washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Mexican man with coronavirus dies in ICE custody

WEST PALM BEACH , Fla. ( AP ) - A Mexican man being held in U.S. immigration custody in Florida @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus , officials said Monday .
Onoval Perez-Montufa , 51 , died Sunday @ @ @ @ @ County hospital , according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release .
He @ @ @ @ @ on July 2 at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven , which is @ @ @ @ @ Medical staff at the facility began treating him a day earlier after he complained of @ @ @ @ @ initially entered ICE custody June 15 following his release from federal prison in Massachusetts , @ @ @ @ @ years for cocaine distribution .
He was in ICE custody pending his removal to Mexico @ @ @ @ @ died in May after testing positive for coronavirus at a San Diego , California , @ @ @ @ @ man died later that month at a Lumpkin , Georgia , facility .

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Mexican man being held in U.S. immigration custody in Florida died shortly after testing positive for the coronavirus, officials said Monday.
Onoval Perez-Montufa, 51, died Sunday afternoon at a Palm Beach County hospital, according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release. He had tested positive for COVID-19 on July 2 at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, which is west of Lake Okeechobee. Medical staff at the facility began treating him a day earlier after he complained of shortness of breath.
Perez-Montufa initially entered ICE custody June 15 following his release from federal prison in Massachusetts, where he had served 12 years for cocaine distribution. He was in ICE custody pending his removal to Mexico.
An El Salvador man died in May after testing positive for coronavirus at a San Diego, California, ICE facility. A Guatemala man died later that month at a Lumpkin, Georgia, facility.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Protesters: Caribou heart meant to send message to senator

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - The man who owned a caribou heart that protesters said they wanted to give U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan during a disrupted campaign event said Sullivan reminded him of the robotic Tin Man from “ The Wizard of Oz , ” and he wanted to give him a heart .
Samuel Johns said his intended message was tied to Sullivan ’ s support for opening a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling .
The refuge provides grounds for the Porcupine Caribou herd , which is significant to the Indigenous Gwich ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I should give him a heart as a symbolic message that the caribou heart is what has kept my people alive for thousands of years , ” Johns said Monday .
Sullivan ’ s campaign defended the senator ’ s record .
State officials have long pushed for opening part of the refuge for oil and gas drilling , including all three current Republican members of Alaska ’ s congressional delegation .
Johns said he was not at Saturday ’ s event in Anchorage , in which a protester stepped on stage next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pull the heart from a bag .
Video posted by the Alaska Landmine blog shows another woman run into Sullivan ’ s campaign manager , Matt Shuckerow , as he moved toward the protester on stage .
That woman was knocked down .
A statement from the protesters released to the Anchorage Daily News said the woman was trying to get between them .
Shuckerow said the actions taken by protesters at the event , at an airport hangar in Anchorage , were dangerous and unsafe .
Protesters said unnecessary force was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The matter was being reviewed by police from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and the city , said David Schulling , deputy chief for airport police and fire .
“ We ’ re still looking into it , to try to determine what exactly took place , ” he said .
Shuckerow described the incident as a “ very serious security threat , ” and said he was concerned about the woman who stepped on stage as she “ was reaching to grab something concealed within a handbag.
” He also thought they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Sullivans .
Johns said “ blood , anywhere , was not part of the plan , ” and said he should have been more explicit on the handling of the once-frozen heart .
Kathleen Bonnar , the protester who went on stage , said she never planned to throw the heart .
Sullivan is seeking a second term in office .
His wife is Alaska Native and from a prominent Alaska family .
Rina Kowalski said she was among the protesters and had bruises after the event .
She called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get Sullivan ’ s attention .
“ And it did capture attention .
… Our goal was fulfilled , ” she said .
“ Hopefully he can ’ t ignore us now .
”

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The man who owned a caribou heart that protesters said they wanted to give U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan during a disrupted campaign event said Sullivan reminded him of the robotic Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz,” and he wanted to give him a heart.
Samuel Johns said his intended message was tied to Sullivan’s support for opening a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling. The refuge provides grounds for the Porcupine Caribou herd, which is significant to the Indigenous Gwich’in.
“I thought, maybe I should give him a heart as a symbolic message that the caribou heart is what has kept my people alive for thousands of years,” Johns said Monday.
Sullivan’s campaign defended the senator’s record. State officials have long pushed for opening part of the refuge for oil and gas drilling, including all three current Republican members of Alaska’s congressional delegation.
Johns said he was not at Saturday’s event in Anchorage, in which a protester stepped on stage next to Sullivan and his wife and attempted to pull the heart from a bag. Video posted by the Alaska Landmine blog shows another woman run into Sullivan’s campaign manager, Matt Shuckerow, as he moved toward the protester on stage. That woman was knocked down. A statement from the protesters released to the Anchorage Daily News said the woman was trying to get between them.
Shuckerow said the actions taken by protesters at the event, at an airport hangar in Anchorage, were dangerous and unsafe. Protesters said unnecessary force was used in responding to their actions.
The matter was being reviewed by police from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and the city, said David Schulling, deputy chief for airport police and fire.
“We’re still looking into it, to try to determine what exactly took place,” he said.
Shuckerow described the incident as a “very serious security threat,” and said he was concerned about the woman who stepped on stage as she “was reaching to grab something concealed within a handbag.” He also thought they might throw the “bleeding” heart at the Sullivans.
Johns said “blood, anywhere, was not part of the plan,” and said he should have been more explicit on the handling of the once-frozen heart.
Kathleen Bonnar, the protester who went on stage, said she never planned to throw the heart.
Sullivan is seeking a second term in office. His wife is Alaska Native and from a prominent Alaska family.
Rina Kowalski said she was among the protesters and had bruises after the event. She called the protest bold and said she hoped it would get Sullivan’s attention.
“And it did capture attention. … Our goal was fulfilled,” she said. “Hopefully he can’t ignore us now.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--UN: Airstrike in northwest Yemen kills 7 children, 2 women

CAIRO ( AP ) - An airstrike in northwest Yemen killed seven children and two women , the United Nations reported Monday , the latest escalation of a conflict that has killed thousands of civilians and spawned the world ’ s worst humanitarian crisis .
The Houthi rebels had accused their rivals , the Saudi-led coalition , of striking civilian targets across northwest Yemen late Sunday , killing women and children as young as 2 years old .
The U.N. humanitarian office in Yemen said field reports appeared to confirm an attack that left nine dead and wounded another two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It is truly appalling to hear accounts of lifeless children being dragged out of the rubble , ” said Xavier Joubert , Save the Children ’ s country director in Yemen .
The Saudi-led coalition said it would investigate the strike “ to consider the possibility of an accident.
” “ Based on what was revealed … about the possibility of civilian casualties during an operation targeting a gathering of Houthi leaders , all documents were transferred to the Joint Incident Assessment Team for consideration , ” said coalition spokesman Col. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn international criticism for errant airstrikes that have hit schools , hospitals and wedding parties , killing thousands of civilians .
The coronavirus pandemic , which has surged across war-torn Yemen and overwhelmed its deficient health system , has created new urgency for peace efforts .
But U.N.-backed proposals to bring about a cease-fire between the internationally recognized government , backed by the coalition , and the Iran-supported Houthi rebels , have so far failed to gain traction .
“ It is incomprehensible that in the middle of the COVID pandemic , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table , civilians continue being killed in Yemen , ” said Lise Grande , humanitarian coordinator for Yemen .
Meanwhile , the coalition has stepped up airstrikes , including on the capital , Sanaa , and the Houthis have escalated their cross-border attacks on the kingdom .
Yehia Sarea , the Houthi military spokesman , claimed Sunday that the rebels had launched a large-scale attack on Saudi airports and military bases .
The coalition said its air defense systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and seven explosive drones .
“ Yemen can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with each month bringing some new measure of civilian misery .
“ Health and water programs are shutting , famine is stalking the country again , and people all across the country are being hit hard by COVID.
” Nearly 80 % of the country ’ s 24 million people require aid .
Meanwhile , a U.N. humanitarian appeal for Yemen this month fell $ 1 billion short of what aid agencies needed .
As a result , some 75 % of U.N. programs for the country have shut their doors or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 when the Houthis overran Sanaa and much of the country ’ s north .
The Saudi-led coalition , with support from the U.S. , intervened several months later to oust the Houthis and restore the internationally recognized government .
The war has killed over 112,000 people , including 12,600 civilians , according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project .

CAIRO (AP) - An airstrike in northwest Yemen killed seven children and two women, the United Nations reported Monday, the latest escalation of a conflict that has killed thousands of civilians and spawned the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The Houthi rebels had accused their rivals, the Saudi-led coalition, of striking civilian targets across northwest Yemen late Sunday, killing women and children as young as 2 years old.
The U.N. humanitarian office in Yemen said field reports appeared to confirm an attack that left nine dead and wounded another two children and two women in Hajjah province.
“It is truly appalling to hear accounts of lifeless children being dragged out of the rubble,” said Xavier Joubert, Save the Children’s country director in Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition said it would investigate the strike “to consider the possibility of an accident.”
“Based on what was revealed … about the possibility of civilian casualties during an operation targeting a gathering of Houthi leaders, all documents were transferred to the Joint Incident Assessment Team for consideration,” said coalition spokesman Col. Turki al-Maliki.
Saudi Arabia has frequently drawn international criticism for errant airstrikes that have hit schools, hospitals and wedding parties, killing thousands of civilians.
The coronavirus pandemic, which has surged across war-torn Yemen and overwhelmed its deficient health system, has created new urgency for peace efforts.
But U.N.-backed proposals to bring about a cease-fire between the internationally recognized government, backed by the coalition, and the Iran-supported Houthi rebels, have so far failed to gain traction.
“It is incomprehensible that in the middle of the COVID pandemic, when options for a cease-fire are on the table, civilians continue being killed in Yemen,” said Lise Grande, humanitarian coordinator for Yemen.
Meanwhile, the coalition has stepped up airstrikes, including on the capital, Sanaa, and the Houthis have escalated their cross-border attacks on the kingdom. Yehia Sarea, the Houthi military spokesman, claimed Sunday that the rebels had launched a large-scale attack on Saudi airports and military bases. The coalition said its air defense systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and seven explosive drones.
“Yemen can’t take much more,” said Grande, with each month bringing some new measure of civilian misery. “Health and water programs are shutting, famine is stalking the country again, and people all across the country are being hit hard by COVID.”
Nearly 80% of the country’s 24 million people require aid. Meanwhile, a U.N. humanitarian appeal for Yemen this month fell $1 billion short of what aid agencies needed. As a result, some 75% of U.N. programs for the country have shut their doors or rolled back operations.
The conflict erupted in 2014 when the Houthis overran Sanaa and much of the country’s north. The Saudi-led coalition, with support from the U.S., intervened several months later to oust the Houthis and restore the internationally recognized government.
The war has killed over 112,000 people, including 12,600 civilians, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Oklahoma drops murder charges in vehicle child deaths

TULSA , Okla. ( AP ) - An Oklahoma district attorney ’ s office dismissed two murder charges against a man whose two children died in a hot vehicle after prosecutors determined the children ’ s tribal history .
The Tulsa County District Attorney ’ s Office dropped charges filed Friday against Dustin Lee Dennis , 31 .
He was facing two second-degree felony murder charges after the June deaths of his children , Ryan and Tegan , the Tulsa World reported .
Last week , the Supreme Court ruled that a large chunk of eastern Oklahoma remains an American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack the authority to pursue criminal cases against American Indian defendants in parts of Oklahoma , including most of Tulsa .
“ To have put the effort in that law enforcement did in this investigation because of what we originally had to go through , it ’ s got ta be devastating for the victim - I feel bad for her , ” said District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler , referencing Tegan and Ryan ’ s mother , a Cherokee Nation citizen who on Monday presented information about the children ’ s status to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dennis as a tribal citizen , but federal prosecutors determined in 2010 that the government still has jurisdiction to pursue cases under the existing General Crimes Act if a tribal citizen is a victim of a crime on tribal land but the alleged perpetrator is not enrolled in one .
Dennis had been released from jail on a personal recognizance bond , which Kunzweiler said last month was partly because surveillance footage showed that the children entered Dennis ‘ truck by themselves .
A document filed against Dennis on Friday alleged that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours during the day when he was the sole caretaker , ” which resulted in their deaths .
Dennis reported that he and the children drove to the store before returning home , where he slept for four or five hours .
Police said he told them he did not see the children when he woke up , but he found their bodies on his truck ’ s floorboard and brought them in his house .
The site of the reported homicide is within the boundaries of the Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Tulsa to encourage them to review Dennis ‘ case .

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - An Oklahoma district attorney’s office dismissed two murder charges against a man whose two children died in a hot vehicle after prosecutors determined the children’s tribal history.
The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office dropped charges filed Friday against Dustin Lee Dennis, 31. He was facing two second-degree felony murder charges after the June deaths of his children, Ryan and Tegan, the Tulsa World reported.
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that a large chunk of eastern Oklahoma remains an American Indian reservation, meaning that Oklahoma prosecutors lack the authority to pursue criminal cases against American Indian defendants in parts of Oklahoma, including most of Tulsa.
“To have put the effort in that law enforcement did in this investigation because of what we originally had to go through, it’s gotta be devastating for the victim - I feel bad for her,” said District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler, referencing Tegan and Ryan’s mother, a Cherokee Nation citizen who on Monday presented information about the children’s status to authorities.
Court records do not identify Dennis as a tribal citizen, but federal prosecutors determined in 2010 that the government still has jurisdiction to pursue cases under the existing General Crimes Act if a tribal citizen is a victim of a crime on tribal land but the alleged perpetrator is not enrolled in one.
Dennis had been released from jail on a personal recognizance bond, which Kunzweiler said last month was partly because surveillance footage showed that the children entered Dennis’ truck by themselves.
A document filed against Dennis on Friday alleged that he committed child neglect by “sleeping for hours during the day when he was the sole caretaker,” which resulted in their deaths.
Dennis reported that he and the children drove to the store before returning home, where he slept for four or five hours. Police said he told them he did not see the children when he woke up, but he found their bodies on his truck’s floorboard and brought them in his house.
The site of the reported homicide is within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Kunzweiler said his office has contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tulsa to encourage them to review Dennis’ case.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Milwaukee schools reopening plan calls for virtual start

Milwaukee Public Schools would start the school year online under a $ 90 million plan proposed Monday by school administrators , with students gradually returning to the classroom once the coronavirus threat has subsided .
The plan calls for students to return online on Aug. 17 or Sept. 1 , depending on their school calendar , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .
The online phase would last a projected 30 to 45 days , after which students would alternate two days in school and three online at home .
Students would then fully return to classes once that was deemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor the health situation and the risk criteria … based on the number of positive cases and deaths , ” said Marla Bronaugh , Milwaukee Public Schools ‘ chief communications and school performance officer .
School board members are expected to take up the proposal at a special board meeting Thursday .
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has deemed Milwaukee County high-risk during the coronavirus pandemic .
Milwaukee County has had more than 14,000 cases and at least 359 deaths , most of those in the city of Milwaukee .
Milwaukee school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , school board President Larry Miller said .
“ It ’ s something we have to do.
, ” Miller said .
“ But it ’ s going to get tougher as time goes on because we have to figure out ways to bring our children back as quickly as we can .
”

Milwaukee Public Schools would start the school year online under a $90 million plan proposed Monday by school administrators, with students gradually returning to the classroom once the coronavirus threat has subsided.
The plan calls for students to return online on Aug. 17 or Sept. 1, depending on their school calendar, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. The online phase would last a projected 30 to 45 days, after which students would alternate two days in school and three online at home. Students would then fully return to classes once that was deemed safe.
“We would continue to monitor the health situation and the risk criteria … based on the number of positive cases and deaths,” said Marla Bronaugh, Milwaukee Public Schools’ chief communications and school performance officer.
School board members are expected to take up the proposal at a special board meeting Thursday.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has deemed Milwaukee County high-risk during the coronavirus pandemic. Milwaukee County has had more than 14,000 cases and at least 359 deaths, most of those in the city of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee school board members are likely to support the plan, school board President Larry Miller said.
“It’s something we have to do.,” Miller said. “But it’s going to get tougher as time goes on because we have to figure out ways to bring our children back as quickly as we can.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Molokai homeowners sue Maui over vacation rental permits

HONOLULU ( AP ) - A vacation rental association and four homeowners have filed a federal lawsuit against the county of Maui claiming their rights have been violated by restrictions placed on short-term vacation rentals on the Hawaiian island of Molokai .
In a statement released Monday , the group said Maui County violated their rights to due process .
Some of the homeowners , the lawsuit said , must cancel reservations and answer “ potential claims ” from customers as a result of the county ’ s action .
Some owners had permits that would have allowed them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Instead of grandfathering in existing permit holders , they told my clients — with no due process whatsoever , ” said the group ’ s Honolulu-based lawyer Terrance Revere .
He added their short-term rental housing permits “ were being yanked away , ” The lawsuit names the county , Mayor Michael Victorino and the head of the Maui County Planning Department .
Calls to those officials seeking comment were not immediately returned .
The bill was signed into law in March and has not yet gone into effect .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed on the sparsely populated island of Molokai to zero .
The bill said the action was based on recommendations set by the Molokai Planning Commission in 2017 .
Short-term vacation rentals have been subject to new restrictions across Hawaii in recent years .
The group said they met with the Maui County Council among other officials before filing the lawsuit .
“ We met with County Council members , with the Mayor and with the Planning Department .
Ultimately , they were not able to protect these Molokai property owners and residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the Maui Vacation Rental Association , in a statement .
The association is among those suing the county .
Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee said in a phone interview that decisions to allow for vacation rental permits are made on a case-by-case basis and that the board considers concerns from the community in making their decisions .
She said the county was not targeting those that lived on Molokai .
“ We ’ re going to have to deal with this in court , ” Lee said .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount allowed or an elimination of the amount allowed , I believe that is within the purview of the council .
So we will discuss the finer details in court.
” Lee said other areas of the county could also face a reduction or elimination of permits .
“ Primarily the council looks at community concerns because , after all , a lot of these vacation rentals are located in residential areas , ” Lee added .

HONOLULU (AP) - A vacation rental association and four homeowners have filed a federal lawsuit against the county of Maui claiming their rights have been violated by restrictions placed on short-term vacation rentals on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.
In a statement released Monday, the group said Maui County violated their rights to due process. Some of the homeowners, the lawsuit said, must cancel reservations and answer “potential claims” from customers as a result of the county’s action. Some owners had permits that would have allowed them to operate into 2021, the statement said.
“Instead of grandfathering in existing permit holders, they told my clients — with no due process whatsoever,” said the group’s Honolulu-based lawyer Terrance Revere. He added their short-term rental housing permits “were being yanked away,”
The lawsuit names the county, Mayor Michael Victorino and the head of the Maui County Planning Department. Calls to those officials seeking comment were not immediately returned.
The bill was signed into law in March and has not yet gone into effect. It sets the number of short-term rental properties allowed on the sparsely populated island of Molokai to zero. The bill said the action was based on recommendations set by the Molokai Planning Commission in 2017.
Short-term vacation rentals have been subject to new restrictions across Hawaii in recent years.
The group said they met with the Maui County Council among other officials before filing the lawsuit.
“We met with County Council members, with the Mayor and with the Planning Department. Ultimately, they were not able to protect these Molokai property owners and residents,” said Jen Russo, executive director of the Maui Vacation Rental Association, in a statement. The association is among those suing the county.
Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee said in a phone interview that decisions to allow for vacation rental permits are made on a case-by-case basis and that the board considers concerns from the community in making their decisions. She said the county was not targeting those that lived on Molokai.
“We’re going to have to deal with this in court,” Lee said. “If there needs to be a reduction in the amount allowed or an elimination of the amount allowed, I believe that is within the purview of the council. So we will discuss the finer details in court.”
Lee said other areas of the county could also face a reduction or elimination of permits.
“Primarily the council looks at community concerns because, after all, a lot of these vacation rentals are located in residential areas,” Lee added.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Legal cannabis sales in Colorado reach all-time high in May

DENVER ( AP ) - Cannabis sales in Colorado set a new monthly record in May , reaching their highest @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
Dispensaries sold over $ 192 million worth of cannabis products that month , @ @ @ @ @ state Department of Revenue ’ s Marijuana Enforcement Division compiled by The Denver Post .
@ @ @ @ @ 29 % from April and 32 % from May 2019 .
Sales at medical and @ @ @ @ @ all-time highs , with just under $ 43 million and just over $ 149 million @ @ @ @ @ , the cannabis industry has sold more than $ 779 million in products so far @ @ @ @ @ than $ 167 million in taxes and fees to the state .
Colorado dispensaries were @ @ @ @ @ early days of the pandemic when there were statewide stay-at-home orders .
So far , @ @ @ @ @ have consistently outpaced 2019 , which was the highest-grossing year on record .

DENVER (AP) - Cannabis sales in Colorado set a new monthly record in May, reaching their highest level since broad legalization in 2014.
Dispensaries sold over $192 million worth of cannabis products that month, according to data from the state Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division compiled by The Denver Post. That figure is up about 29% from April and 32% from May 2019.
Sales at medical and recreational marijuana shops hit monthly all-time highs, with just under $43 million and just over $149 million, respectively.
In all, the cannabis industry has sold more than $779 million in products so far this year and paid more than $167 million in taxes and fees to the state.
Colorado dispensaries were deemed essential businesses during the early days of the pandemic when there were statewide stay-at-home orders. So far, monthly cannabis sales this year have consistently outpaced 2019, which was the highest-grossing year on record.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--New Zealand opposition leader quits 2 months from election

WELLINGTON , New Zealand ( AP ) - The leader of New Zealand ’ s opposition National Party quit Tuesday morning just over two months from a general election and 53 days after he took charge of the right-of-center party that is seeing its support stagnate .
The statement Todd Muller released at 7:30 a.m. said he was stepping down “ effective immediately ” and reportedly shocked his fellow lawmakers .
They announced deputy Nikki Kaye would be the acting leader , while a full meeting of the party caucus was due to take place later Tuesday at which a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are few obvious candidates .
“ It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand , ” Muller said .
“ It is more important than ever that the New Zealand National Party has a leader who is comfortable in the role .
“ The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally , and on my family , and this has become untenable from a health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embroiled for the past week in a scandal after it was revealed a junior lawmaker leaked private health details of New Zealand COVID-19 patients to news media .
The information was provided by a former party president who received it confidentially in her capacity as acting chief executive of the Auckland rescue helicopter organization .
Muller has been widely criticized for his handling of the scandal and the veracity of some of his statements had been challenged .
He was facing questions over when he knew the source of the leak and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs had also received the information .
The private information was sent to three media organizations but was not published .
Muller was a low-profile member of the party when he was chosen to lead the coup that toppled former leader Simon Bridges , whose lack of popularity with voters had begun to worry MPs as the election approached .
National has struggled to dent the popularity of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern , whose government has high approval ratings for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
New Zealand has gone 73 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has suffered a low toll of 22 deaths .
Life has returned to mostly normal with schools , bars and restaurants all open and with packed stadiums at sports events .
Only international travel remains restricted , and New Zealand ’ s only active virus cases are among returned travelers in quarantine .

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The leader of New Zealand’s opposition National Party quit Tuesday morning just over two months from a general election and 53 days after he took charge of the right-of-center party that is seeing its support stagnate.
The statement Todd Muller released at 7:30 a.m. said he was stepping down “effective immediately” and reportedly shocked his fellow lawmakers. They announced deputy Nikki Kaye would be the acting leader, while a full meeting of the party caucus was due to take place later Tuesday at which a new leader may be chosen but there are few obvious candidates.
“It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand,” Muller said. “It is more important than ever that the New Zealand National Party has a leader who is comfortable in the role.
“The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally, and on my family, and this has become untenable from a health perspective.”
The National Party has been embroiled for the past week in a scandal after it was revealed a junior lawmaker leaked private health details of New Zealand COVID-19 patients to news media. The information was provided by a former party president who received it confidentially in her capacity as acting chief executive of the Auckland rescue helicopter organization.
Muller has been widely criticized for his handling of the scandal and the veracity of some of his statements had been challenged. He was facing questions over when he knew the source of the leak and if he knew one of his most senior MPs had also received the information.
The private information was sent to three media organizations but was not published.
Muller was a low-profile member of the party when he was chosen to lead the coup that toppled former leader Simon Bridges, whose lack of popularity with voters had begun to worry MPs as the election approached.
National has struggled to dent the popularity of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose government has high approval ratings for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. New Zealand has gone 73 days without a case of community transmission and has suffered a low toll of 22 deaths.
Life has returned to mostly normal with schools, bars and restaurants all open and with packed stadiums at sports events. Only international travel remains restricted, and New Zealand’s only active virus cases are among returned travelers in quarantine.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Redskins' name to be retired after 87 years

Dan Snyder said he was fulfilling a lifelong dream in 1999 .
The 34-year-old billionaire became the owner of the Washington Redskins , the team he grew up rooting for .
He loved the team ’ s history .
The color scheme .
The name .
But Mr. Snyder ’ s team announced Monday what he once vowed to never do .
The Washington Redskins are changing the team ’ s name .
Caught in the undertow of a nationwide reckoning on race and history , Washington will retire the name “ Redskins ” upon the conclusion of its ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moniker that has stood for 87 years .
Washington did not reveal a new name and said it will continue to use “ Redskins ” until the process is complete .
On July 3 , the team announced it was conducting a “ thorough review ” of its name under pressure from activists and corporations .
Washington also said it would retire its iconic logo of an American Indian man .
“ Dan Snyder and Coach [ Ron ] Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors , fans and community for the next 100 years , ” the team said in a statement .
The decision marks a stunning reversal from Mr. Snyder ’ s declaration in 2013 that the name would never change .
The owner was adamant that the name honored American Indians .
But Washington ’ s path toward a change , in some ways , has felt inevitable in the wake of the death of George Floyd , a Black man , while in Minneapolis police custody in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producers , university administrators and more have grappled with names , images , symbols and monuments deemed racist and offensive and have scrambled to dissociate from their pasts .
NASCAR , for instance , banned the Confederate flag from its racetracks .
Food products such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben ’ s will be rebranded .
The national conversation inevitably turned to the Redskins — with renewed demands that the team change a name some find derogatory .
On July 2 , the team ’ s biggest corporate sponsor , FedEx , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominoes began to fall .
Nike , Target , Walmart and Amazon announced they would stop selling the team ’ s merchandise online after FedEx , the team ’ s naming rights partner for its home stadium in Landover , Maryland , alluded to canceling its 27-year , $ 205 million sponsorship “ for cause.
” In Monday ’ s 100-word press release , Washington specifically mentioned “ sponsors ” twice and put them before “ fans and community.
” A FedEx spokesperson said , “ We appreciate the team ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we look forward to the outcome of the next step in the process.
” Director of First Peoples Worldwide Carla Fredericks , who helped lead a group of investment firms that pressed FedEx , Nike and Pepsi to sever ties with the Redskins unless they changed their name , said she was “ elated ” about Monday ’ s news .
She said it represented a “ half century ’ s worth of work ” from American Indian groups and their allies .
“ The last 10 days have really been incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms. Fredericks said .
“ We had a very significant win in the Dakota Access Pipeline case .
We had a significant win in the McGirt case before the Supreme Court , this .
It does feel like a changing tide for us.
” It could take time before Washington announces a new name .
While monikers such as “ Warriors ” and “ Redtails ” have been floated as popular alternatives , the team has to clear hurdles such as obtaining trademarks .
Current and former Washington players seemed receptive to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quarterback Dwayne Haskins tweeted that as a child growing up in the DMV ( District , Maryland , Virginia ) area , “ it ’ ll always be # HTTR , ” but he added that he was looking forward to the future .
Rookie center Keith Ismael suggested the name “ Washington Natives , ” but said he just wants to “ represent the great city of D.C. , ” no matter the name .
Former defensive lineman Phillip Daniels tweeted : “ The name will change tomorrow , but memories will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fred Smoot understands Daniels ’ viewpoint .
The former cornerback said he felt proud whenever he put on a Redskins uniform but told The Washington Times that the name change is important for a “ new era.
” “ The history stays the same ; we just have a new name , ” Smoot said .
“ When you look back , Darrell Green will still be the interception leader .
[ Brian Mitchell ] will still be the leader in combined yards from scrimmage .
The records still stand .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s still who she is , but she takes on her husband ’ s last name .
“ But she never forgets how she grew up or where she ’ s from.
” Appearing on NFL Live , Green said he had a “ very positive reaction ” to the change .
The Hall of Fame cornerback said people who were offended by the name “ had to be recognized ” and he was excited about the next step .
He said he is even willing to give feedback to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they go forward , I ’ d love to be in the conversation because I have jerseys and helmets , and I ’ m ready to throw them away , ” Green said .
“ Hey , give me another helmet , give me the new helmet.
” By retiring “ Redskins , ” the die-hard faithful of the burgundy and gold will have to get used to a new moniker , whatever it will be .
That hasn ’ t been easy for everyone to accept .
Bill Bailey , 38 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets he has held for 17 years because he is outraged over recent events .
North Carolina native Chuck Walker , 51 , grew up rooting for the Redskins and called the retirement of the name “ really painful.
” He compared it to the death of a loved one .
Scott Chadwick , 50 , called it a “ sad day.
” Rooting for the Washington Warriors , Red Wolves or any other name , he said , just won ’ t carry the excitement he held for the Redskins .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the same , it ’ s not , ” he said .
Others have mixed emotions .
Kent Zakour , a 34-year-old who grew up in Montgomery County , said he never thought the Redskins ‘ name was racist but will still root for the team after the change .
Likewise , 25-year-old Clay Cole and 37-year-old Phillip Reynolds said their fandom would be unaffected by the decision .
“ I ’ m sad because I grew up on the Redskins , I have Redskins stuff for my kids , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three .
“ It ’ s sad they ’ re not going to be the Redskins , but overall , I ’ m looking forward to the future .
More than anything else , I want to see the product on the field .

Dan Snyder said he was fulfilling a lifelong dream in 1999. The 34-year-old billionaire became the owner of the Washington Redskins, the team he grew up rooting for. He loved the team’s history. The color scheme. The name.
But Mr. Snyder’s team announced Monday what he once vowed to never do. The Washington Redskins are changing the team’s name.
Caught in the undertow of a nationwide reckoning on race and history, Washington will retire the name “Redskins” upon the conclusion of its ongoing review, putting an end to a moniker that has stood for 87 years.
Washington did not reveal a new name and said it will continue to use “Redskins” until the process is complete. On July 3, the team announced it was conducting a “thorough review” of its name under pressure from activists and corporations.
Washington also said it would retire its iconic logo of an American Indian man.
“Dan Snyder and Coach [Ron] Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years,” the team said in a statement.
SEE ALSO: Activists cheer Redskins’ change, set sights on new targets
The decision marks a stunning reversal from Mr. Snyder’s declaration in 2013 that the name would never change. The owner was adamant that the name honored American Indians.
But Washington’s path toward a change, in some ways, has felt inevitable in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a Black man, while in Minneapolis police custody in late May.
Sports teams, food producers, university administrators and more have grappled with names, images, symbols and monuments deemed racist and offensive and have scrambled to dissociate from their pasts. NASCAR, for instance, banned the Confederate flag from its racetracks. Food products such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s will be rebranded.
The national conversation inevitably turned to the Redskins — with renewed demands that the team change a name some find derogatory.
On July 2, the team’s biggest corporate sponsor, FedEx, came out against the name and the dominoes began to fall.
Nike, Target, Walmart and Amazon announced they would stop selling the team’s merchandise online after FedEx, the team’s naming rights partner for its home stadium in Landover, Maryland, alluded to canceling its 27-year, $205 million sponsorship “for cause.”
In Monday’s 100-word press release, Washington specifically mentioned “sponsors” twice and put them before “fans and community.”
A FedEx spokesperson said, “We appreciate the team’s decision to change its name and logo, and we look forward to the outcome of the next step in the process.”
Director of First Peoples Worldwide Carla Fredericks, who helped lead a group of investment firms that pressed FedEx, Nike and Pepsi to sever ties with the Redskins unless they changed their name, said she was “elated” about Monday’s news. She said it represented a “half century’s worth of work” from American Indian groups and their allies.
“The last 10 days have really been incredible for the Native American community,” Ms. Fredericks said. “We had a very significant win in the Dakota Access Pipeline case. We had a significant win in the McGirt case before the Supreme Court, this. It does feel like a changing tide for us.”
It could take time before Washington announces a new name. While monikers such as “Warriors” and “Redtails” have been floated as popular alternatives, the team has to clear hurdles such as obtaining trademarks.
Current and former Washington players seemed receptive to the inevitability of the pending name change.
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins tweeted that as a child growing up in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) area, “it’ll always be #HTTR,” but he added that he was looking forward to the future. Rookie center Keith Ismael suggested the name “Washington Natives,” but said he just wants to “represent the great city of D.C.,” no matter the name. Former defensive lineman Phillip Daniels tweeted: “The name will change tomorrow, but memories will remain forever #HTTR.”
Former player Fred Smoot understands Daniels’ viewpoint. The former cornerback said he felt proud whenever he put on a Redskins uniform but told The Washington Times that the name change is important for a “new era.”
“The history stays the same; we just have a new name,” Smoot said. “When you look back, Darrell Green will still be the interception leader. [Brian Mitchell] will still be the leader in combined yards from scrimmage. The records still stand. It’s like a woman being married: It’s still who she is, but she takes on her husband’s last name.
“But she never forgets how she grew up or where she’s from.”
Appearing on NFL Live, Green said he had a “very positive reaction” to the change. The Hall of Fame cornerback said people who were offended by the name “had to be recognized” and he was excited about the next step. He said he is even willing to give feedback to the team on potential ideas.
“How they go forward, I’d love to be in the conversation because I have jerseys and helmets, and I’m ready to throw them away,” Green said. “Hey, give me another helmet, give me the new helmet.”
By retiring “Redskins,” the die-hard faithful of the burgundy and gold will have to get used to a new moniker, whatever it will be. That hasn’t been easy for everyone to accept.
Bill Bailey, 38, said he is giving up the season tickets he has held for 17 years because he is outraged over recent events.
North Carolina native Chuck Walker, 51, grew up rooting for the Redskins and called the retirement of the name “really painful.” He compared it to the death of a loved one.
Scott Chadwick, 50, called it a “sad day.” Rooting for the Washington Warriors, Red Wolves or any other name, he said, just won’t carry the excitement he held for the Redskins. “To act like it’s going to be the same, it’s not,” he said.
Others have mixed emotions. Kent Zakour, a 34-year-old who grew up in Montgomery County, said he never thought the Redskins’ name was racist but will still root for the team after the change. Likewise, 25-year-old Clay Cole and 37-year-old Phillip Reynolds said their fandom would be unaffected by the decision.
“I’m sad because I grew up on the Redskins, I have Redskins stuff for my kids,” said Mr. Reynolds, a father of three. “It’s sad they’re not going to be the Redskins, but overall, I’m looking forward to the future. More than anything else, I want to see the product on the field.
“If they win, I don’t care what they’re called.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Sheriff: Fatal beach attack on Milwaukee beach likely random

MILWAUKEE ( AP ) - A fatal assault on a Milwaukee beach was likely random , the Milwaukee County sheriff @ @ @ @ @ man died after he was assaulted in a parking lot at Bradford Beach on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ not have a pulse and was not breathing when deputies arrived .
Paramedics were unable @ @ @ @ @ s life , and he was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m .
The suspect @ @ @ @ @ a bicycle and was arrested , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .
Sheriff Earnell Lucas @ @ @ @ @ likely random .
The suspect and the victim were not related .
“ There may @ @ @ @ @ that led to it , ” Lucas said .
“ But it could have occurred @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee .
”

MILWAUKEE (AP) - A fatal assault on a Milwaukee beach was likely random, the Milwaukee County sheriff said Monday.
A 46-year-old man died after he was assaulted in a parking lot at Bradford Beach on Sunday night. The man did not have a pulse and was not breathing when deputies arrived. Paramedics were unable to safe the man’s life, and he was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.
The suspect fled but later returned on a bicycle and was arrested, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Sheriff Earnell Lucas told reporters the attack was likely random. The suspect and the victim were not related.
“There may be some impetus or motivation that led to it,” Lucas said. “But it could have occurred on any city street in Milwaukee.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Suspect in Illinois child death gets 28 years in Nevada case

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - A man accused of murder in the death of his 6-year-old daughter in a St. Louis suburb was sentenced Monday to 28 years to life in Nevada state prison for his conviction on felony child sex charges .
Jason Scott Quate , 37 , also was sentenced to lifetime supervision and registration as a sex offender following his guilty pleas to sexual assault with a minor and lewdness with a child .
Quate still faces murder and concealing a homicidal death charges in St. Clair County , Illinois , court records there show .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ court-appointed attorney , Randall Pike , told Judge Stefany Miley in Las Vegas that the Nevada sentence was agreed-upon before Quate entered his pleas in March .
It means he ’ ll serve time in Nevada ahead of prosecution in Illinois in the death of his daughter , Alysha .
The girl ’ s body was found in the garage of a vacant home in Centreville , Illinois , after her mother , Elizabeth Odell-Quate , sought help at a domestic violence shelter .
She said Quate killed their youngest daughter in Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughters to Las Vegas in 2016 ; forced her into prostitution ; and sexually abused the girls , then ages 12 and 13 .
The other girls were taken into protective custody after police said they showed signs of neglect .
Quate was arrested in Las Vegas in June 2017 .
Following his arrest , Jason Quate wrote letters to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch saying that the day Alysha died , she fell off a bed after he “ started whooping and punishing ” her for failing to tell him she loved him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panicked and didn ’ t call police for fear their other daughters would be taken away .
Elizabeth Odell-Quate was extradited to Illinois and pleaded guilty last year to concealing a homicidal death and violating probation in a forgery case .
Prison records show she was released on parole in May after serving part of a 30-month sentence .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A man accused of murder in the death of his 6-year-old daughter in a St. Louis suburb was sentenced Monday to 28 years to life in Nevada state prison for his conviction on felony child sex charges.
Jason Scott Quate, 37, also was sentenced to lifetime supervision and registration as a sex offender following his guilty pleas to sexual assault with a minor and lewdness with a child.
Quate still faces murder and concealing a homicidal death charges in St. Clair County, Illinois, court records there show.
Prosecutor Samuel Martinez and Quate’s court-appointed attorney, Randall Pike, told Judge Stefany Miley in Las Vegas that the Nevada sentence was agreed-upon before Quate entered his pleas in March.
It means he’ll serve time in Nevada ahead of prosecution in Illinois in the death of his daughter, Alysha.
The girl’s body was found in the garage of a vacant home in Centreville, Illinois, after her mother, Elizabeth Odell-Quate, sought help at a domestic violence shelter.
She said Quate killed their youngest daughter in Illinois; brought her and their two other daughters to Las Vegas in 2016; forced her into prostitution; and sexually abused the girls, then ages 12 and 13.
Officials determined Alysha died in 2014 from a head injury.
The other girls were taken into protective custody after police said they showed signs of neglect.
Quate was arrested in Las Vegas in June 2017.
Following his arrest, Jason Quate wrote letters to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch saying that the day Alysha died, she fell off a bed after he “started whooping and punishing” her for failing to tell him she loved him. He wrote that he and Odell-Quate panicked and didn’t call police for fear their other daughters would be taken away.
Elizabeth Odell-Quate was extradited to Illinois and pleaded guilty last year to concealing a homicidal death and violating probation in a forgery case. Prison records show she was released on parole in May after serving part of a 30-month sentence.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Hosseh Enad, DCCC staffer, mask-shames Ted Cruz, prompts American Airlines investigation

A picture of Sen. Ted Cruz not wearing a mask on a commercial flight went viral Monday , thanks to a Democratic campaign staffer .
American Airlines said Monday that it was investigating after a photo of the Texas Republican unmasked was posted by Hosseh Enad , who works with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee .
“ It ’ s insanely irresponsible considering Texas is getting hit hard by Covid , ” he wrote in a follow-up tweet .
Mr. Enad , who said he had gotten the picture from an acquaintance , also later tweeted a picture of American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted “ clearly states that masks should be worn on the flight.
” The airline told CBS News it had reached out to Mr. Cruz to “ affirm the importance of this policy as part of our commitment to protecting the health and safety of the traveling public.
” A Cruz spokesperson told CBS the senator had taken off his mask to drink and put it back on afterward .
The photo clearly shows Mr. Cruz holding a cup of coffee or similar hot drink in his left hand , and the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ your face covering may be removed to eat or drink.
” That didn ’ t faze Mr. Enad , who helpfully provided Mr. Cruz and others with mask-wearing tips .
“ For those trying to argue that he was drinking , it ’ s not hard to have a mask on and undo one side to take a sip then put it back on .
Most people take their time drinking coffee , ” he wrote .
Never letting a crisis go to waste , Mr. Enad took advantage of the photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund-raising .
“ This is blowing up , so I ’ m gon na drop this in here .
Visit the @ DCCC ’ s Virtual Action Center to find out how you can help protect and expand the House Majority , ” he wrote .
He also plugged the LGBTQ Victory Fund in another tweet .

A picture of Sen. Ted Cruz not wearing a mask on a commercial flight went viral Monday, thanks to a Democratic campaign staffer.
American Airlines said Monday that it was investigating after a photo of the Texas Republican unmasked was posted by Hosseh Enad, who works with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Captured today at 10:45am — @TedCruz on a commercial flight, refusing to wear a mask. pic.twitter.com/h8DM7J4CMi — Hosseh (@hossehenad) July 13, 2020
“It’s insanely irresponsible considering Texas is getting hit hard by Covid,” he wrote in a follow-up tweet.
Mr. Enad, who said he had gotten the picture from an acquaintance, also later tweeted a picture of American’s mask policy that, he noted “clearly states that masks should be worn on the flight.”
The airline told CBS News it had reached out to Mr. Cruz to “affirm the importance of this policy as part of our commitment to protecting the health and safety of the traveling public.”
A Cruz spokesperson told CBS the senator had taken off his mask to drink and put it back on afterward.
The photo clearly shows Mr. Cruz holding a cup of coffee or similar hot drink in his left hand, and the American policy that Mr. Enad posted also says “your face covering may be removed to eat or drink.”
That didn’t faze Mr. Enad, who helpfully provided Mr. Cruz and others with mask-wearing tips.
“For those trying to argue that he was drinking, it’s not hard to have a mask on and undo one side to take a sip then put it back on. Most people take their time drinking coffee,” he wrote.
Never letting a crisis go to waste, Mr. Enad took advantage of the photo going viral to twice stump for Democratic fund-raising.
“This is blowing up, so I’m gonna drop this in here. Visit the @DCCC’s Virtual Action Center to find out how you can help protect and expand the House Majority,” he wrote.
He also plugged the LGBTQ Victory Fund in another tweet.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--Wildfire forces hundreds of evacuations west of Denver

EVERGREEN , Colo. ( AP ) - A wildfire burning in the foothills west of Denver has prompted authorities to @ @ @ @ @ leave their homes .
The fire started Monday afternoon and is burning in rugged and @ @ @ @ @ .
No structures have burned , and no injuries have been reported .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ caused the fire .
Jenny Fulton , a spokeswoman for the Jefferson County Sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ evacuation orders were issued for “ well over a thousand homes.
” Several helicopters are @ @ @ @ @ a tanker is dropping slurry on the fire , which has burned about 30 to @ @ @ @ @ could bring gusty winds and lightning to the area .

EVERGREEN, Colo. (AP) - A wildfire burning in the foothills west of Denver has prompted authorities to tell hundreds of residents to leave their homes.
The fire started Monday afternoon and is burning in rugged and steep terrain west of Evergreen. No structures have burned, and no injuries have been reported. It’s not yet clear what caused the fire.
Jenny Fulton, a spokeswoman for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, says three evacuation orders were issued for “well over a thousand homes.”
Several helicopters and a tanker were fighting the fire, which has burned less than a square mile (less than a quarter of a square kilometer). Evening storms could bring gusty winds and lightning to the area.


washingtontimes--2020-07-13--North Dakota urges court to halt Dakota Access line shutdown

BISMARCK , N.D. ( AP ) - North Dakota is urging a federal appeals court to block a judge ’ s order to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline .
North Dakota Solicitor General Matt Sagsveen filed a document Monday supporting operator Energy Transfer ’ s efforts to keep the oil line open while the Texas-based company appeals .
Sagsveen argued a shutdown will devastate the oil industry and cost North Dakota billions of dollars in tax revenue , hurting programs and residents .
“ These definite consequences vastly outweigh the entirely speculative potential harm of a spill or leak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Sagsveen wrote .
Last week U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered the pipeline shut down by Aug. 5 for an additional environmental assessment more than three years after it began pumping oil .
Boasberg later rejected a request by Energy Transfer to halt his order to shut down the pipeline during the lengthy environmental review .
Federal officials who approved the pipeline ’ s permit to cross the Missouri River notified the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that they also plan to oppose the judge ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boasberg previously ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct an environmental review that is expected to take more than a year .
Department of Justice attorneys representing the Corps notified Boasberg on Monday that the government also plans to appeal his orders .
Energy Transfer plans to appeal .
In the meantime , the company is asking the appeals court to allow the pipeline to continue operating .
Energy Transfer estimates it would take three months to empty the pipeline of oil and complete steps to preserve it for future use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of protests in 2016 and 2017 , sometimes violent , during its construction near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation that straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border .
The tribe took legal action against the pipeline even after it began carrying oil from North Dakota across South Dakota and Iowa and to a shipping point in Illinois in June 2017 .
The $ 3.8 billion , 1,172-mile ( 1,886 kilometer ) pipeline crosses beneath the Missouri River , just north of the reservation .
The tribe draws its water from the river and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintains the line is safe .

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota is urging a federal appeals court to block a judge’s order to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline.
North Dakota Solicitor General Matt Sagsveen filed a document Monday supporting operator Energy Transfer’s efforts to keep the oil line open while the Texas-based company appeals.
Sagsveen argued a shutdown will devastate the oil industry and cost North Dakota billions of dollars in tax revenue, hurting programs and residents.
“These definite consequences vastly outweigh the entirely speculative potential harm of a spill or leak while the (study) proceeds,” Sagsveen wrote.
Last week U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered the pipeline shut down by Aug. 5 for an additional environmental assessment more than three years after it began pumping oil. Boasberg later rejected a request by Energy Transfer to halt his order to shut down the pipeline during the lengthy environmental review.
Federal officials who approved the pipeline’s permit to cross the Missouri River notified the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that they also plan to oppose the judge’s order, The Bismarck Tribune reported.
Boasberg previously ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct an environmental review that is expected to take more than a year. Department of Justice attorneys representing the Corps notified Boasberg on Monday that the government also plans to appeal his orders.
Energy Transfer plans to appeal. In the meantime, the company is asking the appeals court to allow the pipeline to continue operating. Energy Transfer estimates it would take three months to empty the pipeline of oil and complete steps to preserve it for future use.
The line was the subject of months of protests in 2016 and 2017, sometimes violent, during its construction near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation that straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border. The tribe took legal action against the pipeline even after it began carrying oil from North Dakota across South Dakota and Iowa and to a shipping point in Illinois in June 2017.
The $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile (1,886 kilometer) pipeline crosses beneath the Missouri River, just north of the reservation. The tribe draws its water from the river and has concerns about pollution. The company maintains the line is safe.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Future of Alaska Sealife Center in jeopardy

SEWARD , Alaska ( AP ) - The Alaska Sealife Center is in jeopardy of closing after concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic have drastically reduced visitation rates .
A decision will be made on Oct. 1 regarding the future of the aquarium , KTUU-TV reported Monday .
As revenue from visits has whittled , the center has seen the costs of caring for its more than 4,000 animals stay stagnant .
The CEO of the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward , Tara Reimer , said over half of the aquarium ’ s revenue comes from visitors .
The Sealife Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has asked the city for half a million dollars to offset their losses .
In the meantime , aquarium officials hope the public will come to the rescue .
The Sealife Center , which opened in 1998 , is a private , non-profit corporation .
“ The truth is that if every Alaskan contributed $ 5 , we would be in wonderful shape right now , ” Reimer said .
“ So we ’ re asking people to do what makes sense to them .
That could be bringing your family to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or renewing your membership.
” In a typical year , about 160,000 people will pay to spend time with the center ’ s assorted wildlife and take in its exhibits .
This year , Reimer said , that number will be closer to 40,000 .

SEWARD, Alaska (AP) - The Alaska SeaLife Center is in jeopardy of closing after concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic have drastically reduced visitation rates.
A decision will be made on Oct. 1 regarding the future of the aquarium, KTUU-TV reported Monday.
As revenue from visits has whittled, the center has seen the costs of caring for its more than 4,000 animals stay stagnant. The CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Tara Reimer, said over half of the aquarium’s revenue comes from visitors.
The SeaLife Center, Seward’s second-largest employer, has asked the city for half a million dollars to offset their losses.
In the meantime, aquarium officials hope the public will come to the rescue. The SeaLife Center, which opened in 1998, is a private, non-profit corporation.
“The truth is that if every Alaskan contributed $5, we would be in wonderful shape right now,” Reimer said. “So we’re asking people to do what makes sense to them. That could be bringing your family to the SeaLife Center. That could be buying or renewing your membership.”
In a typical year, about 160,000 people will pay to spend time with the center’s assorted wildlife and take in its exhibits. This year, Reimer said, that number will be closer to 40,000.
___
This version corredts spelling of SeaLife throughout the story instead of Sealife.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Israeli investigators: No footage of shooting of Palestinian

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - Israel ’ s Justice Ministry on Tuesday confirmed there is no footage of the shooting of an autistic Palestinian man who was killed by Israeli police , saying that security cameras in the area were not operating properly at the time .
The admission marked a setback in the investigation and raised suspicions from the man ’ s family about the integrity of the probe .
Eyad Hallaq , who was 32 , was fatally shot just inside Jerusalem ’ s Old City on May 30 as he was on his way to the special-needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City frequently experiences heightened tensions between local Palestinians and Israeli security forces , and the volatile area ’ s narrow streets are lined with hundreds of security cameras .
In a statement , the Justice Ministry said internal affairs investigators had checked all of the cameras in the area after the shooting .
“ At this stage of the investigation we can relay that the shooting incident was not documented on them , ” it said .
“ Also in the garbage room where the deadly shooting took place , there were security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the relevant time and didn ’ t document the shooting.
” According to various accounts at the time , two members of Israel ’ s paramilitary Border Police force chased Hallaq into a nook and shot him as he cowered next to a garbage bin .
At the time , Israeli police said they believed he was carrying a “ suspicious object ” and said they opened fire when he failed to heed calls to stop .
His teacher , who was with him , told an Israeli TV station that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was “ disabled.
” The ministry said Hallaq , who was unarmed , had been mistakenly identified as an attacker and called the incident “ tragic.
” It said that despite the lack of footage , investigators had interviewed a number of witnesses , in addition to the officers involved in the incident .
It said the investigation was in its final stages .
The statement confirmed an announcement by Hallaq ’ s family on Monday that police informed them there was no footage of the shooting .
“ Representatives of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family and requested to shake the hands of the parents , ” the ministry said .
The family ’ s lawyer , Jad Qadamani , said the claim that there was no footage was unacceptable .
“ We look with great suspicion on this matter and demand the immediate opening of an investigation , ” he said .
At the time , the shooting drew comparisons to the death of George Floyd in the U.S. and prompted a series of small demonstrations against police violence .
The uproar crossed Israeli-Palestinian lines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli leaders expressed regret over the shooting .
But since then , the family has complained about the slow pace of the investigation .
Human rights groups say Israel has a poor record of prosecuting cases of violence against Palestinians .

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel’s Justice Ministry on Tuesday announced there is no footage of the shooting of an autistic Palestinian man who was killed by Israeli police, saying that security cameras in the closely monitored area were not operating properly at the time.
The admission drew deep skepticism from the family and human rights workers. It raised concerns about the credibility of the investigation due to the large number of security cameras in Jerusalem’s volatile Old City.
Eyad Hallaq, who was 32, was fatally shot just inside the Old City’s Lion’s Gate on May 30 as he was on his way to the special-needs institution that he attended. The area is a frequent site of clashes between local Palestinians and Israeli security forces, and the Old City’s narrow streets are lined with hundreds of security cameras that are monitored by police.
In a statement, the Justice Ministry said internal affairs investigators had checked all of the cameras in the area after the shooting.
“At this stage of the investigation we can relay that the shooting incident was not documented on them,” it said. “Also in the garbage room where the deadly shooting took place, there were security cameras but those cameras were not connected at the relevant time and didn’t document the shooting.”
According to accounts at the time, two members of Israel’s paramilitary Border Police chased Hallaq into a nook and shot him as he cowered next to a garbage bin.
At the time, Israeli police said they believed he was carrying a “suspicious object” and said they opened fire when he failed to heed calls to stop. His teacher, who was with him, told an Israeli TV station that she had repeatedly called out to police that he was “disabled.”
The ministry said Hallaq, who was unarmed, had been mistakenly identified as an attacker and called the incident “tragic.”
It said that despite the lack of footage, investigators had interviewed a number of witnesses as well as the officers involved in the incident. It said the investigation was in its final stages.
It said it delivered the update to Hallaq’s parents at a meeting on Monday. “Representatives of the internal investigations department expressed their condolences to the family and requested to shake the hands of the parents,” it said.
The family angrily announced Monday that it had been told there was no footage.
In an interview, the family’s lawyer, Jad Qadamani, said he found the claim that the cameras did not work unacceptable and unbelievable.
“We look with great suspicion on this matter and demand the immediate opening of an investigation,” he said.
In cases of attacks against Israeli security forces, police often quickly release security-camera footage to the public.
The shooting of Hallaq drew comparisons to the death of George Floyd in the U.S. and prompted a series of small demonstrations against police violence. The uproar crossed Israeli-Palestinian lines and drew Jewish protesters as well, and Israeli leaders expressed regret over the shooting.
But since then, the family has complained about the slow pace of the investigation and said it fears the killing will be whitewashed.
Human rights groups say Israel has a poor record of prosecuting cases of police violence against Palestinians.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel, which has monitored the case, called Tuesday’s announcement “incredibly disturbing” and said it raised doubts about the investigation.
Noting that the shooting took place “in the most documented and watched site” in the country, it called on investigators to “make every effort to find relevant footage and attempt to restore the public trust in the police and their internal investigations system.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Wedge wolf pack attacks 7 cattle in northeast Washington

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) - The Wedge wolf pack in northeast Washington has attacked seven more cattle , bringing the number of depredations by the pack to nearly a dozen since May 11 .
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife investigated and confirmed the depredations on Saturday at a private ranch , a department spokeswoman told The Capital Press .
All the cattle suffered injuries , she said .
The pack crossed the threshold for the department to consider lethal removal with four earlier attacks .
The department opted not to cull the pack .
The department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond to the depredations confirmed Saturday , the spokeswoman said .
Fish and Wildlife killed seven wolves in the Wedge pack in 2012 , leaving two surviving members .
It was the first time the department had culled a pack since wolves began returning to Washington .
After a prolonged period of no confirmed attacks , the Wedge pack killed a cow in a private pasture in June 2019 , according to Fish and Wildlife .
The Wedge pack had three wolves at the end of 2019 , according to Fish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates are waiting for a Seattle judge to rule on whether the department ’ s lethal-removal protocol is legal .
Wolf advocates argue the protocol was written without adequate environmental and public review .
The department argues it has a broad mandate to protect life and property from dangerous wildlife .

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Wedge wolf pack in northeast Washington has attacked seven more cattle, bringing the number of depredations by the pack to nearly a dozen since May 11.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife investigated and confirmed the depredations on Saturday at a private ranch, a department spokeswoman told The Capital Press. All the cattle suffered injuries, she said.
The pack crossed the threshold for the department to consider lethal removal with four earlier attacks. The department opted not to cull the pack.
The department has not made a decision on how to respond to the depredations confirmed Saturday, the spokeswoman said.
Fish and Wildlife killed seven wolves in the Wedge pack in 2012, leaving two surviving members. It was the first time the department had culled a pack since wolves began returning to Washington.
After a prolonged period of no confirmed attacks, the Wedge pack killed a cow in a private pasture in June 2019, according to Fish and Wildlife.
The Wedge pack had three wolves at the end of 2019, according to Fish and Wildlife.
Fish and Wildlife and wolf advocates are waiting for a Seattle judge to rule on whether the department’s lethal-removal protocol is legal. Wolf advocates argue the protocol was written without adequate environmental and public review. The department argues it has a broad mandate to protect life and property from dangerous wildlife.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Pensioners in Greece win court battle for bailout refund

ATHENS , Greece ( AP ) - A high court in Greece has ruled in favor of pensioners who brought @ @ @ @ @ demand the reimbursement of money cut from their income during international bailouts .
The case @ @ @ @ @ Greece , which is reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic and is expected @ @ @ @ @ severe recession after a decade-long effort to recover from financial crisis .
The Council of @ @ @ @ @ that pension cuts imposed during 2015-16 occurred without the proper legislative procedure and the money @ @ @ @ @ court only ruled in favor of pensioners whose associations were directly involved in the complaint @ @ @ @ @ pave the way for broader claims that would have a greater fiscal impact on the @ @ @ @ @ finances .
Pensioners ’ income was cut by successive governments during international bailouts by European @ @ @ @ @ Monetary Fund between 2010 and 2018 .

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - A high court in Greece ruled Tuesday in favor of retirees who brought a class action case to demand the reimbursement of money cut from their income during international bailouts.
The case was being closely watched in Greece, which is reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic and is expected to slide back into a severe recession after a decade-long effort to recover from financial crisis.
The Council of State administrative court ruled that pension cuts imposed during 2015-16 occurred without the proper legislative procedure and the money should be returned.
The court only ruled in favor of retirees whose associations were directly involved in the complaint. But the ruling could pave the way for broader claims that would have a greater fiscal impact on the country’s troubled public finances.
The government said it would comply with the decision.
“We are studying today’s ruling and, taking into account our fiscal ability as well as what the economy can withstand, the government will announce when and how it will implement the decision,” a Labor and Social Affairs Ministry statement said.
Greek media have reported that the government could apply the ruling to all affected retirees, even those who weren’t directly involved in the complaint.
Retirees’ income was cut by successive governments during international bailouts by European Union institutions and the International Monetary Fund between 2010 and 2018.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Woman punched by Baltimore officer pleads guilty to assault

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - A woman seen on video getting punched by a Baltimore police officer after she punched another officer twice on his face has pleaded guilty to assault charges .
Sharnesha Street , 43 , was sentenced to two years of probation on Monday , news outlets reported .
A video recorded by an onlooker on May 29 showed Street hitting Baltimore police Sgt .
Graig Higley in the face as he tried to hold her wrist during a traffic stop in Baltimore .
That ’ s when another officer , Terry Love Jr. , punched her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground .
She remained on the ground for several minutes as a crowd started to gather around the officers .
A report on the incident released in June by the Baltimore State ’ s Attorney Marilyn Mosby ’ s Office said Street had also spat on Higley and tried to run him over with her car .
The office has declined to bring charges against Love , saying his use of force was justified .
“ Deciding not to charge because the conduct was within what the law allows does not mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s conduct , ” Mosby ’ s office wrote in a report .
“ BPD should train officers to exercise restraint in every situation , even those where Maryland law allows less restraint than we would prefer to see.
” Street ’ s attorney , J. Wyndal Gordon , noted that her probation will be handled by the state ’ s Mental Health Courts .
Gordon told The Baltimore Sun he still plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against Love , saying , “ We can ’ t let him get away @ @ @ @

BALTIMORE (AP) - A woman seen on video getting punched by a Baltimore police officer after she punched another officer twice on his face has pleaded guilty to assault charges.
Sharnesha Street, 43, was sentenced to two years of probation on Monday, news outlets reported.
A video recorded by an onlooker on May 29 showed Street hitting Baltimore police Sgt. Graig Higley in the face as he tried to hold her wrist during a traffic stop in Baltimore. That’s when another officer, Terry Love Jr., punched her from behind, sending her falling to the ground. She remained on the ground for several minutes as a crowd started to gather around the officers.
A report on the incident released in June by the Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby’s Office said Street had also spat on Higley and tried to run him over with her car. The office has declined to bring charges against Love, saying his use of force was justified.
“Deciding not to charge because the conduct was within what the law allows does not mean that we endorse the Involved Officer’s conduct,” Mosby’s office wrote in a report. “BPD should train officers to exercise restraint in every situation, even those where Maryland law allows less restraint than we would prefer to see.”
Street’s attorney, J. Wyndal Gordon, noted that her probation will be handled by the state’s Mental Health Courts. Gordon told The Baltimore Sun he still plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against Love, saying, “We can’t let him get away with that.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Ponzi scheme convict wants prison release due to pandemic

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) - A Mississippi man sentenced to nearly 20 years only nine months ago for running a $ 100 million Ponzi scheme is hoping a federal judge will order his release from prison because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Arthur Lamar Adams , 61 , filed a petition in the U.S. District Court in Jackson requesting to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement , The Clarion Ledger reported .
Adams initially filed a request with the Federal Bureau of Prisons but the request was denied .
Besides his age , Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , psoriasis , vertigo and occasional lung infections from being a smoker , making him more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 .
U.S. Assistant Attorney Dave Fulcher urged U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves to deny Adams ‘ petition , saying all of his health issues can be managed with medicine .
Fulcher also said that Adams hasn ’ t proved he would be safer if released .
Reeves appointed an attorney for Adams made no decision regarding his release .
Adams pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced in October to 19½ years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Forrest City Low Correctional Institution in Forrest City , Arkansas Adams ran the Ponzi scheme through his Madison Timber Properties business , defrauding up to 300 investors .
He sold bogus timber rights , promising high interest rates but he was really using the money to pay off old investors .

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A Mississippi man sentenced to nearly 20 years only nine months ago for running a $100 million Ponzi scheme is hoping a federal judge will order his release from prison because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Arthur Lamar Adams, 61, filed a petition in the U.S. District Court in Jackson requesting to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement, The Clarion Ledger reported.
Adams initially filed a request with the Federal Bureau of Prisons but the request was denied.
Besides his age, Adams said he has hypertension, high cholesterol, psoriasis, vertigo and occasional lung infections from being a smoker, making him more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.
U.S. Assistant Attorney Dave Fulcher urged U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves to deny Adams’ petition, saying all of his health issues can be managed with medicine.
Fulcher also said that Adams hasn’t proved he would be safer if released.
Reeves appointed an attorney for Adams made no decision regarding his release.
Adams pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced in October to 19½ years. He’s serving his sentence at Forrest City Low Correctional Institution in Forrest City, Arkansas
Adams ran the Ponzi scheme through his Madison Timber Properties business, defrauding up to 300 investors. He sold bogus timber rights, promising high interest rates but he was really using the money to pay off old investors.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Convicted of manslaughter, man wants legal fees waived

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
( AP ) - A Sioux Falls man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other @ @ @ @ @ County Commission to forgive nearly $ 80,000 in public defender legal fees .
With credit @ @ @ @ @ juvenile detention center , Alex Lingor was given 65 days in jail after pleading guilty @ @ @ @ @ assault and distribution of marijuana to a minor following the 2017 death of 15-year-old Kareem @ @ @ @ @ killed when he crashed into a tree while Lingor was chasing him for stealing some @ @ @ @ @ to the commission , Lingor said he ’ s is in the process of purchasing @ @ @ @ @ with a friend and is unable to move forward with the transaction because of the @ @ @ @ @ against him , the Argus Leader reported .
County commissioners are scheduled to consider the @ @ @ @ @ during their meeting Tuesday .

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The Minnehaha County Commission has rejected a request by a Sioux Falls man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter to forgive nearly $80,000 in public defender legal fees.
With credit for time served in a juvenile detention center, Alex Lingor was given 65 days in jail after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter, aggravated assault and distribution of marijuana to a minor following the 2017 death of 15-year-old Kareem Cisse.
The teen was killed when he crashed into a tree while Lingor was chasing him for stealing some marijuana.
In a letter to the commission, Lingor said he’s is in the process of purchasing a home in Sioux Falls with a friend and is unable to move forward with the transaction because of the lien the county is holding against him.
County commissioners rejected the request with a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Jeff Barth said in a typical request for a compromise of lien, officials like to see some effort by the applicant to make payments for a period of time.
Documents obtained by the Argus Leader show Lingor hasn’t made any payments toward his public defender’s fees.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Borgata to reopen July 26, last of Atlantic City's 9 casinos

ATLANTIC CITY , N.J. ( AP ) - The Borgata casino will reopen on July 26 , the last of Atlantic City ’ s nine gambling resorts to resume operating amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The casino will host an invitation-only “ soft opening ” starting July 23 , Borgata officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday , and will open its doors to everyone three days later .
The top-performing casino in Atlantic City , the Borgata was the only one that did not to immediately reopen on July 2 , the first day New Jersey Gov .
Phil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three days earlier , the governor changed his mind and canceled permission for restaurants in the state to offer indoor dining , saying that the virus risk is still too great .
That caused casinos to scramble to make other plans , including setting up temporary outdoor quarters and offering grab-and-go bags that customers can eat outside or in their hotel rooms .
But the Borgata decided not to reopen immediately under those conditions .
It then set about increasing its outdoor dining options , and finally reached a point where it made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Following the Governor ’ s directive to postpone indoor dining , we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us , safely , ” Melonie Johnson , the Borgata ’ s president and chief operating officer , said in a statement .
The casino has outdoor dining options including an outdoor beer garden ; an area of food and beer trucks ; poolside at The Water Club , an adjacent non-gambling hotel the Borgata owns ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casino ’ s top-tier player ’ s card members .
It also will also offer room service .
Murphy ordered Atlantic City ’ s casinos shut due to the virus on March 16 .
They have been permitted to operate at 25 % of capacity since July 2 .
The Borgata says it plans to bring back about 40 % of its staff when it reopens .

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - The Borgata casino will reopen on July 26, the last of Atlantic City’s nine gambling resorts to resume operating amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The casino will host an invitation-only “soft opening” starting July 23, Borgata officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday, and will open its doors to everyone three days later.
The top-performing casino in Atlantic City, the Borgata was the only one that did not to immediately reopen on July 2, the first day New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so.
Three days earlier, the governor changed his mind and canceled permission for restaurants in the state to offer indoor dining, saying that the virus risk is still too great.
That caused casinos to scramble to make other plans, including setting up temporary outdoor quarters and offering grab-and-go bags that customers can eat outside or in their hotel rooms.
But the Borgata decided not to reopen immediately under those conditions. It then set about increasing its outdoor dining options, and finally reached a point where it made sense financially to announce it would reopen.
“Following the Governor’s directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely,” Melonie Johnson, the Borgata’s president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.
The casino has outdoor dining options including an outdoor beer garden; an area of food and beer trucks; poolside at The Water Club, an adjacent non-gambling hotel the Borgata owns; and an outdoor dining location for the casino’s top-tier player’s card members. It also will also offer room service.
Murphy ordered Atlantic City’s casinos shut due to the virus on March 16.
They have been permitted to operate at 25% of capacity since July 2. The Borgata says it plans to bring back about 40% of its staff when it reopens.
___
Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Britain to mandate mask-wearing in shops, supermarkets to curb COVID-19 spread

The United Kingdom is making it mandatory to wear a face mask while in shops and supermarkets starting in less @ @ @ @ @ who do not abide by the new rule , that will take effect July 24 @ @ @ @ @ fines of up to £100 , the BBC reported .
One day earlier , British @ @ @ @ @ for wearing masks in shops during the coronavirus pandemic and said his government will be @ @ @ @ @ practice mandatory in the coming days .
The United Kingdom , with a population of @ @ @ @ @ 291,691 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , 44,915 deaths and 1,384 recoveries , according to the @ @ @ @ @ The British government has recommended that its citizens wear face coverings in public spaces and @ @ @ @ @ difficult since mid-May , and have mandated the practice on public transportation since last month @ @ @ @ @ as well as children under the age of 11 will be exempt from the new @ @

The United Kingdom is making it mandatory to wear a face mask while in shops and supermarkets starting in less than two weeks.
Those who do not abide by the new rule, that will take effect July 24, will be subject to fines of up to £100, the BBC reported.
One day earlier, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson advocated for wearing masks in shops during the coronavirus pandemic and said his government will be weighing whether to make the practice mandatory in the coming days.
The United Kingdom, with a population of 66.65 million, has reported 291,691 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 44,915 deaths and 1,384 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker.
The British government has recommended that its citizens wear face coverings in public spaces and where social distancing may be difficult since mid-May, and have mandated the practice on public transportation since last month.
People with certain disabilities as well as children under the age of 11 will be exempt from the new rule.
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--France's Macron defends security chief accused of rape

PARIS ( AP ) - French President Emmanuel Macron is defending his decision to put a man accused of rape in charge of all the nation ’ s police forces , citing the presumption of innocence .
After multiple protests by women ’ s rights groups against the recent appointment of Gerald Darmanin as interior minister , Macron insisted “ I share the feminist cause , ” and pledged to continue pushing for tougher measures against sexual violence and for gender equality .
Questioned about the rape allegation during a Bastille Day interview on French television networks , Macron became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the presumption of innocence .
… No cause can be fairly defended if you do so by ignoring the principles of our democracy.
” Darmanin firmly denies the rape accusation , and an investigation is underway .
In an apparent reference to the # MeToo movement , Macron insisted that justice should run its course and that no one should become “ the victim of a judgment by the street and social networks , ” and that France shouldn ’ t adopt the “ worst of Anglo-Saxon society.
” The U.S.-driven movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about abuse by powerful men has met with a mixed reception in France .
French feminist groups want Darmanin to resign , saying the appointment is a blow to victims of sexual violence and contradicts Macron ’ s promises to make gender equality a “ great cause ” of his presidency .
They ’ re also angry at the appointment of new Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti , who has ridiculed the # MeToo movement and defended a top government official who was accused of rape .

PARIS (AP) - French President Emmanuel Macron is defending his decision to put a man accused of rape in charge of all the nation’s police forces, citing the presumption of innocence.
After multiple protests by women’s rights groups against the recent appointment of Gerald Darmanin as interior minister, Macron insisted “I share the feminist cause,” and pledged to continue pushing for tougher measures against sexual violence and for gender equality.
Questioned about the rape allegation during a Bastille Day interview on French television networks, Macron became agitated, and said: “There is the presumption of innocence. … No cause can be fairly defended if you do so by ignoring the principles of our democracy.”
Darmanin firmly denies the rape accusation, and an investigation is underway.
In an apparent reference to the #MeToo movement, Macron insisted that justice should run its course and that no one should become “the victim of a judgment by the street and social networks,” and that France shouldn’t adopt the “worst of Anglo-Saxon society.” The U.S.-driven movement that allowed women to speak out online about abuse by powerful men has met with a mixed reception in France.
French feminist groups want Darmanin to resign, saying the appointment is a blow to victims of sexual violence and contradicts Macron’s promises to make gender equality a “great cause” of his presidency. They’re also angry at the appointment of new Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, who has ridiculed the #MeToo movement and defended a top government official who was accused of rape.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Flash flood kills 15 in Indonesia's South Sulawesi province

JAKARTA , Indonesia ( AP ) - A flash flood in Indonesia ’ s South Sulawesi province left at least @ @ @ @ @ unknown number missing , an official said Tuesday .
“ Fifteen are reported dead and @ @ @ @ @ more casualties since access to many locations is still blocked by the mud , ” @ @ @ @ @ Putri Indriani said .
She said the flooding began Monday evening and was triggered by @ @ @ @ @ rivers to overflow .
Mud and other materials carried by the floodwaters covered roads and @ @ @ @ @ said .
National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Raditya Jati said the flood affected more than @ @ @ @ @ districts in North Luwu .
“ The provincial road is covered in mud and that @ @ @ @ @ command post and the affected areas , ” Jati said .
Heavy rains cause frequent @ @ @ @ @ Indonesia , where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near flood plains .

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - A flash flood in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province left at least 16 people dead and 23 are still missing, an official said Wednesday.
“The latest update from National Search and Rescue Agency 16 people dead and we are looking for 23 people,” National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Raditya Jati said.
North Luwu district official Indah Putri Indriani said the flooding began Monday evening and was triggered by heavy rains that caused three rivers to overflow.
Mud and other materials carried by the floodwaters covered roads and thousands of houses, she said.
The flood affected more than 4,000 residents of six subdistricts in North Luwu.
“The provincial road is covered in mud and that blocks access to the main command post and the affected areas,” Jati said.
Heavy rains cause frequent landslides and flash floods in Indonesia, where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near flood plains.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Vermont police department investigates after shots reported

WILLISTON , Vt. ( AP ) - A Vermont police department is investigating after receiving reports that gunshots were fired @ @ @ @ @ no reports of injuries .
Police received multiple reports of shots being fired in Maple @ @ @ @ @ about 10:20 p.m. Monday .
Witnesses told police several shots were fired and there was @ @ @ @ @ between two people .
The witnesses said everyone involved fled before police arrived .
Williston @ @ @ @ @ Vermont State Police , Richmond police and the Williston Fire Department .

WILLISTON, Vt. (AP) - A Vermont police department is investigating after receiving reports that gunshots were fired in Williston.
There were no reports of injuries.
Police received multiple reports of shots being fired in Maple Tree Place in Williston at about 10:20 p.m. Monday.
Witnesses told police several shots were fired and there was possibly an exchange of gunfire between two people. The witnesses said everyone involved fled before police arrived.
Williston police requested assistance from the Vermont State Police, Richmond police and the Williston Fire Department.


washingtontimes--2020-07-14--Judge: Man still not mentally competent for murder trial

WINSTON-SALEM , N.C. ( AP ) - A judge has ruled that a North Carolina man who is accused of @ @ @ @ @ 2011 is still not competent to stand trial for murder The Winston-Salem Journal reported Monday @ @ @ @ @ be sent to the Central Regional Hospital .
He faces a first-degree-murder charge in the @ @ @ @ @ .
The 47-year-old was found dead in a trash can .
DNA tests led Winston-Salem @ @ @ @ @ 2015 .
Forsyth Superior Court Judge David Hall signed an order on Thursday that involuntarily @ @ @ @ @ until at least June 1 , 2021 .
Tucker may never be able to stand @ @ @ @ @ of mental illness as well as a slew of physical medical issues , according to @ @ @ @ @ , Tucker ’ s attorney , said his client has been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder @ @ @ @ @ features .
Tucker also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , seizure disorder and hepatitis .
@ @ @ @ @ Tucker was not capable to proceed to trial .

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - A judge has ruled that a North Carolina man who is accused of fatally stabbing a woman in 2011 is still not competent to stand trial for murder
The Winston-Salem Journal reported Monday that Cornelius Tucker Jr. will be sent to the Central Regional Hospital.
He faces a first-degree-murder charge in the death of Constance Edwina Hall. The 47-year-old was found dead in a trash can. DNA tests led Winston-Salem police to arrest Tucker in 2015.
Forsyth Superior Court Judge David Hall signed an order on Thursday that involuntarily commits Tucker to a hospital until at least June 1, 2021.
Tucker may never be able to stand trial because of his history of mental illness as well as a slew of physical medical issues, according to court documents.
David Botchin, Tucker’s attorney, said his client has been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder with psychotic features. Tucker also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seizure disorder and hepatitis.
Prosecutor Jonathan Shrader agreed that Tucker was not capable to proceed to trial.