarantine .
Malawi saw another mass escape earlier this week when 26 people left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
People arriving in the country face a mandatory 14-day quarantine .
The Blantyre district director of health and social services , Gift Kawalazira , said they were overwhelmed when more than 2,000 people turned up at the border post in Mwanza over the weekend .
Holding some in the stadium was a last-minute resort after plans to use education facilities failed for lack of funds , he said .
“ They will be moving around while trying to elude authorities , ” he said of the escapees , including a smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center on Monday .
Eight had tested positive for the virus .
“ People need to understand that it is not punishment but we are only doing this to protect the general public , ” Kawalazira said .
Few prevention measures could be seen at the stadium , with people leaving freely to buy food from nearby vendors .
They told reporters they had received no food from authorities since Monday .
Relatives of some of the returnees entered the stadium to visit , giving loved ones hugs .

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) - Manhunts have begun after hundreds of people, some with the coronavirus, fled quarantine centers in Zimbabwe and Malawi while authorities worry they will spread COVID-19 in countries whose health systems can be rapidly overwhelmed.
In Malawi, more than 400 people recently repatriated from South Africa and elsewhere fled a center at a stadium in Blantyre, jumping over a fence or strolling out the gate while police and health workers watched. Police and health workers told reporters they were unable to stop them as they lacked adequate protective gear.
At least 46 escapees had tested positive for the virus. Some of those who fled told reporters they had bribed police.
And in Zimbabwe, police spokesman Paul Nyathi said officers were “hunting down” more than 100 people who escaped from centers where a 21-day quarantine is mandatory for those returning from abroad.
“They escape and sneak into the villages … We are warning people to stop sheltering them. These escapees are becoming a serious danger to communities,” Nyathi said.
Nearly all of Zimbabwe’s 75 new cases this week came from the centers that hold hundreds of people who have returned, sometimes involuntarily, from neighboring South Africa and Botswana.
The quarantine centers have become “our source of danger,” Health Minister Obadiah Moyo told a special parliamentary committee this week.
Both Zimbabwe and Malawi have fewer than 200 confirmed cases but regional power South Africa, where many in both countries go to seek work, has more than 25,000. South Africa has the most cases in Africa, where the continent-wide total is nearly 125,000.
Zimbabwe’s information minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, on Wednesday told reporters that the government is increasing security at the schools, colleges and hotels used as quarantine centers. Government spokesman Nick Mangwana suggested that security officers guarding centers with high walls and razor wire might be receiving bribes to allow people to leave early.
Zimbabwe’s government is also worried about people crossing porous borders and failing to report at quarantine centers. The information ministry has begun sharing a hotline number and asking people to stop harboring “border jumpers” and those who “abscond” from quarantine.
Malawi saw another mass escape earlier this week when 26 people left the Mwanza border post while waiting for test results. People arriving in the country face a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
The Blantyre district director of health and social services, Gift Kawalazira, said they were overwhelmed when more than 2,000 people turned up at the border post in Mwanza over the weekend. Holding some in the stadium was a last-minute resort after plans to use education facilities failed for lack of funds, he said.
“They will be moving around while trying to elude authorities,” he said of the escapees, including a smaller group that slipped away from a Blantyre center on Monday. Eight had tested positive for the virus.
“People need to understand that it is not punishment but we are only doing this to protect the general public,” Kawalazira said.
Few prevention measures could be seen at the stadium, with people leaving freely to buy food from nearby vendors. They told reporters they had received no food from authorities since Monday.
Relatives of some of the returnees entered the stadium to visit, giving loved ones hugs.
___
Mutsaka reported from Harare, Zimbabwe.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--5 things to know today - that aren't about the virus

Your daily look at nonvirus stories in the news : 1 .
VIOLENCE AGAIN ROCKS MINNEAPOLIS Protests over the death @ @ @ @ @ custody rock the city again , with protesters looting stores and setting fires .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ and tear gas in a skirmish with protesters .
2 .
CHINA ENDORSES HONG KONG @ @ @ @ @ the semi-autonomous territory say the law will undermine civil liberties and might be used to @ @ @ @ @ .
WHAT FAILED MADURO COUP LEADER DID Jordan Goudreau , a former Green Beret , @ @ @ @ @ in Colombia aboard a plane owned by a businessman with ties to the socialist government @ @ @ @ @ .
FUGITIVE COLLEGE STUDENT CAPTURED Peter Manfredonia , a suspect in a crime spree that @ @ @ @ @ , was caught in Maryland after a six-day search , police say .
5 .
@ @ @ @ @ extending surveillance authorities that the FBI sees as vital in fighting terrorism has run into @ @ @ @ @ prospects .

Your daily look at nonvirus stories in the news:
1. VIOLENCE AGAIN ROCKS MINNEAPOLIS Protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody rock the city again, with protesters looting stores and setting fires. Earlier, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas in a skirmish with protesters.
2. CHINA ENDORSES HONG KONG NATIONAL SECURITY LAW Activists in the semi-autonomous territory say the law will undermine civil liberties and might be used to suppress political activity.
3. WHAT FAILED MADURO COUP LEADER DID Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret, flew to a planning meeting in Colombia aboard a plane owned by a businessman with ties to the socialist government, AP finds.
4. FUGITIVE COLLEGE STUDENT CAPTURED Peter Manfredonia, a suspect in a crime spree that included two slayings in Connecticut, was caught in Maryland after a six-day search, police say.
5. SURVEILLANCE BILL IN DOUBT Legislation extending surveillance authorities that the FBI sees as vital in fighting terrorism has run into bipartisan opposition, dooming its prospects.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Police: Charlotte bus driver fatally struck man, fled scene

CHARLOTTE , N.C. ( AP ) - A public bus driver in Charlotte has been accused of hitting and killing a man standing at a bus stop and then fleeing the scene without administering any aid .
The driver , identified as Luis Garcia , was charged with a felony hit-and-run following the victim ’ s death Tuesday morning , news outlets reported .
Officers found the victim , Michael Skelton Jr. , lying on the street in front of the bus stop when they got to the scene , the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get Garcia to stop the bus before he was struck .
Garcia ’ s employer , the Charlotte Area Transit System , said Wednesday he was fired following his arrest .
The public transit system added in the statement their drivers “ undergo a rigorous driving training program.
” They did not say how long Garcia , 54 , had been with the company .
Police said speed and impairment were not factors in the crash .
It was not immediately clear if Garcia had a lawyer who could comment on his @ @

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A public bus driver in Charlotte has been accused of hitting and killing a man standing at a bus stop and then fleeing the scene without administering any aid.
The driver, identified as Luis Garcia, was charged with a felony hit-and-run following the victim’s death Tuesday morning, news outlets reported. Officers found the victim, Michael Skelton Jr., lying on the street in front of the bus stop when they got to the scene, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release.
Police said Skelton, 58, attempted to get Garcia to stop the bus before he was struck.
Garcia’s employer, the Charlotte Area Transit System, said Wednesday he was fired following his arrest. The public transit system added in the statement their drivers “undergo a rigorous driving training program.” They did not say how long Garcia, 54, had been with the company.
Police said speed and impairment were not factors in the crash. It was not immediately clear if Garcia had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Turkey resumes intercity train service after 2-month halt

ANKARA , Turkey ( AP ) - Intercity train service resumed on a limited basis Thursday in Turkey as the government eases restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus .
Service restarted following a two-month suspension with a high-speed train departing the capital , Ankara , for Istanbul at 7 a.m. ( 0400 GMT ) .
Trains will make 16 trips daily , connecting the cities of Ankara , Istanbul , Konya and Eskisehir .
The trains are operating at half-capacity , and passengers are being permitted on board only with a government-issued code certifying they are not being monitored for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ceremony at Ankara ’ s train station , Turkish Transportation Minister Adil Karaismailoglu , said travelers showing signs of illness would not be allowed on board .
Any passenger exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms on a train will be taken to a special “ isolation section ” and handed over to health officials at the nearest station , he said .
No food or drinks will be served during the journey , the minister added .
Turkey reported a total of nearly 160,000 confirmed virus cases as of Thursday , including 4,431 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Health Ministry figures .
The government has eased some restrictions , including opening shopping malls and hairdressers .
Mosques will allow congregations for two daytime prayers starting Friday .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to announce new measures later Thursday .
Turkey ranks ninth in a tally by Johns Hopkins University for the number of cases but experts believe the rate of infections globally could be much higher than reported .

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - A coronavirus travel ban between Turkey’s worst affected cities is being lifted while restaurants, cafes and sports facilities will reopen on June 1, the country’s president said Thursday, under the next phase of plans to roll back pandemic restrictions.
In a televised address following a weekly Cabinet meeting, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said public sector workers, except for those with chronic illnesses, will return to their workplaces on June 1, while child care facilities will be allowed to resume their services.
Erdogan said parks, beaches and museums will also be opened up while people will be permitted to attend open-air concerts. Bars and hookah bars, will remain shut.
The president also said that a stay-at-home order for people aged 65 and over, and for minors will remain for a while longer. Youths aged 19 and 20 will now be allowed outdoors, he said.
The announcement comes amid a drop in the number of reported daily COVID-19 deaths and infections in the past weeks, although some experts say the lifting of restrictions may be premature.
In his speech, Erdogan called on Turks to exercise caution, wear masks and stick to social distancing guidelines.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry announced a new, two-day curfew over the weekend in 15 of the country’s worst-affected provinces, including Ankara and Istanbul.
Earlier Thursday, intercity train services resumed on a limited basis. Trains will make 16 trips daily, connecting the cities of Ankara, Istanbul, Konya and Eskisehir.
The trains are operating at half-capacity, and passengers are being allowed on board only with a government-issued permission to travel and a code certifying they are not being monitored for a suspected COVID-19 infection.
Turkish Transportation Minister Adil Karaismailoglu said travelers showing signs of illness would not be allowed onto trains. Any passenger exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms on a train will be taken to a special “isolation section” and handed over to health officials at the nearest station, he said.
The government has also opened shopping malls and hairdressers. Mosques will allow congregations for two daytime prayers starting Friday.
Turkey’s total number of confirmed infections has surpassed 160,000, with the Health Ministry announcing 1,182 new cases in the past 24 hours and 30 new deaths, raising the total COVID-19 fatalities to 4,461.
Turkey ranks tenth in an international tally by Johns Hopkins University for the number of cases. Experts believe infections globally could be much more than reported.
___
Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Hong Kong's business hub status imperiled by security law

HONG KONG ( AP ) - A national security law proposed by China could imperil Hong Kong ’ s status as one of the world ’ s best places to do business .
The law , approved Thursday in Beijing , led Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to say Washington will no longer treat Hong Kong , already reeling from anti-government protests and the pandemic , as autonomous from Beijing .
The Chinese government has not given details of the law , which is aimed at suppressing secessionist and subversive activity in the former British colony .
After 11 months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s needed to combat unspecified threats in the semi-autonomous region of 7 million people .
But business groups , lawyers and financial analysts say potential repercussions range from loss of business for Hong Kong ’ s financial markets and law firms to travel restrictions on its residents .
Hong Kong is highly regarded for its skilled workforce , business-friendly legal system , Western-style free speech and ease of movement .
But global companies already were shifting some operations out of Hong Kong due to rising costs and uncertainty after prolonged , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scott Salandy-Defour , founder of clean-tech startup Liquidstar , has been considering moving out of Hong Kong , and the security bill is the “ last straw , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t see how it gets any better from here.
” “ When we say we ’ re a Hong Kong-based company when talking to investors , it ’ s just not as attractive as it was as a year ago , ” said Salandy-Defour , whose company provides sustainable battery rental and charging services for developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting ourselves off from a lot of different funding avenues , like grants from the U.S. government , ” he said .
Hong Kong ’ s leader Carrie Lam has tried to reassure companies and the public that its civil liberties won ’ t be affected .
But the law shows Chinese President Xi Jinping is determined to tighten control .
“ Hong Kong is riskier than it used to be , ” said Tara Joseph , president of AmCham Hong Kong .
“ There is a big worry that there are two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s the U.S. and China , and that this could have a profound impact in Hong Kong , ” Joseph said .
Critics say the law undermines the “ high degree of autonomy ” promised when Britain handed control to China in 1997 .
That autonomy meant Washington and other governments have treated the city as a separate territory for trade , travel and other affairs .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday those changes are significant enough that Washington will no longer treat Hong Kong as autonomous .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privileges could mean Hong Kong identity card holders might lose their ability to visit the United States without applying for a visa in advance .
Washington also could revoke its promise to exchange Hong Kong dollars for U.S. dollars , potentially disrupting the city ’ s financial system , Deutsche Bank economist Michael Spencer said in a report .
The financial sector would take a big hit if companies such as MSCI reclassify Hong Kong as an emerging market like Shenzhen and Shanghai instead of a developed market , Spencer said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Hong Kong market will have to leave , ” he said .
Hong Kong ’ s uncertain future is putting it at a disadvantage with other Asian destinations that are competing to attract foreign investment , such as Singapore and Tokyo .
“ Over time , people get nervous , and think that this place may not be , my money may not be , as safe as it once was , and I ’ m going to think about going somewhere else , ” said William Reinsch , senior adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studies .
“ It sends a signal that Hong Kong is no longer a safe and reliable place to put your money or to do business.
” The national security law has added to worries that Hong Kong ’ s legal system is losing its independence .
The Hong Kong Bar Association says the method for enacting it is a threat : China is circumventing the territory ’ s legislature by changing its mini-constitution , the Basic Law , to require its government and courts to enforce security measures , regardless of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little regard for such considerations , said Reinsch .
“ China is not a rule-of-law state , it ’ s a state where the party makes decisions about what ’ s going to happen , those are arbitrary decisions , and if that ’ s what ’ s going to happen in Hong Kong , it doesn ’ t bode well for the economy or for the people , ” he said .
Bob Broadfoot , managing director of Hong Kong-based research firm Political and Economic Risk Consultancy , said companies might shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Singapore ’ s going to get more business as a dispute resolution center , ” said Broadfoot .
“ Its legal system , which is a bigger earner , will benefit from Hong Kong ’ s problems.
” Hong Kong ’ s troubles and broader global economic uncertainty due to the pandemic also may make it harder for businesses there to attract and retain talent .
Still , some experts believe the concerns over a possible loss of Hong Kong ’ s special status are overblown .
Many big companies have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong , and most of Hong Kong ’ s manufacturing base shifted to China years ago , said Nicholas Lardy , a fellow at the think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics .
Hong Kong is still an attractive base for many companies , said Andrew Bishop , a partner with Signum Global Advisors , a risk advisory firm .
Last year ’ s protests gave businesses time to think , he said .
“ At this point , continuing operations in Hong Kong has become a matter of careful calculation rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock.
” McDonald reported from Beijing .
Associated Press business writers Cathy Bussewitz and David Koenig contributed to this story .

HONG KONG (AP) - A national security law proposed by China could imperil Hong Kong’s status as one of the world’s best places to do business.
The law, approved Thursday in Beijing, led Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to say Washington will no longer treat Hong Kong, already reeling from anti-government protests and the pandemic, as autonomous from Beijing.
The Chinese government has not given details of the law, which is aimed at suppressing secessionist and subversive activity in the former British colony.
After 11 months of protests, Chinese leaders say it’s needed to combat unspecified threats in the semi-autonomous region of 7 million people. But business groups, lawyers and financial analysts say potential repercussions range from loss of business for Hong Kong’s financial markets and law firms to a loss of professional talent in the city.
Hong Kong is highly regarded for its skilled workforce, business-friendly legal system, Western-style free speech and ease of movement. But global companies already were shifting some operations out of Hong Kong due to rising costs and uncertainty after prolonged, sometimes violent clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters.
Scott Salandy-Defour, founder of clean-tech startup Liquidstar, has been considering moving out of Hong Kong, and the security bill is the “last straw,” he said. “I don’t see how it gets any better from here.”
“When we say we’re a Hong Kong-based company when talking to investors, it’s just not as attractive as it was as a year ago,” said Salandy-Defour, whose company provides sustainable battery rental and charging services for developing countries.
“We’re potentially cutting ourselves off from a lot of different funding avenues, like grants from the U.S. government,” he said.
Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam has tried to reassure companies and the public that its civil liberties won’t be affected. But the law shows Chinese President Xi Jinping is determined to tighten control.
“Hong Kong is riskier than it used to be,” said Tara Joseph, president of AmCham Hong Kong. “There is a big worry that there are two buses careening towards each other, and that’s the U.S. and China, and that this could have a profound impact in Hong Kong,” Joseph said.
Critics say the law undermines the “high degree of autonomy” promised when Britain handed control to China in 1997. That autonomy meant Washington and other governments have treated the city as a separate territory for trade, travel and other affairs.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday those changes are significant enough that Washington will no longer treat Hong Kong as autonomous.
Washington could revoke its promise to exchange Hong Kong dollars for U.S. dollars, potentially disrupting the city’s financial system, Deutsche Bank economist Michael Spencer said in a report.
The financial sector would take a big hit if companies such as MSCI reclassify Hong Kong as an emerging market like Shenzhen and Shanghai instead of a developed market, Spencer said.
“A very large share of capital invested in the Hong Kong market will have to leave,” he said.
Hong Kong’s uncertain future is putting it at a disadvantage with other Asian destinations that are competing to attract foreign investment, such as Singapore and Tokyo.
“Over time, people get nervous, and think that this place may not be, my money may not be, as safe as it once was, and I’m going to think about going somewhere else,” said William Reinsch, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “It sends a signal that Hong Kong is no longer a safe and reliable place to put your money or to do business.”
The national security law has added to worries that Hong Kong’s legal system is losing its independence. The Hong Kong Bar Association says the method for enacting it is a threat: China is circumventing the territory’s legislature by changing its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, to require its government and courts to enforce security measures, regardless of what local lawmakers decide.
Beijing has shown little regard for such considerations, said Reinsch.
“China is not a rule-of-law state, it’s a state where the party makes decisions about what’s going to happen, those are arbitrary decisions, and if that’s what’s going to happen in Hong Kong, it doesn’t bode well for the economy or for the people,” he said.
Bob Broadfoot, managing director of Hong Kong-based research firm Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, said companies might shift legal work to Singapore or other countries.
“Singapore’s going to get more business as a dispute resolution center,” said Broadfoot. “Its legal system, which is a bigger earner, will benefit from Hong Kong’s problems.”
Hong Kong’s troubles and broader global economic uncertainty due to the pandemic also may make it harder for businesses there to attract and retain talent.
Still, some experts believe the concerns over a possible loss of Hong Kong’s special status are overblown.
Many big companies have sizable operations in both the mainland and Hong Kong, and most of Hong Kong’s manufacturing base shifted to China years ago, said Nicholas Lardy, a fellow at the think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics.
“The real economic consequences are fairly limited,” Lardy said.
Hong Kong is still an attractive base for many companies, said Andrew Bishop, a partner with Signum Global Advisors, a risk advisory firm.
Last year’s protests gave businesses time to think, he said.
“At this point, continuing operations in Hong Kong has become a matter of careful calculation rather than a gut reaction to a surprise shock.”
—
McDonald reported from Beijing. Associated Press business writers Cathy Bussewitz and David Koenig contributed to this story.
This story has been corrected to remove an inaccurate mention that Hong Kong identity card holders can travel to U.S. without applying for a visa in advance.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Australian court rules Queen's letters can be made public

CANBERRA , Australia ( AP ) - Australia ’ s highest court ruled on Friday to make public letters between Queen Elizabeth II and her representative that would reveal what knowledge she had , if any , of the dismissal of an Australian government in 1975 .
The High Court ’ s majority decision in historian Jenny Hocking ’ s appeal overturned lower court rulings that more than 200 letters between the monarch of Britain and Australia and Governor-General Sir John Kerr before he dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam ’ s government were personal and might never be made public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian government on the authority of a British monarch created a crisis that spurred many to call for Australia to sever its constitutional ties with Britain and create a republic with an Australian president .
Kerr dismissed Whitlam ’ s government and replaced him with opposition leader Malcolm Fraser as prime minister to resolve a month-old deadlock in Parliament .
Fraser ’ s coalition won an election weeks later .
The National Archives of Australia had held the correspondence , known as the Palace Letters , since 1978 .
As state records they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after they were created .
Under an agreement struck between Buckingham Palace and Government House , the governor-general ’ s official residence , months before Kerr resigned in 1978 , the letters covering three tumultuous years of Australian politics were to remain secret until 2027 .
The private secretaries of both the sovereign and the governor-general in 2027 still could veto their release indefinitely under that agreement .
A Federal Court judge accepted the archives ’ argument that the letters were personal and confidential .
An appeals court upheld that ruling in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued the records were created with the “ strong conception ” that their character was private , and they were received by the archives under those conditions .
The convention across British Commonwealth nations is that communications between the Queen and her representatives are personal , private and not accessible by the executive government , they argued .
The archives did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday .
Hocking , a Monash University academic and Whitlam biographer , was to hold a news conference later on Friday in Melbourne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously declined The Associated Press ’ requests for comment on the case .
Hocking has been fighting to access the letters since 2016 .

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s highest court ruled on Friday to make public letters between Queen Elizabeth II and her representative that would reveal what knowledge she had, if any, of the dismissal of an Australian government in 1975.
The High Court’s 6-1 majority decision in historian Jenny Hocking’s appeal overturned lower court rulings that more than 200 letters between the now 94-year-old monarch of Britain and Australia and Governor-General Sir John Kerr before he dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s government were personal and might never be made public.
The only dismissal of an elected Australian government on the authority of a British monarch triggered a political crisis that spurred many to call for Australia to sever its constitutional ties with Britain and create a republic with an Australian president. Suspicions of a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency conspiracy persist.
Hocking, a Monash University academic and Whitlam biographer, said she expected to read the 211 letters at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra next week when a coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
She described as absurd that communications between such key officials in the Australian system of government could be regarded as personal and confidential.
“That they could be seen as personal is quite frankly an insult to all our intelligence collectively - they’re not talking about the racing and the corgis,” Hocking told The Associated Press, referring to the queen’s interest in horse racing and the dog breed.
“It was not only the fact that they were described quite bizarrely as personal, but also that they were under an embargo set at the whim of the queen,” she added.
Archives director David Fricker later said staff had begun assessing whether there was any information in the letters that should still be withheld. The archives have 90 business days - or more than four months - to do so.
Kerr dismissed Whitlam’s reforming government and replaced him with opposition leader Malcolm Fraser as prime minister to resolve a month-old deadlock in Parliament. Fraser’s conservative coalition won an election weeks later.
The archives has held the correspondence, known as the Palace Letters, since 1978. As state records, they should have been made public 31 years after they were created.
Under an agreement struck between Buckingham Palace and Government House, the governor-general’s official residence, months before Kerr resigned in 1978, the letters covering three tumultuous years of Australian politics were to remain secret until 2027. The private secretaries of both the sovereign and the governor-general in 2027 still could veto their release indefinitely under that agreement.
A Federal Court judge accepted the archives’ argument that the letters were personal and confidential. An appeals court upheld that ruling in a 2-1 decision.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the High Court decision was a “legal matter in the Australian courts and we would not comment.”
Dickie Arbiter, the queen’s spokesman for 12 years until 2000, said the letters should not be made public in her lifetime.
“I would have thought that the right time for the release of these documents is on the demise of the crown,” Arbiter told Nine Network television.
Hocking has been fighting since 2016 to access the letters written by Kerr to the queen through her then private secretary, Martin Charteris.
The British royal family is renowned for being protective of its privacy and keeping conversations confidential.
The family went to considerable lengths to conceal letters written by the queen’s son and heir, Prince Charles, in a comparable case in Britain that was fought through the courts for five years.
Britain’s Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that 27 memos written by Charles to British government ministers could be made public despite objections that their publication might damage public perceptions of the future king’s political neutrality.
Years of dogged research by journalists and historians have pieced together answers to many of the questions surrounding how and why Whitlam’s government was dismissed and who was behind it.
Kerr, who died in 1991, rejected in his memoirs media speculation that the CIA ordered Whitlam’s dismissal over fears that his government would close the top secret U.S. intelligence facility that still exists at Pine Gap in the Australian Outback.
In the 1985 Hollywood spy drama “The Falcon and the Snowman,” a CIA plot to oust Whitlam motivated a disillusioned civilian defense contractor played by Sean Penn to sell U.S. security secrets to the Soviet Union.
Australian rock band Midnight Oil also blamed “Uncle Sam” for Whitlam’s downfall in the lyrics of its protest song “Power and the Passion.”
The Australian Republic Movement, which campaigns for an Australian president to replace the British monarch as head of state, welcomed the ruling as a win for Australian sovereignty.
“These letters provide a crucial historical context around one of the most destabilizing and controversial chapters in Australian political history,” the movement’s Chair Peter FitzSimons said.
Philip Benwell, national chairman of the Australian Monarchist League and a vocal advocate of the British monarch remaining Australia’s head of state, had warned before the High Court decision that releasing the letters would create a constitutional crisis “if the queen’s personal opinions became known.”
He said after the ruling that the letters’ exposure will strengthen Australia’s ties to the monarchy.
“It will show that the queen had done everything that she could to protect the people’s interests,” Benwell said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Legal sports betting pitched as California budget salve

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Two California lawmakers on Thursday pitched legalized sports betting as a way to help prop up a state budget devastated by the economic shutdown designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus , though their revised proposal immediately reignited a turf battle between powerful gambling interests .
State Sen. Bill Dodd of Napa and Assemblyman Adam Gray of Merced are lobbying to put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would allow horse racetracks and the Las Vegas-style casinos run by American Indian tribes to also offer sports wagering , both at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The proposal , like others before it , is controversial in part because of competition between gambling interests including card rooms , which offer table games like blackjack and poker .
The legislation would also allow tribal casinos to offer craps and roulette , but the California Nations Indian Gaming Association fears it would aid card rooms by legalizing a practice that the state attorney general last year sought to outlaw .
Card rooms say the attorney general ’ s regulatory proposal would change the way player-dealer games like blackjack have operated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those operations have long been illegal and that writing them into law now would amount to “ a massive expansion of games ” by their rivals .
Association chairman James Siva added that by the time the proposed new revenue surfaces , the economic crisis caused by the pandemic is likely to have subsided .
It would take a two-thirds legislative vote to put the Democratic lawmakers ’ measure on the ballot , and a majority of voters would then have to approve .
California trails 22 other states that have authorized sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 invalidated a federal law prohibiting sports betting in all states outside Nevada .
But California is considered a particular prize both because of its nation-leading population and because it has 16 teams among the four major professional leagues .
Vice presidents from both the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball supported the idea during a preliminary hearing on the legislation in January .
The state would impose a 10 % tax on gross revenue for onsite gambling and a 15 % tax on mobile or online wagering .
The two lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to $ 700 million , with at least $ 200 million in the first year .
That could help bridge what Gov .
Gavin Newsom says is a $ 54 billion budget deficit caused by the pandemic .
“ Revenue from sports wagering will help us avoid teacher layoffs and painful cuts .
At the same time , it will allow us to regulate a practice that happens anyway , ” Dodd said in a statement as lawmakers debated budget proposals .
The legislation would require safeguards to verify gamblers ’ ages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to make sure that mobile gambling devices are physically within California ’ s borders .
Kyle Kirkland , president of the California Gaming Association that represents card rooms , declined comment until his members have a chance to review the latest proposal .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Two California lawmakers on Thursday pitched legalized sports betting as a way to help prop up a state budget devastated by the economic shutdown designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, though their revised proposal immediately reignited a turf battle between powerful gambling interests.
State Sen. Bill Dodd of Napa and Assemblyman Adam Gray of Merced are lobbying to put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would allow horse racetracks and the Las Vegas-style casinos run by American Indian tribes to also offer sports wagering, both at their locations and through mobile devices.
The proposal, like others before it, is controversial in part because of competition between gambling interests including card rooms, which offer table games like blackjack and poker.
The legislation would also allow tribal casinos to offer craps and roulette, but the California Nations Indian Gaming Association fears it would aid card rooms by legalizing a practice that the state attorney general last year sought to outlaw.
Card rooms say the attorney general’s regulatory proposal would change the way player-dealer games like blackjack have operated for decades. The tribal casinos contend that those operations have long been illegal and that writing them into law now would amount to “a massive expansion of games” by their rivals.
Association chairman James Siva added that by the time the proposed new revenue surfaces, the economic crisis caused by the pandemic is likely to have subsided.
It would take a two-thirds legislative vote to put the Democratic lawmakers’ measure on the ballot, and a majority of voters would then have to approve.
California trails 22 other states that have authorized sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 invalidated a federal law prohibiting sports betting in all states outside Nevada.
But California is considered a particular prize both because of its nation-leading population and because it has 16 teams among the four major professional leagues. Vice presidents from both the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball supported the idea during a preliminary hearing on the legislation in January.
The state would impose a 10% tax on gross revenue for onsite gambling and a 15% tax on mobile or online wagering. The two lawmakers said that could eventually raise $500 million to $700 million, with at least $200 million in the first year.
That could help bridge what Gov. Gavin Newsom says is a $54 billion budget deficit caused by the pandemic.
“Revenue from sports wagering will help us avoid teacher layoffs and painful cuts. At the same time, it will allow us to regulate a practice that happens anyway,” Dodd said in a statement as lawmakers debated budget proposals.
The legislation would require safeguards to verify gamblers’ ages and identities, and technology would be used to make sure that mobile gambling devices are physically within California’s borders.
Kyle Kirkland, president of the California Gaming Association that represents card rooms, declined comment until his members have a chance to review the latest proposal.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Shots fired during Denver protest of Minneapolis man's death

DENVER ( AP ) - Shots were fired Thursday during a demonstration outside the Colorado State Capitol to protest the death of a handcuffed black man during a confrontation with a white police officer in Minnesota , authorities said .
There were no immediate reports of injuries .
Gary Cutler , a spokesman for the Colorado State Patrol , said the shooting happened in a park across the street from the Capitol .
Most of the protesters already had left the area and were marching downtown .
Cutler said the Capitol building was locked down , and everyone inside was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many shots were fired and whether authorities had identified the shooter or shooters .
Denver Police Department officials did not immediately return a call for comment .
Several hundred protesters had gathered to call for justice following the death of George Floyd , who died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday after an officer knelt on his neck for almost eight minutes .
In footage recorded by a bystander , Floyd pleaded that he couldn ’ t breathe .
Some among the Denver protesters carried signs reading “ Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hey .
Ho , ho .
Racist police got to go.
” Four police officers have been fired , and the mayor of Minneapolis has called for the officer who knelt on Floyd ’ s neck to be criminally charged .
The death has led to violent protests in Minneapolis and demonstrations in other cities , including Los Angeles .

DENVER (AP) - Protesters swarmed Denver on Thursday, blocking traffic and smashing vehicles while running from gunfire and police tear gas after a demonstration against the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody turned violent.
Hundreds of demonstrators stood in the downtown streets and chanted as darkness fell outside the Colorado State Capitol, where protesters spray-painted graffiti and broke car windows. In other areas of downtown Denver, police in riot gear fired gas canisters, used rubber bullets and walked in a phalanx through the streets to drive protesters away. The protest briefly spilled over onto Interstate 25, blocking all lanes of traffic until police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The protests continued into the night, despite Denver Mayor Michael Hancock pleading for calm.
“I certainly understand everyone’s frustration and sense of pain and disgust following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis,” he said in a video posted on Twitter. “But I want to plead to everyone. Let’s demonstrate, but let’s demonstrate peacefully. Leave the weapons home.”
Earlier in the protest, gunfire outside the state Capitol sent people running for cover. Gary Cutler, a spokesman for the Colorado State Patrol, said the shots were fired in a park across the street. Most of the protesters already had left the area and were marching downtown.
Cutler said the Capitol building was locked down, and everyone inside was safe. No injuries have been reported from the shots.
State Rep. Leslie Herod, who was protesting at the Capitol, tweeted, “We just got shot at.” She later said, “We will not be deterred by this unspeakable act of violence.”
Police spokesman Kurt Barnes said it’s unclear if the protesters were being targeted, and no one has been arrested.
About six or seven shots were fired, he said.
Several hundred protesters had gathered to call for justice following the death of Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday after an officer knelt on his neck for almost eight minutes. In footage recorded by a bystander, Floyd pleaded that he couldn’t breathe.
Some among the Denver protesters carried signs reading “Black Lives Matter” and chanted, “Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Racist police got to go.”
Aerial footage showed several protesters smashing the windows out of at least two vehicles parked outside the Capitol, and others spray-painted graffiti on the Capitol steps.
A cellphone video shot by protester Anabel Escobar, 29, showed a man on the hood of an SUV making its way through the crowd in front of the Capitol. The video showed the driver speeding up and then apparently trying to run the man over after he fell off the hood. The vehicle sped away as other protesters chased it. It was unclear if the man on the hood was injured.
Gov. Jared Polis said Thursday night he was “absolutely shocked” by the video.
“Coloradans are better than this,” he said. “I share the immense anguish we all feel about the unjust murder of George Floyd. But let me be clear, senseless violence will never be healed by more violence.”
As the protest started, The Denver Police Department tweeted a message from Chief Paul Pazen sending condolences to Floyd’s family and saying the city’s officers do not use the tactics employed by the Minneapolis officers.
He called that type of force “inexcusable.”
Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired, and the mayor has called for the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck to be criminally charged.
The death has led to violent protests in Minneapolis and demonstrations in other cities, including Los Angeles.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--NYPD: Man shot by officers later dies of coronavirus

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A man shot by New York City police last month after menacing officers with a knife and an antique gun died of the coronavirus five days after he was wounded , police said Thursday .
Ricardo Cardona , 55 , repeatedly told officers “ please kill me ” as he ignored orders to drop the weapons , body camera footage of the April 1 shooting in the Bronx shows .
Cardona , who called 911 on himself to draw police attention , later told investigators he wanted to die because he had recently tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carlos Nieves said in a video describing the incident .
“ Mr .
Cardona informed investigators that he was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and as a result wanted to die by ‘ suicide by cop , ’ ” Nieves said .
Officers fired 11 shots at Cardona and struck him seven times in the torso and lower extremities , but preliminary autopsy findings showed his cause of death was coronavirus , with his wounds and underlying health conditions listed as complicating factors , Nieves said .
Most people who get the virus recover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fever and cough .
It can cause pneumonia and be deadly for the elderly or infirm .
A message seeking comment was left with the city ’ s medical examiner ’ s office .
Cardona was holding a 12-inch tactical knife in one hand and a Civil War-era cap-and-ball revolver in the other as Officers Xavier Marcus and Cindy Nieves responded to a 911 call about a man walking the streets wielding a bloody knife around 4 a.m. , police said .
Cell phone records and apartment building security video showed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describing himself to a dispatcher before cutting off the call and walking to the intersection where he encountered the officers .
Cardona ’ s gun was later determined to be inoperable , Sgt .
Nieves said .
Cardona , who was initially hospitalized in stable condition , had faced charges including attempted assault , menacing of a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon as a result of the incident .
The case was dropped upon his death .

NEW YORK (AP) - A man shot by New York City police last month after menacing officers with a knife and an antique gun died of the coronavirus five days after he was wounded, police said Thursday.
Ricardo Cardona, 55, repeatedly told officers “please kill me” as he ignored orders to drop the weapons, body camera footage of the April 1 shooting in the Bronx shows.
Cardona, who called 911 on himself to draw police attention, later told investigators he wanted to die because he had recently tested positive for the virus, Sgt. Carlos Nieves said in a video describing the incident.
“Mr. Cardona informed investigators that he was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and as a result wanted to die by ‘suicide by cop,’” Nieves said.
Officers fired 11 shots at Cardona and struck him seven times in the torso and lower extremities, but preliminary autopsy findings showed his cause of death was coronavirus, with his wounds and underlying health conditions listed as complicating factors, Nieves said.
Most people who get the virus recover, experiencing mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. It can cause pneumonia and be deadly for the elderly or infirm.
A message seeking comment was left with the city’s medical examiner’s office.
Cardona was holding a 12-inch tactical knife in one hand and a Civil War-era cap-and-ball revolver in the other as Officers Xavier Marcus and Cindy Nieves responded to a 911 call about a man walking the streets wielding a bloody knife around 4 a.m., police said.
Cell phone records and apartment building security video showed it was Cardona who called 911, calmly describing himself to a dispatcher before cutting off the call and walking to the intersection where he encountered the officers. Cardona’s gun was later determined to be inoperable, Sgt. Nieves said.
Cardona, who was initially hospitalized in stable condition, had faced charges including attempted assault, menacing of a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon as a result of the incident. The case was dropped upon his death.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Inside the Beltway: 'Glorious': Kayleigh McEnany receives praise as White House press secretary

She has been on the job since April 7 .
That would be Kayleigh McEnany — age 32 and the 31st White House press secretary — who took charge of this challenge in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic , and as the news media directed unprecedented and intense hostility toward President Trump .
“ Is Kayleigh McEnany the best press secretary in history ?
I think she may be .
True , it ’ s early .
She was elevated to the position only in April and presided over her first briefing just a few weeks ago on May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been glorious , ” writes Roger Kimball — editor and publisher of The New Criterion and the publisher of Encounter Books — in an essay for Spectator USA .
“ Despite having attended both Georgetown and Harvard , where she took a law degree , she remains quick-witted , forthright and occupies a cant-free zone that suffuses the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room with a spirit of patriotic candor that is as welcome as it is rare in the self-involved purlieus of the so-called mainstream media , ” Mr. Kimball said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beltway humbly consults the Merriam Webster dictionary to reveal that “ purlieus ” — the plural form of the noun “ purlieu ” — means “ hangout ” or “ stomping ground.
” So now we know .
Ms. McEnany has considerable skills wrangling the press , meanwhile .
“ She ’ s a patient , but no-nonsense camp counselor in charge of the problem kids , ” Mr. Kimball said .
News coverage of the coronavirus is constant and varied .
Of note : The Pew Research Center reveals that two-thirds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news on the pandemic which they believe is “ made up.
” Another 86 % said this wave of “ made up news and information ” leaves confusion about basic facts in its wake .
But wait , there ’ s more to consider as virus news goes , uh , viral .
“ Most U.S. adults report having seen made-up news about COVID-19 , and many have seen various claims about purported treatments .
But relatively few Americans have a lot of confidence in their own ability to check the accuracy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to the coronavirus .
About three-in-ten U.S. adults ( 28 % ) say they are very confident that they would know what steps to take to check the accuracy of news and information about the coronavirus outbreak , ” writes Jeffrey Gottfried , an analyst for the Pew Research Center .
His source : a Pew Research poll of 10,139 U.S. adults conducted April 20-26 .
Inside The Beltway respectfully suggests that a national crisis is the time for news coverage based on clarity and accuracy , and separation of news and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public to speculate about why the press indulges in “ made up news.
” WHAT SCHOOLS ARE IN FOR At least one jumbo plan for reopening public school classrooms has emerged as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
The Los Angeles County Office of Education has released their master strategy for this challenge .
It is 43 pages long .
Among the requirements for the COVID-19-era schools : “ Self-contained ” classrooms , masks for each student , 16 students per class , one-way hallways , floor markings for foot traffic , isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and lunch eaten only at classroom desks .
On the playground , one ball for kids to play with , by themselves .
“ Hybrid learning ” joins distance learning and independent study as a mainstay of the curriculum .
Mental health support would be offered through a “ calming/quiet area ” in the classroom .
The new requirements affect some 2 million students , and were released before California state officials could issue their own requirements , expected in early June .
“ This is just the beginning .
We plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support schools as they prepare to welcome families back — virtually or in-person — this fall .
While plans to reopen schools will look different across our 80 districts , one thing is certain — our top priorities must be the health and safety of students and staff , and we must be guided by directives from our public health officials as we focus on ensuring learning continues , ” county school superintendent Debra Duardo said in a statement .
One news organization suggests it is a template for the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of schools in California and throughout the nation compels the reimagining — or abandoning — of long-held traditions and goals of the American school day , where play time , socialization and hands-on support have long been essential to the learning equation in everything from science labs and team sports to recess and group work , ” reports the Los Angeles Times .
The Los Angeles model is “ an early top-to-bottom glimpse at the massive and costly changes that will be required to reboot campuses , ” the news organization said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of county staffers , outside advisors and representatives from 23 county school systems , according to the Times .
For sale : Silver Farm , built in 1879 on 18 acres near Darlington , Maryland .
Five bedrooms , two baths , 10-foot ceilings and 9-foot windows , original flooring and woodworking ; 2,960 square feet .
Formal gathering rooms , three fireplaces , beamed ceiling , upgraded kitchen and baths , 100-year-old trees , chestnut wood barn , screened rocking chair porch , security system .
Priced at $ 675,000 through Redfin.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 41 % of U.S. voters think Joseph R. Biden will win the 2020 presidential election ; 9 % of Republicans , 31 % of independents and 75 % of Democrats agree .
• 14 % of conservatives , 48 % of moderates and 71 % of liberals also agree .
• 40 % of voters overall think President Trump will win the election ; 84 % of Republicans , 35 % of independents and 9 % of Democrats agree .
• 74 % of conservatives , 29 % of moderates and 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 % don ’ t know or have no opinion ; 8 % of Republicans , 34 % of independents and 16 % of Democrats agree .
• 11 % of conservatives , 23 % of moderates and 16 % of liberals also agree .
Source : A Politico/Morning Consult poll of 1,986 registered U.S. voters conducted May 22-26 .

NEWS AND OPINION:
She has been on the job since April 7. That would be Kayleigh McEnany — age 32 and the 31st White House press secretary — who took charge of this challenge in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, and as the news media directed unprecedented and intense hostility toward President Trump.
“Is Kayleigh McEnany the best press secretary in history? I think she may be. True, it’s early. She was elevated to the position only in April and presided over her first briefing just a few weeks ago on May 1. But so far her tenure has been glorious,” writes Roger Kimball — editor and publisher of The New Criterion and the publisher of Encounter Books — in an essay for Spectator USA.
“Despite having attended both Georgetown and Harvard, where she took a law degree, she remains quick-witted, forthright and occupies a cant-free zone that suffuses the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room with a spirit of patriotic candor that is as welcome as it is rare in the self-involved purlieus of the so-called mainstream media,” Mr. Kimball said.
The self-involved what? Inside the Beltway humbly consults the Merriam Webster dictionary to reveal that “purlieus” — the plural form of the noun “purlieu” — means “hangout” or “stomping ground.” So now we know.
Ms. McEnany has considerable skills wrangling the press, meanwhile.
“She’s a patient, but no-nonsense camp counselor in charge of the problem kids,” Mr. Kimball said.
WHEN VIRUS NEWS GOES VIRAL
News coverage of the coronavirus is constant and varied. Of note: The Pew Research Center reveals that two-thirds of the public now say they have seen news on the pandemic which they believe is “made up.” Another 86% said this wave of “made up news and information” leaves confusion about basic facts in its wake.
But wait, there’s more to consider as virus news goes, uh, viral.
“Most U.S. adults report having seen made-up news about COVID-19, and many have seen various claims about purported treatments. But relatively few Americans have a lot of confidence in their own ability to check the accuracy of the news and information they come across related to the coronavirus. About three-in-ten U.S. adults (28%) say they are very confident that they would know what steps to take to check the accuracy of news and information about the coronavirus outbreak,” writes Jeffrey Gottfried, an analyst for the Pew Research Center.
His source: a Pew Research poll of 10,139 U.S. adults conducted April 20-26.
Inside The Beltway respectfully suggests that a national crisis is the time for news coverage based on clarity and accuracy, and separation of news and commentary. May the next poll ask the public to speculate about why the press indulges in “made up news.”
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE IN FOR
At least one jumbo plan for reopening public school classrooms has emerged as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The Los Angeles County Office of Education has released their master strategy for this challenge. It is 43 pages long.
Among the requirements for the COVID-19-era schools: “Self-contained” classrooms, masks for each student, 16 students per class, one-way hallways, floor markings for foot traffic, isolation rooms for those suspected of being sick, and lunch eaten only at classroom desks.
On the playground, one ball for kids to play with, by themselves. “Hybrid learning” joins distance learning and independent study as a mainstay of the curriculum. Mental health support would be offered through a “calming/quiet area” in the classroom.
The new requirements affect some 2 million students, and were released before California state officials could issue their own requirements, expected in early June.
“This is just the beginning. We plan to continue this work through the summer to support schools as they prepare to welcome families back — virtually or in-person — this fall. While plans to reopen schools will look different across our 80 districts, one thing is certain — our top priorities must be the health and safety of students and staff, and we must be guided by directives from our public health officials as we focus on ensuring learning continues,” county school superintendent Debra Duardo said in a statement.
One news organization suggests it is a template for the rest of the nation.
“The safe reopening of schools in California and throughout the nation compels the reimagining — or abandoning — of long-held traditions and goals of the American school day, where play time, socialization and hands-on support have long been essential to the learning equation in everything from science labs and team sports to recess and group work,” reports the Los Angeles Times.
The Los Angeles model is “an early top-to-bottom glimpse at the massive and costly changes that will be required to reboot campuses,” the news organization said.
The plan was developed through the work of county staffers, outside advisors and representatives from 23 county school systems, according to the Times.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
For sale: Silver Farm, built in 1879 on 18 acres near Darlington, Maryland. Five bedrooms, two baths, 10-foot ceilings and 9-foot windows, original flooring and woodworking; 2,960 square feet. Formal gathering rooms, three fireplaces, beamed ceiling, upgraded kitchen and baths, 100-year-old trees, chestnut wood barn, screened rocking chair porch, security system. Priced at $675,000 through Redfin.com; find the home here.
POLL DU JOUR
• 41% of U.S. voters think Joseph R. Biden will win the 2020 presidential election; 9% of Republicans, 31% of independents and 75% of Democrats agree.
• 14% of conservatives, 48% of moderates and 71% of liberals also agree.
• 40% of voters overall think President Trump will win the election; 84% of Republicans, 35% of independents and 9% of Democrats agree.
• 74% of conservatives, 29% of moderates and 13% of liberals also agree.
• 18% don’t know or have no opinion; 8% of Republicans, 34% of independents and 16% of Democrats agree.
• 11% of conservatives, 23% of moderates and 16% of liberals also agree.
Source: A Politico/Morning Consult poll of 1,986 registered U.S. voters conducted May 22-26.
• Kindly follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Suriname opposition asks Bouterse to concede amid slow count

PARAMARIBO , Suriname ( AP ) - Votes were still being counted Thursday three days after Suriname ’ s elections , with the opposition urging the government to concede defeat and President Desi Bouterse calling for a recount even though the final tally had not yet released .
The counting from Monday ’ s National Assembly election has been extremely slow .
Normally a preliminary result is released the next morning and the failure to do so has irritated the chairman of the Independent Electoral Bureau , Jennifer Van Dijk-Silos , who has called the elections “ the worst organized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Suriname ’ s opposition parties said the counting was being delayed to allow Bouterse ’ s National Democratic Party to carry out electoral fraud - a charge it denied .
The 74-year-old Bouterse , a former coup leader who has been convicted of murder and drug smuggling , was hoping to ride the elections into another term despite Suriname ’ s economic problems .
The new National Assembly will select the next president in August .
As of Thursday evening , with 90 % of the votes counted , the opposition United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning 20 of the 51 seats in parliament .
Bouterse ’ s party was winning 16 seats , with other parties grabbing the remaining seats .
A two-thirds vote in parliament is required to elect the president , meaning if Bouterse ’ s party managed to get two more seats , raising its total to 18 , it could block Santokhi , a former police officer and justice minister .
“ President Bouterse must acknowledge his defeat and start talks on the transfer to a new government , ” Santokhi said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken soon , he could call on the people of Suriname to converge on the sports hall where ballots were being counted .
Bouterse questioned the reliability of the vote .
“ Maybe somebody accidentally mistook a six for a nine in all the fatigue .
If everything is correct we will admit our loss , but we want to make sure the figures are correct , ” he said on his spokesman ’ s daily show on national radio SRS .
The opposition charged vote fraud .
In one incident , Bouterse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purportedly tried to change election documents at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall , where ballot are stored , and was expelled , the opposition said .
The younger Bouterse denied he was there , and the president said he had been with his grandson the past two days .
At a joint news conference Thursday , opposition parties cited further irregularities , including an allegation the chairman of the main polling station , Mike Nerkust , stored boxes of documents illicitly in a room near his office .
Nerkust said he stored the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposition had fallen victim to fake news .
Bouterse ’ s National Democratic Party has built support among the country ’ s poor , many of them black or mixed race , who feel Bouterse is the first politician ever to pay attention to them .
But pre-election polls in the former Dutch colony had shown a swing toward the opposition United Reform Party , which has worked for years to broaden its base beyond its original focus on the descendants of East Asian immigrants , who make up just over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to power in a 1980 coup and ruled for seven years , marked by the December 1982 murders of 15 political opponents .
Last November , a Suriname court convicted Bouterse of murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison - though it made no move to arrest him and he is appealing .
He also faces an 11-year sentence in the Netherlands for a drug smuggling conviction .
After leaving office , Bouterse built up his party and won democratic elections in 2010 , as well as reelection five years @ @

PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) - Votes were still being counted Thursday three days after Suriname’s elections, with the opposition urging the government to concede defeat and President Desi Bouterse calling for a recount even though the final tally had not yet been released.
The counting from Monday’s National Assembly election has been extremely slow. Normally a preliminary result is released the next morning and the failure to do so has irritated the chairman of the Independent Electoral Bureau, Jennifer Van Dijk-Silos, who has called the elections “the worst organized” she has seen in her career.
Suriname’s opposition parties said the counting was being delayed to allow Bouterse’s National Democratic Party to carry out electoral fraud - a charge it denied. The 74-year-old Bouterse, a former coup leader who has been convicted of murder and drug smuggling, was hoping to ride the elections into another term despite Suriname’s economic problems. The new National Assembly will select the next president in August.
As of Thursday evening, with 90% of the votes counted, the opposition United Reform Party led by Chan Santokhi was winning 20 of the 51 seats in parliament. Bouterse’s party was winning 16 seats, with other parties grabbing the remaining seats.
A two-thirds vote in parliament is required to elect the president, meaning if Bouterse’s party managed to get two more seats, raising its total to 18, it could block Santokhi, a former police officer and justice minister.
“President Bouterse must acknowledge his defeat and start talks on the transfer to a new government,” Santokhi said.
The opposition leader said if no action was taken soon, he could call on the people of Suriname to converge on the sports hall where ballots were being counted.
Bouterse questioned the reliability of the vote. “Maybe somebody accidentally mistook a six for a nine in all the fatigue. If everything is correct we will admit our loss, but we want to make sure the figures are correct,” he said on his spokesman’s daily show on national radio SRS.
The opposition charged vote fraud. In one incident, Bouterse’s grandson, Walter Bouterse, purportedly tried to change election documents at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall, where ballot are stored, and was expelled, the opposition said. The younger Bouterse denied he was there, and the president said he had been with his grandson the past two days.
At a joint news conference Thursday, opposition parties cited further irregularities, including an allegation the chairman of the main polling station, Mike Nerkust, stored boxes of documents illicitly in a room near his office. Nerkust said he stored the documents to ensure their security and contended the opposition had fallen victim to fake news.
Bouterse’s National Democratic Party has built support among the country’s poor, many of them black or mixed race, who feel Bouterse is the first politician ever to pay attention to them. But pre-election polls in the former Dutch colony had shown a swing toward the opposition United Reform Party, which has worked for years to broaden its base beyond its original focus on the descendants of East Asian immigrants, who make up just over a quarter of the population.
Bouterse first came to power in a 1980 coup and ruled for seven years, marked by the December 1982 murders of 15 political opponents. Last November, a Suriname court convicted Bouterse of murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison - though it made no move to arrest him and he is appealing. He also faces an 11-year sentence in the Netherlands for a drug smuggling conviction.
After leaving office, Bouterse built up his party and won democratic elections in 2010, as well as reelection five years later.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--US charges North Koreans in $2.5B sanctions-busting scheme

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - The Justice Department has accused a network of North Korean and Chinese citizens of secretly advancing North Korea ’ s nuclear weapons program by channeling at least $ 2.5 billion in illicit payments through hundreds of front companies .
The indictment , unsealed Thursday in Washington ’ s federal court , is believed to be the largest criminal enforcement action ever brought against North Korea .
The 33 defendants include executives of North Korea ’ s state-owned Foreign Trade Bank , which in 2013 was added to a Treasury Department list of sanctioned institutions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and cut off from the U.S. financial system .
According to the indictment , the bank officials - one of whom had served in North Korea ’ s primary intelligence bureau - set up branches in countries around the world , including Thailand , Russia and Kuwait , and used more than 250 front companies to process U.S. dollar payments to further the country ’ s nuclear proliferation program .
The defendants used a variety of tactics to cover their tracks , including coded conversations ; listing false destinations and customers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front companies after the banks caught onto the association with North Korea , the indictment says .
Banks were routinely tricked into processing transactions they wouldn ’ t have ordinarily done , according to prosecutors .
Five of the defendants are Chinese citizens who operated covert branches in either China or Libya .
Others who were charged include individuals who served at times as the bank ’ s president or vice president .
“ Through this indictment , the United States has signified its commitment to hampering North Korea ’ s ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( to limiting ) its ability to use proceeds from illicit actions to enhance its illegal WMD and ballistic missile programs , ” acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin for the District of Columbia said in a statement .
The U.S. has frozen and seized about $ 63 million from the scheme since 2015 , according to the indictment .
The case was filed at a time of delicate relations between the U.S. and North Korea .
The rapprochement that President Donald Trump has tried to engineer over the past two years has stalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between senior officials from the two countries taking place in October in Stockholm .
Apart from recent speculation over North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ’ s health , which prompted public expressions of concern from Trump , the administration has been almost completely silent on North Korea .
U.S. officials say they remain eager to restart negotiations but have gotten no indication from the North that any resumption is imminent .
The indictment also reflects ongoing concerns about sanctions violations related to North Korea .
Last month , for instance , United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violating sanctions against North Korea , accusing the country in a report of increasing illegal coal exports and imports of petroleum products and continuing with cyber attacks on financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges to gain illicit revenue .
It was not immediately clear whether any of the defendants had lawyers .

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department has accused a network of North Korean and Chinese citizens of secretly advancing North Korea’s nuclear weapons program by channeling at least $2.5 billion in illicit payments through hundreds of front companies.
The indictment, unsealed Thursday in Washington’s federal court, is believed to be the largest criminal enforcement action ever brought against North Korea.
The 33 defendants include executives of North Korea’s state-owned Foreign Trade Bank, which in 2013 was added to a Treasury Department list of sanctioned institutions for transactions that facilitated the nuclear proliferation network, and cut off from the U.S. financial system.
According to the indictment, the bank officials - one of whom had served in North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau - set up branches in countries around the world, including Thailand, Russia and Kuwait, and used more than 250 front companies to process U.S. dollar payments to further the country’s nuclear proliferation program.
The defendants used a variety of tactics to cover their tracks, including coded conversations; listing false destinations and customers on contracts and invoices; and creating new front companies after the banks caught onto the association with North Korea, the indictment says. Banks were routinely tricked into processing transactions they wouldn’t have ordinarily done, according to prosecutors.
Five of the defendants are Chinese citizens who operated covert branches in either China or Libya. Others who were charged include individuals who served at times as the bank’s president or vice president.
“Through this indictment, the United States has signified its commitment to hampering North Korea’s ability to illegally access the U.S. financial system and (to limiting) its ability to use proceeds from illicit actions to enhance its illegal WMD and ballistic missile programs,” acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin for the District of Columbia said in a statement.
The U.S. has frozen and seized about $63 million from the scheme since 2015, according to the indictment.
The case was filed at a time of delicate relations between the U.S. and North Korea. The rapprochement that President Donald Trump has tried to engineer over the past two years has stalled badly, with the last face-to-face meeting between senior officials from the two countries taking place in October in Stockholm.
Apart from recent speculation over North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s health, which prompted public expressions of concern from Trump, the administration has been almost completely silent on North Korea. U.S. officials say they remain eager to restart negotiations but have gotten no indication from the North that any resumption is imminent.
The indictment also reflects ongoing concerns about sanctions violations related to North Korea. Last month, for instance, United Nations experts recommended blacklisting 14 vessels for violating sanctions against North Korea, accusing the country in a report of increasing illegal coal exports and imports of petroleum products and continuing with cyber attacks on financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges to gain illicit revenue.
It was not immediately clear whether any of the defendants had lawyers.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Job losses slowing give sign of economic rebound

More than 2 million unemployment claims filed last week brought job losses to more than 40 million since the coronavirus shutdown began in March , but the Trump administration and leaders across the country voiced optimism Thursday that the economy will bounce back .
The 2.1 million new claims for unemployment benefits , while historically high , continued a series of weekly declines after the numbers spiked to 6.87 million in late March .
Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for workers , but he saw a positive sign in long-term “ continuing claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think we can make a lot of headway this year , ” Mr. Scalia said on Fox Business .
“ I think we can start now .
… Part of the good news is that we ’ re not seeing , as of now , the spikes in the return of the virus in those states that have reopened.
” The federal government reported that the U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 5 % during the first three months of the year , which was slightly worse than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bulk of the virus-related economic carnage hadn ’ t fully materialized .
But even places that experts projected as new coronavirus hot spots , such as the Washington region , are relaxing restrictions as leaders say they have made enough progress on key health metrics .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott , a Republican , issued a directive Thursday allowing outdoor professional sporting events to fill outdoor stadiums to 25 % capacity when they reopen in June .
Most regions in New York , the hardest-hit state with about a quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , are at least partially open for business .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , a Democrat , said a big focus now is getting New York City up and running , though he cautioned that the reopened economy won ’ t bounce back instantly for everyone .
“ I think it bounces back for the rich .
I think it bounces back for the powerful , ” Mr. Cuomo said .
“ But how about the small businesses that closed ?
How about all those blue-collar jobs that are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Cuomo has come under intense pressure to reopen more of the state after his most dire projections of cases and hospitalizations failed to materialize .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio , a Democrat , said the city is in a position to start the first phase of reopening next month .
The National Association of Manufacturers reported that 34 % of its members had a positive view of their company ’ s prospects , the lowest level in its quarterly survey since 2009 .
“ Manufacturers have led the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is counting on our industry to lead our recovery and renewal , ” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons .
With the pandemic stunting domestic and international travel , the airline industry is in acute distress .
American Airlines this week announced plans to cut more than 5,000 jobs , or about 30 % of its workforce .
Delta and United also are weighing layoffs .
On the other hand , Amazon said it plans to offer 125,000 full-time jobs to the 175,000 people it hired at its warehouses as orders surged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up at several fast-food chains , including Burger King and Popeyes , as demand for quick , cheap food options soars .
Dollar Tree and Dollar General reported strong sales during the pandemic .
Some signs showed home sales picking up in recent weeks after plummeting in April , but market analysts said it is too soon to gauge the damage .
Data on mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures could take longer to digest because of moratoriums on evictions and payments that Congress and various states approved , said Todd Teta , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solutions .
Mr. Teta said the Northeast and the South had the highest concentrations of at-risk housing in March .
“ Those regions generally had home prices that were less affordable to local workers , above-average levels of foreclosure activity and less homeowner equity built up compared to other parts of the country , ” he told The Washington Times .
“ Those are all factors that make a housing market vulnerable to a fall.
” Amid the warning signs for an economy trying to regain its footing , all 50 states have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The District and Maryland are allowing restaurants to offer limited outdoor dining starting Friday .
“ The county leaders aren ’ t really paying attention to the state plan , ” he said .
“ They ’ re kind of making up their own metrics.
” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich , a Democrat , was jeered as he announced that the county , the state ’ s largest and the jurisdiction with the most COVID-19-related deaths in Maryland , would move to phase one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurisdictions were on track to start the phase one reopening Friday after leaders in the populous region asked for more time .
“ We feel comfortable moving forward , but we will obviously be watching the numbers , ” said Gov .
Ralph Northam , a Democrat .
Other signs show the broader economy inching back to life .
Current , a mobile banking app , has been tracking how its customers have been using their federal stimulus payments .
The company found that the most “ immediate ” needs of their users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills and paying back friends , appear to have eased .
Lawmakers are at odds over provisions in the next federal rescue package , but the Democrat-led House on Thursday approved some tweaks to a popular small-business lending program created in a $ 2.2 trillion rescue package .
The bill gives businesses applying for money through the Paycheck Protection Program up to 24 weeks to use the money for the loan to be forgiven , up from the current eight-week time frame .
Under the bill , businesses also have to use at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payroll expenses , down from a 75 % threshold when the program was approved as part of the $ 2.2 trillion relief package in March .
“ With this new flexibility , our communities will be one step closer to fully recovering from this pandemic , ” said Rep. Joe Wilson , South Carolina Republican .
The Trump administration said Thursday that more than 4.4 million loans have been approved and more than $ 510 billion worth of loans are accounted for .
While popular , the program has been marred by technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limited access to the funds , even as loans were approved for major companies such as Ruth ’ s Chris Steak House and Shake Shack .
In response to public outcry , some of those larger businesses said they would return the money .

More than 2 million unemployment claims filed last week brought job losses to more than 40 million since the coronavirus shutdown began in March, but the Trump administration and leaders across the country voiced optimism Thursday that the economy will bounce back.
The 2.1 million new claims for unemployment benefits, while historically high, continued a series of weekly declines after the numbers spiked to 6.87 million in late March.
Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for workers, but he saw a positive sign in long-term “continuing claims” that were lower than expected.
“I think we can make a lot of headway this year,” Mr. Scalia said on Fox Business. “I think we can start now. … Part of the good news is that we’re not seeing, as of now, the spikes in the return of the virus in those states that have reopened.”
The federal government reported that the U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 5% during the first three months of the year, which was slightly worse than the previous estimate, which was made when the bulk of the virus-related economic carnage hadn’t fully materialized.
But even places that experts projected as new coronavirus hot spots, such as the Washington region, are relaxing restrictions as leaders say they have made enough progress on key health metrics.
SEE ALSO: Coronavirus slams Social Security trust fund, speeds depletion
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, issued a directive Thursday allowing outdoor professional sporting events to fill outdoor stadiums to 25% capacity when they reopen in June.
Most regions in New York, the hardest-hit state with about a quarter of the more than 101,000 deaths in the U.S., are at least partially open for business.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said a big focus now is getting New York City up and running, though he cautioned that the reopened economy won’t bounce back instantly for everyone.
“I think it bounces back for the rich. I think it bounces back for the powerful,” Mr. Cuomo said. “But how about the small businesses that closed? How about all those blue-collar jobs that are not going to come back right away?”
Mr. Cuomo has come under intense pressure to reopen more of the state after his most dire projections of cases and hospitalizations failed to materialize.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, said the city is in a position to start the first phase of reopening next month.
The announcements were made amid mixed economic signals.
The National Association of Manufacturers reported that 34% of its members had a positive view of their company’s prospects, the lowest level in its quarterly survey since 2009.
“Manufacturers have led the country through the COVID-19 response, and America is counting on our industry to lead our recovery and renewal,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.
With the pandemic stunting domestic and international travel, the airline industry is in acute distress.
American Airlines this week announced plans to cut more than 5,000 jobs, or about 30% of its workforce. Delta and United also are weighing layoffs.
On the other hand, Amazon said it plans to offer 125,000 full-time jobs to the 175,000 people it hired at its warehouses as orders surged during the pandemic. Sales also have picked up at several fast-food chains, including Burger King and Popeyes, as demand for quick, cheap food options soars. Dollar Tree and Dollar General reported strong sales during the pandemic.
Some signs showed home sales picking up in recent weeks after plummeting in April, but market analysts said it is too soon to gauge the damage.
Data on mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures could take longer to digest because of moratoriums on evictions and payments that Congress and various states approved, said Todd Teta, chief product and technology officer of ATTOM Data Solutions.
Mr. Teta said the Northeast and the South had the highest concentrations of at-risk housing in March.
“Those regions generally had home prices that were less affordable to local workers, above-average levels of foreclosure activity and less homeowner equity built up compared to other parts of the country,” he told The Washington Times. “Those are all factors that make a housing market vulnerable to a fall.”
Amid the warning signs for an economy trying to regain its footing, all 50 states have relaxed stay-at-home orders and/or business restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The District and Maryland are allowing restaurants to offer limited outdoor dining starting Friday.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, gave local leaders some prodding this week.
“The county leaders aren’t really paying attention to the state plan,” he said. “They’re kind of making up their own metrics.”
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, a Democrat, was jeered as he announced that the county, the state’s largest and the jurisdiction with the most COVID-19-related deaths in Maryland, would move to phase one of reopening on Monday.
Northern Virginia jurisdictions were on track to start the phase one reopening Friday after leaders in the populous region asked for more time.
“We feel comfortable moving forward, but we will obviously be watching the numbers,” said Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat.
Other signs show the broader economy inching back to life.
Current, a mobile banking app, has been tracking how its customers have been using their federal stimulus payments.
The company found that the most “immediate” needs of their users, such as getting cash, paying bills and paying back friends, appear to have eased.
Lawmakers are at odds over provisions in the next federal rescue package, but the Democrat-led House on Thursday approved some tweaks to a popular small-business lending program created in a $2.2 trillion rescue package.
The bill gives businesses applying for money through the Paycheck Protection Program up to 24 weeks to use the money for the loan to be forgiven, up from the current eight-week time frame.
Under the bill, businesses also have to use at least 60% of the money for payroll expenses, down from a 75% threshold when the program was approved as part of the $2.2 trillion relief package in March.
“With this new flexibility, our communities will be one step closer to fully recovering from this pandemic,” said Rep. Joe Wilson, South Carolina Republican.
The Trump administration said Thursday that more than 4.4 million loans have been approved and more than $510 billion worth of loans are accounted for.
While popular, the program has been marred by technical glitches and complaints from small-business owners about the limited access to the funds, even as loans were approved for major companies such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Shake Shack.
In response to public outcry, some of those larger businesses said they would return the money.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-28--Sacramento County opens file on death of unarmed black man

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - The Sacramento County Sheriff ’ s Office has released the investigative file on the 2017 shooting of an unarmed black man that concluded the killing was justified , contradicting a county finding that excessive force was used .
Deputies fired 28 shots at Mikel McIntyre as he ran from them along U.S. Route 50 in Rancho Cordova during rush hour after hurling rocks at deputies , injuring one .
Sheriff Scott Jones released 1,193 documents from its internal affairs investigation along with photos and videos after the Sacramento Bee filed a lawsuit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Thursday .
The file was released in the midst of public outcry over the death of another unarmed black man in police custody on Monday in Minneapolis .
Video showed George Floyd gasping for help as a white policeman pinned him to the street by the neck .
The internal affairs report noted that McIntyre , 32 , was having a mental health crisis on May 8 , 2017 .
Deputies were called after McIntyre reportedly had choked his mother , Brigett , and tried to pull her out of a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to run from deputies in Rancho Cordova , McIntyre threw rocks at them , hitting one deputy in the head and causing an injury that required stitches .
He was struck by seven bullets , six of them in his back .
The file contains interviews with deputies who said they felt their lives were threatened by McIntyre .
Deputy Ken Becker said McIntyre threw a rock at his head .
“ I thought he was trying to kill me , ” Becker said , adding that he fired at the fleeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt “ this isn ’ t going to stop unless he gets stopped.
” Witnesses described the suspect as angry and aggressive and described him throwing a rock the size of a football that struck a deputy , who was bloody and disoriented .
The internal affairs investigation and the Sacramento County district attorney ’ s office concluded that the shooting was justified .
However , in August 2018 the county ’ s then-Inspector General , former Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel , found the number of rounds fired was “ excessive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Protests targeted the county ’ s leadership after the sheriff retaliated against the then-inspector general by locking him out of agency offices and the jail .
The county later settled a wrongful death lawsuit over the shooting for $ 1.7 million without acknowledging wrongdoing .
The Bee sued the county after sheriff ’ s officials refused to release public records , arguing that the department was violating a new state law requiring law enforcement agencies to release records involving deputy misconduct and use of force that leads to serious injury or death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of numerous slayings of minority men by police nationwide that triggered a broad debate and several California laws .
They included the 2018 killing of Stephon Clark by Sacramento city police in his grandparents ’ backyard .
Clark , 22 , had run from officers who were investigating reports of a car burglar .
Police said they believed Clark was carrying a firearm .
But investigators concluded he only had a cellphone .
The city later agreed to pay $ 2.4 million to Clark ’ s two sons in a wrongful death lawsuit @

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has released the investigative file on the 2017 shooting of an unarmed black man that concluded the killing was justified, contradicting a county finding that excessive force was used.
Deputies fired 28 shots at Mikel McIntyre as he ran from them along U.S. Route 50 in Rancho Cordova during rush hour after hurling rocks at deputies, injuring one. Sheriff Scott Jones released 1,193 documents from its internal affairs investigation along with photos and videos after the Sacramento Bee filed a lawsuit and threatened a second one, the newspaper said Thursday.
The file was released in the midst of public outcry over the death of another unarmed black man in police custody on Monday in Minneapolis. Video showed George Floyd gasping for help as a white policeman pinned him to the street by the neck.
The internal affairs report noted that McIntyre, 32, was having a mental health crisis on May 8, 2017. Deputies were called after McIntyre reportedly had choked his mother, Brigett, and tried to pull her out of a car after they had gone shopping.
While trying to run from deputies in Rancho Cordova, McIntyre threw rocks at them, hitting one deputy in the head and causing an injury that required stitches.
He was struck by seven bullets, six of them in his back.
The file contains interviews with deputies who said they felt their lives were threatened by McIntyre.
Deputy Ken Becker said McIntyre threw a rock at his head.
“I thought he was trying to kill me,” Becker said, adding that he fired at the fleeing McIntyre because he feared more violence and felt “this isn’t going to stop unless he gets stopped.”
Witnesses described the suspect as angry and aggressive and described him throwing a rock the size of a football that struck a deputy, who was bloody and disoriented.
The internal affairs investigation and the Sacramento County district attorney’s office concluded that the shooting was justified.
However, in August 2018 the county’s then-Inspector General, former Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel, found the number of rounds fired was “excessive, unnecessary” and put citizens at risk.
Protests targeted the county’s leadership after the sheriff retaliated against the then-inspector general by locking him out of agency offices and the jail.
The county later settled a wrongful death lawsuit over the shooting for $1.7 million without acknowledging wrongdoing.
The Bee sued the county after sheriff’s officials refused to release public records, arguing that the department was violating a new state law requiring law enforcement agencies to release records involving deputy misconduct and use of force that leads to serious injury or death.
McIntyre’s death was one of numerous slayings of minority men by police nationwide that triggered a broad debate and several California laws. They included the 2018 killing of Stephon Clark by Sacramento city police in his grandparents’ backyard.
Clark, 22, had run from officers who were investigating reports of a car burglar. Police said they believed Clark was carrying a firearm. But investigators concluded he only had a cellphone.
The city later agreed to pay $2.4 million to Clark’s two sons in a wrongful death lawsuit.