washingtontimes--2020-06-20--The Latest: Statue of Confederate general toppled in DC

WASHINGTON - Protesters have toppled the only statue of a Confederate general in the nation ’ s capital and set it on fire .
It comes on Juneteenth , the day marking the end of slavery in the United States , amid continuing anti-racism demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Cheering demonstrators jumped up and down as the 11-foot ( 3.4-meter ) statue of Albert Pike - wrapped with chains - wobbled on its high granite pedestal before falling backward , landing in a pile of dust .
Protesters then set a bonfire and stood around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burned , chanting , “ No justice , no peace !
” and “ No racist police !
” Eyewitness accounts and videos posted on social media indicated that police were on the scene , but didn ’ t intervene .
President Donald Trump quickly tweeted about the toppling , calling out D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and writing : “ The DC police are not doing their job as they watched a statue be ripped down and burn.
” After the statue fell , most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises in the form a new single called “ Black Parade.
” The singer ’ s website says the song released late Friday will benefit Black-owned small businesses .
She opens the track by singing , “ I ’ m going back to the South , I ’ m going back where my roots ain ’ t watered down.
” Juneteenth commemorates when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free .
Typically a day of both joy and pain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , amid weekslong protests over police brutality and racism sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd , a Black man , at the hands of Minneapolis police .
Beyoncé has spoken out against the killing of Floyd and has also called for charges against the Kentucky officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor , a Black woman gunned down in March by officers who burst into her own home .
In an Instagram post announcing the release of “ Black Parade , ” the singer wrote , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and celebrate each other , even in the midst of struggle.
” LAS VEGAS - Democratic members of Nevada ’ s congressional delegation are renewing a proposal to remove a statue of former Nevada Sen. Patrick McCarran from the U.S. Capitol ’ s Statuary Hall , saying that he left a “ legacy of racism , anti-Semitism , and xenophobia.
” Sens .
Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto and Reps. Steven Horsford , Dina Titus and Susie Lee made the request in a letter to Gov .
Steve Sisolak and legislative leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ rights and helped shape the air travel industry , but that his statue should be replaced with one of a person who better represents Nevada ’ s values “ as a compassionate , diverse and welcoming state.
” TULSA , Okla. - Speaking before several hundred people gathered at the site of the white-on-Black rampage 99 years ago , the Rev .
Al Sharpton took on President Donald Trump directly .
He referred to Trump ’ s tweet Friday morning of a warning about any “ lowlifes ” showing up against his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowlifes that shoot unarmed people , Mr. President , ” Sharpton said .
“ You couldn ’ t be talking about us , because we fought for the country when it wouldn ’ t fight for us.
” He challenged Trump ’ s lasting campaign slogan .
“ Make America great again - give me the date that America was great for everybody , ” Sharpton said .
“ Greatness is when Blacks and whites and Latinos and Asians and original Americans take the streets all over this country and march against your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the military to squelch protests , Sharpton said .
“ That ’ s when you make America great .
“ Look over here in Greenwood tonight .
This is what is great tonight , ” Sharpton said .
More news about the death of George Floyd at https : //apnews.com/GeorgeFloyd

TOP OF THE HOUR:
- San Francisco religious leader criticizes toppling of statue in Golden Gate Park.
- Trump tries to tie destruction of statues to Democrats, including Biden.
- Trump stages comeback rally in less-than-fun arena amid pandemic.
- Memorial to Black Wall Street in Tulsa covered by tarp near Trump rally.
- Trump campaign abruptly cancels outdoor campaign rally.
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SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Archbishop Salvadore Cordileone criticized the pulling down of the Junipero Serra statue in Golden Gate Park.
“What is happening to our society? A renewed national movement to heal memories and correct the injustices of racism and police brutality in our country has been hijacked by some into a movement of violence, looting and vandalism,” he said in a statement Saturday night.
Serra was an 18th century Roman Catholic priest who founded nine of California’s 21 Spanish missions and is credited with bringing Roman Catholicism to the Western United States.
Serra forced Native Americans to stay at those missions after they were converted or face brutal punishment. His statues have been defaced in California for several years by people who said he destroyed tribes and their culture.
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TULSA, Okla. - President Donald Trump is seeking to tie the destruction of monuments and statues around the country to Democratic leaders, including his likely rival in the presidential election, Joe Biden.
Speaking to supporters in Tulsa, Trump says “the choice in 2020 is very simple. Do you want to bow before the left-wing mob or do you want to stand up tall and proud as Americans?”
Statues have been destroyed in numerous cities amid continuing anti-racism demonstrations following the May 25 police killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd, the African-American man who died in police custody.
The statues targeted included a bust of Ulysses Grant, who was the U.S. president after he was the general who finally beat the Confederates and ended the Civil War. Also torn down in a San Francisco park was a statue of Francis Scott Key, who wrote the “Star Spangled Banner.” Key owned slaves.
Trump says: “Biden remains silent in his basement in the face of this brutal assault on our nation and the values of our nation. Joe Biden has surrendered to his party and to the left-wing mob.”
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TULSA, Okla. - President Donald Trump has returned to the rally stage Saturday night only to find the venue about two-thirds full, a surprising and undoubtedly disappointing turn of events for a politician who values crowd size.
Trump launched his first rally in 110 days amid the coronavirus pandemic. Empty seats could be seen throughout the upper deck as Trump seemingly blamed protesters, saying “we had some very bad people outside that were doing bad things.” The lower deck was full, except for an area behind the television cameras where the view of the stage was blocked.
The vast majority of those in attendance bucked the guidance of health care experts and did not wear a mask, following the lead of a president who has insisted on not wearing a mask in public.
Trump applauded those in attendance as warriors. His campaign has planned for Trump to also speak at an outdoor venue before going inside the arena, but that event was canceled.
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TULSA, Okla. - A memorial to Black Wall Street in the Greenwood District of Tulsa has been covered with tarp by residents who say they don’t want it used as a photo opportunity by the Trump administration as the president holds a campaign rally nearby.
The tarp was placed following a news conference that included Tiffany Crutcher, the twin sister of Terence Crutcher, a black man killed by a Tulsa police officer in 2016.
“This is not a photo op, that’s not what this is,” said Nehemiah Frank, editor of the online Black Wall Street Times in Tulsa, in a video posted following the news conference which called for the campaign rally to be canceled and for peaceful protests.
“This is a place to come pay respects to people that died a horrible murder from racism,” Frank said as the video showed signs attached to the blue tarp, including one reading “This is sacred ground, not a photo op.”
The Greenwood District was the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in which black-owned businesses were burned and an estimated 300 people were killed.
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TULSA, Okla. - President Donald Trump’s campaign has abruptly canceled an outdoor campaign rally that had been scheduled in downtown Tulsa.
The campaign said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence would only appear at the scheduled indoor event at the BOK Center. No reason was given for the cancellation of the outdoor rally right outside the venue. Images posted on social media showed few people in the outdoor area.
Thousands of Trump supporters and protesters gathered on the streets despite concerns about the coronavirus and fears that the politically charged environment could lead to violent conflicts. Many demonstrators appeared on behalf of the Black Lives Matter movement to protest the recent deaths of Black men in police custody.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Police say a 17-year-old boy wanted for allegedly shooting at officers during riots in Sioux Falls over the death of George Floyd has been arrested in Kansas.
Police say the Sioux Falls teen was arrested Friday at a home in Holcomb, Kansas, without incident.
The teen was wanted on an arrest warrant for attempted murder, aggravated assault on law enforcement, and riot.
Police said they have a video of the teen throwing rocks at police, then pulling a handgun from his pants and firing in the direction of police officers during a riot in Sioux Falls on May 31 that developed from a protest over the death of Floyd in Minneapolis.
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TULSA, Okla. - Tulsa police say they have arrested a woman who was inside a secure area outside an arena set to host President Donald Trump’s first campaign rally during the coronavirus pandemic.
The woman was seen Saturday on live video sitting cross-legged on the ground in peaceful protest when officers pulled her away by the arms and later put her in handcuffs. She said her name was Sheila Buck and that she was from Tulsa.
As officers put handcuffed her, Buck said they were hurting her and told them to stop. She was wearing a T-shirt that said “I Can’t Breathe” - the dying words of George Floyd, whose death has inspired a global push for racial justice.
Buck said she had a ticket to the Trump rally and was told she was being arrested for trespassing. She said she was not part of any organized group.
Police said in a news release the officers tried for several minutes to talk Buck into leaving and that she was taken into custody for obstruction after police were asked by the Trump campaign to remove her from the area.
“Ms. Buck was in an area that is considered a private event area and the event organizer, in this case the Trump campaign, can have people removed at their discretion,” according to the release, which said officers remove people “only at the direction of campaign staff.”
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SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Mayor London Breed acknowledged “the very real pain in this country rooted in our history of slavery and oppression, especially against African-Americans and Indigenous people,” but said she didn’t condone the damage done to Golden Gate Park by dozens of protesters who defaced and tore down statues.
“Every dollar we spend cleaning up this vandalism takes funding away from actually supporting our community, including our African-American community,” Breed, who is Black, said in a statement. “I say this not to defend any particular statue or what it represents, but to recognize that when people take action in the name of my community, they should actually involve us. And when they vandalize our public parks, that’s their agenda, not ours.”
Breed said city officials will work with community members to evaluate public art and make sure it reflects San Francisco’s values.
Besides the toppled bust and statues, the park’s old museum concourse was widely spray-painted, including commemorative benches, drinking fountains, pathways and balustrades. Heavy equipment operators and cleanup crews arrived late Friday and worked through the night to remove damaged statues, paint over the graffiti and power wash the area, the parks department said.
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RALEIGH, N.C. - Crews have removed two Confederate statues outside the North Carolina state capitol in Raleigh on order of the governor.
The statues were taken away on Saturday, the morning after protesters toppled two nearby statues.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has long advocated removing the statues, said in a press release that removing the statues was a public-safety imperative.
“If the legislature had repealed their 2015 law that puts up legal roadblocks to removal, we could have avoided the dangerous incidents of last night,” Cooper said.
One of the statues is dedicated to the women of the Confederacy. The other was placed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy honoring Henry Wyatt, the first North Carolinian killed in battle in the Civil War.
Both statues stood for over a century.
A 2015 law bars removal of the memorials without permission of a state historical commission. But Cooper said the law creates an exception for public-safety emergencies, and he is acting under that provision.
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SANTA FE, N.M. - New Mexico lawmakers are attempting to address longstanding problems of police accountability and craft new civil rights protections for minorities within the span of a three-day special legislative session.
The state House on Saturday began deliberations on a Senate-approved bill to ensure state agencies assess policies for preventing racism in hiring, employee retention, pay equity, community engagement and workplace participation.
Other bills under consideration by the Legislature would mandate police body cameras and allow special prosecutors to investigate excessive force by police.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has encouraged legislators to seize on the momentum of national civil rights demonstrations.
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TULSA, Okla. - Vice President Mike Pence is set to meet with Black leaders in Tulsa ahead of a campaign rally with President Donald Trump.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said he will join Pence on Saturday to speak with leaders in Tulsa’s Greenwood district, which was the site of one of the worst racial massacres in U.S. history.
The Republican governor earlier in the week had invited Trump to join him, but later rescinded that request.
“We talked to the African American community and they said it would not be a good idea, so we asked the president not to do that,” Stitt said.
Black leaders in Tulsa say they fear the president’s visit could lead to violence.
Hundreds of Black people were killed during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, when white mobs burned down the thriving commercial area known as Black Wall Street.
The district was the site Friday of Tulsa’s celebration of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
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SAN FRANCISCO - In San Francisco, a group of about 400 people tore down statues of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the U.S., Spanish missionary Junipero Serra and Francis Scott Key, who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The group of protesters arrived at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park Friday night and after defacing the statues with red paint and writing “slave owner” on the platforms they were on, they toppled them using ropes and dragged them down grassy slopes amid cheers and applause.
Grant led the Union Army during the Civil War and thus was a key figure in the fight to end slavery. However, like Key, he once owned slaves. Serra, an 18th century Roman Catholic priest, founded nine of California’s 21 Spanish missions and is credited with bringing Roman Catholicism to the Western United States. He is also blamed by many Native Americans for the destruction of their culture and the decimation of several tribes.
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BOSTON - Three members of the Boston City Council want to start diverting nonviolent 911 calls away from police.
The Boston Globe reported that the councilors have filed an ordinance that calls for “an alternative response from non-law enforcement agencies.”
They said Boston police often respond to nonviolent calls for service that include issues such as homelessness and substance abuse that are beyond the scope of their function.
The councilors are Michelle Wu, Lydia Edwards and Julia Mejia. They’ve proposed the changes in a time when calls for police reform are taking place all over the country in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky.
The Boston councilors want the city to create a crisis-response plan for nonviolent 911 calls within 90 days. They said the plan should connect people who need help to unarmed service providers such as healthcare professionals instead of police.
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SEATTLE - A shooting in Seattle’s protest zone has left one person dead and another critically injured.
Authorities say the shooting before dawn Saturday happened in the area known as CHOP, which stands for Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.
Seattle Police Sgt. Lauren Truscott told The Seattle Times that she didn’t know whether police had taken anyone into custody and said she had no immediate details about how the shooting unfolded.
Harborview Medical Center spokesperson Susan Gregg says two males with gunshot wounds arrived in a private vehicle at the hospital at at about 3 a.m. One died and the other was in critical condition.
Protesters have cordoned off several blocks near a police station in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood in the wake of demonstrations against police violence since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis several weeks ago.
Police have largely retreated from the zone after clashes with protesters ended with people throwing things at police and police using tear gas and other crowd-control munitions. City officials have said they are still communicating with protest leaders, who had pledged to keep the peace in the zone.
The situation has drawn the continued ire of President Donald Trump. His tweets about possibly sending in the military have been met with condemnation from Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Gov. Jay Inslee, both Democrats.
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THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Police in Amsterdam say they are investigating a threatening letter sent to a prominent Black activist.
Jerry Afriyie posted a photo of the letter on his Twitter feed Saturday.
He tweeted, “We are entering the next phase. My family is being threatened because I along with others fight against racism.”
Afriyie has long been a leader of efforts to eradicate the children’s character Black Pete, who is often portrayed by white people wearing blackface makeup at celebrations each December marking Sinterklaas, a Dutch celebration of St. Nicholas.
The letter, which contains racial epithets and insults, purports to come from the Northern division of the far-right anti-immigrant Pegida organization.
In a reaction posted to Instagram, the Dutch branch of Pegida denied involvement, saying that however much the disagree with Afriyie, “we will never send this sort of cowardly, threatening, racist letter to anybody.”
Police say in a tweet that they are investigating who sent the letter. The Amsterdam police tweet added, “as police we take this case extremely seriously.”
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - A statue of the founder of Rochester, New York, has been vandalized.
Anti-racism messages were sprayed on the sculpture of Revolutionary War figure and slave owner Nathaniel Rochester.
The hands of the bronze statue of a seated Rochester were painted red, with “shame” written across the forehead. Other messages around the figure included “stole indigenous lands” and “abolish the police.”
Mayor Lovely Warren said Friday there’s a complexity to recognizing Rochester’s role in establishing what became the western New York city. She said the community should discuss “the best way to deal with those figures.”
The city’s new Commission on Racial and Structural Equity could decide. The sculpture was unveiled in 2008 as part of a neighborhood-revitalization effort led by volunteers.
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WASHINGTON - Protesters have toppled the only statue of a Confederate general in the nation’s capital and set it on fire.
It comes on Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the United States, amid continuing anti-racism demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Cheering demonstrators jumped up and down as the 11-foot (3.4-meter) statue of Albert Pike - wrapped with chains - wobbled on its high granite pedestal before falling backward, landing in a pile of dust. Protesters then set a bonfire and stood around it in a circle as the statue burned, chanting, “No justice, no peace!” and “No racist police!”
Eyewitness accounts and videos posted on social media indicated that police were on the scene, but didn’t intervene.
President Donald Trump quickly tweeted about the toppling, calling out D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and writing: “The DC police are not doing their job as they watched a statue be ripped down and burn.” After the statue fell, most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House.
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More news about the death of George Floyd at https://apnews.com/GeorgeFloyd


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--LA Sheriff's Department examines cameras in shooting probe

GARDENA , Calif. ( AP ) - The Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department said Saturday that it is examining footage from security cameras that might have recorded the fatal shooting of a young man after deputies spotted him with a gun and he ran .
Capt .
Kent Wegener , the head of the department ’ s Homicide Bureau , said in a news conference that investigators have taken six or seven exterior cameras from the scene of Thursday ’ s shooting in which 18-year-old Andres Guardado was killed by a deputy .
The killing in an alley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second fatal shooting by Los Angeles County deputies this week .
Thursday ’ s shooting took place after deputies spotted Guardado with a gun in front of a business in the 400 block of Redondo Beach Boulevard near Gardena .
Wegener said Guardado ran from the deputies after he saw them .
The deputies saw that Guardado had a gun , he said .
The shooting took place in the back of the building , Wegener said .
Guardado was shot in the torso , he said , adding that the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gun appeared to have been pieced together from different parts , and it did not have a serial number , Wegener said .
Investigators do not believe Guardado fired his gun , he said .
Guardado was too young to work as a state-licensed security guard at the business , Wegener said .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the shooting underscores why the department needs to get body cameras for all of its uniformed deputies as soon as possible .
The department is currently soliciting bids for a company to provide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to the same address on a report that a man had been shot in the driveway , Wegener said .
The man survived the shooting , and deputies found narcotics and a shotgun in the building .
On Friday , more than 25 people gathered by a small memorial of flowers , candles and posters at the scene where 18-year-old Andres Guardado was shot .
His sister , Jennifer Guardado , 22 , held a white rose and a sign with his photograph .
“ My parents are completely destroyed .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ I didn ’ t even get to say goodbye to him , and it hurt me too much.
” His sister said she wanted to meet the deputy who shot Guardado and see video footage of what happened .
“ They ’ re not going to kill an innocent person and get away with it , ” she said .
“ There will be justice in this world.
” Noe Abarca said Guardado , 18 , was his nephew and worked two part-time security jobs , lived with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sister .
“ This kid here , he was such a sweetheart , ” she said .
“ I will not stand by and let this go on.
” Abarca said his nephew was studying to be a mechanic and had recently told family members that he was considering joining the Army .
Guardado graduated from high school about a year ago , Abarca said , and he recently purchased a car .
He didn ’ t drink or smoke , and supported his parents , he said .
“ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making jokes , smiling , ” Abarca said .
“ How many kids do we have like him ?
Not many.
” Guardado attended Los Angeles Trade-Technical College , according to the Los Angeles Community College District , which called his death a tragedy .
On Wednesday , the half-brother of a Black man recently found hanged in a Southern California park was fatally shot when he opened fire on Los Angeles County major crimes bureau deputies in the Mojave Desert community of Rosamond , authorities said .
The deputies were trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on charges that he beat his girlfriend and held her captive for nearly a week .
Boone was the half-brother of Robert Fuller , 24 , who was found hanging from a tree last week in Palmdale .
Initial findings that it was likely a suicide led to protests and calls for an independent investigation .

GARDENA, Calif. (AP) - The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Saturday that it is examining footage from security cameras that might have recorded the fatal shooting of a young man after deputies spotted him with a gun and he ran.
Capt. Kent Wegener, the head of the department’s Homicide Bureau, said in a news conference that investigators have taken six or seven exterior cameras from the scene of Thursday’s shooting in which 18-year-old Andres Guardado was killed by a deputy.
The killing in an alley among businesses in the Gardena area was the second fatal shooting by Los Angeles County deputies this week.
Thursday’s shooting took place after deputies spotted Guardado with a gun in front of a business in the 400 block of Redondo Beach Boulevard near Gardena.
Wegener said Guardado ran from the deputies after he saw them. The deputies saw that Guardado had a gun, he said.
The shooting took place in the back of the building, Wegener said. Guardado was shot in the torso, he said, adding that the medical examiner will perform an autopsy.
Guardado’s gun appeared to have been pieced together from different parts, and it did not have a serial number, Wegener said.
Investigators do not believe Guardado fired his gun, he said.
Guardado was too young to work as a state-licensed security guard at the business, Wegener said.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the shooting underscores why the department needs to get body cameras for all of its uniformed deputies as soon as possible. The department is currently soliciting bids for a company to provide the cameras.
On June 7, deputies responded to the same address on a report that a man had been shot in the driveway, Wegener said. The man survived the shooting, and deputies found narcotics and a shotgun in the building.
On Friday, more than 25 people gathered by a small memorial of flowers, candles and posters at the scene where 18-year-old Andres Guardado was shot.
His sister, Jennifer Guardado, 22, held a white rose and a sign with his photograph.
“My parents are completely destroyed. We’re all dead inside,” she said. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him, and it hurt me too much.”
His sister said she wanted to meet the deputy who shot Guardado and see video footage of what happened.
“They’re not going to kill an innocent person and get away with it,” she said. “There will be justice in this world.”
Noe Abarca said Guardado, 18, was his nephew and worked two part-time security jobs, lived with his parents in Koreatown and had a brother and sister.
“This kid here, he was such a sweetheart,” she said. “I will not stand by and let this go on.”
Abarca said his nephew was studying to be a mechanic and had recently told family members that he was considering joining the Army.
Guardado graduated from high school about a year ago, Abarca said, and he recently purchased a car. He didn’t drink or smoke, and supported his parents, he said.
“He was a great kid. He was always making jokes, smiling,” Abarca said. “How many kids do we have like him? Not many.”
Guardado attended Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, according to the Los Angeles Community College District, which called his death a tragedy.
On Wednesday, the half-brother of a Black man recently found hanged in a Southern California park was fatally shot when he opened fire on Los Angeles County major crimes bureau deputies in the Mojave Desert community of Rosamond, authorities said.
The deputies were trying to arrest Terron J. Boone, 31, on charges that he beat his girlfriend and held her captive for nearly a week.
Boone was the half-brother of Robert Fuller, 24, who was found hanging from a tree last week in Palmdale. Initial findings that it was likely a suicide led to protests and calls for an independent investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Donald Trump says schools should open amid 'kung flu'

President Trump late Saturday said he ’ s done a great job in controlling the coronavirus that ’ s killed nearly 120,000 people in the U.S. and that widespread testing for the disease is making him look bad .
“ You ’ re gon na find more people , you ’ re gon na find more cases .
I said to my people , ‘ Slow the testing down , please , ’ ” Mr. Trump told the Tulsa crowd .
Mr. Trump said the increase in diagnostics is sweeping up younger people who won ’ t get sick and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much to worry about .
“ Let ’ s open the schools , please , ” he told the Bank of Oklahoma ( BOK ) Center .
Mr. Trump spoke to a Tulsa crowd that showed little concern for the coronavirus , with few in the arena wearing face coverings despite widespread fears that an indoor gathering amid a pandemic could spread the pathogen .
The Trump campaign made it clear that it felt OK moving forward with its first rally since early March after protesters against racial injustice flooded the streets nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them talking about COVID , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ That name gets further and further away from China , as opposed to calling it the Chinese virus.
” Later , he called the virus the “ kung flu.
” The coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan , China , in December .
It swept across the globe and has infected 2.2 million people in the U.S. States across the Sun Belt , including Florida , Texas and Arizona , have reported a spike in cases as they reopen their economies , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who won ’ t flood the hospitals .
The Trump campaign said it handed out face masks at his Oklahoma rally Saturday night , though wearing them would be optional .
One man standing behind the podium and visible on television did have a mask on , though it was pulled down under his mouth and chin , making it useless .
As the camera panned to the Oklahoma delegation , Sen. James Lankford was wearing a mask , though Sen. James Inhofe was not .
Josie Saltarelli , 38 , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t worried about the coronavirus .
“ People die of other things all the time , ” she told reporters traveling with the president .
Her friend , Sadie McPherson — a nurse assistant — added : “ And many get better , too.
” Health experts say masks are a critical and simple tool for preventing the spread of the virus , since droplets expelled from a person ’ s face through sneezing , coughing or talking can not travel far .
Places like Japan , Taiwan and Hong Kong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control their death rates from the virus .
Amid fears that an overflow crowd would spread the virus , the rally was marked by images of a less-than-full arena .
An outdoor stage — set up for an “ overflow ” crowd — was never used and dismantled as Mr. Trump arrived .

President Trump late Saturday said he’s done a great job in controlling the coronavirus that’s killed nearly 120,000 people in the U.S. and that widespread testing for the disease is making him look bad.
“You’re gonna find more people, you’re gonna find more cases. I said to my people, ‘Slow the testing down, please,’ ” Mr. Trump told the Tulsa crowd.
Testing for the virus is considered a key tool in combating the virus, since it allows states to pinpoint and isolate the infected and their contacts. The administration was faulted for its early efforts to root out the disease, after a diagnostic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed in February.
Mr. Trump said the U.S. has built a robust testing system since then, though it is sweeping up younger people who won’t get sick and die, so there isn’t much to worry about.
“Let’s open the schools, please,” he told the Bank of Oklahoma (BOK) Center.
Yet the president’s opponent seized on the testing comment, saying it showed a lack of commitment to defeating the pandemic.
“Is the President admitting that he refused medical care to millions of Americans?” tweeted Ronald Klain, who served as chief of staff to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden from 2008 to 2011.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois Democrat, said Congress will look into Mr. Trump’s comments “because the American people deserve to know if their president sabotaged efforts to detect and contain COVID-19 because he didn’t like the results. The result he needs to focus on is the lives we can save.”
Mr. Trump spoke to a Tulsa crowd that showed little concern for the coronavirus, with few in the arena wearing face coverings despite widespread fears that an indoor gathering amid a pandemic could spread the pathogen.
The Trump campaign made it clear that it felt OK moving forward with its first rally since early March after protesters against racial injustice flooded the streets nationwide.
“You don’t hear them talking about COVID,” Mr. Trump said. “That name gets further and further away from China, as opposed to calling it the Chinese virus.”
Later, he called the virus the “kung flu.”
A CBS reporter, Weijia Jiang, in March said a White House aide referred to the virus in those terms to her face in March, prompting White House counselor Kellyanne Conway to demand the source, dubbing the term “highly offensive.”
The coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December. It swept across the globe and has infected 2.2 million people in the U.S.
States across the Sun Belt, including Florida, Texas and Arizona, have reported a spike in cases as they reopen their economies, though leaders say many cases are in young people who won’t flood the hospitals.
The Trump campaign said it handed out face masks at his Oklahoma rally Saturday night, though wearing them would be optional.
One man standing behind the podium and visible on television did have a mask on, though it was pulled down under his mouth and chin, making it useless.
As the camera panned to the Oklahoma delegation, Sen. James Lankford was wearing a mask, though Sen. James Inhofe was not.
Josie Saltarelli, 38, a paramedic from Tulsa, said she wasn’t worried about the coronavirus.
“People die of other things all the time,” she told reporters traveling with the president.
Her friend, Sadie McPherson — a nurse assistant — added: “And many get better, too.”
Health experts say masks are a critical and simple tool for preventing the spread of the virus, since droplets expelled from a person’s face through sneezing, coughing or talking cannot travel far.
Places like Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, where mask-wearing is commonplace, have managed to control their death rates from the virus.
Amid fears that an overflow crowd would spread the virus, the rally was marked by images of a less-than-full arena.
An outdoor stage — set up for an “overflow” crowd — was never used and dismantled as Mr. Trump arrived.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Donald Trump reopens campaign at Tulsa rally, declares silent majority 'stronger than ever'

President Trump restarted his reelection campaign with a comeback rally Saturday night in Oklahoma , telling cheering supporters “ the silent majority is stronger than ever before.
” “ Five months from now we ’ re going to beat ‘ Sleepy Joe ‘ Biden , ” Mr. Trump told a less-than-capacity crowd at BOK arena in Tulsa .
“ We ’ re going to stop the radical left.
” The president came on stage to a welcoming roar and announced , “ We begin our campaign.
” It was his first rally since March 2 , when the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s reelection prospects into peril .
There were many empty seats in the upper portion of the 19,000-seat arena , and open space on the floor as well .
The campaign canceled plans for Mr. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to address expected overflow crowds outdoors that never materialized .
The president and Trump campaign officials blamed anti-Trump protesters for preventing supporters from getting to the site .
“ I just want to thank all of you , ” Mr. Trump told the supporters indoors .
“ You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some very bad people outside , they were doing bad things .
You saw these thugs that came along.
” The president and his campaign manager , Brad Parscale , had bragged earlier in the week about more than 1 million people requesting tickets .
Mr. Parscale said an auxiliary stage was being built outside the arena so the president and Mr. Pence could address the massive crowd .
Opponents of the president said the campaign had been duped by teenagers across the U.S. who registered for tickets to undermine the president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Lincoln Project ” of Republican operatives opposing the president , suggested the group was responsible for undermining the rally attendance .
“ This is what happened tonight .
I ’ m dead serious when I say this .
The teens of America have struck a savage blow against @ realDonaldTrump , ” Mr. Schmidt said .
“ All across America teens ordered tickets to this event .
The fools on the campaign bragged about a million tickets .
lol .
@ ProjectLincoln.
” New York Times magazine writer C.J .
Chivers tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three teenagers .
two of them have a pair of tix each to @ realDonaldTrump ’ s rally in tulsa ; they registered to spoof POTUS & his campaign .
one of them is sitting at dinner now , laughing and saying teens around the united states fooled the man.
” A week ago , Mr. Parscale bragged online , “ Just passed 800,000 tickets .
Biggest data haul and rally signup of all time by 10x.
” The president addressed the civil unrest that has roiled the U.S. since the death on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encounter with police in Minneapolis .
Demonstrators have been tearing down statues of Confederate generals and other historical figures around the country .
“ The unhinged left-wing mob is trying to vandalize our history , desecrating our monuments , our beautiful monuments , tear down our statues and punish , cancel and persecute anyone who does not conform to their demands for absolute and total control , ” Mr. Trump said .
He declared , “ We ’ re not conforming .
That ’ s why we ’ re here , actually.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of censorship and exclusion violates everything we hold dear as Americans.
” “ They want to demolish our heritage so they can impose their new oppressive regime in its place , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ They want to defund and dissolve our police departments .
Think of that.
” The president spent portions of his speech criticizing the media for accounts of his commencement address a week ago at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point , when he was ridiculed for drinking a glass of water with two hands and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speech ended .
He said he told the West Point superintendent , “ There is no way I can walk down that ramp without falling on my ass.
” Mr. Trump joked that first lady Melania Trump told him after the speech , “ They [ the media ] didn ’ t mention the speech .
They mentioned you might have Parkinson ’ s. ” “ Nothing wrong with me , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ There ’ s something wrong with Biden.
” Former Sen. Claire McCaskill , a Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech : “ Major message tonight : I can walk and drink a glass of water.
” Emphasizing a law-and-order agenda , the president accused Mr. Biden of being “ a helpless puppet of the radical Left.
” “ And he ’ s not radical left , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ I don ’ t think he knows what he is anymore .
But he ’ s controlled by the radical left .
… The left is trying to do everything they can to stop us , every hour of every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look what happened tonight.
” He vowed , “ We will never submit to their threats , and we will never let them destroy our nation.
” Mr. Trump said Mr. Biden “ will always bow to the angry mob.
” “ Joe Biden will always let you down , that ’ s been his history , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ Biden is a puppet for China … allowing them to rip off America for many years.
” The president proposed a year in prison for anyone who burns the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bow before the left-wing mob or do you want to stand up tall as Americans ?
” Mr. Trump said .
“ We will never kneel to our national anthem , to our great American flag — we will stand proud and stand tall .
”

President Trump restarted his reelection campaign with a comeback rally Saturday night in Oklahoma, telling cheering supporters “the silent majority is stronger than ever before.”
“Five months from now we’re going to beat ‘Sleepy Joe’ Biden,” Mr. Trump told a less-than-capacity crowd at BOK arena in Tulsa. “We’re going to stop the radical left.”
The president attacked Mr. Biden, the former vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee, as “a very willing Trojan horse for socialism” whose alliance with blacks is hypocritical.
“America should not take lectures on racial justice from Joe Biden, Sleepy Joe, a man who praised … segregationists, shipped millions of black Americans’ jobs overseas and everyone else’s jobs, too,” the president said. “Biden is now smearing as racists tens of millions of people like yourselves. Racial justice begins with Joe Biden’s retirement from public life.”
Speaking in the city that was the scene of one of the worst massacres of blacks in U.S. history, in 1921, Mr. Trump said he’s directed the secretary of Interior to place the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park in Tulsa on the African American Civil Rights Network.
The president came on stage to a welcoming roar and announced, “We begin our campaign.” It was his first rally since March 2, when the coronavirus crisis forced a suspension of campaigning and thrust the president’s reelection prospects into peril.
There were many empty seats in the upper portion of the 19,000-seat arena, and open space on the floor as well. The campaign canceled plans for Mr. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to address expected overflow crowds outdoors that never materialized.
The president and Trump campaign officials blamed anti-Trump protesters for preventing supporters from getting to the site.
“I just want to thank all of you,” Mr. Trump told the supporters indoors. “You are warriors. Thank you. We had some very bad people outside, they were doing bad things. You saw these thugs that came along.”
The president and his campaign manager, Brad Parscale, had bragged earlier in the week about more than 1 million people requesting tickets. Mr. Parscale said an auxiliary stage was being built outside the arena so the president and Mr. Pence could address the massive crowd.
Opponents of the president said the campaign had been duped by teenagers across the U.S. who registered for tickets to undermine the president. Steve Schmidt, a collaborator in the “Lincoln Project” of Republican operatives opposing the president, suggested the group was responsible for undermining the rally attendance.
“This is what happened tonight. I’m dead serious when I say this. The teens of America have struck a savage blow against @realDonaldTrump,” Mr. Schmidt said. “All across America teens ordered tickets to this event. The fools on the campaign bragged about a million tickets. lol. @ProjectLincoln.”
New York Times magazine writer C.J. Chivers tweeted at Mr. Parscale, “i have three teenagers. two of them have a pair of tix each to @realDonaldTrump’s rally in tulsa; they registered to spoof POTUS & his campaign. one of them is sitting at dinner now, laughing and saying teens around the united states fooled the man.”
A week ago, Mr. Parscale bragged online, “Just passed 800,000 tickets. Biggest data haul and rally signup of all time by 10x.”
The president addressed the civil unrest that has roiled the U.S. since the death on May 25 of George Floyd during an encounter with police in Minneapolis. Demonstrators have been tearing down statues of Confederate generals and other historical figures around the country.
“The unhinged left-wing mob is trying to vandalize our history, desecrating our monuments, our beautiful monuments, tear down our statues and punish, cancel and persecute anyone who does not conform to their demands for absolute and total control,” Mr. Trump said.
He declared, “We’re not conforming. That’s why we’re here, actually.”
The president said the “cruel campaign of censorship and exclusion violates everything we hold dear as Americans.” “They want to demolish our heritage so they can impose their new oppressive regime in its place,” Mr. Trump said. “They want to defund and dissolve our police departments. Think of that.”
The president spent portions of his speech criticizing the media for accounts of his commencement address a week ago at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, when he was ridiculed for drinking a glass of water with two hands and for walking gingerly down a ramp after the speech ended.
He said he told the West Point superintendent, “There is no way I can walk down that ramp without falling on my ass.”
Mr. Trump joked that first lady Melania Trump told him after the speech, “They [the media] didn’t mention the speech. They mentioned you might have Parkinson’s.”
“Nothing wrong with me,” Mr. Trump said. “There’s something wrong with Biden.”
Former Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, tweeted of the president’s speech: “Major message tonight: I can walk and drink a glass of water.”
Emphasizing a law-and-order agenda, the president accused Mr. Biden of being “a helpless puppet of the radical Left.”
“And he’s not radical left,” Mr. Trump said. “I don’t think he knows what he is anymore. But he’s controlled by the radical left. … The left is trying to do everything they can to stop us, every hour of every day, including violence, mayhem — look what happened tonight.”
He vowed, “We will never submit to their threats, and we will never let them destroy our nation.”
Mr. Trump said Mr. Biden “will always bow to the angry mob.”
“Joe Biden will always let you down, that’s been his history,” Mr. Trump said. “Biden is a puppet for China … allowing them to rip off America for many years.”
The president proposed a year in prison for anyone who burns the American flag.
“Do you want to bow before the left-wing mob or do you want to stand up tall as Americans?” Mr. Trump said. “We will never kneel to our national anthem, to our great American flag — we will stand proud and stand tall.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--UK police say 3 people killed in stabbing attack in town of Reading; suspect arrested and no one els

LONDON ( AP ) - UK police say 3 people killed in stabbing attack in town of Reading ; suspect @ @ @ @ @ being sought .

LONDON (AP) - UK police say 3 people killed in stabbing attack in town of Reading; suspect arrested and no one else being sought.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Trump holds 1st rally in 110 days amid pandemic; empty seats abound as he says silent majority is 's

TULSA , Okla. ( AP ) - Trump holds 1st rally in 110 days amid pandemic ; empty seats abound @ @ @ @ @ is ‘ stronger than ever .
’

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Trump holds 1st rally in 110 days amid pandemic; empty seats abound as he says silent majority is ‘stronger than ever.’
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Louisiana health officials probe COVID-19 clusters

BATON ROUGE , La .
( AP ) - Louisiana health regulators have tied at least 100 cases of the new coronavirus to bars near LSU in Baton Rouge and report a new cluster of the illness in the Orleans Parish area .
The state Department of Public Health said Friday that bars in an area near the campus called Tigerland are believed to be a major contributor to the outbreak .
Anyone who visited bars in that area recently should consider themselves exposed and should self-quarantine for 14 days .
People should monitor for symptoms including fever or chills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulty breathing , fatigue , muscle or body aches , headache , loss of taste or smell , sore throat , congestion or runny nose , nausea and diarrhea , the health department said .
At least three bars - JL ’ s Place , Reggie ’ s and Fred ’ s - have employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 , the businesses ’ owners told WAFB-TV Friday .
Louisiana Department of Health spokeswoman Mindy Faciane confirmed an outbreak investigation is underway involving JL ’ s Place and Reggie ’ s Bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s confirms two of his employees have tested positive for the virus .
He said each is recovering at home .
In New Orleans , health officials are investigating a new cluster of COVID-19 that is likely linked to a high school graduation party .
“ By and large teenagers do well with COVID .
On average , they don ’ t get very sick .
That doesn ’ t mean they always do well .
It is still possible , if you ’ re a young adult , to get very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , ” Dr. Eric Kanter , with the Louisiana Department of Health told WVUE-TV .
But , health officials noted that young people also risk unknowingly exposing their parents or grandparents to the disease .
“ Those individuals might not do as well with COVID .
It ’ s serious .
We are in the middle of a pandemic .
It is not a game .
An outbreak like we ’ re seeing now , based on events that happened over the last two weeks , can have a far-reaching and serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care professionals say they ’ ve seen an increase in positive cases at New Orleans mobile testing sites , indicating a possible increase in community spread .
Statewide , numbers are rising too .
As of Saturday , the state reported 49,385 cases of the disease with almost 3,000 deaths .
At a news conference Saturday , New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno said the news emphasizes the need to avoid “ super-spreader events.
” Large uncontrolled gatherings , such as a traditional party or a bar , present the highest risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and could spark a rise in more cases .
“ If we let our guard down or a few bad actors have super-spreader events , it could throw us back , ” she said .
“ We have worked too hard over the last three months … to go backwards.
” Noting that Sunday is Father ’ s Day , Avegno said she has not hugged her father in three months .
“ I ’ m going to wish him Happy Father ’ s Day on Zoom , ” she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana health regulators have tied at least 100 cases of the new coronavirus to bars near LSU in Baton Rouge and report a new cluster of the illness in the Orleans Parish area.
The state Department of Public Health said Friday that bars in an area near the campus called Tigerland are believed to be a major contributor to the outbreak. Anyone who visited bars in that area recently should consider themselves exposed and should self-quarantine for 14 days. People should monitor for symptoms including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea and diarrhea, the health department said.
At least three bars - JL’s Place, Reggie’s and Fred’s - have employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, the businesses’ owners told WAFB-TV Friday.
Louisiana Department of Health spokeswoman Mindy Faciane confirmed an outbreak investigation is underway involving JL’s Place and Reggie’s Bar.
Meanwhile, the owner of Fred’s confirms two of his employees have tested positive for the virus. He said each is recovering at home.
In New Orleans, health officials are investigating a new cluster of COVID-19 that is likely linked to a high school graduation party.
“By and large teenagers do well with COVID. On average, they don’t get very sick. That doesn’t mean they always do well. It is still possible, if you’re a young adult, to get very sick with COVID and we have seen cases,” Dr. Eric Kanter, with the Louisiana Department of Health told WVUE-TV.
But, health officials noted that young people also risk unknowingly exposing their parents or grandparents to the disease.
“Those individuals might not do as well with COVID. It’s serious. We are in the middle of a pandemic. It is not a game. An outbreak like we’re seeing now, based on events that happened over the last two weeks, can have a far-reaching and serious ramifications,” Kanter said.
Health care professionals say they’ve seen an increase in positive cases at New Orleans mobile testing sites, indicating a possible increase in community spread. Statewide, numbers are rising too. As of Saturday, the state reported 49,385 cases of the disease with almost 3,000 deaths.
At a news conference Saturday, New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno said the news emphasizes the need to avoid “super-spreader events.”
Large uncontrolled gatherings, such as a traditional party or a bar, present the highest risk of spreading the illness, she said, and could spark a rise in more cases.
“If we let our guard down or a few bad actors have super-spreader events, it could throw us back,” she said. “We have worked too hard over the last three months … to go backwards.”
Noting that Sunday is Father’s Day, Avegno said she has not hugged her father in three months.
“I’m going to wish him Happy Father’s Day on Zoom,” she said, “because I care about him.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--150 cannery workers forced into hotel quarantine without pay

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - About 150 seasonal workers hired by a salmon cannery in Alaska are being forced to quarantine without pay at a hotel in Los Angeles after three of them tested positive for the coronavirus , a lawsuit claims .
The workers , most of them from Mexico and Southern California , were hired June 2 by North Pacific Seafoods to work at its Red Salmon Cannery in Naknek , Alaska , through August , according to the lawsuit filed Friday in San Francisco Superior Court , the Los Angeles Times reported .
Instead , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LAX Hotel since June 10 , attorney Jonathan Davis said .
Leauri Moore , vice president of human resources for North Pacific Seafoods , told the newspaper in an email that she had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment .
Moore said authorities in Alaska have issued orders requiring a 14-day controlled quarantine and coronavirus testing in order for anyone to work at a seafood processing plant in the state .
Intercontinental Hotels Group , which owns the Crowne Plaza LAX and is also named in the lawsuit , did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
Based in Seattle , Pacific Seafoods each summer hires hundreds of workers from around the world for temporary jobs at its Naknek cannery , promising them round-trip transportation to and from their point of hire as well as lodging and meals .
The workers were directed to the hotel in Los Angeles to be tested for the coronavirus .
Once there , they were instructed to wait together in a crowded hallway and fill out paperwork using shared pens , putting them in close contact with one another for up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Four days later , when results came back positive for three of the workers , all 150 were told that their quarantine had been extended 11 days , until June 25 and that they would not be paid for the time , the lawsuit alleges .
The hotel deactivated their keycards so they couldn ’ t come and go , and they were warned that if they left their rooms for any reason they ’ d be immediately fired , the complaint states .
Since the start of the initial quarantine June 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no more than two meals a day , according to the lawsuit .
In addition to being prohibited from leaving the premises to get additional food or supplies , they have also been barred from ordering room service or accessing any hotel services , the complaint states .
Davis described the situation as “ bizarre and outrageous.
” “ There are certainly many , many horrible stories in the history of labor and migrant workers and seasonal workers in the United States .
But I have not seen this type of case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit alleges false imprisonment , nonpayment of wages , failure to pay minimum wages and overtime , negligence and unlawful business practices .
Attorneys plan to go to court next week and seek a temporary restraining order to have the workers immediately paid , Davis said .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - About 150 seasonal workers hired by a salmon cannery in Alaska are being forced to quarantine without pay at a hotel in Los Angeles after three of them tested positive for the coronavirus, a lawsuit claims.
The workers, most of them from Mexico and Southern California, were hired June 2 by North Pacific Seafoods to work at its Red Salmon Cannery in Naknek, Alaska, through August, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in San Francisco Superior Court, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Instead, they have been stuck at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel since June 10, attorney Jonathan Davis said.
Leauri Moore, vice president of human resources for North Pacific Seafoods, told the newspaper in an email that she had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment.
Moore said authorities in Alaska have issued orders requiring a 14-day controlled quarantine and coronavirus testing in order for anyone to work at a seafood processing plant in the state.
A spokesman for Intercontinental Hotels Group, which owns the Crowne Plaza LAX and is also named in the lawsuit, told the Times in a statement Sunday that the company does not comment on pending litigation, but that it prioritizes the health and safety of guests and employees. .
“We want to stress that the hotel did not prevent any guest from freely leaving the property and provided safe and comfortable accommodations to the guests, including three meals a day,” Jacob Hawkins, the spokesman, wrote in an email.
Based in Seattle, Pacific Seafoods each summer hires hundreds of workers from around the world for temporary jobs at its Naknek cannery, promising them round-trip transportation to and from their point of hire as well as lodging and meals.
The workers were directed to the hotel in Los Angeles to be tested for the coronavirus. Once there, they were instructed to wait together in a crowded hallway and fill out paperwork using shared pens, putting them in close contact with one another for up to six hours, the lawsuit alleges.
Four days later, when results came back positive for three of the workers, all 150 were told that their quarantine had been extended 11 days, until June 25 and that they would not be paid for the time, the lawsuit alleges.
The hotel deactivated their keycards so they couldn’t come and go, and they were warned that if they left their rooms for any reason they’d be immediately fired, the complaint states.
Since the start of the initial quarantine June 10, the hotel has provided the workers with no more than two meals a day, according to the lawsuit. In addition to being prohibited from leaving the premises to get additional food or supplies, they have also been barred from ordering room service or accessing any hotel services, the complaint states.
Davis described the situation as “bizarre and outrageous.”
“There are certainly many, many horrible stories in the history of labor and migrant workers and seasonal workers in the United States. But I have not seen this type of case before,” he said.
The lawsuit alleges false imprisonment, nonpayment of wages, failure to pay minimum wages and overtime, negligence and unlawful business practices. Attorneys plan to go to court next week and seek a temporary restraining order to have the workers immediately paid, Davis said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Missouri reports 389 more coronavirus cases, 7 more deaths

Missouri health officials are reporting 389 more coronavirus cases and seven more deaths .
New data released Saturday shows the @ @ @ @ @ to 17,590 .
The number of deaths increased to 955 .
Over the past seven @ @ @ @ @ 7.7 % , according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services .
For @ @ @ @ @ causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in @ @ @ @ @ For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can @ @ @ @ @

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -
Missouri health officials are reporting 389 more coronavirus cases and seven more deaths.
New data released Saturday shows the number of cases has risen to 17,590. The number of deaths increased to 955. Over the past seven days, cases are up 7.7%, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Owner of Eskimo Pie to change its 'derogatory' name

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The owner of Eskimo Pie is changing its name and marketing of the nearly century-old chocolate-covered ice cream bar , the latest brand to reckon with racially charged logos and marketing .
“ We are committed to being a part of the solution on racial equality , and recognize the term is derogatory , ” said Elizabell Marquez , head of marketing for its parent Dreyer ’ s Grand Ice Cream , the U.S. subsidiary for Froneri , in a statement .
“ This move is part of a larger review to ensure our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The treat was patented by Christian Kent Nelson of Ohio and his business partner Russell C. Stover in 1922 , according to Smithsonian Magazine .
Eskimo Pie joins a growing list of brands that are rethinking their marketing in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests in recent weeks triggered by the death of George Floyd .
Quaker Oats announced Wednesday that it will retire the Aunt Jemima brand , saying the company recognizes the character ’ s origins are “ based on a racial stereotype.
” Other companies are reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mill , a family-owned operation in South Carolina that makes locally-grown and milled white grits , said Wednesday it is “ listening and reviewing our overall branding , ” though no decisions have been made .
Geechie is a dialect spoken mainly by the descendants of African American slaves who settled on the Ogeechee River in Georgia , according to Merriam-Webster.com .
Mars Inc. said it ’ s also reviewing its Uncle Ben ’ s rice brand .
B & G ; Foods Inc. , which makes Cream of Wheat hot cereal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiating “ an immediate review ” of its packaging .
A smiling black chef holding a bowl of cereal has appeared on Cream of Wheat packaging and in ads since at least 1918 , according to the company ’ s website .
Chicago-based Conagra Brands , which makes Mrs. Butterworth ’ s syrup , said its bottles - which are shaped like a matronly woman - are intended to evoke a “ loving grandmother.
” But the company said it can understand that the packaging could be misinterpreted .
Critics have long claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooted in the “ mammy ” stereotype .
AP Food Writer Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit contributed to this report .

NEW YORK (AP) - The owner of Eskimo Pie is changing its name and marketing of the nearly century-old chocolate-covered ice cream bar, the latest brand to reckon with racially charged logos and marketing.
“We are committed to being a part of the solution on racial equality, and recognize the term is derogatory,” said Elizabell Marquez, head of marketing for its parent Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, the U.S. subsidiary for Froneri, in a statement. “This move is part of a larger review to ensure our company and brands reflect our people values.”
The treat was patented by Christian Kent Nelson of Ohio and his business partner Russell C. Stover in 1922, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Eskimo Pie joins a growing list of brands that are rethinking their marketing in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests in recent weeks triggered by the death of George Floyd. Quaker Oats announced Wednesday that it will retire the Aunt Jemima brand, saying the company recognizes the character’s origins are “based on a racial stereotype.”
Other companies are reviewing their name or logo. Geechie Boy Mill, a family-owned operation in South Carolina that makes locally-grown and milled white grits, said Wednesday it is “listening and reviewing our overall branding,” though no decisions have been made. Geechie is a dialect spoken mainly by the descendants of African American slaves who settled on the Ogeechee River in Georgia, according to Merriam-Webster.com.
Mars Inc. said it’s also reviewing its Uncle Ben’s rice brand. B&G Foods Inc., which makes Cream of Wheat hot cereal, also said this past week it is initiating “an immediate review” of its packaging. A smiling black chef holding a bowl of cereal has appeared on Cream of Wheat packaging and in ads since at least 1918, according to the company’s website.
Chicago-based Conagra Brands, which makes Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup, said its bottles - which are shaped like a matronly woman - are intended to evoke a “loving grandmother.” But the company said it can understand that the packaging could be misinterpreted. Critics have long claimed that the bottle’s design is rooted in the “mammy” stereotype.
____
AP Food Writer Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Anti-Trump protesters 'interfere' with rally, campaign claims, as outdoor speeches canceled

The Trump campaign canceled planned outdoor speeches by President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at their comeback rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on Saturday night after protesters “ interfered ” with Trump supporters , campaign officials said .
“ Sadly , protesters interfered with supporters , even blocking access to the metal detectors , which prevented people from entering the rally , ” said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh .
“ Radical protesters , coupled with a relentless onslaught from the media , attempted to frighten off the president ’ s supporters .
We are proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media reports said fights occurred outside the BOK arena where Mr. Trump is holding his main rally indoors .
But the president and vice president also initially had planned to speak to supporters outdoors who couldn ’ t get in to the 19,000-seat arena .
But areas outside the arena appeared to be sparsely populated about an hour before the president ’ s arrival .
It ’ s the president ’ s first campaign rally since March 2 , when the coronavirus crisis brought a suspension of campaigning .
“ President Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters , a stark contrast to the sleepy campaign being run by Joe Biden from his basement in Delaware , ” Mr. Murtaugh said .
The president and campaign officials had said earlier that more than 1 million people requested tickets for the rally .
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale had boasted on Friday that the campaign built an auxiliary stage outdoors for the president to greet supporters who couldn ’ t get into the arena .
Steve Schmidt , former campaign manager for John McCain in 2008 and a harsh critic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign was duped by anti-Trump teenagers requesting tickets .
“ My 16-year-old daughter and her friends in Park City , Utah , have hundreds of tickets , ” Mr. Schmidt tweeted at Mr. Parscale minutes before the rally was set to begin .
“ You have been rolled by America ’ s teens .
@ realDonaldTrump you have been failed by your team .
You have been deserted by your faithful .
No one likes to root for the losing team.
” “ This will be the 1st time that POTUS speaks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside , ” Mr. Parscale tweeted at the time .
Mr. Schmidt , a collaborator in the “ Lincoln Project ” of Republican operatives opposing the president , suggested the group was responsible for undermining the rally attendance .
“ This is what happened tonight .
I ’ m dead serious when I say this .
The teens of America have struck a savage blow against @ realDonaldTrump , ” Mr. Schmidt said .
“ All across America teens ordered tickets to this event .
The fools on the campaign bragged about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Vice President Mike Pence shrugged off the less-than-capacity attendance when he addressed the crowd before the president spoke .
“ Four years ago , a movement was formed , and it looks like it ’ s doing just fine tonight , ” Mr. Pence said to cheering supporters .

The Trump campaign canceled planned outdoor speeches by President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at their comeback rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday night after protesters “interfered” with Trump supporters, campaign officials said.
“Sadly, protesters interfered with supporters, even blocking access to the metal detectors, which prevented people from entering the rally,” said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh. “Radical protesters, coupled with a relentless onslaught from the media, attempted to frighten off the president’s supporters. We are proud of the thousands who stuck it out.”
Media reports said fights occurred outside the BOK arena where Mr. Trump is holding his main rally indoors. But the president and vice president also initially had planned to speak to supporters outdoors who couldn’t get in to the 19,000-seat arena.
But areas outside the arena appeared to be sparsely populated about an hour before the president’s arrival.
It’s the president’s first campaign rally since March 2, when the coronavirus crisis brought a suspension of campaigning.
“President Trump is rallying in Tulsa with thousands of energetic supporters, a stark contrast to the sleepy campaign being run by Joe Biden from his basement in Delaware,” Mr. Murtaugh said.
The president and campaign officials had said earlier that more than 1 million people requested tickets for the rally.
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale had boasted on Friday that the campaign built an auxiliary stage outdoors for the president to greet supporters who couldn’t get into the arena.
Steve Schmidt, former campaign manager for John McCain in 2008 and a harsh critic of Mr. Trump, asserted that the Trump campaign was duped by anti-Trump teenagers requesting tickets.
“My 16-year-old daughter and her friends in Park City, Utah, have hundreds of tickets,” Mr. Schmidt tweeted at Mr. Parscale minutes before the rally was set to begin. “You have been rolled by America’s teens. @realDonaldTrump
you have been failed by your team. You have been deserted by your faithful. No one likes to root for the losing team.”
“This will be the 1st time that POTUS speaks to BOTH crowds in person — inside & outside,” Mr. Parscale tweeted at the time.
Mr. Schmidt, a collaborator in the “Lincoln Project” of Republican operatives opposing the president, suggested the group was responsible for undermining the rally attendance.
“This is what happened tonight. I’m dead serious when I say this. The teens of America have struck a savage blow against @realDonaldTrump,” Mr. Schmidt said. “All across America teens ordered tickets to this event. The fools on the campaign bragged about a million tickets. lol. @ProjectLincoln.”
Vice President Mike Pence shrugged off the less-than-capacity attendance when he addressed the crowd before the president spoke.
“Four years ago, a movement was formed, and it looks like it’s doing just fine tonight,” Mr. Pence said to cheering supporters.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Injured officer sues man who ran over him in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD , Mo .
( AP ) - A Springfield police officer is suing the man who is charged with crashing a sport utility vehicle into him .
Officer Mark Priebe , who sustained rib fractures and a spinal cord injury , filed the personal injury lawsuit Tuesday against 28-year-old Jon Tyler Routh , the Springfield News-Leader reports .
Court documents say Priebe tried to get Routh to stop his vehicle June 9 after Routh urinated on the front door of the police station but Routh accelerated and ran over Priebe .
Another officer then shot Routh after he refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Routh , who is charged with assaulting a special victim and armed criminal action , told police at the scene “ You guys knew you had this coming , ” according to court documents .
He was treated for his gunshot wound before he was taken to jail .
The lawsuit said one of Priebe ’ s doctors has indicated that the officer will never be able to walk again .
He was transported this past week to a Colorado hospital for physical therapy .
Court documents say Routh sent someone a text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m going to run a cop over I think.
” An attorney for Routh has asked that he be examined by a psychologist .

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A Springfield police officer is suing the man who is charged with crashing a sport utility vehicle into him.
Officer Mark Priebe, who sustained rib fractures and a spinal cord injury, filed the personal injury lawsuit Tuesday against 28-year-old Jon Tyler Routh, the Springfield News-Leader reports.
Court documents say Priebe tried to get Routh to stop his vehicle June 9 after Routh urinated on the front door of the police station but Routh accelerated and ran over Priebe.
Another officer then shot Routh after he refused to get out of the vehicle. Routh, who is charged with assaulting a special victim and armed criminal action, told police at the scene “You guys knew you had this coming,” according to court documents. He was treated for his gunshot wound before he was taken to jail.
The lawsuit said one of Priebe’s doctors has indicated that the officer will never be able to walk again. He was transported this past week to a Colorado hospital for physical therapy.
Court documents say Routh sent someone a text message before the incident saying “I’m going to run a cop over I think.” An attorney for Routh has asked that he be examined by a psychologist.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--5 seniors at graduation ceremony test positive for COVID-19

FREDERICKSBURG , Va. ( AP ) - Five graduating seniors at a Virginia high school who attended a modified commencement @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the coronavirus .
Fredericksburg City Schools Superintendent Marceline Catlett said Friday that @ @ @ @ @ Monroe High School tested positive for COVID-19 , and all five attended graduation ceremonies at @ @ @ @ @ She said the school has been working with the local health department and “ the @ @ @ @ @ the majority of students and staff at the event is considered low.
” The Free @ @ @ @ @ the school ’ s 233 graduates had the opportunity to attend individualized ceremonies that were @ @ @ @ @ over a three-day period .
Graduating seniors could have their pictures taken with school administrators @ @ @ @ @

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Five graduating seniors at a Virginia high school who attended a modified commencement ceremony at the school have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Fredericksburg City Schools Superintendent Marceline Catlett said Friday that the five students at James Monroe High School tested positive for COVID-19, and all five attended graduation ceremonies at the school on Monday.
She said the school has been working with the local health department and “the overall risk of exposure to the majority of students and staff at the event is considered low.”
The Free Lance-Star reported that each of the school’s 233 graduates had the opportunity to attend individualized ceremonies that were booked in short time slots over a three-day period. Graduating seniors could have their pictures taken with school administrators after exchanging elbow bumps.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Noem appoints GOP'er Crabtree to South Dakota Senate

PIERRE , S.D .
( AP ) - Gov .
Kristi Noem said she is appointing Madison Republican Casey Crabtree @ @ @ @ @ , representing District 8 .
Noem said Friday her appointment of Crabtree is effective immediately @ @ @ @ @ end of 2020 .
Crabtree succeeds Republican Sen. Jordan Youngberg , who announced his resignation @ @ @ @ @ accept a position in the South Dakota State Treasurer ’ s Office .
Crabtree serves @ @ @ @ @ and governmental affairs at Heartland Consumers Power District in Madison .
He currently is the @ @ @ @ @ Senate in the general election and is unopposed .
In a statement , Noem said @ @ @ @ @ his willingness to serve the people of his district and our state , and this @ @ @ @ @ is fully represented over the coming months.
” “ I am eager to hit the @ @ @ @ @ the best of my ability , ” Crabtree said in the news release announcing his @ @

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Gov. Kristi Noem said she is appointing Madison Republican Casey Crabtree to the South Dakota Senate, representing District 8.
Noem said Friday her appointment of Crabtree is effective immediately and will continue through the end of 2020. Crabtree succeeds Republican Sen. Jordan Youngberg, who announced his resignation earlier in the week to accept a position in the South Dakota State Treasurer’s Office.
Crabtree serves as director of economic development and governmental affairs at Heartland Consumers Power District in Madison. He currently is the Republican nominee for the state Senate in the general election and is unopposed.
In a statement, Noem said Crabtree “has already shown his willingness to serve the people of his district and our state, and this appointment ensures that District 8 is fully represented over the coming months.”
“I am eager to hit the ground running and serve to the best of my ability,” Crabtree said in the news release announcing his appointment.
District 8 includes Lake, Miner, Moody and Sanborn counties.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Atlético honors virus victims, beats Valladolid to go 3rd

BARCELONA , Spain ( AP ) - Atlético Madrid honored the club ’ s victims of the coronavirus pandemic and earned a hard-fought victory Saturday in its first home game since the Spanish league resumed .
Substitute Victor “ Vitolo ” Machín scored in the 81st minute as Atlético beat Valladolid 1-0 .
The victory lifted Diego Simeone ’ s team past Sevilla and into third place on head-to-head goal difference .
Barcelona leads the league by three points over Real Madrid , which can pull level if it wins at Real Sociedad on Sunday .
Madrid holds the tiebreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tie .
Atlético and Sevilla trail Barcelona by 13 points with eight games left .
Atlético used the occasion of its first match at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in more than three months to pay tribute to its former coach Radomir Antic , three former players , and a 14-year-old youth player who died during the pandemic .
A jersey with Antic ’ s name was placed on a seat next to Simeone on the bench , while the four players had shirts with their names draped on seats in the empty stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s anthem to honor all of Spain ’ s over 28,000 virus victims before kickoff .
The game , like all matches in the league since it resumed , was played without fans .
“ It is wonderful to be back in our stadium , ” Simeone said .
“ Our fans were not here in person , but they were so in spirit.
” Vitolo went on in the 73rd and broke the deadlock when he headed in after goalkeeper José Caro failed to punch a corner away , leaving his goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the far post and he guided his header home .
Despite Valladolid coach Sergio González making nine changes to the regular lineup , his team appeared comfortable absorbing the hosts ’ attacks and hitting back on the break .
“ We knew that Valladolid would be a very tough team to beat , ” said Vitolo , who hadn ’ t played since the competition restarted last week .
“ You could tell that Valladolid is well organized and competes hard , ” the forward said .
“ It was tough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goal keeps us on track to reach our ( Champions League ) objective.
” Getafe continued to struggle since the league resumed after it conceded an early lead to draw 1-1 at home with Eibar .
The Madrid-based club remained in fifth place , just outside the Champions League spots .
Charles scored a header halfway through the game to cancel out Oghenekaro Etebo ’ s opener for Getafe .
A video review waived off a late goal that would have won it for Eibar .
“ We aren ’ t worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach José Bordalás said , adding that his team must rediscover the physical edge that has made it one of the league ’ s toughest sides .
“ In the three games ( since the restart ) , they have beaten us in aerial contests for the ball , and in the previous 27 matches ( this season ) that had not happened , ” Bordalás said .
“ We are working hard to improve.
” A clever shot with the back of his heel by Iñigo Martínez earned Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center back flicked in a low cross to culminate a well-executed set piece in the seventh minute .
Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón swatted the ball off his line in the final minutes before Betis forward Sergio Canales squandered a penalty by firing his spot kick well high .
Levante eased to a 3-1 win at Espanyol , which fell back into last place .
Levante moved safely into the middle of the standings .

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Atlético Madrid honored the club’s victims of the coronavirus pandemic and earned a hard-fought victory Saturday in its first home game since the Spanish league resumed.
Substitute Victor “Vitolo” Machín scored in the 81st minute as Atlético beat Valladolid 1-0. The victory lifted Diego Simeone’s team past Sevilla and into third place on head-to-head goal difference.
Barcelona leads the league by three points over Real Madrid, which can pull level if it wins at Real Sociedad on Sunday. Madrid holds the tiebreaker between the two in case of a tie. Atlético and Sevilla trail Barcelona by 13 points with eight games left.
Atlético used the occasion of its first match at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in more than three months to pay tribute to its former coach Radomir Antic, three former players, and a 14-year-old youth player who died during the pandemic.
A jersey with Antic’s name was placed on a seat next to Simeone on the bench, while the four players had shirts with their names draped on seats in the empty stands. A violinist played the club’s anthem to honor all of Spain’s over 28,000 virus victims before kickoff. The game, like all matches in the league since it resumed, was played without fans.
“It is wonderful to be back in our stadium,” Simeone said. “Our fans were not here in person, but they were so in spirit.”
Vitolo went on in the 73rd and broke the deadlock when he headed in after goalkeeper José Caro failed to punch a corner away, leaving his goal undefended. The ball fell to Vitolo at the far post and he guided his header home.
Despite Valladolid coach Sergio González making nine changes to the regular lineup, his team appeared comfortable absorbing the hosts’ attacks and hitting back on the break.
“We knew that Valladolid would be a very tough team to beat,” said Vitolo, who hadn’t played since the competition restarted last week.
“You could tell that Valladolid is well organized and competes hard,” the forward said. “It was tough to find holes in their defense. But the goal keeps us on track to reach our (Champions League) objective.”
LOSING BATTLES
Getafe continued to struggle since the league resumed after it conceded an early lead to draw 1-1 at home with Eibar. The Madrid-based club remained in fifth place, just outside the Champions League spots.
Charles scored a header halfway through the game to cancel out Oghenekaro Etebo’s opener for Getafe. A video review waived off a late goal that would have won it for Eibar.
“We aren’t worried, we are angry,” Getafe coach José Bordalás said, adding that his team must rediscover the physical edge that has made it one of the league’s toughest sides.
“In the three games (since the restart), they have beaten us in aerial contests for the ball, and in the previous 27 matches (this season) that had not happened,” Bordalás said. “We are working hard to improve.”
BILBAO BEATS BETIS
A clever shot with the back of his heel by Iñigo Martínez earned Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 home win against Real Betis. The center back flicked in a low cross to culminate a well-executed set piece in the seventh minute.
Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón swatted the ball off his line in the final minutes before Betis forward Sergio Canales squandered a penalty by firing his spot kick well high.
BACK TO BOTTOM
Levante eased to a 3-1 win at Espanyol, which fell back into last place. Levante moved safely into the middle of the standings.
___
More AP soccer https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Police: Army vet empties gun at woman's SUV in Georgia

An Army veteran is in custody after he was accused of emptying his 9mm pistol at another vehicle during a road rage incident in a Georgia parking lot .
Columbus police said Joe Harvey , 52 , fired at least nine times in the parking lot of Dick ’ s Sporting Goods about 11:30 a.m. Thursday , the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported .
No one was hurt .
Aiming at a Chevy Trailblazer driven by Velisha Hearlson , whose 15-year-old daughter was in the passenger seat , Harvey ’ s first five bullets hit the hood of his pickup before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hood , police said .
The former soldier then pulled into a parking space , set the gun on his dashboard , called 911 and waited for police .
He faces multiple charges , including two counts of aggravated assault .
He ’ s being held without bond .
At a preliminary hearing Friday in Columbus Recorder ’ s Court , Officer Michael Clements testified that Harvey and Hearlson both were going east when Hearlson moved into Harvey ’ s lane , and he felt she cut him off .
He followed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lot .
Clements said the two drivers exchanged profane insults before Harvey brandished his pistol , and then loaded it as Hearlson revved her engine .
With the two vehicles just 10 to 15 feet apart , he stepped onto the running board outside his door and started shooting , Clements said .
After surrendering , Harvey admitted firing the gun , the officer said .
Defense attorney Ralston Jarrett , in arguing for bond , said Harvey served 32 years in the Army and likely qualifies to have his case moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health issues resulting from military service .
Harvey has no felony record , and could surrender all his firearms if released , Jarrett said .
Prosecutor Nicholas Hud asked Judge Julius Hunter to order Harvey held without bond , arguing that if someone turning in front of him so triggered Harvey that he emptied a pistol in a public parking lot , then he remained a danger to others , should a similar confrontation occur .
Hunter agreed .
Jarrett told the newspaper later that Harvey retired in 2018 with “ severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Desert Storm and other combat operations .
His treatment for the condition was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ He ’ s seen some things as a vet , as many have , ” Jarrett said .
Standing outside court with her daughter , Hearlson , 39 , did not think Harvey ’ s PTSD excused his conduct .
“ I think he doesn ’ t need to be on the road , and he definitely don ’ t need to own a gun , ” she said .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his bullets hit their car , each shot advancing toward her , a memory she ’ s unlikely to forget .
“ My child might have PTSD now from what he done to her , ” she said .

An Army veteran is in custody after he was accused of emptying his 9mm pistol at another vehicle during a road rage incident in a Georgia parking lot.
Columbus police said Joe Harvey, 52, fired at least nine times in the parking lot of Dick’s Sporting Goods about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported. No one was hurt.
Aiming at a Chevy Trailblazer driven by Velisha Hearlson, whose 15-year-old daughter was in the passenger seat, Harvey’s first five bullets hit the hood of his pickup before the next four struck the Trailblazer’s hood, police said.
The former soldier then pulled into a parking space, set the gun on his dashboard, called 911 and waited for police. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault. He’s being held without bond.
At a preliminary hearing Friday in Columbus Recorder’s Court, Officer Michael Clements testified that Harvey and Hearlson both were going east when Hearlson moved into Harvey’s lane, and he felt she cut him off. He followed as she turned into the store’s parking lot.
Clements said the two drivers exchanged profane insults before Harvey brandished his pistol, and then loaded it as Hearlson revved her engine. With the two vehicles just 10 to 15 feet apart, he stepped onto the running board outside his door and started shooting, Clements said.
After surrendering, Harvey admitted firing the gun, the officer said.
Defense attorney Ralston Jarrett, in arguing for bond, said Harvey served 32 years in the Army and likely qualifies to have his case moved to Veterans Court, which deals with mental health issues resulting from military service. Harvey has no felony record, and could surrender all his firearms if released, Jarrett said.
Prosecutor Nicholas Hud asked Judge Julius Hunter to order Harvey held without bond, arguing that if someone turning in front of him so triggered Harvey that he emptied a pistol in a public parking lot, then he remained a danger to others, should a similar confrontation occur. Hunter agreed.
Jarrett told the newspaper later that Harvey retired in 2018 with “severe PTSD” as a consequence of serving in Desert Storm and other combat operations. His treatment for the condition was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He’s seen some things as a vet, as many have,” Jarrett said.
Standing outside court with her daughter, Hearlson, 39, did not think Harvey’s PTSD excused his conduct.
“I think he doesn’t need to be on the road, and he definitely don’t need to own a gun,” she said.
She said Harvey made eye contact with her daughter as his bullets hit their car, each shot advancing toward her, a memory she’s unlikely to forget.
“My child might have PTSD now from what he done to her,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Gov. to require masks in Yakima County as virus cases spike

YAKIMA , Wash. ( AP ) - Gov .
Jay Inslee will issue a proclamation ordering Yakima County residents to wear masks while in public places in an effort to halt the spike of coronavirus cases there .
Inslee said Saturday the proclamation will come in the next several days and that it will be a legal requirement that businesses not sell products to customer who don ’ t wear face coverings .
“ Essentially this means , no masks no services .
No masks , no goods , ” Inslee said .
“ We are going to be swamped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do not act now.
” Inslee added , “ While I hear some voices saying that this is overblown , the facts are otherwise.
” Officials at Virginia Mason Memorial hospital in Yakima , which holds more than 200 beds , said Saturday the facility has no available beds and that 22 patients , some with the coronavirus , have been sent to Seattle for care .
The total positive case count in Yakima County , as of Friday , was 6,270 , The Seattle Times reported .
The county has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Yakima Health District .
Inslee said cases could double in the next two weeks unless dramatic actions were taken and said he ’ s considering a similar order for other counties , but did not elaborate .
Nearby Benton and Franklin counties are also feeling the strain on their health care systems , but Yakima County remains Washington state ’ s hot spot for the virus .
Inslee said 19 % of the hospital beds in Yakima have COVID-19 patients in them while that percentage is about 2.5 elsewhere in the @ @

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - Gov. Jay Inslee will issue a proclamation ordering Yakima County residents to wear masks while in public places in an effort to halt the spike of coronavirus cases there.
Inslee said Saturday the proclamation will come in the next several days and that it will be a legal requirement that businesses not sell products to customer who don’t wear face coverings.
“Essentially this means, no masks no services. No masks, no goods,” Inslee said. “We are going to be swamped with a tidal wave of COVID-19 if we do not act now.”
Inslee added, “While I hear some voices saying that this is overblown, the facts are otherwise.”
Officials at Virginia Mason Memorial hospital in Yakima, which holds more than 200 beds, said Saturday the facility has no available beds and that 22 patients, some with the coronavirus, have been sent to Seattle for care.
The total positive case count in Yakima County, as of Friday, was 6,270, The Seattle Times reported. The county has seen 118 deaths from the virus, according to the Yakima Health District.
Inslee said cases could double in the next two weeks unless dramatic actions were taken and said he’s considering a similar order for other counties, but did not elaborate.
Nearby Benton and Franklin counties are also feeling the strain on their health care systems, but Yakima County remains Washington state’s hot spot for the virus.
Inslee said 19% of the hospital beds in Yakima have COVID-19 patients in them while that percentage is about 2.5 elsewhere in the state.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Camping to be allowed at 12 NJ parks, forests, other areas

TRENTON , Pa. ( AP ) - Environmental officials in New Jersey have announced that camping will be allowed as of Monday in a dozen state parks , forests and recreation areas amid social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines .
Camping will be limited to tent-style camping while all other forms of overnight use including cabins , shelters , group cabins , wilderness campsites , primitive campsites , and group campsites will remain closed .
The 12 areas opening Monday are High Point State Park , Jenny Jump State Forest , Stokes State Forest and Worthington State Forest in the northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Park and Spruce Run Recreation Area in the central region ; and Bass River State Forest , Belleplain State Forest , Brendan Byrne State Forest , Parvin State Park and Wharton State Forest in the southern region .
On June 29 , camping will begin at Swartswood State Park and Stephens State Forest in the northern part of the state .
For most areas , at least 50 percent of sites will be open , and all sites will be open at High Point and Jenny Jump .
Camping remains closed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crossing State Park , Kittatinny Valley State Park , Waywayanda State Park and Voorhees State Park .
Guests can expect signs encouraging them to wear a mask while in public and in indoor spaces such as gatehouses and restrooms , and they will be asked to maintain a six-foot distance from those who aren ’ t family or household members or caretakers .

TRENTON, Pa. (AP) - Environmental officials in New Jersey have announced that camping will be allowed as of Monday in a dozen state parks, forests and recreation areas amid social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines.
Camping will be limited to tent-style camping while all other forms of overnight use including cabins, shelters, group cabins, wilderness campsites, primitive campsites, and group campsites will remain closed.
The 12 areas opening Monday are High Point State Park, Jenny Jump State Forest, Stokes State Forest and Worthington State Forest in the northern region; Allaire State Park, Cheesequake State Park and Spruce Run Recreation Area in the central region; and Bass River State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, Brendan Byrne State Forest, Parvin State Park and Wharton State Forest in the southern region.
On June 29, camping will begin at Swartswood State Park and Stephens State Forest in the northern part of the state.
For most areas, at least 50 percent of sites will be open, and all sites will be open at High Point and Jenny Jump.
Camping remains closed at the Round Valley Recreation Area, Washington Crossing State Park, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Waywayanda State Park and Voorhees State Park.
Guests can expect signs encouraging them to wear a mask while in public and in indoor spaces such as gatehouses and restrooms, and they will be asked to maintain a six-foot distance from those who aren’t family or household members or caretakers.