washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Activists take aim at conquistador statues in New Mexico

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - Two public statues of Spanish conqueror Juan de Oñate in New Mexico are drawing renewed attention and criticism as memorials erected in honor of Confederate leaders and other historical figures worldwide become a focus of protests .
A petition drive with more than 1,500 signatures on Friday is calling for the removal of an Oñate statue on the outskirts of Española in northern New Mexico , while activists are calling on Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller to remove another Oñate likeness from a caravan of Spanish colonists set in bronze outside a city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of urban planning at the University of New Mexico , has protested the Albuquerque statue as a glorification of white supremacy since its installation in the late 1990s .
“ If NASCAR can do away with Confederate flags at their events , surely our cities can do this , ” Gonzales said .
Oñate , who arrived in present-day New Mexico in 1598 , is celebrated as a cultural father figure in communities along the Upper Rio Grande that trace their ancestry to Spanish settlers .
But he ’ s also reviled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Onate is known for having ordered the right feet cut off of 24 captive tribal warriors after his soldiers stormed Acoma Pueblo ’ s mesa-top “ sky city.
” That attack was precipitated by the killing of Onate ’ s nephew .
In 1998 , someone sawed the right foot off the statue of Oñate near Española .
Tributes to the region ’ s early European colonists appear to be losing favor among the public and state lawmakers , who last year replaced Columbus Day with Native American Peoples Day .
Annual costumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been scaled back or cancelled in recent years in deference to local indigenous communities and new revelations about the subjugation and enslavement of Native American servants and people of mixed ancestry .
The city of Española cut sponsorship ties two years ago with a summer community carnival that includes a costumed pageant of an armored Oñate on horseback with a coterie of soldiers , royalty , Christian friars and an Indian scout .
A nonprofit group now carries on the tradition .
An online signature petition to remove the stand-alone statue of Oñate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s inhumane treatment of indigenous people and invokes solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement .
Critics scheduled public protests at the Oñate statues for Monday .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Two public statues of Spanish conqueror Juan de Oñate in New Mexico are drawing renewed attention and criticism as memorials erected in honor of Confederate leaders and other historical figures worldwide become a focus of protests.
A petition drive with more than 1,500 signatures on Friday is calling for the removal of an Oñate statue on the outskirts of Española in northern New Mexico, while activists are calling on Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller to remove another Oñate likeness from a caravan of Spanish colonists set in bronze outside a city museum.
Moises Gonzales, a professor of urban planning at the University of New Mexico, has protested the Albuquerque statue as a glorification of white supremacy since its installation in the late 1990s.
“If NASCAR can do away with Confederate flags at their events, surely our cities can do this,” Gonzales said.
Oñate, who arrived in present-day New Mexico in 1598, is celebrated as a cultural father figure in communities along the Upper Rio Grande that trace their ancestry to Spanish settlers. But he’s also reviled for his brutality.
To Native Americans, Onate is known for having ordered the right feet cut off of 24 captive tribal warriors after his soldiers stormed Acoma Pueblo’s mesa-top “sky city.” That attack was precipitated by the killing of Onate’s nephew.
In 1998, someone sawed the right foot off the statue of Oñate near Española.
Tributes to the region’s early European colonists appear to be losing favor among the public and state lawmakers, who last year replaced Columbus Day with Native American Peoples Day.
Annual costumed tributes to Spanish conquistadors including Oñate have been scaled back or canceled in recent years in deference to local indigenous communities and new revelations about the subjugation and enslavement of Native American servants and people of mixed ancestry.
Albuquerque’s Democratic mayor said in a statement that it’s time for a renewed public conversation about the statue, facilitated by city museum and cultural officials. Keller said the city’s public arts board will provide a recommendation.
The city of Espanola cut sponsorship ties two years ago with a summer community carnival that includes a costumed pageant of an armored Oñate on horseback with a coterie of soldiers, royalty, Christian friars and an Indian scout. A nonprofit group now carries on the tradition.
An online signature petition to remove the stand-alone statue of Oñate north of Espanola describes the conquistador’s inhumane treatment of indigenous people and invokes solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Critics scheduled public protests at the Oñate statues for Monday.
Conchita Lucero of Albuquerque helped raise money for the Albuquerque monument to the arrival of Spanish settlers, and said she’s concerned that the destruction of monuments will erase history and further inflame racial tensions.
If Oñate is torn down, Lucero suggested it may also be time to remove a statue from the U.S. Capitol of Native American leader Po’pay, who helped organize the armed 1680 indigenous revolt that drove the Spanish out of present-day New Mexico for a dozen years.
“It should be one-for-one. After all, we are asking for fairness,” she said. “Then maybe we shouldn’t have Statuary Hall. Maybe we’re not grown up enough.”
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is demanding that statues of Confederate figures such as Jefferson Davis be removed from the U.S. Capitol.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Sweden's Sami people to set up commission on discrimination

STOCKHOLM ( AP ) - The Sami ethnic group in Sweden ’ s Arctic region is getting 1.2 million kronor ( $ 130,000 ) from the Scandinavian country to set up a truth commission that will shed light on injustices against indigenous people carried out by the Swedish state .
Matti Blind Berg , who heads the working group for the Sami Truth Commission , said that “ it is an extremely important job to clarify the Swedish state ’ s abuse of the Sami people.
” Asa Lindhagen , a member of the government in Stockholm in charge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that “ throughout history , Sami have been subjected to racism and are still exposed to it today .
Sweden must be a country free of racism and efforts are needed to get there.
” A year ago , Sweden announced that it would finance a process to establish an independent truth commission on the Swedish state ’ s abuse of the Sami people .
The money will finance the preparatory work , including a collection of discrimination stories and creating the format of the commission .
Swedish Culture Minister Amanda Lind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make visible the violations and abuses that the Sami have been exposed to throughout history and which are far too little known.
” The work will be done by the Samediggi , an elected , indigenous 31-seat assembly that protects the rights of northern Sweden ’ s estimated 35,000 people with Sami heritage .
It also acts as an institution of cultural autonomy for the indigenous people .
The Sami today live in Lapland , which stretches from northern parts of Norway through Sweden and Finland to Russia .
They once faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the use of their native tongue .
Today the nomadic people live mostly modern lifestyles but still tend reindeer and some still wear their traditionally bright-colored national dress .
In 1977 , the Riksdag - Sweden ’ s Parliament - recognized the Sami as an indigenous people in Sweden .
Sweden announced the move to finance the setting up of the truth commission on Tuesday .
Similar steps to set up truth commissions have been made in Norway and Finland .

STOCKHOLM (AP) - The Sami ethnic group in Sweden’s Arctic region is getting 1.2 million kronor ($130,000) from the Scandinavian country to set up a truth commission that will shed light on injustices against indigenous people carried out by the Swedish state.
Matti Blind Berg, who heads the working group for the Sami Truth Commission, said that “it is an extremely important job to clarify the Swedish state’s abuse of the Sami people.”
Asa Lindhagen, a member of the government in Stockholm in charge of anti-discrimination and anti-segregation, said earlier this week that “throughout history, Sami have been subjected to racism and are still exposed to it today. Sweden must be a country free of racism and efforts are needed to get there.”
A year ago, Sweden announced that it would finance a process to establish an independent truth commission on the Swedish state’s abuse of the Sami people. The money will finance the preparatory work, including a collection of discrimination stories and creating the format of the commission.
Swedish Culture Minister Amanda Lind called it “a historical step … to make visible the violations and abuses that the Sami have been exposed to throughout history and which are far too little known.”
The work will be done by the Samediggi, an elected, indigenous 31-seat assembly that protects the rights of northern Sweden’s estimated 35,000 people with Sami heritage. It also acts as an institution of cultural autonomy for the indigenous people.
The Sami today live in Lapland, which stretches from northern parts of Norway through Sweden and Finland to Russia. They once faced oppression of their culture, including bans on the use of their native tongue.
Today the nomadic people live mostly modern lifestyles but still tend reindeer and some still wear their traditionally bright-colored national dress.
In 1977, the Riksdag - Sweden’s Parliament - recognized the Sami as an indigenous people in Sweden.
Sweden announced the move to finance the setting up of the truth commission on Tuesday. Similar steps to set up truth commissions have been made in Norway and Finland.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Regents endorse university's fall reopening plan

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - University of Minnesota leaders have mapped out a plan to reopen classrooms , dormitories and @ @ @ @ @ amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The Board of Regents endorsed the plan Thursday and is @ @ @ @ @ in July .
The reopening plan includes some physical distancing , COVID-19 monitoring , testing @ @ @ @ @ Tribune reports each of the university ’ s five campuses would adjust their academic calendars @ @ @ @ @ and end classroom instruction by Thanksgiving .
“ We believe that we are as safe @ @ @ @ @ able to protect the health and safety of our students , faculty and staff , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It is our number one priority , and we are prepared with extensive @ @ @ @ @ do so.
” University provost Rachel Croson says the school has sufficient COVID-19 testing capability @ @ @ @ @ anyone who becomes ill .
Administrators plan to dedicate spaces in residence halls and off-campus @ @ @ @ @ , she said .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - University of Minnesota leaders have mapped out a plan to reopen classrooms, dormitories and other common spaces this fall amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Board of Regents endorsed the plan Thursday and is expected to vote on it in July.
The reopening plan includes some physical distancing, COVID-19 monitoring, testing and isolation.
The Star Tribune reports each of the university’s five campuses would adjust their academic calendars to start the semester early and end classroom instruction by Thanksgiving.
“We believe that we are as safe as any place to be able to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff,” President Joan Gabel said. “It is our number one priority, and we are prepared with extensive planning to be able to do so.”
University provost Rachel Croson says the school has sufficient COVID-19 testing capability and enough space to isolate anyone who becomes ill.
Administrators plan to dedicate spaces in residence halls and off-campus hotels for those under quarantine, she said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--One of Tennessee's most wanted arrested in Mississippi

PASCAGOULA , Miss .
( AP ) - One of Tennessee ’ s Most Wanted suspects has been arrested in @ @ @ @ @ on the run in a murder case .
Delarrious Dewayne Crawford was taken into custody @ @ @ @ @ Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force , the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ Moss Point , Mississippi in connection with the June 2019 shooting of Daicori Sanders , @ @ @ @ @ news outlets reported .
Crawford , 29 , has been booked into Jackson County Adult @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee on a murder charge .

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) - One of Tennessee’s Most Wanted suspects has been arrested in Mississippi after nearly a year on the run in a murder case.
Delarrious Dewayne Crawford was taken into custody Thursday by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said on Facebook. He was arrested in Moss Point, Mississippi in connection with the June 2019 shooting of Daicori Sanders, 25, in Tennessee, news outlets reported.
Crawford, 29, has been booked into Jackson County Adult Detention Center pending extradition to Tennessee on a murder charge.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Museum in ex-prison opens to document Kosovo's journey

PRISTINA , Kosovo ( AP ) - Kosovo on Friday inaugurated a new museum documenting the stages of ethnic Albanians ’ fight for independence since World War II .
The museum , in a former prison , was opened as Kosovo marked its liberation day 21 years ago , when NATO forces set foot in the former Yugoslav province .
A 78-day allied bombing campaign in 1999 ended Serbia ’ s bloody crackdown on an insurrection by the majority ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo , which Serbs consider their historic and religious heartland .
The war left more than 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and is recognized by more than 110 countries , including the United States and the main Western powers , but not by Serbia and its allies , Russia or China .
The former prison that hosts the museum was built by political prisoners during the communist regime in Yugoslavia in 1945 .
The exhibit documents the time from then , through Serbia ’ s emergence from the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s until Kosovo effectively broke away from Serbia in 1999 .
Culture Minister Vlora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring detainees from a nearby police station , where some of them were tortured , to the cells .
Meriman Braha , a former prisoner .
said the cells had no beds , just a plank of wood on four legs .
Isolation cells had a metal plate with 36 holes in it instead of a window .
The museum covers the various post-World War II stages , including resistance efforts in the 1960s , the demonstrations of 1968 and 1981 seeking to turn the province into a republic , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until Kosovo ’ s liberation in 1999 .
“ The museum of peace is an integral part of our history which we should tell so that it is not forgotten , ” Dumoshi said .
Kosovo and its population of 1.8 million has been in continuous political squabbling that often hampers its economic development and the rule of law and keeps its democratic institutions weak and not focused on fighting high levels of poverty and unemployment .

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Kosovo on Friday inaugurated a new museum documenting the stages of ethnic Albanians’ fight for independence since World War II.
The museum, in a former prison, was opened as Kosovo marked its liberation day 21 years ago, when NATO forces set foot in the former Yugoslav province.
A 78-day allied bombing campaign in 1999 ended Serbia’s bloody crackdown on an insurrection by the majority ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo, which Serbs consider their historic and religious heartland.
The war left more than 10,000 dead, and 1,641 are still missing. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and is recognized by more than 110 countries, including the United States and the main Western powers, but not by Serbia and its allies, Russia or China.
The former prison that hosts the museum was built by political prisoners during the communist regime in Yugoslavia in 1945. The exhibit documents the time from then, through Serbia’s emergence from the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s until Kosovo effectively broke away from Serbia in 1999.
Culture Minister Vlora Dumoshi said a covered bridge was used to bring detainees from a nearby police station, where some of them were tortured, to the cells.
Meriman Braha, a former prisoner. said the cells had no beds, just a plank of wood on four legs. Isolation cells had a metal plate with 36 holes in it instead of a window.
Graffiti on the wall ironically announces: “welcome.”
The museum covers the various post-World War II stages, including resistance efforts in the 1960s, the demonstrations of 1968 and 1981 seeking to turn the province into a republic, and the time after Serbia became independent in 1990 until Kosovo’s liberation in 1999.
“The museum of peace is an integral part of our history which we should tell so that it is not forgotten,” Dumoshi said.
Later Friday the left-wing Movement for Self-Determination party held a rally to celebrate the liberation day, but also to criticize Kosovo’s government.
Thousands of people attended the rally in central Pristina, ignoring social distancing rules.
The party leader, former prime minister Albin Kurti, said fighting corruption remained the country’s main challenge and called for early elections
Kurti was replaced by Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti after losing a confidence vote in late March.
Kosovo and its population of 1.8 million has been in continuous political squabbling that often hampers its economic development and the rule of law and keeps its democratic institutions weak and not focused on fighting high levels of poverty and unemployment.
___
Llazar Semini contributed from Tirana, Albania.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--11 wounded in separate shootings in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA ( AP ) - Police on Friday were looking fr clues and suspects after gunfire left 11 people wounded @ @ @ @ @ at least one person is dead .
Six people who were standing outside in the @ @ @ @ @ were shot when a group of men jumped out of a car and opened fire @ @ @ @ @ .
Police say one of the victims returned fire in what police suspect was a @ @ @ @ @ the victims drove themselves to hospitals .
The five men and one woman are in @ @ @ @ @ the incident as a major concern .
Meanwhile , police said a man was shot @ @ @ @ @ a car in Juniata Park .
A double shooting in the city ’ s Kensington @ @ @ @ @ stable condition with gunshot wounds to the legs .
There also was a shooting in @ @ @ @ @ two men hospitalized , authorities said .

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Several episodes of gunfire overnight in Philadelphia left a total of 11 people wounded and at least one person dead, police said Friday, calling the spate of violence a major concern.
At least one of the instances of violence may be gang-related, police said. A group of men jumped out of a car and opened fire on six people early Friday in the Tioga neighborhood, and one person returned fire, authorities said.
Six people - five men and one woman - were injured and are described as stable, authorities said. Four drove themselves to hospitals.
Separately, a man was shot and killed while sitting in a car in northeast Philadelphia’s Juniata neighborhood, police said.
Gunfire in the Kensington neighborhood resulted in leg wounds to two people, authorities said. They were described as in stable condition.
And a shooting in the Fairmount neighborhood, close to Philadelphia’s row of art museums, sent two men to the hospital, authorities said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--W. Virginia Mothman festival postponed due to virus outbreak

POINT PLEASANT , W.Va. ( AP ) - An annual festival that commemorates a local legend about a “ Mothman @ @ @ @ @ been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
If the festival honoring the legend of @ @ @ @ @ sightings in Point Pleasant was held this September as previously scheduled , it would “ @ @ @ @ @ what has been built over the last 18 years , ” organizers for the event @ @ @ @ @ the change Thursday .
The festival has now been moved to September 2021 .
Admission @ @ @ @ @ downtown Point Pleasant is free to the public and features live music and cosplay .
@ @ @ @ @ fee to see the Mothman Museum and for some attractions , according to the festival @

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - An annual festival that commemorates a local legend about a “Mothman” in West Virginia has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If the festival honoring the legend of the red-eyed creature’s sightings in Point Pleasant was held this September as previously scheduled, it would “be subpar and lackluster to what has been built over the last 18 years,” organizers for the event said on Facebook while announcing the change Thursday. The festival has now been moved to September 2021.
Admission to the event held in downtown Point Pleasant is free to the public and features live music and cosplay. Visitors have to pay a fee to see the Mothman Museum and for some attractions, according to the festival.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Couple find their "Black Lives Matter" yard sign crossed out

MABLETON , Ga. ( AP ) - A man in Georgia said he was in “ shock ” after waking @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ Black Lives Matter ” yard sign crossed out in black paint .
@ @ @ @ @ to WGCL-TV , saying he was in “ disbelief ” when he saw a black @ @ @ @ @ the sign on Thursday .
His wife , Kara Harris , told the news outlet @ @ @ @ @ ” and did not suspect it would happen since they lived in a “ quiet @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood near Atlanta .
The couple had put up the sign over the weekend after @ @ @ @ @ protests against the death of George Floyd .
Whoever vandalized it “ did it in @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ could have just come and knocked on our door and say I @ @ @ @ @ ” Kara Harris said .
The couple has since cleaned up the paint over the @ @ @ @ @ in their front yard .

MABLETON, Ga. (AP) - A man in Georgia said he was in “shock” after waking up to find his family’s “Black Lives Matter” yard sign crossed out in black paint.
Jeff Harris made the comment to WGCL-TV, saying he was in “disbelief” when he saw a black “x” painted over the sign on Thursday. His wife, Kara Harris, told the news outlet she was “instantly angry” and did not suspect it would happen since they lived in a “quiet” and “diverse” neighborhood near Atlanta.
The couple had put up the sign over the weekend after taking part in the national protests against the death of George Floyd.
Whoever vandalized it “did it in the middle of the night” and “could have just come and knocked on our door and say I disagree with your sign,” Kara Harris said.
The couple has since cleaned up the paint over the sign, and it remains in their front yard.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Extremist group al-Shabab sets up COVID-19 center in Somalia

NAIROBI , Kenya ( AP ) - The al-Qaida-linked extremist group in Somalia has unveiled a COVID-19 isolation and care facility , a sign that the group is taking seriously the pandemic that continues to spread in the fragile country .
Al-Shabab announced Friday that the facility , which includes a round-the-clock hotline , has been set up in Jilib , a major stronghold of the extremist group in southern Somalia .
“ I am urging people with the disease symptoms to come to the medical facility and avoid infecting other Muslims , ” Sheikh Mohamed Bali , a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group ’ s ad hoc COVID-19 response committee , said in a speech broadcast by the extremist group ’ s radio arm Andalus .
When The Associated Press called al-Shabab ’ s COVID-19 hotline , a man who answered said the care facility is “ open for all people.
” He declined to say whether they had any virus cases but said the facility - set up in a building that once housed the United Nations children ’ s agency in Jilib - has all necessary equipment to isolate and treat patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that areas controlled by al-Shabab in central and southern Somalia could be at high risk for the virus ’ spread .
The extremist group has resisted assistance from the government and international health organizations in this and past crises including drought .
No information was immediately available about any virus cases in al-Shabab strongholds that remain off-limits for health workers and authorities , or how COVID-19 cases would be confirmed .
The Horn of Africa nation has more than 2,500 confirmed virus cases and has one of the world ’ s least-equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty , leading to fears that untold numbers of cases might be going undetected .

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The al-Qaida-linked extremist group in Somalia has unveiled a COVID-19 isolation and care facility, a sign that the group is taking seriously the pandemic that continues to spread in the fragile country.
Al-Shabab announced Friday that the facility, which includes a round-the-clock hotline, has been set up in Jilib, a major stronghold of the extremist group in southern Somalia.
“I am urging people with the disease symptoms to come to the medical facility and avoid infecting other Muslims,” Sheikh Mohamed Bali, a senior al-Shabab official and a member of the group’s ad hoc COVID-19 response committee, said in a speech broadcast by the extremist group’s radio arm Andalus.
When The Associated Press called al-Shabab’s COVID-19 hotline, a man who answered said the care facility is “open for all people.” He declined to say whether they had any virus cases but said the facility - set up in a building that once housed the United Nations children’s agency in Jilib - has all necessary equipment to isolate and treat patients.
For months, Somali health officials have warned that areas controlled by al-Shabab in central and southern Somalia could be at high risk for the virus’ spread. The extremist group has resisted assistance from the government and international health organizations in this and past crises including drought.
No information was immediately available about any virus cases in al-Shabab strongholds that remain off-limits for health workers and authorities, or how COVID-19 cases would be confirmed.
The Horn of Africa nation has more than 2,500 confirmed virus cases and has one of the world’s least-equipped health systems after years of conflict and poverty, leading to fears that untold numbers of cases might be going undetected.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--'Gospel Grace' radio announcer fatally shot in Baltimore

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - A long time Gospel radio announcer was fatally shot outside her home in a case Baltimore police call a “ senseless ” and “ tragic murder.
” Tyra Womack was pronounced dead by medical personnel Wednesday night after police responded to a call about the shooting at her home in the Lauraville neighborhood of the city , news outlets reported .
Womack , who also went by Tyra Phillips professionally , was an announcer on WEAA-FM ’ s “ Gospel Grace ” program for more than 30 years , and provided information on the church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also was an administrative assistant at the U.S. post office , her Linkedin page shows .
The “ senseless ” shooting that killed her seems to have followed a neighborhood dispute , according to a statement from Baltimore Police spokeswoman Detective Nicole Monroe .
She told The Baltimore Sun that investigators have identified a person of interest , but declined to provide any additional information .
“ We are heartbroken about her passing and remember her beautiful , gentle , sweet spirit today , ” the radio station , which is affiliated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s one of those kinds of tragedies that just makes you numb , ” Carolyn Showell , an official at Womack ’ s church , told the Sun .
“ That ’ s the word I keep hearing , numb .
You ’ re traumatized because she ’ s one of those unlikely people .
”

BALTIMORE (AP) - A long time Gospel radio announcer was fatally shot outside her home in a case Baltimore police call a “senseless” and “tragic murder.”
Tyra Womack was pronounced dead by medical personnel Wednesday night after police responded to a call about the shooting at her home in the Lauraville neighborhood of the city, news outlets reported.
Womack, who also went by Tyra Phillips professionally, was an announcer on WEAA-FM’s “Gospel Grace” program for more than 30 years, and provided information on the church community during the weekly broadcast. She also was an administrative assistant at the U.S. post office, her Linkedin page shows.
The “senseless” shooting that killed her seems to have followed a neighborhood dispute, according to a statement from Baltimore Police spokeswoman Detective Nicole Monroe. She told The Baltimore Sun that investigators have identified a person of interest, but declined to provide any additional information.
“We are heartbroken about her passing and remember her beautiful, gentle, sweet spirit today,” the radio station, which is affiliated with NPR, said on Twitter.
“It’s one of those kinds of tragedies that just makes you numb,” Carolyn Showell, an official at Womack’s church, told the Sun. “That’s the word I keep hearing, numb. You’re traumatized because she’s one of those unlikely people.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Statues boarded up in London as more protests expected

LONDON ( AP ) - Authorities in London boarded up a war memorial and a statue of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill ahead of expected rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protesters , as the city ’ s mayor urged protesters Friday to stay home because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Monuments have become major focuses of contention in demonstrations against racism and police violence after the May 25 death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee to his neck .
A statue of slave trader Edward Colston was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the English port city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped in the harbor .
Several other statues have been defaced during mass protests around the country , including Churchill ’ s , which was daubed with the words “ was a racist.
” Police now fear far-right groups plan to seek confrontation under the guise of protecting statues .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who cites Churchill as a personal hero , said it was “ absurd and shameful ” that his statue was “ at risk of attack by violent protesters.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister during World War II and again during 1951-55 , is revered by many in the U.K. as the man who led the country to victory against Nazi Germany .
But he was also a staunch defender of the British Empire and expressed racist views .
In a series of tweets , Johnson said that Churchill “ sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today , but he was a hero , and he fully deserves his memorial.
” He said tearing down statues would be to “ censor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our history.
” Johnson has repeatedly declined to apologize for his own past offensive statements .
He has called Papua New Guineans cannibals , used the derogatory term “ piccaninnies ” to refer to members of the Commonwealth and compared Muslim women who wear face-covering veils to “ letter boxes.
” Anti-racism protests in Britain have been predominantly peaceful , though small groups have scuffled with the police and thrown projectiles near Parliament and the prime minister ’ s residence in London .
The toppling of Colston ’ s statue in Bristol has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monuments to figures associated with imperialism and racism .
Authorities this week removed a statue of slave owner Robert Milligan from its perch in London ’ s docklands , and campaigners in Oxford are pressing for a likeness of Victorian imperialist Cecil Rhodes to be withdrawn from view at Oxford University .
At Cambridge University , environmental protesters from Extinction Rebellion defaced a memorial window honoring geneticist and statistician Ronald Fisher , a proponent of eugenics , with the words “ Eugenics is genocide .
Fisher must fall.
” With more demonstrations expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen was erected around Churchill ’ s statue outside Parliament .
Authorities also fenced off other statues in Parliament Square , including memorials to Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln , as well as the nearby Cenotaph , a memorial to Britain ’ s war dead .
A Black Lives Matter group in London said it was calling off a planned protest on Saturday because the presence of far-right activists would make it unsafe , though some anti-racism demonstrators are still likely to gather .
Another anti-racism protest Friday looked set to go ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather because of the continued risk of spreading the coronavirus .
Gatherings of more than six people are currently barred in England , though police have allowed previous demonstrations to take place .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “ extremely concerned that further protests in central London not only risk spreading COVID-19 , but could lead to disorder , vandalism and violence.
” He said far-right groups planned to “ provoke violence , and their only goal is to distract and hijack this important issue .
“ Staying home and ignoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

LONDON (AP) - Authorities in London boarded up monuments including a war memorial and a statue of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill in anticipation of rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protesters, as the city’s mayor urged protesters Friday to stay home because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Monuments have become major focuses of contention in demonstrations against racism and police violence after the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee to his neck.
A statue of slave trader Edward Colston was hauled from its plinth by protesters in the English port city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped in the harbor.
Several other statues have been defaced during mass protests around the country, including Churchill’s, which was daubed with the words “was a racist.” Police now fear far-right groups plan to seek confrontation with anti-racism protesters under the guise of protecting statues.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who cites Churchill as a personal hero, said it was “absurd and shameful” that his statue was “at risk of attack by violent protesters.”
Churchill, who was Britain’s prime minister during World War II and again during 1951-55, is revered by many in the U.K. as the man who led the country to victory against Nazi Germany. But he was also a staunch defender of the British Empire and expressed racist views.
In a series of tweets, Johnson said that Churchill “sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial.”
He said tearing down statues would be to “censor our past” and “lie about our history.”
Johnson also claimed that anti-racism demonstrations had been “hijacked” by “a growing minority” of extremists who wanted to cause violence.
Johnson has repeatedly declined to apologize for his own past offensive hiatements. He has called Papua New Guineans cannibals, used the derogatory term “piccaninnies” to refer to members of the Commonwealth and compared Muslim women who wear face-covering veils to “letter boxes.”
Anti-racism protests in Britain have been predominantly peaceful, though small groups have scuffled with the police and thrown projectiles near Parliament and the prime minister’s residence in London.
Hundreds of anti-racism activists gathered Friday in London’s Hyde Park, but the demonstration was much smaller than gatherings the previous week.
The toppling of Colston’s statue in Bristol has reinvigorated calls for the removal of other monuments to figures associated with imperialism and racism. Authorities this week removed a statue of slave owner Robert Milligan from its perch in London’s docklands, and campaigners in Oxford are pressing for a likeness of Victorian imperialist Cecil Rhodes to be withdrawn from view at Oxford University.
At Cambridge University, environmental protesters from Extinction Rebellion defaced a memorial window honoring geneticist and statistician Ronald Fisher, a proponent of eugenics, with the words “Eugenics is genocide. Fisher must fall.”
In Poole, southern England, authorities revised plans to remove a statue of Robert Baden-Powell to protect it from attack after supporters of the Scouts founder objected. It was boarded up instead. Baden-Powell has been accused of racism and Nazi sympathies.
The New Zealand city of Hamilton on Friday removed a bronze statue of the municipality’s namesake, John Hamilton, a British naval officer accused of killing indigenous Maori people in the 1860s.
The city of Camden, New Jersey, took down a statue of Christopher Columbus on Thursday, joining others of the 15th-century explorer that have been removed across the U.S.
With more demonstrations expected in London over the weekend, a protective plywood screen was erected around Churchill’s statue outside Parliament. Authorities also fenced off other statues in Parliament Square, including memorials to Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln, as well as the nearby Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain’s war dead.
A Black Lives Matter group in London said it was calling off a planned protest on Saturday because the presence of far-right activists would make it unsafe, though some anti-racism demonstrators are still likely to gather.
Authorities have urged protesters not to gather because of the continued risk of spreading the coronavirus. Gatherings of more than six people are currently barred in England, though police have allowed previous demonstrations to take place.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “extremely concerned that further protests in central London not only risk spreading COVID-19, but could lead to disorder, vandalism and violence.”
He said far-right groups planned to “provoke violence, and their only goal is to distract and hijack this important issue.
“Staying home and ignoring them is the best response this weekend.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--German court sentences 'cyber jihadi' to 5 years in prison

BERLIN ( AP ) - A court in western Germany has convicted a 39-year-old man of providing support to Islamist @ @ @ @ @ Duesseldorf regional court on Friday sentenced the German-Tunisian defendant , whose name wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ to five years in prison .
Judges concluded that the man had sent night vision @ @ @ @ @ ambulance vehicles to the militia group Ahrar al-Sham .
He is also accused of having @ @ @ @ @ Islamic State group .
The defendant ’ s lawyers had sought to have their client @ @ @ @ @ dpa reported that the defendant had described himself as a “ cyber jihadist ” on @ @ @ @ @ found an IS training video on his laptop showing the killing of people .

BERLIN (AP) - A court in western Germany has convicted a 39-year-old man of providing support to Islamist groups in Syria.
The Duesseldorf regional court on Friday sentenced the German-Tunisian defendant, whose name wasn’t released for privacy reasons, to five years in prison.
Judges concluded that the man had sent night vision devices, firearms-cleaning equipment and ambulance vehicles to the militia group Ahrar al-Sham. He is also accused of having provided propaganda support to the Islamic State group.
The defendant’s lawyers had sought to have their client acquitted.
German news agency dpa reported that the defendant had described himself as a “cyber jihadist” on social media platforms. Authorities found an IS training video on his laptop showing the killing of people.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--German Cabinet clears way for temporary sales tax cut

BERLIN ( AP ) - Germany ’ s Cabinet has approved a temporary cut in value-added tax starting next month in a bid to boost consumer demand in Europe ’ s biggest economy , a centerpiece of the country ’ s 130 billion-euro ( $ 148 billion ) stimulus package .
The finance minister made clear Friday that he doesn ’ t foresee a second stimulus program .
The main value-added tax rate will be cut to 16 % from 19 % for six months starting July 1 , and the reduced rate applied to groceries and some other everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Parliament is expected to give the final go-ahead on June 29 .
The temporary tax cut was a key and unexpected element of the stimulus package thrashed out in early June by the parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s coalition .
While generally welcomed , it has generated some fears among businesses that they face a difficult rush to prepare for new prices - and calls for the measure to be extended beyond the end of the year .
“ It is coming quickly , and that is exactly the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said after Friday ’ s Cabinet meeting .
“ If we had a long lead-up time , maybe some of those who are speaking out now would say what a difficult situation it was - because in reality , everyone would then wait for the day the value-added tax cut finally came.
” Scholz added that “ it makes no sense to organize such a measure indefinitely , or for a very long time.
” The Economy Ministry said vendors will be able to pass on the lower tax rate at checkouts without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Cabinet also approved plans for a one-time 300-euro per child bonus for families .
Other planned measures include help for debt-laden municipalities and increased financial incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles .
Germany went into a recession in the first quarter that it is expected to deepen in the current quarter .
However , the government appears confident that its stimulus package will help turn things around in the year ’ s second half .
“ I , and I will say we , don ’ t believe in debates about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is the stimulus program … we considered very carefully what we are doing .
”

BERLIN (AP) - Germany’s Cabinet has approved a temporary cut in value-added tax starting next month in a bid to boost consumer demand in Europe’s biggest economy, a centerpiece of the country’s 130 billion-euro ($148 billion) stimulus package. The finance minister made clear Friday that he doesn’t foresee a second stimulus program.
The main value-added tax rate will be cut to 16% from 19% for six months starting July 1, and the reduced rate applied to groceries and some other everyday items to 5% from 7%. Parliament is expected to give the final go-ahead on June 29.
The temporary tax cut was a key and unexpected element of the stimulus package thrashed out in early June by the parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition. While generally welcomed, it has generated some fears among businesses that they face a difficult rush to prepare for new prices - and calls for the measure to be extended beyond the end of the year.
“It is coming quickly, and that is exactly the right thing,” Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said after Friday’s Cabinet meeting. “If we had a long lead-up time, maybe some of those who are speaking out now would say what a difficult situation it was - because in reality, everyone would then wait for the day the value-added tax cut finally came.”
Scholz added that “it makes no sense to organize such a measure indefinitely, or for a very long time.” The Economy Ministry said vendors will be able to pass on the lower tax rate at checkouts without having to relabel all their goods.
The Cabinet also approved plans for a one-time 300-euro per child bonus for families. Other planned measures include help for debt-laden municipalities and increased financial incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Germany went into a recession in the first quarter that it is expected to deepen in the current quarter. However, the government appears confident that its stimulus package will help turn things around in the year’s second half.
“I, and I will say we, don’t believe in debates about a further stimulus program,” Scholz said. “This is the stimulus program … we considered very carefully what we are doing.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Police disrupt planned anti-racism rally in Sydney

SYDNEY ( AP ) - Hundreds of police disrupted plans for an anti-racism rally in downtown Sydney on Friday , but protest organizers vowed that other rallies will continue around Australia over the weekend despite warnings of the coronavirus risk .
Police ringed Sydney Town Hall hours before around 3,000 people were expected to attend a rally inspired by the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota .
Police vans were parked in side streets in preparation for mass arrests for breaching a 10-person limit on public gatherings because of the pandemic .
Protesters instead split , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while a few hundred converged on nearby Hyde Park .
Protesters in the park held a banner reading “ Stand up Australia ” near a statue .
Those near the hall chanted “ Too many coppers , not enough justice.
” They appeared to obey police directions to leave or be arrested .
Government leaders have urged activists not to attend anti-racism and other rallies planned for the weekend due to the pandemic risk .
Rallies are planned for Australian cities this weekend over Floyd , the coronavirus risk posed to asylum-seekers held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a pandemic threat created by eating meat .
Police largely did not enforce social distancing rules during peaceful anti-racism rallies attended by thousands in Australian cities last weekend that focused on the high incarceration rate of indigenous Australians .
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged police to charge protesters with breaching pandemic restrictions during the coming weekend .
“ The very clear message is that people should not attend those events , because it is against the health advice to do so , ” Morrison told reporters .
A court on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sydney on Saturday is illegal because of the pandemic threat , increasing the range of powers available to police to block it .
Organizer Ian Rintoul said the protest would continue because asylum seekers are in urgent need .
“ The point has come , even in terms of the COVID-19 experience in Australia , where the street protests are possible .
They can be held safely , and I think we need to insist on that , ” Rintoul told Ten Network television .
Animal rights group PETA plans to limit numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid police attention .
PETA blames the consumption of wildlife sold in Chinese wet markets for the pandemic .
“ If a pandemic born out of animal abuse is not the best time to talk about and protest animal abuse , then when is ?
” PETA spokeswoman Aleesha Naxakis said .
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann suggested demonstrators could lose government welfare payments if they attend rallies , but Morrison later ruled out any such federal retaliation .
The government pays a wage subsidy to 3.5 million Australians to keep them in work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became sick after attending a Melbourne rally on Saturday and later tested positive for COVID-19 .
Authorities suspected he was infected before the rally and might have spread the virus to other protesters .
Authorities say any disease cluster caused by last weekend ’ s rallies might not become apparent for weeks .
Australia is relaxing its pandemic restrictions , with 2,000 fans allowed in Adelaide for an Australian rules football match on Saturday , but no protest rallies .
Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria , which is alone among Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience community spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks .
Most cases involve people who have returned from overseas .
Australia has not recorded any COVID-19 deaths since May 23 , when the toll rose to 102 .
The country has confirmed 7,285 coronavirus cases and 524 cases remain active .
Associated Press writer Rod McGuirk in Canberra , Australia , contributed to this report .

SYDNEY (AP) - Hundreds of police disrupted plans for an anti-racism rally in downtown Sydney on Friday, but protest organizers vowed that other rallies will continue around Australia over the weekend despite warnings of the coronavirus risk.
Police ringed Sydney Town Hall hours before around 3,000 people were expected to attend a rally inspired by the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota. Police vans were parked in side streets in preparation for mass arrests for breaching a 10-person limit on public gatherings because of the pandemic.
Protesters instead split, with about 100 dispersing around the hall while a few hundred converged on nearby Hyde Park.
Protesters in the park held a banner reading “Stand up Australia” near a statue. Those near the hall chanted “Too many coppers, not enough justice.” They appeared to obey police directions to leave or be arrested.
Government leaders have urged activists not to attend anti-racism and other rallies planned for the weekend due to the pandemic risk.
Rallies are planned for Australian cities this weekend over Floyd, the coronavirus risk posed to asylum-seekers held in crowded Australian immigration detention centers, and a pandemic threat created by eating meat.
Police largely did not enforce social distancing rules during peaceful anti-racism rallies attended by thousands in Australian cities last weekend that focused on the high incarceration rate of indigenous Australians.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged police to charge protesters with breaching pandemic restrictions during the coming weekend.
“The very clear message is that people should not attend those events, because it is against the health advice to do so,” Morrison told reporters.
A court on Thursday ruled that a refugee rally planned for Sydney on Saturday is illegal because of the pandemic threat, increasing the range of powers available to police to block it.
Organizer Ian Rintoul said the protest would continue because asylum seekers are in urgent need.
“The point has come, even in terms of the COVID-19 experience in Australia, where the street protests are possible. They can be held safely, and I think we need to insist on that,” Rintoul told Ten Network television.
Animal rights group PETA plans to limit numbers at a Sydney protest on Saturday to avoid police attention. PETA blames the consumption of wildlife sold in Chinese wet markets for the pandemic.
“If a pandemic born out of animal abuse is not the best time to talk about and protest animal abuse, then when is?” PETA spokeswoman Aleesha Naxakis said.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann suggested demonstrators could lose government welfare payments if they attend rallies, but Morrison later ruled out any such federal retaliation. The government pays a wage subsidy to 3.5 million Australians to keep them in work during the pandemic lockdown.
A protester became sick after attending a Melbourne rally on Saturday and later tested positive for COVID-19. Authorities suspected he was infected before the rally and might have spread the virus to other protesters. Authorities say any disease cluster caused by last weekend’s rallies might not become apparent for weeks.
Australia is relaxing its pandemic restrictions, with 2,000 fans allowed in Adelaide for an Australian rules football match on Saturday, but no protest rallies.
Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria, which is alone among Australia’s eight states and territories to experience community spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks. Most cases involve people who have returned from overseas.
Australia has not recorded any COVID-19 deaths since May 23, when the toll rose to 102. The country has confirmed 7,285 coronavirus cases and 524 cases remain active.
___
Associated Press writer Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Spanish police smash sub-Saharan human trafficking ring

MADRID ( AP ) - Spanish police said Friday they have dismantled a major human-trafficking organization that smuggled Africans into @ @ @ @ @ suspected of bringing around 1,000 people , including children and pregnant women , from sub-Saharan @ @ @ @ @ there , they were distributed between France , Germany and Belgium , a police statement @ @ @ @ @ had to pay the gang at least 500 euros ( $ 566 ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ Spain ’ s Catalonia region and run mostly by sub-Saharan Africans .
The police operation @ @ @ @ @ , France , Germany , the Netherlands , Belgium and Portugal , led to the @ @ @ @ @

MADRID (AP) - Spanish police said Friday they have dismantled a major human-trafficking organization that smuggled Africans into Europe.
The gang is suspected of bringing around 1,000 people, including children and pregnant women, from sub-Saharan Africa to Spain. From there, they were distributed between France, Germany and Belgium, a police statement said.
Each smuggled person had to pay the gang at least 500 euros ($566).
The ring was organized out of Spain’s Catalonia region and run mostly by sub-Saharan Africans.
The police operation, involving authorities from Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal, led to the arrest of 12 people.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--International Criminal Court condemns US sanctions order

THE HAGUE , Netherlands ( AP ) - The International Criminal Court has condemned the Trump administration ’ s decision to authorize sanctions against court staff , saying it amounted to “ an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court ’ s judicial proceedings.
” An executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday authorizes sanctions against ICC staff investigating American troops and intelligence officials and those of allied nations , including Israel , for possible war crimes in Afghanistan and elsewhere .
Trump ’ s order would block the financial assets of court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatives from entering the United States .
The court , which has 123 member states , said in a statement released early Friday that it “ stands firmly by its staff and officials and remains unwavering in its commitment to discharging , independently and impartially , the mandate ” laid down in its founding treaty , the Rome Statute .
It said an attack on the Hague-based court also constitutes “ an attack against the interests of victims of atrocity crimes , for many of whom the Court represents the last hope for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court ’ s management and oversight mechanism , the Assembly of States Parties , also criticized the U.S. measures .
“ They undermine our common endeavor to fight impunity and to ensure accountability for mass atrocities , ” he said in a statement .
“ I deeply regret measures targeting Court officials , staff and their families.
” The Hague-based court was created in 2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes of humanity and genocide in places where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice .
The U.S. has never been an ICC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo on Thursday denounced the tribunal as a “ kangaroo court ” that has been unsuccessful and inefficient in prosecuting war crimes .
He said that the U.S. would punish the ICC employees for any investigation or prosecution of Americans in Afghanistan and added that they could also be banned for prosecuting Israelis for alleged abuses against Palestinians .
“ It gives us no joy to punish them , ” Pompeo said .
“ But we can not allow ICC officials and their families to come to the United States to shop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these same officials seek to prosecute the defender of those very freedoms.
” Last year , Pompeo revoked the visa of the court ’ s chief prosecutor , Fatou Bensouda , after she asked ICC judges to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan .
The judges initially rejected the request , she appealed and the the court authorized the investigation in March .
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said in a tweet Friday he was “ very disturbed by the United States ’ measures ” and called on Washington not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and in upholding international rule of law , ” Blok tweeted .
Senior U.N. and EU officials also spoke out against the decision .
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Trump ’ s order “ is a matter of serious concern ” and he described EU members as “ steadfast supporters ” of the tribunal.
” Borrell said “ it is a key factor in bringing justice and peace , ” and that “ it must be respected and supported by all nations.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with concern ” about reports of Trump ’ s order , said Stephane Dujarric , spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres .
The American Civil Liberties Union suggested it might seek legal recourse and said the order was “ a dangerous display of his contempt for human rights and those working to uphold them.
” Israel ’ s prime minister , Benjamin Netanyahu , backed the U.S. action , accusing the court of fabricating “ outlandish charges ” against his country , and praising the U.S. for standing up for what he called truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Riechmann and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this story .

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The International Criminal Court has condemned the Trump administration’s decision to authorize sanctions against court staff, saying it amounted to “an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court’s judicial proceedings.”
An executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday authorizes sanctions against ICC staff investigating American troops and intelligence officials and those of allied nations, including Israel, for possible war crimes in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Trump’s order would block the financial assets of court employees and bar them and their immediate relatives from entering the United States.
The court, which has 123 member states, said in a statement released early Friday that it “stands firmly by its staff and officials and remains unwavering in its commitment to discharging, independently and impartially, the mandate” laid down in its founding treaty, the Rome Statute.
It said an attack on the Hague-based court also constitutes “an attack against the interests of victims of atrocity crimes, for many of whom the Court represents the last hope for justice.”
O-Gon Kwon, president of the court’s management and oversight mechanism, the Assembly of States Parties, also criticized the U.S. measures.
“They undermine our common endeavor to fight impunity and to ensure accountability for mass atrocities,” he said in a statement. “I deeply regret measures targeting Court officials, staff and their families.”
The Hague-based court was created in 2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes of humanity and genocide in places where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice. The U.S. has never been an ICC member.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday denounced the tribunal as a “kangaroo court” that has been unsuccessful and inefficient in prosecuting war crimes. He said that the U.S. would punish the ICC employees for any investigation or prosecution of Americans in Afghanistan and added that they could also be banned for prosecuting Israelis for alleged abuses against Palestinians.
“It gives us no joy to punish them,” Pompeo said. “But we cannot allow ICC officials and their families to come to the United States to shop and travel and otherwise enjoy American freedoms as these same officials seek to prosecute the defender of those very freedoms.”
Last year, Pompeo revoked the visa of the court’s chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, after she asked ICC judges to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The judges initially rejected the request, she appealed and the the court authorized the investigation in March.
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said in a tweet Friday he was “very disturbed by the United States’ measures” and called on Washington not to sanction ICC staff.
“The ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and in upholding international rule of law,” Blok tweeted.
Senior U.N. and EU officials also spoke out against the decision.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Trump’s order “is a matter of serious concern” and he described EU members as “steadfast supporters” of the tribunal.” Borrell said “it is a key factor in bringing justice and peace,” and that “it must be respected and supported by all nations.”
The United Nations has “taken note with concern” about reports of Trump’s order, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that Berlin had taken note of the announcement “with great concern.”
“We have full confidence in (the ICC’s) work,” the ministry said. “It is an indispensable institution in the fight against impunity of international crimes and needed more than ever these days. We reject any pressure on the independent court, its staff or people who work with it.”
Switzerland said it “regrets” the U.S. sanctions and affirmed its support for the court “as an independent institution that prosecutes the most serious crimes and thereby contributes to lasting peace and international stability.”
“Switzerland calls on the USA to revoke these comprehensive measures,” the Foreign Ministry in Bern said in a statement.
It also called on the United States to “conduct a full investigation and prosecution of U.S. personnel” implicated in serious crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.
The American Civil Liberties Union suggested it might seek legal recourse and said the order was “a dangerous display of his contempt for human rights and those working to uphold them.”
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, backed the U.S. action, accusing the court of fabricating “outlandish charges” against his country, and praising the U.S. for standing up for what he called truth and justice.
____
Associated Press Writers Deb Riechmann and Matthew Lee in Washington, and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this story.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Prosecutors question Italy's Conte over slow virus lockdowns

ROME ( AP ) - Prosecutors went to question Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday about the lack of a coronavirus lockdown on two towns in northern Italy ’ s Lombardy region that became one of the hardest-hit areas of the country ’ s outbreak .
Doctors and virologists have said the two-week delay in quarantining Alzano and Nembro helped allow the virus to spread in Bergamo province , which saw a 571 % increase in excess deaths in March compared with the average of the previous five years .
Lead prosecutor Maria Cristina Rota arrived with a team of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office in Rome , Palazzo Chigi , on Friday morning .
In addition to Conte , she is expected to question the health and interior ministers .
In previous days , Rota has interviewed the head of the Superior Institute of Health .
To date , no one has been placed under investigation and it ’ s unclear what , if any , criminal responsibility might be assigned to public officials for decisions taken or not in the onetime epicenter of Europe ’ s outbreak .
Among other things , the probe is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national government in Rome , or the Lombardy regional authorities , to create a so-called “ red zone ” around the two towns .
After interviewing Lombardy regional officials last month , Rota said it appeared it was the national government ’ s responsibility .
But Conte ’ s office has pointed to norms that delegate such authority to regions , and noted that other regions have instituted “ red zones ” on their own .
Italy registered its first domestic positive case Feb. 21 in the Lombardy province of Lodi .
Ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to try to contain the spread .
Alzano and Nembro registered their first positive cases two days later , on Feb. 23 , but the government didn ’ t quarantine them for two weeks until all of Lombardy was locked down March 7 .
Asked if , in hindsight , he should have locked down sooner , Conte told La Stampa daily Friday that he was at peace with the decisions taken .
“ I acted based on science and conscience , ” he was quoted as saying .
On March 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ red zone ” around Alzano and Nembro .
But in those same days , the Bergamo branch of Italy ’ s leading business lobby , Confindustria , promoted an English-language social media campaign meant to reassure Bergamo ’ s international industrial partners .
The # BergamoIsRunning campaign insisted the outbreak was no worse than elsewhere , that the “ misleading sensation ” of its high number of infections was due to aggressive testing , and that production in steel mills and other industries was unaffected .
Bergamo Mayor Giorgio Gori initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regrets not having locked down sooner .
But he said at the time , no one knew the extent of contagion or that the virus had been circulating widely in Bergamo as early as January .
“ We didn ’ t lose five days , we lost two months , ” Gori told the foreign press association this week .
He noted that Italy ’ s health ministry on Jan. 22 issued a circular instructing local health authorities to flag any cases of anomalous pneumonia as possible coronavirus cases that should be tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry amended that instruction to only test pneumonia patients who had visited China or been in direct contact with someone who had .
The narrowing of criteria “ restricted the field of observation and impeded Italy , Lombardy and Bergamo from recognizing that the epidemic was already here many weeks before it was officially recognized , ” he said .
In a separate tangent of the investigation , at least 50 families who lost loved ones to the virus have provided Bergamo prosecutors with formal legal complaints to seek clarity if there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stefano Fusco , who helped organize a Facebook group at the peak of the epidemic that collected stories of loss , said the testimony is not aimed at prosecuting individual health care workers but revealing where the system might have failed .
Fusco said the industrial importance of Alzano and Nembro to Lombardy ’ s economy , which accounts for some 21 % of Italy ’ s gross domestic product , clearly impacted the decision to not lock down .
“ There are more than 300 businesses and thousands and thousands of jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , Alzano and Nembro are the pistons of this motor , ” he said .
Cristina Longhini , a pharmacist whose father died March 19 , said the group is seeking answers from prosecutors as to whether the national government , regional officials , local health care officials or the industrial lobby bore any blame for the deaths .
Longhini said her 65-year-old father had diabetes but was otherwise healthy when he fell sick at the beginning of March .
She said his doctor refused to see him in person and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t having respiratory problems .
Only once he was taken to Bergamo ’ s Pope John XXIII hospital was it confirmed that he had the virus .
But the hospital told the family they didn ’ t have a bed for him in the intensive care unit , Longhini said .
“ Tell us who is responsible , because in Italy everyone tends to lay the blame on someone else , ” she told reporters .

ROME (AP) - Prosecutors questioned Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday about the lack of a coronavirus lockdown on two towns in northern Italy’s Lombardy region that became one of the hardest-hit areas of the country’s outbreak.
Doctors and virologists have said the two-week delay in quarantining Alzano and Nembro helped allow the virus to spread in Bergamo province, which saw a 571% increase in excess deaths in March compared with the average of the previous five years.
Lead prosecutor Maria Cristina Rota questioned Conte, and the health and interior ministers, at the premier’s office in Rome. She stressed that the officials were interviewed as witnesses in the investigation, not suspects.
“The hearing went on in a cordial manner and there was maximum institutional cooperation,” she told reporters at the end of the session. “We leave grateful for the declarations received, and we’ll go finish our job.”
To date, no one has been placed under investigation and it’s unclear what, if any, criminal responsibility might be assigned to public officials for decisions taken or not in the onetime epicenter of Europe’s outbreak.
Among other things, the probe is looking into whether it fell to the national government in Rome, or the Lombardy regional authorities, to create a so-called “red zone” around the two towns.
After interviewing Lombardy regional officials last month, Rota said it appeared it was the national government’s responsibility. But Conte’s office has pointed to norms that delegate such authority to regions, and noted that other regions have instituted “red zones” on their own.
Italy registered its first domestic positive case Feb. 21 in the Lombardy province of Lodi. Ten towns in the province were immediately locked down to try to contain the spread. Alzano and Nembro registered their first positive cases two days later, on Feb. 23, but the government didn’t quarantine them for two weeks until all of Lombardy was locked down March 7.
Asked if, in hindsight, he should have locked down sooner, Conte told La Stampa daily Friday that he was at peace with the decisions taken. “I acted based on science and conscience,” he was quoted as saying.
On March 3, the Superior Institute of Health recommended a “red zone” around Alzano and Nembro. But in those same days, the Bergamo branch of Italy’s leading business lobby, Confindustria, promoted an English-language social media campaign meant to reassure Bergamo’s international industrial partners.
The #BergamoIsRunning campaign insisted the outbreak was no worse than elsewhere, that the “misleading sensation” of its high number of infections was due to aggressive testing, and that production in steel mills and other industries was unaffected.
Bergamo Mayor Giorgio Gori initially supported the campaign but now says he regrets not having locked down sooner. But he said at the time, no one knew the extent of contagion or that the virus had been circulating widely in Bergamo as early as January.
“We didn’t lose five days, we lost two months,” Gori told the foreign press association this week.
He noted that Italy’s health ministry on Jan. 22 issued a circular instructing local health authorities to flag any cases of anomalous pneumonia as possible coronavirus cases that should be tested. On Jan. 27, the health ministry amended that instruction to only test pneumonia patients who had visited China or been in direct contact with someone who had.
The narrowing of criteria “restricted the field of observation and impeded Italy, Lombardy and Bergamo from recognizing that the epidemic was already here many weeks before it was officially recognized,” he said.
In a separate tangent of the investigation, at least 50 families who lost loved ones to the virus have provided Bergamo prosecutors with formal legal complaints to seek clarity if there was wrongdoing in any of the cases.
Stefano Fusco, who helped organize a Facebook group at the peak of the epidemic that collected stories of loss, said the testimony is not aimed at prosecuting individual health care workers but revealing where the system might have failed.
Fusco told reporters this week that the industrial importance of Alzano and Nembro to Lombardy’s economy, which accounts for some 21% of Italy’s gross domestic product, clearly impacted the decision to not lock down.
“There are more than 300 businesses and thousands and thousands of jobs. If Lombardy is the motor of Italy, Alzano and Nembro are the pistons of this motor,” he said.
Cristina Longhini, a pharmacist whose father died March 19, said the group is seeking answers from prosecutors as to whether the national government, regional officials, local health care officials or the industrial lobby bore any blame for the deaths.
Longhini said her 65-year-old father had diabetes but was otherwise healthy when he fell sick at the beginning of March. She said his doctor refused to see him in person and he wasn’t tested because he wasn’t having respiratory problems.
Only once he was taken to Bergamo’s Pope John XXIII hospital was it confirmed that he had the virus. But the hospital told the family they didn’t have a bed for him in the intensive care unit, Longhini said.
“Tell us who is responsible, because in Italy everyone tends to lay the blame on someone else,” she told reporters.
___
AP video journalist Luigi Navarro contributed.
___
Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--5 Things to Know for Today

5 Things to Know for Today

Your daily look at late-breaking news , upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today : 1 .
HISTORICAL FIGURES REASSESSED AROUND GLOBE The movement to pull down Confederate monuments around the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death extends to statues of slave traders , imperialists , conquerors and explorers around the world .
2 .
‘ WE HAVE GLIMMERS OF HOPE ’ Scientists are beginning a new study to tell if the blood plasma of COVID-19 survivors might help prevent infection in the first place .
3 .
EXPERTS : POLICE UNDERTRAINED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say officers lack adequate training on how and when to use force , leaving them unprepared to handle tense situations .
4 .
‘ I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD WATCH MY MOTHER GO LIKE THIS ’ Like elsewhere in the world , the coronavirus has made honoring the dead in India a hurried affair , largely devoid of the rituals that give it meaning for mourners .
5 .
CHIEFS LEAD VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE The Super Bowl champions are putting together the program in response to the social unrest that has gripped the @ @

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
1. HISTORICAL FIGURES REASSESSED AROUND GLOBE The movement to pull down Confederate monuments around the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd’s death extends to statues of slave traders, imperialists, conquerors and explorers around the world.
2. ‘WE HAVE GLIMMERS OF HOPE’ Scientists are beginning a new study to tell if the blood plasma of COVID-19 survivors might help prevent infection in the first place.
3. EXPERTS: POLICE UNDERTRAINED IN USE OF FORCE Instructors and researchers say officers lack adequate training on how and when to use force, leaving them unprepared to handle tense situations.
4. ‘I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD WATCH MY MOTHER GO LIKE THIS’ Like elsewhere in the world, the coronavirus has made honoring the dead in India a hurried affair, largely devoid of the rituals that give it meaning for mourners.
5. CHIEFS LEAD VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE The Super Bowl champions are putting together the program in response to the social unrest that has gripped the nation.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Dallas agrees to temporary ban on less-lethal police weapons

DALLAS ( AP ) - Dallas officials have agreed to a 90-day ban on the use of tear gas and other less-lethal police crowd-control weapons against demonstrators .
U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay approved late Thursday a consent decree in which Dallas police agree not to use against peaceful demonstrators smoke bombs , flashbangs , pepperballs , Mace or other chemical agents .
They also agree to not fire such impact projectiles as rubber bullets , bean bags or sponges .
The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until Sept. 9 unless extended , amended or dissolved by the judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city and police after rubber bullets injured them during two separate Black Lives Matter marches in Dallas .
The demonstrations are a reaction to the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer .
According to their civil rights lawsuit against the city and police , Doyle suffered a shattered left cheek and impaired vision in his left eye during a May 30 march , and Williams was left bleeding and handcuffed after suffering a massive contusion while part of a crowd that occupied the Margaret Hunt Bridge over the Trinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people were also severely injured by these ‘ less lethal ’ bullets in Dallas … including a 26-year-old Brandon Saenz who permanently lost his left eye and a young woman who was shot in the forehead while walking home from a grocery store , ” the lawsuit stated .
In a statement , the Dallas Police Department said it “ respects the judge ’ s decision and our officers will comply with the preliminary injunction - prohibiting the use of ‘ less lethal ’ weapons during peaceful protests .
We support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exercise their civil liberty .
Officers will continue to monitor and patrol the protests to ensure that protesters are safe , as well as the businesses and the city of Dallas as a whole.
” The statement also said the department is a “ proponent of police reform.
” “ In the coming days and months , we will implement new policies to address police brutality and the inequalities communities of color endure due to systemic racism and injustices .
DPD is committed to bridging the gap with all of our residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and serve the City of Dallas , ” the department said .

DALLAS (AP) - Dallas officials have agreed to a 90-day ban on the use of tear gas and other less-lethal police crowd-control weapons against demonstrators.
U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay approved late Thursday a consent decree in which Dallas police agree not to use against peaceful demonstrators smoke bombs, flashbangs, pepperballs, Mace or other chemical agents. They also agree to not fire such impact projectiles as rubber bullets, bean bags or sponges.
The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until Sept. 9 unless extended, amended or dissolved by the judge.
Tasia Williams and Vincent Doyle sued the city and police after rubber bullets injured them during two separate Black Lives Matter marches in Dallas.
The demonstrations are a reaction to the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer.
According to their civil rights lawsuit against the city and police, Doyle suffered a shattered left cheek and impaired vision in his left eye during a May 30 march, and Williams was left bleeding and handcuffed after suffering a massive contusion while part of a crowd that occupied the Margaret Hunt Bridge over the Trinity River on June 1.
“Many other people were also severely injured by these ‘less lethal’ bullets in Dallas … including a 26-year-old Brandon Saenz who permanently lost his left eye and a young woman who was shot in the forehead while walking home from a grocery store,” the lawsuit stated.
In a statement, the Dallas Police Department said it “respects the judge’s decision and our officers will comply with the preliminary injunction - prohibiting the use of ‘less lethal’ weapons during peaceful protests. We support the First Amendment and our residents’ right to exercise their civil liberty. Officers will continue to monitor and patrol the protests to ensure that protesters are safe, as well as the businesses and the city of Dallas as a whole.”
The statement also said the department is a “proponent of police reform.”
“In the coming days and months, we will implement new policies to address police brutality and the inequalities communities of color endure due to systemic racism and injustices. DPD is committed to bridging the gap with all of our residents and will uphold our oath to protect and serve the City of Dallas,” the department said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Judge limits California governor's emergency rule-making

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - A California judge on Friday sided with Republican legislators who said Gov .
Gavin Newsom overstepped his powers with dozens of emergency orders during the coronavirus crisis that changed everything from how public meetings are conducted to when tenants can be evicted .
Sutter County Superior Court Judge Perry Parker only halted one of the orders , involving the November election , but ordered Newsom to refrain from new orders that might be interpreted as usurping the Legislature ’ s responsibilities .
The judge appeared to adopt without changes a proposed order submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kevin Kiley , who challenged the election order .
Parker barred Newsom “ from further exercising any legislative powers in violation of the California Constitution and applicable statute , specifically from unilaterally amending , altering , or changing existing statutory law or making new statutory law.
” He scheduled a hearing for June 26 to consider issuing a preliminary injunction .
“ This is a victory for separation of powers , ” the lawmakers said in a joint statement .
“ The governor has continued to brazenly legislate by fiat without public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Legislature .
Today the judicial branch finally gave him the check that was needed and that the Constitution requires.
” The state attorney general ’ s office referred questions to the governor ’ s office because he is their client in the case .
Newsom spokesman Jesse Melgar said in a statement that , “ We are disappointed in this initial ruling and look forward to the opportunity to brief the Court on the issues.
” Newsom broadly and repeatedly used his executive and emergency authority during the first weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and its economy .
He ’ s had the backing of federal and state courts that have blocked previous challenges to his efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Richard Hasen , a professor of law and political science at the University of California , Irvine , said Parker ’ s order appears to block executive orders “ that would suspend or alter statutory law or further exercise ‘ legislative powers.
’ ” “ There can of course be disagreements about what that means in the context of particular executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chemerinsky , dean of the law school at the University of California , Berkeley , said the judge ’ s order “ says only that the governor can not issue orders that violate the law.
” “ The paragraph in the order is vague , but I think it clearly does not forbid all executive orders , just those that are unconstitutional or violate statutes , ” he said .
Lawmakers of both political parties have criticized Newsom , a Democrat , for not sufficiently including them in his sweeping declarations and budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor has issued more than 40 executive orders , according to a court filing by Gallagher .
They include halting evictions , delaying late fees for paying taxes or renewing drivers licenses , allowing grocery stores to once again hand out single-use bags for free - even allowing couples to be married by video or teleconference , with marriage licenses and certificates digitally signed and sent by email .
They are in a 28-page list submitted by Kiley of Newsom ’ s orders that alter existing state laws .
They also include allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telephone meetings instead of meeting in person ; extending deadlines for various businesses to pay fees , file reports or renew licenses ; suspending rules intended to protect patients ’ medical privacy ; suspending deadlines and instructional requirements for local school districts ; and suspending election deadlines and procedures .
Parker ’ s broad language forbidding future orders was at the end of a five-paragraph ruling specifically halting a June 3 executive order requiring county election officials to establish hundreds of locations around the state where voters can cast ballots in person in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that order , calling it “ an impermissible use of legislative powers in violation of the California Constitution and the laws of the State of California.
” Newsom previously had ordered officials to send every registered voter a mail-in ballot for the election as one of many responses to the coronavirus pandemic .
Republicans from President Donald Trump on down have criticized that move as allowing for potential voter fraud , but Parker ’ s ruling did not address that earlier order .
Separately , however , the conservative group Judicial Watch said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own federal lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction against Newom ’ s order that ballots be sent to every voter .
State lawmakers , meanwhile , are advancing their own bills that would direct counties to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter .
The Assemblymen ’ s lawsuit notes that they have been back in session since May 4 , including when Newsom issued the elections order , despite having suspended the legislative session at the start of the pandemic .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A California judge on Friday sided with Republican legislators who said Gov. Gavin Newsom overstepped his powers with dozens of emergency orders during the coronavirus crisis that changed everything from how public meetings are conducted to when tenants can be evicted.
Sutter County Superior Court Judge Perry Parker only halted one of the orders, involving the November election, but ordered Newsom to refrain from new orders that might be interpreted as usurping the Legislature’s responsibilities.
The judge appeared to adopt without changes a proposed order submitted to him by GOP Assemblymen James Gallagher and Kevin Kiley, who challenged the election order.
Parker barred Newsom “from further exercising any legislative powers in violation of the California Constitution and applicable statute, specifically from unilaterally amending, altering, or changing existing statutory law or making new statutory law.” He scheduled a hearing for June 26 to consider issuing a preliminary injunction.
“This is a victory for separation of powers,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “The governor has continued to brazenly legislate by fiat without public input and without the deliberative process provided by the Legislature. Today the judicial branch finally gave him the check that was needed and that the Constitution requires.”
The state attorney general’s office referred questions to the governor’s office because he is their client in the case.
Newsom spokesman Jesse Melgar said in a statement that, “We are disappointed in this initial ruling and look forward to the opportunity to brief the Court on the issues.”
Newsom broadly and repeatedly used his executive and emergency authority during the first weeks of the pandemic to virtually shut down the state and its economy. He’s had the backing of federal and state courts that have blocked previous challenges to his efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Richard Hasen, a professor of law and political science at the University of California, Irvine, said Parker’s order appears to block executive orders “that would suspend or alter statutory law or further exercise ‘legislative powers.’”
“There can of course be disagreements about what that means in the context of particular executive orders,” he said.
Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the law school at the University of California, Berkeley, said the judge’s order “says only that the governor cannot issue orders that violate the law.”
“The paragraph in the order is vague, but I think it clearly does not forbid all executive orders, just those that are unconstitutional or violate statutes,” he said.
Lawmakers of both political parties have criticized Newsom, a Democrat, for not sufficiently including them in his sweeping declarations and budget decisions since the pandemic began. The governor has issued more than 40 executive orders, according to a court filing by Gallagher.
They include halting evictions, delaying late fees for paying taxes or renewing drivers licenses, allowing grocery stores to once again hand out single-use bags for free - even allowing couples to be married by video or teleconference, with marriage licenses and certificates digitally signed and sent by email.
They are in a 28-page list submitted by Kiley of Newsom’s orders that alter existing state laws.
They also include allowing local and state governments to hold public telephone meetings instead of meeting in person; extending deadlines for various businesses to pay fees, file reports or renew licenses; suspending rules intended to protect patients’ medical privacy; suspending deadlines and instructional requirements for local school districts; and suspending election deadlines and procedures.
Parker’s broad language forbidding future orders was at the end of a five-paragraph ruling specifically halting a June 3 executive order requiring county election officials to establish hundreds of locations around the state where voters can cast ballots in person in the November election.
Parker temporarily blocked that order, calling it “an impermissible use of legislative powers in violation of the California Constitution and the laws of the State of California.”
Newsom previously had ordered officials to send every registered voter a mail-in ballot for the election as one of many responses to the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans from President Donald Trump on down have criticized that move as allowing for potential voter fraud, but Parker’s ruling did not address that earlier order.
Separately, however, the conservative group Judicial Watch said it has filed a motion in its own federal lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction against Newom’s order that ballots be sent to every voter.
State lawmakers, meanwhile, are advancing their own bills that would direct counties to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter. The Assemblymen’s lawsuit notes that they have been back in session since May 4, including when Newsom issued the elections order, despite having suspended the legislative session at the start of the pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Symphony board suspends events, furloughs staff, musicians

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - The Nashville Symphony board of directors decided on Friday to suspend programs through next July and furlough its music director and other full-time staff and dozens of musicians due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The symphony has had to cancel or reschedule more than 65 concerts and events since March and projects losses from the pandemic to reach $ 8 million , nearly 30 % of its annual income , it said in a news release .
The board voted to furlough 79 musicians and 49 full-time staff members , including Music Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ First and foremost , we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patrons , along with our musicians , staff and volunteers , board Chairman Mark Peacock said in the release .
“ That means doing everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
With operational costs totaling $ 2.3 million every month , we also face an enormous financial risk due to the continuing uncertainty caused by this pandemic.
” Nashville Musicians Association President Dave Pomeroy said the local wants to help work out details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time comes .

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Nashville Symphony board of directors decided on Friday to suspend programs through next July and furlough its music director and other full-time staff and dozens of musicians due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The symphony has had to cancel or reschedule more than 65 concerts and events since March and projects losses from the pandemic to reach $8 million, nearly 30% of its annual income, it said in a news release.
The board voted to furlough 79 musicians and 49 full-time staff members, including Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, effective July 1.
“First and foremost, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patrons, along with our musicians, staff and volunteers, board Chairman Mark Peacock said in the release. “That means doing everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With operational costs totaling $2.3 million every month, we also face an enormous financial risk due to the continuing uncertainty caused by this pandemic.”
Nashville Musicians Association President Dave Pomeroy said the local wants to help work out details of the orchestra’s safe return when the time comes.


washingtontimes--2020-06-12--Bodies of 2 missing swimmers recovered at Lake Pueblo

PUEBLO , Colo. ( AP ) - Searchers have recovered the bodies of two swimmers who were reported missing at @ @ @ @ @ .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials say one body was found late Friday afternoon using @ @ @ @ @ was found a short time later by an underwater drone .
The victims ’ names @ @ @ @ @ released .
The swimmers went missing earlier in the day near a beach on the @ @ @ @ @ .
The area is popular among jetskiers and stand-up paddleboarders .
No other information was @ @

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - Searchers have recovered the bodies of two swimmers who were reported missing at Lake Pueblo in southern Colorado.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials say one body was found late Friday afternoon using sonar, and the other was found a short time later by an underwater drone. The victims’ names and ages have not been released.
The swimmers went missing earlier in the day near a beach on the north side of the lake. The area is popular among jetskiers and stand-up paddleboarders.
No other information was released.