washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Gavin Newsom rips Yuba, Sutter counties for reopening

SACRAMENTO , Calif. — California Gov .
Gavin Newsom delivered a pointed rebuke to two rural California counties that defied the state ’ s stay-at-home order and allowed many retail businesses to reopen , saying Tuesday they are “ making a big mistake ” and endangering public health .
Newsom left it up to officials in Yuba and Sutter counties to “ do the right thing , ” which he didn ’ t specify but clearly meant to craft a public health plan that aligns with state requirements he ’ ll reveal Thursday .
That would mean closing some businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties could test how far Newsom is willing to go to enforce his stay-at-home order .
He has generally preferred to rely on pressure from local governments and residents for compliance , but that may not work this time .
His warning didn ’ t appear to faze the counties ’ officials .
Sutter County Supervisor Mike Ziegenmeyer said he was “ irritated ” by Newsom ’ s comments .
He said the counties were following the directive of their shared public health officer , Dr. Phuong Luu , who allowed restaurants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and retail shops to open their doors to shoppers , provided they all followed restrictions .
Ziegenmeyer said he will urge county officials to allow those businesses to stay open .
“ I took my family out to dinner last night and couldn ’ t have felt safer , ” he said .
Chuck Smith , spokesman for the Yuba and Sutter COVID-19 response center , said the counties “ stand by ” Luu ’ s order .
The Yuba Sutter Mall , which has a fitness center and about 50 stores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encourage social distancing .
General Manager Natasha Shelton said some stores won ’ t open due to the governor ’ s order .
But others “ are real excited to open.
” “ We ’ re inviting everyone to come to the center , ” she said .
California was the first state to impose a mandatory stay-at-home order .
Since taking effect March 19 , millions have lost jobs and there is growing pressure on Newsom and local officials to reopen the economy .
Many lawsuits challenging Newsom ’ s action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevailed in one when a federal judge ruled he had authority to limit religious gatherings during the crisis .
Newsom has been reluctant to loosen the order too quickly , preferring a slower approach he says relies on science and data instead of political or economic pressure .
Based on improving data on hospitalizations due to the virus , he plans to make his first significant changes to the stay-at-home order later this week and allow businesses like bookstores , florists and sporting goods stores to reopen , with curbside pickup .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salons or malls or allow diners at restaurants , though Newsom signaled a willingness to work with local governments on “ regional variances.
” To reopen , Newsom says the state must be able to test enough people for the virus and find people exposed people so they can isolate to reduce the risk of spread .
He also says hospitals need to be prepared for a surge of cases and the state must have enough protective gear .
Newsom released a report card Monday showing the state was on schedule for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push-pull between rural areas where the virus has not been as prevalent and urban centers .
The San Francisco Bay Area counties and Los Angels County have said they plan to keep local orders that are stricter than what Newsom will unveil Thursday .
The Rural County Representatives of California , an association of 35 California counties , has urged members not to reopen things like malls , gymnasiums and salons that are not part of the second stage that Newsom will outline Thursday .
“ Counties need to be aware that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use to prevent that , ” for instance by revoking licenses for serving alcohol or for hair and nail salons , said Paul A. Smith , the group ’ s senior vice president of government affairs .
“ So they need to really be careful about that .
When you start to advise them of some of the consequences , then they begin to understand that.
” Still , last Friday Modoc County was the first to defy the order .
It is tucked in the far northeastern corner of the state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the move more symbolic than substantive .
More significant was Monday ’ s reopening in Sutter and Yuba counties , located just north of Sacramento and with a combined population of 175,000 .
They have had just 44 confirmed cases and have no one hospitalized with the virus , according to state data .
On Tuesday , Newsom said the counties were “ putting our progress at risk.
” He said the state is willing to work with them “ to accommodate their local needs.
” “ But we have a process and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And so we believe in ‘ ready , aim , fire , ’ not ‘ ready , fire , aim.
’ ” Newsom pointed to Orange County as an example of cooperation producing a compromise .
Last week , following a weekend that saw thousands on Huntington and Newport beaches , Newsom ordered all shorelines in the county closed .
Huntington Beach and other communities were cleared to reopen after crafting more restrictive policies .
California has more than 58,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 2,400 deaths .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be far higher because many people have not been tested .
Studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness and death .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered a pointed rebuke to two rural California counties that defied the state’s stay-at-home order and allowed many retail businesses to reopen, saying Tuesday they are “making a big mistake” and endangering public health.
Newsom left it up to officials in Yuba and Sutter counties to “do the right thing,” which he didn’t specify but clearly meant to craft a public health plan that aligns with state requirements he’ll reveal Thursday. That would mean closing some businesses that opened Monday.
Yuba and Sutter counties could test how far Newsom is willing to go to enforce his stay-at-home order. He has generally preferred to rely on pressure from local governments and residents for compliance, but that may not work this time.
His warning didn’t appear to faze the counties’ officials.
Sutter County Supervisor Mike Ziegenmeyer said he was “irritated” by Newsom’s comments. He said the counties were following the directive of their shared public health officer, Dr. Phuong Luu, who allowed restaurants to serve diners, hairstylists to cut hair and retail shops to open their doors to shoppers, provided they all followed restrictions.
Ziegenmeyer said he will urge county officials to allow those businesses to stay open.
“I took my family out to dinner last night and couldn’t have felt safer,” he said.
Chuck Smith, spokesman for the Yuba and Sutter COVID-19 response center, said the counties “stand by” Luu’s order.
The Yuba Sutter Mall, which has a fitness center and about 50 stores, still plans to reopen Wednesday with modifications to encourage social distancing. General Manager Natasha Shelton said some stores won’t open due to the governor’s order. But others “are real excited to open.”
“We’re inviting everyone to come to the center,” she said.
California was the first state to impose a mandatory stay-at-home order. Since taking effect March 19, millions have lost jobs and there is growing pressure on Newsom and local officials to reopen the economy.
Many lawsuits challenging Newsom’s action have been filed and on Tuesday he prevailed in one when a federal judge ruled he had authority to limit religious gatherings during the crisis.
Newsom has been reluctant to loosen the order too quickly, preferring a slower approach he says relies on science and data instead of political or economic pressure.
Based on improving data on hospitalizations due to the virus, he plans to make his first significant changes to the stay-at-home order later this week and allow businesses like bookstores, florists and sporting goods stores to reopen, with curbside pickup. The new order would not apply to hair salons or malls or allow diners at restaurants, though Newsom signaled a willingness to work with local governments on “regional variances.”
To reopen, Newsom says the state must be able to test enough people for the virus and find people exposed people so they can isolate to reduce the risk of spread. He also says hospitals need to be prepared for a surge of cases and the state must have enough protective gear.
Newsom released a report card Monday showing the state was on schedule for those requirements.
The reopening is becoming a push-pull between rural areas where the virus has not been as prevalent and urban centers. The San Francisco Bay Area counties and Los Angels County have said they plan to keep local orders that are stricter than what Newsom will unveil Thursday.
The Rural County Representatives of California, an association of 35 California counties, has urged members not to reopen things like malls, gymnasiums and salons that are not part of the second stage that Newsom will outline Thursday.
“Counties need to be aware that the state has a lot of tools to use to prevent that,” for instance by revoking licenses for serving alcohol or for hair and nail salons, said Paul A. Smith, the group’s senior vice president of government affairs. “So they need to really be careful about that. When you start to advise them of some of the consequences, then they begin to understand that.”
Still, last Friday Modoc County was the first to defy the order. It is tucked in the far northeastern corner of the state and has only about 8,800 residents, making the move more symbolic than substantive.
More significant was Monday’s reopening in Sutter and Yuba counties, located just north of Sacramento and with a combined population of 175,000. They have had just 44 confirmed cases and have no one hospitalized with the virus, according to state data.
On Tuesday, Newsom said the counties were “putting our progress at risk.” He said the state is willing to work with them “to accommodate their local needs.”
“But we have a process and protocol to do that,” he said. “And so we believe in ‘ready, aim, fire,’ not ‘ready, fire, aim.’”
Newsom pointed to Orange County as an example of cooperation producing a compromise.
Last week, following a weekend that saw thousands on Huntington and Newport beaches, Newsom ordered all shorelines in the county closed. Huntington Beach and other communities were cleared to reopen after crafting more restrictive policies.
California has more than 58,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 2,400 deaths. However, the number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested. Studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.
• Associated Press reporters Don Thompson and Kathleen Ronayne contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Court OKs partial settlement in Virginia voter witness case

LYNCHBURG , Va. ( AP ) - A partial court settlement approved Tuesday exempts voters in Virginia ’ s June primary from a requirement that anyone submitting an absentee ballot must have the ballot signed by a witness .
Currently , any voter in Virginia submitting an absentee ballot by mail must open the envelope containing the ballot in front of another person , fill it out and then have the other person sign the outside of the ballot envelope before it is mailed back .
Under the partial settlement approved by a federal court Tuesday , voters who do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness amid the coronavirus pandemic will not be forced to comply with the requirement for the June 23 primary , the American Civil Liberties Union said in a news release .
In addition , the Commissioner of Elections must inform voters about the change and provide updated guidance to local election officials on counting all absentee ballots in the June primary that are otherwise properly cast but missing a witness signature , the news release said .
The ACLU said the settlement came in response to a lawsuit it brought against the Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was heard in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg .
The case is still pending regarding any other elections in 2020 that may be affected by the pandemic , including the Nov. 3 election , the ACLU said .

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) - A partial court settlement approved Tuesday exempts voters in Virginia’s June primary from a requirement that anyone submitting an absentee ballot must have the ballot signed by a witness.
Currently, any voter in Virginia submitting an absentee ballot by mail must open the envelope containing the ballot in front of another person, fill it out and then have the other person sign the outside of the ballot envelope before it is mailed back.
Under the partial settlement approved by a federal court Tuesday, voters who do not think they can safely find a witness amid the coronavirus pandemic will not be forced to comply with the requirement for the June 23 primary, the American Civil Liberties Union said in a news release.
In addition, the Commissioner of Elections must inform voters about the change and provide updated guidance to local election officials on counting all absentee ballots in the June primary that are otherwise properly cast but missing a witness signature, the news release said.
The ACLU said the settlement came in response to a lawsuit it brought against the Virginia State Board of Elections. The case was heard in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg.
The case is still pending regarding any other elections in 2020 that may be affected by the pandemic, including the Nov. 3 election, the ACLU said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--D.C.'s supply of resources to deal with coronavirus pandemic 'unprecedented'

The Trump administration says it has provided an “ unprecedented ” amount of resources , including ventilators and personal protective equipment , to the District to help the nation ’ s capital deal with the coronavirus pandemic .
According to a newly released White House document , the Federal Emergency Management Agency has given the District $ 60.9 million to combat COVID-19 , as well as 50 ventilators and more than 968,000 items of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) such as N95 masks , gloves , gowns and face shields .
Through public-private partnerships with the Trump administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantity of 36.2 million gloves , masks , gowns and face shields , as well as support from the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expand the city ’ s hospital capacity .
“ Thanks to President Trump ’ s leadership , the District of Columbia has received significant federal resources to appropriately respond to and slow the spread of COVID-19 , ” a White House official told The Washington Times .
“ The President will continue to direct this unprecedented level of critical support to help D.C. effectively protect healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives.
” In March , D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser thumped the federal response to the pandemic in the city , specifically criticizing Congress for declaring the District a territory and providing it only $ 495 million in relief funding in the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act .
States received $ 1.25 billion .
On Tuesday , Christopher Rodriguez , director of the D.C .
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency , acknowledged the federal government ’ s support , while noting that the “ District ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the outbreak of COVID-19 .
“ The federal support we have received to date from FEMA , the US Department of Health and Human Services , and other programs have aided our ability to respond to the current crisis , ” Mr. Rodriguez said in a written statement .
“ We will continue to advocate to the federal government for the District ’ s funding and supply needs .
As we recover from COVID-19 , additional federal financial support to the District of Columbia will be critical.
” “ To date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continues to fill additional requests based on its assessments of immediate needs , ” Mr. Rodriguez added .
As of April 27 , the U.S. Department of Housing and Human Services has distributed more than $ 150.8 million via the Provider Relief Fund , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding and grants to the District , local organizations and authorities , according to the White House document .
The funding includes $ 7.8 million for eight local groups , such as Bread for the City and the Whitman Walker Clinic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the District .
Last Friday , the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the D.C. Housing Authority $ 9.1 million to help low-income residents in public housing to pay for child care , to buy PPE and to cover costs related to preventing the spread of the coronavirus .
Under the CARES Act , HUD gave the District $ 15.3 million for services and projects such as constructing medical facilities , building emergency homeless shelters , providing hotel rooms for people experiencing homelessness and assisting residents who test positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued $ 1.2 billion in low-interest loans to over 3,200 local businesses and also $ 14.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans of $ 10,000 , which do not need to be repaid , under the CARES Act .
The U.S. Department of Transportation granted about $ 535 million to the District to respond to public transit challenges in the pandemic , and the U.S. Department of Justice allocated more than $ 5.9 million to respond to the pandemic in law enforcement and corrections settings .
President Trump said all of these measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal response unlike anything our country has ever seen .
”

The Trump administration says it has provided an “unprecedented” amount of resources, including ventilators and personal protective equipment, to the District to help the nation’s capital deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a newly released White House document, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has given the District $60.9 million to combat COVID-19, as well as 50 ventilators and more than 968,000 items of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, gloves, gowns and face shields.
Through public-private partnerships with the Trump administration, the District has received an additional combined quantity of 36.2 million gloves, masks, gowns and face shields, as well as support from the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expand the city’s hospital capacity.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the District of Columbia has received significant federal resources to appropriately respond to and slow the spread of COVID-19,” a White House official told The Washington Times. “The President will continue to direct this unprecedented level of critical support to help D.C. effectively protect healthcare workers and first responders, and save American lives.”
In March, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser thumped the federal response to the pandemic in the city, specifically criticizing Congress for declaring the District a territory and providing it only $495 million in relief funding in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. States received $1.25 billion.
On Tuesday, Christopher Rodriguez, director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, acknowledged the federal government’s support, while noting that the “District’s emergency response capabilities were well-developed prior to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“The federal support we have received to date from FEMA, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and other programs have aided our ability to respond to the current crisis,” Mr. Rodriguez said in a written statement. “We will continue to advocate to the federal government for the District’s funding and supply needs. As we recover from COVID-19, additional federal financial support to the District of Columbia will be critical.”
“To date, FEMA has filled most of our requests and continues to fill additional requests based on its assessments of immediate needs,” Mr. Rodriguez added.
As of April 27, the U.S. Department of Housing and Human Services has distributed more than $150.8 million via the Provider Relief Fund, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding and grants to the District, local organizations and authorities, according to the White House document.
The funding includes $7.8 million for eight local groups, such as Bread for the City and the Whitman Walker Clinic, and $96.2 million for medical providers in the District.
Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the D.C. Housing Authority $9.1 million to help low-income residents in public housing to pay for child care, to buy PPE and to cover costs related to preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Under the CARES Act, HUD gave the District $15.3 million for services and projects such as constructing medical facilities, building emergency homeless shelters, providing hotel rooms for people experiencing homelessness and assisting residents who test positive for HIV/AIDS.
The U.S. Small Business Association issued $1.2 billion in low-interest loans to over 3,200 local businesses and also $14.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans of $10,000, which do not need to be repaid, under the CARES Act.
The U.S. Department of Transportation granted about $535 million to the District to respond to public transit challenges in the pandemic, and the U.S. Department of Justice allocated more than $5.9 million to respond to the pandemic in law enforcement and corrections settings.
President Trump said all of these measures are a part of “a massive federal response unlike anything our country has ever seen.”
• Sophie Kaplan can be reached at skaplan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Lake Erie sets new record as water level continues to surge

CLEVELAND ( AP ) - The water level in Lake Erie surpassed the record set this time last year .
@ @ @ @ @ Engineers said Monday that Lake Erie ’ s water level rose 9 inches above the @ @ @ @ @ increase also exceeded the record-breaking level set in March of 573.98 feet by 4 inches @ @ @ @ @ the lake won ’ t continue to break records in May and should be 4 @ @ @ @ @ high levels for the rest of the summer .
At any rate , the lake @ @ @ @ @ feet above average for the next six months , Cleveland.com reported Tuesday .
The drop @ @ @ @ @ water level will possibly result in communities facing millions of dollars in infrastructure repairs and @ @ @ @ @ owners who have watched parts of their yards wash away over the last year .
@ @ @ @ @ Lakes have also seen beaches and docks disappear , and roads and bike paths become @ @ @

CLEVELAND (AP) - The water level in Lake Erie surpassed the record set this time last year.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Monday that Lake Erie’s water level rose 9 inches above the April 2019 level.
The increase also exceeded the record-breaking level set in March of 573.98 feet by 4 inches.
But the Corps predict the lake won’t continue to break records in May and should be 4 to 6 inches below record high levels for the rest of the summer.
At any rate, the lake should be more than 2 feet above average for the next six months, Cleveland.com reported Tuesday.
The drop in the lake’s water level will possibly result in communities facing millions of dollars in infrastructure repairs and no relief for those property owners who have watched parts of their yards wash away over the last year.
Residents living along the Great Lakes have also seen beaches and docks disappear, and roads and bike paths become washed out.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Police: Tucson child dies after apparent accidental shooting

TUCSON , Ariz. ( AP ) - A child has died in Tucson after a shooting that appears accidental and @ @ @ @ @ .
They said officers were called to a west-side home about 1 p.m. , but @ @ @ @ @ shortly after arrival at a hospital .
Police didn ’ t immediately disclose the name @ @ @ @ @ release details about the shooting .
They said the child ’ s family members were @ @ @ @ @ time of the shooting , which is being investigated by the police department ’ s @ @ @ @ @

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A child has died in Tucson after a shooting that appears accidental and self-inflicted, police said Tuesday.
They said officers were called to a west-side home about 1 p.m., but the child was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at a hospital.
Police didn’t immediately disclose the name or age of child or release details about the shooting.
They said the child’s family members were in the home at the time of the shooting, which is being investigated by the police department’s Child Physical Abuse Unit.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Minnesota GOP lawmaker compares homelessness to camping

ST. PAUL , Minn. ( AP ) - A Republican state senator from northern Minnesota is drawing criticism after posting a video questioning why campgrounds for leisure activities are closed while homeless people can live in tents during the coronavirus pandemic .
Sen. Justin Eichorn , a freshman lawmaker from Grand Rapids , referred to a “ nice little tent city set up here ” in St. Paul in a video posted to Twitter on Tuesday .
Eichorn appealed to Gov .
Tim Walz to “ open up campgrounds in Northern Minnesota.
” “ How is camping on the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family camping up North ?
” the tweet accompanying the video said .
“ Time to safely open up campgrounds in MN.
” The Star Tribune reports Democratic Rep. Michael Howard of Richfield , the lead sponsor on housing assistance legislation , criticized the video as out of touch .
“ Senator Eichorn used homeless Minnesotans as a prop , but what is most distressing is that someone with the privilege of serving our state doesn ’ t seem to care that many people don ’ t have a safe place to lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement Tuesday , Eichorn said he was trying to convince the Democratic governor to “ take heed of the dismal economic conditions ” Minnesotans are facing in his district and across the state .
“ The video may have missed the mark , but Governor Walz ’ s blanket extension of the stay-at-home order only exasperates the pain that my constituency feels , Eichorn said .
State campgrounds remain closed under Walz ’ s stay-home order curtailing nonessential businesses and activities as a way to stop the spread of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waters Canoe Area Wilderness announced Monday that they will allow day trips .

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A Republican state senator from northern Minnesota is drawing criticism after posting a video questioning why campgrounds for leisure activities are closed while homeless people can live in tents during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sen. Justin Eichorn, a freshman lawmaker from Grand Rapids, referred to a “nice little tent city set up here” in St. Paul in a video posted to Twitter on Tuesday. Eichorn appealed to Gov. Tim Walz to “open up campgrounds in Northern Minnesota.”
“How is camping on the streets of St Paul any safer then your family camping up North?” the tweet accompanying the video said. “Time to safely open up campgrounds in MN.”
The Star Tribune reports Democratic Rep. Michael Howard of Richfield, the lead sponsor on housing assistance legislation, criticized the video as out of touch.
“Senator Eichorn used homeless Minnesotans as a prop, but what is most distressing is that someone with the privilege of serving our state doesn’t seem to care that many people don’t have a safe place to lay their head tonight,” Howard said.
In a statement Tuesday, Eichorn said he was trying to convince the Democratic governor to “take heed of the dismal economic conditions” Minnesotans are facing in his district and across the state.
“The video may have missed the mark, but Governor Walz’s blanket extension of the stay-at-home order only exasperates the pain that my constituency feels, Eichorn said.
State campgrounds remain closed under Walz’s stay-home order curtailing nonessential businesses and activities as a way to stop the spread of COVID-19. Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness announced Monday that they will allow day trips.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Inside the Beltway: The pandemic pantheon: 'Governors we'd like to see recalled'

Politics and pandemics don ’ t mix so well .
Consider that this combination brings out authoritarian impulses in some elected officials .
The editorial board of Issues & Insights is offering a telling short list of “ Governors We ’ d Like To See Recalled For Their Pandemic Responses.
” There are numerous possible candidates for the list .
This one includes a half-dozen .
“ Few living Americans have ever seen the troubles we ’ re going through now .
We ’ re not at war , nor are we enduring the moral equivalent of war .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And for many , it ’ s been made worse by governors who have gone too far , ” writes J. Frank Bullitt , the analyst who assembled the roster for the news organization .
“ State laws allow for all of these governors to be recalled or impeached , and all deserve what the laws permit .
They ’ ve abused their power , and violated the public trust .
They should be drawing unemployment checks rather than executive salaries , ” says Mr. Bullitt .
His list is made up of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan , who has been particularly strident and single-minded in her response , and , the analyst notes , treats protesters like “ misbehaving children.
” “ Gov .
Gavin Newsom of California has tapped into the authoritarian that simmers just beneath the surface of nearly every Democrat in the nation , ” Mr. Bullitt continues , noting that the Golden State governor “ can hardly contain the raw pleasure he ’ s taking in ordering the lives of the masses.
” Then comes Gov .
Ralph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 10 people from gathering for church while allowing the state ’ s General Assembly to meet in force .
Gov .
Kate Brown of Oregon , meanwhile , extended a stay-home order in her state until July 6 , imposing the longest lock-down in the nation .
Next up is Gov .
Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania , who set up a “ snitch portal ” to field complaints about those who don ’ t honor the lockdown .
And finally , Mr. Bullitt cites Gov .
Andrew Cuomo of New York — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and faulted for his policies towards nursing home during the pandemic .
Let ’ s indulge in a presidential tweet — a terse and timely thought from President Trump , embellished with the decorative Twitter punctuation that his fans have come to enjoy .
“ The Do Nothing Democrats and their leader , the Fake News Lamestream Media , are doing everything possible to hurt and disparage our Country .
No matter what we do or say , no matter how big a win , they report that it was a loss , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the People !
” Mr. Trump tweeted in mid-afternoon on Tuesday .
The missive was retweeted 60,000 times during its first hour of existence , by the way .
Behold , there ’ s a political action committee simply titled “ Committee to Draft Michelle Obama for VP ” which intends to rev up grassroots support for the former first lady .
“ With a historic battle to reclaim the soul of America looming this November and the peril caused by the coronavirus pandemic , it remains in the best interest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate who has the trust of the American people , a vision to lead our nation forward and empathy for the challenges faced by all Americans , ” the organizers note .
They are not holding back .
“ Michelle Obama ’ s honorable reputation will stand in stark contrast to the rampant corruption and immorality that pervades President Trump ’ s administration .
If elected , she would usher in a much-needed sense of virtue in Washington , which is gracefully exemplified in her quotation , ‘ when they go low , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee claims .
Fox News prime-time host Sean Hannity took a stand against armed protesters who showed up at the state capitol building in Lansing , Michigan , with long guns and body armor to protest the ongoing lockdown policies in their state during the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr. Hannity has reservations about the rally by several hundred protesters , some of whom toted firearms .
“ I ’ m the number one supporter in radio and television that I know of , for the First Amendment and the Second Amendment .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second Amendment than yours truly , ” Mr. Hannity told his audience Monday night .
“ Everyone has a right to protest , protect themselves , and try to get the country open .
This example with the militia look — and these long guns — uh , no .
Show of force is dangerous , ” Mr. Hannity continued .
“ That puts our police at risk and , by the way , your message will never be heard , whoever you people are .
No one should be attempting to intimidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And God forbid something happens , then they ’ re going to go after all of us law-abiding Second Amendment people , Let ’ s not spin out of control here.
” Fox News remains the most-watched network in the entire cable realm for 17 consecutive weeks according to Nielsen , drawing 3.7 million primetime viewers , compared to MSNBC ( 1.8 million viewers ) , CNN ( 1.6 million ) .
HGTV ( 1.3 million ) and TLC ( 1.3 million ) .
The aformentioned host Sean Hannity has bested MSNBC rival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drawing 4.3 million viewers compared to her 3 million .
Additionally , a live town-hall meeting Sunday with President Trump was the No .
1 program for the night with 4 million viewers .
• 92 % of Americans approve of the coronavirus response by U.S. hospitals ; 96 % of Republicans , 91 % of independents and 93 % of Democrats agree .
• 89 % overall approve of their employer ’ s response ; 93 % of Republicans , 89 % of independents and 85 % of Democrats agree .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response by government health agencies ; 76 % of Republicans , 80 % of independents and 78 % of Democrats agree .
• 50 % overall approve of President Trump ’ s response ; 91 % of Republicans , 50 % of independents and 11 % of Democrats agree .
• 41 % overall approve of the response of the news media ; 16 % of Republicans , 41 % of independents and 68 % of Democrats agree .

NEWS AND OPINION:
Politics and pandemics don’t mix so well. Consider that this combination brings out authoritarian impulses in some elected officials. The editorial board of Issues & Insights is offering a telling short list of “Governors We’d Like To See Recalled For Their Pandemic Responses.”
There are numerous possible candidates for the list. This one includes a half-dozen.
“Few living Americans have ever seen the troubles we’re going through now. We’re not at war, nor are we enduring the moral equivalent of war. But we’re in a struggle. And for many, it’s been made worse by governors who have gone too far,” writes J. Frank Bullitt, the analyst who assembled the roster for the news organization.
“State laws allow for all of these governors to be recalled or impeached, and all deserve what the laws permit. They’ve abused their power, and violated the public trust. They should be drawing unemployment checks rather than executive salaries,” says Mr. Bullitt.
His list is made up of Democrats alone, and he begins it with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, who has been particularly strident and single-minded in her response, and, the analyst notes, treats protesters like “misbehaving children.”
“Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has tapped into the authoritarian that simmers just beneath the surface of nearly every Democrat in the nation,” Mr. Bullitt continues, noting that the Golden State governor “can hardly contain the raw pleasure he’s taking in ordering the lives of the masses.”
Then comes Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, who barred more than 10 people from gathering for church while allowing the state’s General Assembly to meet in force. Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon, meanwhile, extended a stay-home order in her state until July 6, imposing the longest lock-down in the nation.
Next up is Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, who set up a “snitch portal” to field complaints about those who don’t honor the lockdown. And finally, Mr. Bullitt cites Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York — deemed “panicky and hysterical,” and faulted for his policies towards nursing home during the pandemic.
A PRESIDENTIAL SUMMATION
Let’s indulge in a presidential tweet — a terse and timely thought from President Trump, embellished with the decorative Twitter punctuation that his fans have come to enjoy.
“The Do Nothing Democrats and their leader, the Fake News Lamestream Media, are doing everything possible to hurt and disparage our Country. No matter what we do or say, no matter how big a win, they report that it was a loss, or not good enough. The Enemy of the People!” Mr. Trump tweeted in mid-afternoon on Tuesday.
The missive was retweeted 60,000 times during its first hour of existence, by the way.
MICHELLE FRENZY UNDERWAY
Behold, there’s a political action committee simply titled “Committee to Draft Michelle Obama for VP” which intends to rev up grassroots support for the former first lady.
“With a historic battle to reclaim the soul of America looming this November and the peril caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it remains in the best interest of the Democratic Party to nominate a vice-presidential candidate who has the trust of the American people, a vision to lead our nation forward and empathy for the challenges faced by all Americans,” the organizers note.
They are not holding back.
“Michelle Obama’s honorable reputation will stand in stark contrast to the rampant corruption and immorality that pervades President Trump‘s administration. If elected, she would usher in a much-needed sense of virtue in Washington, which is gracefully exemplified in her quotation, ‘when they go low, we go high,’” the Committee claims.
HANNITY HAS A SAY
Fox News prime-time host Sean Hannity took a stand against armed protesters who showed up at the state capitol building in Lansing, Michigan, with long guns and body armor to protest the ongoing lockdown policies in their state during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Hannity has reservations about the rally by several hundred protesters, some of whom toted firearms.
“I’m the number one supporter in radio and television that I know of, for the First Amendment and the Second Amendment. No one is a bigger defender of the Second Amendment than yours truly,” Mr. Hannity told his audience Monday night.
“Everyone has a right to protest, protect themselves, and try to get the country open. This example with the militia look — and these long guns — uh, no. Show of force is dangerous,” Mr. Hannity continued.
“That puts our police at risk and, by the way, your message will never be heard, whoever you people are. No one should be attempting to intimidate officials with the show of force. And God forbid something happens, then they’re going to go after all of us law-abiding Second Amendment people, Let’s not spin out of control here.”
FOXIFIED
Fox News remains the most-watched network in the entire cable realm for 17 consecutive weeks according to Nielsen, drawing 3.7 million primetime viewers, compared to MSNBC (1.8 million viewers), CNN (1.6 million). HGTV (1.3 million) and TLC (1.3 million).
The aformentioned host Sean Hannity has bested MSNBC rival Rachel Maddow for the 60th straight week, drawing 4.3 million viewers compared to her 3 million. Additionally, a live town-hall meeting Sunday with President Trump was the No. 1 program for the night with 4 million viewers.
POLL DU JOUR
• 92% of Americans approve of the coronavirus response by U.S. hospitals; 96% of Republicans, 91% of independents and 93% of Democrats agree.
• 89% overall approve of their employer’s response; 93% of Republicans, 89% of independents and 85% of Democrats agree.
• 78% overall approve of the response by government health agencies; 76% of Republicans, 80% of independents and 78% of Democrats agree.
• 50% overall approve of President Trump‘s response; 91% of Republicans, 50% of independents and 11% of Democrats agree.
• 41% overall approve of the response of the news media; 16% of Republicans, 41% of independents and 68% of Democrats agree.
Source: A Gallup poll of 1,016 U.S. adults conducted April 14-28.
• Helpful information to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--ATF: Man in possession of 90 guns researched mass killings

COLUMBIA , S.C. ( AP ) - A South Carolina student was arrested and accused of illegally possessing 90 weapons , including numerous assault rifles , authorities said .
Edward Daniel Kimpton Jr. , 25 , was charged Tuesday with wire fraud , mail fraud and illegal possession of machine guns , The Columbia State reported .
Kimpton was arrested Friday after an 18-month investigation by the federal Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives and the Secret Service .
He ’ s a Midlands Technical College student , officials confirmed .
Authorities said Kimpton purchased firearms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online from individual and retail sellers using a fake name and an electronic payment platform .
A criminal complaint said Kimpton had the guns shipped to federal firearm license-holders in different South Carolina counties , then he would pick up the gear and contest the sale , stating he never received the items .
The complaint said Kimpton retained the guns and the money .
His victims were located in Arizona , California , Florida , Indiana , Tennessee and Washington , in addition to South Carolina , the complaint said .
Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storage unit and found 90 weapons , 23,763 bullets , body armor , tactical clothing , gas masks , and five bump stocks , which are used to change regular assault rifles into automatic weapons .
During the investigation , authorities discovered that Kimpton researched content on South Carolina mass shooters in Charleston in 2015 and Florence in 2018 .
He also made online searches for instructions on how to use bump stocks , the complaint said .
Kimpton was being held without bond .
His attorney Jonathan Harvey said he would continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would file several motions regarding Kimpton ’ s conduct and behavior , the newspaper reported .

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina student was arrested and accused of illegally possessing 90 weapons, including numerous assault rifles, authorities said.
Edward Daniel Kimpton Jr., 25, was charged Tuesday with wire fraud, mail fraud and illegal possession of machine guns, The Columbia State reported.
Kimpton was arrested Friday after an 18-month investigation by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Secret Service. He’s a Midlands Technical College student, officials confirmed.
Authorities said Kimpton purchased firearms, bullets, scopes, and tactical gear online from individual and retail sellers using a fake name and an electronic payment platform.
A criminal complaint said Kimpton had the guns shipped to federal firearm license-holders in different South Carolina counties, then he would pick up the gear and contest the sale, stating he never received the items.
The complaint said Kimpton retained the guns and the money. His victims were located in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee and Washington, in addition to South Carolina, the complaint said.
Federal agents searched Kimpton’s house and storage unit and found 90 weapons, 23,763 bullets, body armor, tactical clothing, gas masks, and five bump stocks, which are used to change regular assault rifles into automatic weapons.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Kimpton researched content on South Carolina mass shooters in Charleston in 2015 and Florence in 2018. He also made online searches for instructions on how to use bump stocks, the complaint said.
Kimpton was being held without bond.
His attorney Jonathan Harvey said he would continue to seek bond for his client and would file several motions regarding Kimpton’s conduct and behavior, the newspaper reported.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized, Supreme Court says

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore , Maryland for a gallbladder issue and will @ @ @ @ @ a day or two , the Supreme Court announced Tuesday .
The 87-year-old justice had @ @ @ @ @ gallbladder condition after having tests done at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington , D.C. which @ @ @ @ @ that had caused an infection .
She is resting and plans to continue to participate @ @ @ @ @ by teleconference .
Justice Ginsburg was treated last year for pancreatic cancer , having undergone @ @ @ @ @ for a malignant tumor in August .
She also suffered a fall in 2018 and @ @ @ @ @ subsequently led to the discovery of cancer in her left lung .
The lung cancer @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland for a gallbladder issue and will remain in the hospital for a day or two, the Supreme Court announced Tuesday.
The 87-year-old justice had non-surgical treatment for a benign gallbladder condition after having tests done at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., which revealed she had a gallstone that had caused an infection.
She is resting and plans to continue to participate in oral arguments this week by teleconference.
Justice Ginsburg was treated last year for pancreatic cancer, having undergone a three-week radiation therapy treatment for a malignant tumor in August.
She also suffered a fall in 2018 and broke three ribs, which subsequently led to the discovery of cancer in her left lung. The lung cancer was removed in December of 2018.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Search on for detainee who escaped Cook County Jail

CHICAGO ( AP ) - Authorities in northern Illinois are searching for a Cook County Jail detainee who escaped over the weekend after appropriating the name of another detainee who was about to be released , officials said Tuesday .
Jahquez Scott , who was being held on a weapons charge while on parole for battery of an officer , allegedly promised to pay another detainee $ 1,000 to let him steal his identity to secure release , said Cook County sheriff ’ s spokeswoman Sophia Ansari .
Scott traded a hooded sweatshirt with another detainee , to complete his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Quintin Henderson ’ s name for discharge , Scott , 21 , stepped forward wearing a mask and signed release papers before exiting the jail , according to authorities .
Henderson , 28 , later asked correctional staff if his name had been called , claiming he had fallen asleep , prosecutors said during a bail hearing .
Henderson , who was about to be released on his own recognizance in a drug case , is now being held in lieu of $ 25,000 bond on charges of aiding and abetting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office is conducting an internal investigation of circumstances surrounding Scott ’ s escape , Ansari said .

CHICAGO (AP) - Authorities in northern Illinois are searching for a Cook County Jail detainee who escaped over the weekend after appropriating the name of another detainee who was about to be released, officials said Tuesday.
Jahquez Scott, who was being held on a weapons charge while on parole for battery of an officer, allegedly promised to pay another detainee $1,000 to let him steal his identity to secure release, said Cook County sheriff’s spokeswoman Sophia Ansari. Scott traded a hooded sweatshirt with another detainee, to complete his disguise.
When corrections officers on Saturday called Quintin Henderson’s name for discharge, Scott, 21, stepped forward wearing a mask and signed release papers before exiting the jail, according to authorities.
Henderson, 28, later asked correctional staff if his name had been called, claiming he had fallen asleep, prosecutors said during a bail hearing.
Henderson, who was about to be released on his own recognizance in a drug case, is now being held in lieu of $25,000 bond on charges of aiding and abetting the escape of a felon.
The sheriff’s office is conducting an internal investigation of circumstances surrounding Scott’s escape, Ansari said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Illegal immigrants beg for charity after coronavirus stimulus shutout

Shut out of the federal stimulus , illegal immigrants are turning to charity — and California is leading a national charge of state and local governments , as well as nonprofit organizations , asking Americans to help by digging into their own stimulus checks to make tax-deductible donations .
Those behind the push say the community has been among the hardest-hit by the virus , with illegal immigrants often still on the job , performing essential work for low pay , or else left destitute when restaurant and housecleaning jobs dried up .
From coast to coast , calls have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gap between their last paychecks and future work when the economy restarts .
A public school in Oakland , California , asked for cash .
A Texas nonprofit set a $ 100,000 fundraising goal .
In the Washington metropolitan area , Sanctuary DMV set an initial goal of $ 120,000 a month ago — and the money came in so quickly its new target is $ 600,000 .
A New York fund has also doubled its initial $ 100,000 target .
Several groups issued special pleas on Tuesday , which was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayo , but also was designated “ Giving Tuesday , ” Usually that ’ s the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving , following the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days with a call to donate to charity .
But a number of nonprofits declared the need for another Giving Tuesday amid the virus crisis , and immigration groups were prominent supplicants .
“ In a time where our communities are experiencing unprecedented vulnerabilities , many day laborers and low-wage workers are out of work and are worried they won ’ t have enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With your contribution , we can provide direct cash assistance to families across the country , ” said Pablo Alvarado , cofounder of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network , a prominent immigration advocacy outfit .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has been the most aggressive , setting a goal of $ 50 million in charitable donations , and earmarking another $ 75 million of state taxpayers ’ money , too .
He says they ’ ll be able to pay 150,000 illegal immigrant households up to $ 1,000 in order to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , conservative public interest law firm Judicial Watch went to court on behalf of two state taxpayers asking a Los Angeles judge to halt Mr. Newsom ’ s program .
Judicial Watch says federal law only allows states to give benefits to illegal immigrants by vote of the state legislature .
Mr. Newsom didn ’ t get explicit permission , the group says .
The judge refused to issue the temporary restraining order .
Tom Fitton , president of Judicial Watch , said the judge agreed Mr. Newsom was likely spending money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of getting payments out was in the public interest , and weighed against an injunction .
Mr. Fitton vowed an appeal , but California insisted the governor is on firm footing .
“ California is taking legally and morally justified action to assist all Californians impacted by COVID-19 , ” said Scott Murray , deputy director of public affairs for the California Department of Social Services .
The federal stimulus specifically excludes taxpayers who file taxes through an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number rather than a Social Security number .
Most of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though not all .
Activists say the federal law is particularly cruel because it strikes at so-called “ mixed-status ” families — those where one parent is in the country illegally but another parent or children are U.S. citizens or legal residents .
If the two spouses file jointly and one of them uses an ITIN , neither can receive a check , thanks to the way the law was written .
Illegal immigrants are also not supposed to be eligible for unemployment benefits , though spouses who are in the country legally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Activists said denying illegal immigrants benefits can force them back to work in order to make ends meet , upending social distancing goals and creating a higher overall risk level for spreading the disease .
“ Asking people to choose between their health and putting food on their tables is not a real choice , ” said Richard Morales , policy and program director for Faith in Action ’ s LA RED Campaign , which also made a Giving Tuesday plea for donations .
“ Instead of ensuring that members of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protection they need from the virus , Congress went out of its way to exclude immigrants from receiving a stimulus check , making a clear choice about who is disposable , ” Mr. Morales said .
California ’ s fund is aimed squarely at illegal immigrants , but some of the other campaigns are more circumspect , saying they were targeting “ those who are most excluded ” from the federal stimulus .
NDLON specifically asked its supporters to dedicate part of their stimulus checks to go to migrants as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organizers of the California effort said they ’ re already seeing that happen in their campaign .
“ Perhaps a quarter of our online donations have come of Californians donating a portion of their stimulus checks , ” Daranee Petsod , president of Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees , said in a Q & A posted on GCIR ’ s website .
“ And we have also seen donations from DACA beneficiaries and undocumented immigrants who still have work .
Seeing people standing up for one another has been very heartening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an advisor to Mr. Newsom , said in the GCIR Q & A that they ’ re seeing people who don ’ t usually give to immigration causes donate to this one .
As of Tuesday evening , the California effort said it had raised $ 9.9 million — though even if they reach the $ 50 million goal , and the state ’ s $ 75 million isn ’ t blocked , Ms. Petsod said they ’ ll fall well short of being able to help all 2 million illegal immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State Youth Leadership Council began with a $ 100,000 goal , but quickly met it and upped its target to $ 200,000 .
In an announcement last month on GoFundMe , a crowdsource funding website , NYSYLC says it had 2,500 requests for money .
Sanctuary DMV , which is running its campaign on GoFundMe.com says that since many of the illegal immigrants it serves don ’ t have bank accounts , the group is “ physically dropping off cash ” with those who need it .
One donor on the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from my children ’ s share of our stimulus checks .
They thought it was unfair that not everyone should get help .
”

Shut out of the federal stimulus, illegal immigrants are turning to charity — and California is leading a national charge of state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, asking Americans to help by digging into their own stimulus checks to make tax-deductible donations.
Those behind the push say the community has been among the hardest-hit by the virus, with illegal immigrants often still on the job, performing essential work for low pay, or else left destitute when restaurant and housecleaning jobs dried up.
From coast to coast, calls have emanated for Americans to help them bridge the gap between their last paychecks and future work when the economy restarts.
A public school in Oakland, California, asked for cash. A Texas nonprofit set a $100,000 fundraising goal. In the Washington metropolitan area, Sanctuary DMV set an initial goal of $120,000 a month ago — and the money came in so quickly its new target is $600,000. A New York fund has also doubled its initial $100,000 target.
Several groups issued special pleas on Tuesday, which was not only the Mexican celebration of Cinco de Mayo, but also was designated “Giving Tuesday,” Usually that’s the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, following the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days with a call to donate to charity. But a number of nonprofits declared the need for another Giving Tuesday amid the virus crisis, and immigration groups were prominent supplicants.
“In a time where our communities are experiencing unprecedented vulnerabilities, many day laborers and low-wage workers are out of work and are worried they won’t have enough for food, rent or utilities. With your contribution, we can provide direct cash assistance to families across the country,” said Pablo Alvarado, cofounder of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, a prominent immigration advocacy outfit.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been the most aggressive, setting a goal of $50 million in charitable donations, and earmarking another $75 million of state taxpayers’ money, too. He says they’ll be able to pay 150,000 illegal immigrant households up to $1,000 in order to help them sustain the economic upheaval.
On Tuesday, conservative public interest law firm Judicial Watch went to court on behalf of two state taxpayers asking a Los Angeles judge to halt Mr. Newsom’s program. Judicial Watch says federal law only allows states to give benefits to illegal immigrants by vote of the state legislature. Mr. Newsom didn’t get explicit permission, the group says.
The judge refused to issue the temporary restraining order. Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, said the judge agreed Mr. Newsom was likely spending money without authorization, but found the immediacy of getting payments out was in the public interest, and weighed against an injunction.
Mr. Fitton vowed an appeal, but California insisted the governor is on firm footing.
“California is taking legally and morally justified action to assist all Californians impacted by COVID-19,” said Scott Murray, deputy director of public affairs for the California Department of Social Services.
The federal stimulus specifically excludes taxpayers who file taxes through an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number rather than a Social Security number. Most of those who use an ITIN are illegal immigrants — though not all.
Activists say the federal law is particularly cruel because it strikes at so-called “mixed-status” families — those where one parent is in the country illegally but another parent or children are U.S. citizens or legal residents. If the two spouses file jointly and one of them uses an ITIN, neither can receive a check, thanks to the way the law was written.
Illegal immigrants are also not supposed to be eligible for unemployment benefits, though spouses who are in the country legally aren’t prohibited from that assistance.
Activists said denying illegal immigrants benefits can force them back to work in order to make ends meet, upending social distancing goals and creating a higher overall risk level for spreading the disease.
“Asking people to choose between their health and putting food on their tables is not a real choice,” said Richard Morales, policy and program director for Faith in Action’s LA RED Campaign, which also made a Giving Tuesday plea for donations.
“Instead of ensuring that members of all communities in this country had the support and protection they need from the virus, Congress went out of its way to exclude immigrants from receiving a stimulus check, making a clear choice about who is disposable,” Mr. Morales said.
California’s fund is aimed squarely at illegal immigrants, but some of the other campaigns are more circumspect, saying they were targeting “those who are most excluded” from the federal stimulus.
NDLON specifically asked its supporters to dedicate part of their stimulus checks to go to migrants as part of its Immigrant Worker Safety Net Fund.
Organizers of the California effort said they’re already seeing that happen in their campaign.
“Perhaps a quarter of our online donations have come of Californians donating a portion of their stimulus checks,” Daranee Petsod, president of Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, said in a Q&A posted on GCIR’s website.
“And we have also seen donations from DACA beneficiaries and undocumented immigrants who still have work. Seeing people standing up for one another has been very heartening,” she added.
Kathleen Kelly Janus, an advisor to Mr. Newsom, said in the GCIR Q&A that they’re seeing people who don’t usually give to immigration causes donate to this one.
As of Tuesday evening, the California effort said it had raised $9.9 million — though even if they reach the $50 million goal, and the state’s $75 million isn’t blocked, Ms. Petsod said they’ll fall well short of being able to help all 2 million illegal immigrants in California.
In New York, the State Youth Leadership Council began with a $100,000 goal, but quickly met it and upped its target to $200,000. In an announcement last month on GoFundMe, a crowdsource funding website, NYSYLC says it had 2,500 requests for money.
Sanctuary DMV, which is running its campaign on GoFundMe.com says that since many of the illegal immigrants it serves don’t have bank accounts, the group is “physically dropping off cash” with those who need it.
One donor on the website said their $50 contribution “comes from my children’s share of our stimulus checks. They thought it was unfair that not everyone should get help.”
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Minnesota man faces more charges in string of sex assaults

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - Prosecutors have charged a Ham Lake man suspected in a string of sex crimes in the Minneapolis area in three new cases .
The Hennepin County Attorney ’ s Office on Tuesday charged Jory Wiebrand , 34 , in three separate cases of criminal sexual conduct , burglary and harassment .
The Star Tribune reports one of the new cases is for the 2015 sexual assault of Brooke Morath as she brushed snow off her car in southeast Minneapolis .
Morath has previously spoken publicly about the attack .
Wiebrand also was charged Tuesday with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an August 2018 rape and robbery in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood of Minneapolis .
In the third new case , Wiebrand was charged with harassment and invasion of privacy in a peeping case on Jan. 3 near the University of Minnesota .
Prosecutors first charged Wiebrand last month in two cases from last summer when he allegedly broke into Minneapolis homes through windows and assaulted women .
Wiebrand is a suspect in 10 sexual assaults , assaults , prowling and break-ins since 2013 in Minneapolis and in Anoka County .
His court-appointed attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not immediately reply to a phone message from The Associated Press for comment Tuesday .
Court records do not list a defense attorney for the new cases .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Prosecutors have charged a Ham Lake man suspected in a string of sex crimes in the Minneapolis area in three new cases.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office on Tuesday charged Jory Wiebrand, 34, in three separate cases of criminal sexual conduct, burglary and harassment.
The Star Tribune reports one of the new cases is for the 2015 sexual assault of Brooke Morath as she brushed snow off her car in southeast Minneapolis. Morath has previously spoken publicly about the attack.
Wiebrand also was charged Tuesday with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree burglary in an August 2018 rape and robbery in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood of Minneapolis.
In the third new case, Wiebrand was charged with harassment and invasion of privacy in a peeping case on Jan. 3 near the University of Minnesota.
Prosecutors first charged Wiebrand last month in two cases from last summer when he allegedly broke into Minneapolis homes through windows and assaulted women.
Wiebrand is a suspect in 10 sexual assaults, assaults, prowling and break-ins since 2013 in Minneapolis and in Anoka County.
His court-appointed attorney in the first two charged cases did not immediately reply to a phone message from The Associated Press for comment Tuesday. Court records do not list a defense attorney for the new cases.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Alabama lawmakers advance pared down budgets amid COVID-19

MONTGOMERY , Ala. ( AP ) - Alabama lawmakers advanced pared down state budgets on Tuesday amid uncertain revenue projections because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The House Ways and Means Education Committee advanced a $ 7.2 billion education budget that skips a 3 % pay raise lawmakers had hoped to give teachers and public school employees .
The Education Trust Fund is fueled by sales and income tax collections , two revenue streams expected to be heavily affected by coronavirus-related business closures .
The committee-passed spending plan is about $ 300 million less than what Gov .
Kay Ivey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The committee also approved a $ 1.25 billion bond issue for public schools , universities and two-year colleges to use for capital improvements .
The bond issue would be the largest through the Public School and College Authority since 2007 , when lawmakers approved a $ 1.07 billion bond issue at the urging of then-Gov .
Bob Riley .
Ivey proposed the bond issue in her State of the State address earlier this year .
The Alabama Senate voted 31-0 for a General Fund budget that directs funding increases to a few key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , Medicaid and the state public health and mental health agencies .

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama lawmakers advanced pared down state budgets on Tuesday amid uncertain revenue projections because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The House Ways and Means Education Committee advanced a $7.2 billion education budget that skips a 3% pay raise lawmakers had hoped to give teachers and public school employees.
The Education Trust Fund is fueled by sales and income tax collections, two revenue streams expected to be heavily affected by coronavirus-related business closures. The committee-passed spending plan is about $300 million less than what Gov. Kay Ivey had proposed before the economic downturn.
The committee also approved a $1.25 billion bond issue for public schools, universities and two-year colleges to use for capital improvements.
The bond issue would be the largest through the Public School and College Authority since 2007, when lawmakers approved a $1.07 billion bond issue at the urging of then-Gov. Bob Riley.
Ivey proposed the bond issue in her State of the State address earlier this year.
The Alabama Senate voted 31-0 for a General Fund budget that directs funding increases to a few key state agencies, including the state prison system, Medicaid and the state public health and mental health agencies.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--'Live and Let Die' blares as Donald Trump tours mask factory, without mask

President Trump visited Honeywell ’ s mask-making factory Tuesday , but the choice of music raised some eyebrows .
A clip posted to YouTube by the PBS NewsHour shows Mr. Trump walking through the Arizona facility without a mask to the song “ Live and Let Die.
” The song was initially a hit for Wings as the theme to the eponymous James Bond movie and was remade by Guns N Roses in 1991 .
It was the latter version that echoed through the factory as Mr. Trump talked to Honeywell executives and workers .
Liberal commentators called the music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Clear Channel in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — bizarre and insensitive , given the magnitude of the coronavirus crisis , which has killed more than to 70,000 Americans .
“ It ’ s hard to believe this clip is real , ” wrote Aaron Rupar of Vox .
It was unclear whether the music was the choice of the White House or Honeywell , but the Guns N Roses song is frequently played at Trump campaign rallies .
As the clip posted by PBS begins , the music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun ” by the Animals , a hit from the 1960s British Invasion .
The subsequent song was “ Tiny Dancer ” by Elton John .
Those songs also are often played at Mr. Trump ’ s rallies .
In the clip , Mr. Trump is not wearing a mask and neither are most of the nearby executives and government officials accompanying him .
The Honeywell line workers are wearing masks , though .
According to the White House , Honeywell had told Mr. Trump that he and other visitors need not wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing protective eyeglasses .

President Trump visited Honeywell’s mask-making factory Tuesday, but the choice of music raised some eyebrows.
A clip posted to YouTube by the PBS NewsHour shows Mr. Trump walking through the Arizona facility without a mask to the song “Live and Let Die.”
The song was initially a hit for Wings as the theme to the eponymous James Bond movie and was remade by Guns N Roses in 1991. It was the latter version that echoed through the factory as Mr. Trump talked to Honeywell executives and workers.
Liberal commentators called the music choice — the song was once banned by Clear Channel in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — bizarre and insensitive, given the magnitude of the coronavirus crisis, which has killed more than to 70,000 Americans.
“It’s hard to believe this clip is real,” wrote Aaron Rupar of Vox.
It was unclear whether the music was the choice of the White House or Honeywell, but the Guns N Roses song is frequently played at Trump campaign rallies.
As the clip posted by PBS begins, the music is “The House of the Rising Sun” by the Animals, a hit from the 1960s British Invasion. The subsequent song was “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John. Those songs also are often played at Mr. Trump’s rallies.
In the clip, Mr. Trump is not wearing a mask and neither are most of the nearby executives and government officials accompanying him. The Honeywell line workers are wearing masks, though.
According to the White House, Honeywell had told Mr. Trump that he and other visitors need not wear masks.
The clip does show him wearing protective eyeglasses.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Martha McSally's political fortunes tied to Donald Trump's as Senate race in Arizona heats up

Sen. Martha McSally traveled Tuesday with President Trump aboard Air Force One to her home state of Arizona , where her political fortunes appear to be directly tied to his .
At the Honeywell International plant in Phoenix , Mr. Trump praised Ms. McSally , calling her a “ fantastic person ” and crediting her with bringing home the bacon for her constituents .
“ She ’ s fighting to uncover the full truth about the China situation and how the World Health Organization handled the outbreak , and what happened , ” Mr. Trump said , alluding to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special election between Ms. McSally , a retired Air Force colonel and combat pilot , and Democrat Mark Kelly , an astronaut and husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords , is seen as a must-win for Democrats if they hope to flip control of the Senate .
“ It is no secret that McSally is doing nothing to distance herself from the president , ” said Mike Noble , of OH Predictive Insights .
“ If anything she is absolutely embracing him.
” “ Based on the numbers , it would appear McSally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The Trump influence is going to be felt in races across the country .
Democrats are eager to make the election a referendum on Mr. Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus and the nation ’ s economic struggles .
John Miles Coleman , of the University of Virginia ’ s Center for Politics , said the Trump coattails will be tested in the battle for the Senate .
“ A lot of these races are pretty tightly yoked to the presidential contest , ” Mr. Coleman said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , every state that had a Senate race in 2016 voted the exact same way for president and the Senate.
” He said the special election in Arizona could prove to be an exception this election cycle — suggesting Mr. Trump and Mr. Kelly , who has raised more money than Ms. McSally , could both win .
“ There are a few rare cases like that , but overall I would expect the presidential results to track pretty closely with the Senate races , ” Mr. Coleman said .
Ms. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinema , who became the first Democrat to hold a Senate seat from Arizona since 1995 .
Republican Gov .
Doug Ducey then appointed Ms. McSally to the seat previously held by late Sen. John McCain .
Running with Mr. Trump atop the ticket , she now finds herself in the middle of the GOP ’ s push to defend its 53-47 majority in the Senate , where the two independents caucus with Democrats .
Republicans are heavily favored to defeat Sen. Doug Jones , the Democrat who stunned the world by winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances seen as unlikely to happen again .
To flip the Senate , Democrats , therefore , likely will have to win a net of three Senate seats and win the White House , which would give them the vice presidency and the tie-breaking vote in the chamber .
If Mr. Trump wins a second term , they will need to pick up a net of four seats .
“ In case there was any doubt , control of the Senate is at stake in November , ” said Nathan Gonzales , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s been that way for most of the cycle , but some people are just waking up to reality .
In addition to the race in Arizona , Democrats are targeting Sens .
Cory Gardner of Colorado , Susan M. Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina .
Polls show those races are competitive , and that Democrats also are within striking distances in other states , including Montana .
A Montana State University poll released Tuesday showed that Republican Sen. Steve Daines was trailing Democratic Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -39 % margin .
Mr. Bullock held a 46 % -32 % lead among self-declared independents .
In Arizona , Ms. McSally also is struggling with independents in her race against Mr. Kelly .
The latest OH Predictive Insights poll showed Mr. Kelly with a 51 % -42 % lead over Ms. McSally , and a massive 40-point edge among the independent voters .
Independents played a key role in powering Ms. Sinema to victory two years ago , and have been moving in a center-left direction in recent elections , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unelected Senator who ’ s on track to get rejected at the ballot box two election cycles in a row , ” said Stewart Boss , spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , the campaign arm for the Senate GOP .
Mr. Boss said Ms. McSally has been on the wrong side of the issues that voters care about , and said Mr. Kelly would be “ an independent voice for Arizona.
” The Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee did not return a request for comment .

Sen. Martha McSally traveled Tuesday with President Trump aboard Air Force One to her home state of Arizona, where her political fortunes appear to be directly tied to his.
At the Honeywell International plant in Phoenix, Mr. Trump praised Ms. McSally, calling her a “fantastic person” and crediting her with bringing home the bacon for her constituents.
“She’s fighting to uncover the full truth about the China situation and how the World Health Organization handled the outbreak, and what happened,” Mr. Trump said, alluding to the ongoing fallout from the coronavirus.
The special election between Ms. McSally, a retired Air Force colonel and combat pilot, and Democrat Mark Kelly, an astronaut and husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords, is seen as a must-win for Democrats if they hope to flip control of the Senate.
“It is no secret that McSally is doing nothing to distance herself from the president,” said Mike Noble, of OH Predictive Insights. “If anything she is absolutely embracing him.”
“Based on the numbers, it would appear McSally is along for the ride,” he said.
The Trump influence is going to be felt in races across the country. Democrats are eager to make the election a referendum on Mr. Trump’s handling of the coronavirus and the nation’s economic struggles.
John Miles Coleman, of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, said the Trump coattails will be tested in the battle for the Senate.
“A lot of these races are pretty tightly yoked to the presidential contest,” Mr. Coleman said. “We’ve seen in 2016, for example, every state that had a Senate race in 2016 voted the exact same way for president and the Senate.”
He said the special election in Arizona could prove to be an exception this election cycle — suggesting Mr. Trump and Mr. Kelly, who has raised more money than Ms. McSally, could both win.
“There are a few rare cases like that, but overall I would expect the presidential results to track pretty closely with the Senate races,” Mr. Coleman said.
Ms. McSally lost the 2018 race against Kyrsten Sinema, who became the first Democrat to hold a Senate seat from Arizona since 1995.
Republican Gov. Doug Ducey then appointed Ms. McSally to the seat previously held by late Sen. John McCain.
Running with Mr. Trump atop the ticket, she now finds herself in the middle of the GOP’s push to defend its 53-47 majority in the Senate, where the two independents caucus with Democrats.
Republicans are heavily favored to defeat Sen. Doug Jones, the Democrat who stunned the world by winning a 2017 special election in Alabama under circumstances seen as unlikely to happen again.
To flip the Senate, Democrats, therefore, likely will have to win a net of three Senate seats and win the White House, which would give them the vice presidency and the tie-breaking vote in the chamber.
If Mr. Trump wins a second term, they will need to pick up a net of four seats.
“In case there was any doubt, control of the Senate is at stake in November,” said Nathan Gonzales, of Inside Politics, a nonpartisan election tracker. “It’s been that way for most of the cycle, but some people are just waking up to reality.
In addition to the race in Arizona, Democrats are targeting Sens. Cory Gardner of Colorado, Susan M. Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
Polls show those races are competitive, and that Democrats also are within striking distances in other states, including Montana.
A Montana State University poll released Tuesday showed that Republican Sen. Steve Daines was trailing Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock by a 46%-39% margin. Mr. Bullock held a 46%-32% lead among self-declared independents.
In Arizona, Ms. McSally also is struggling with independents in her race against Mr. Kelly.
The latest OH Predictive Insights poll showed Mr. Kelly with a 51%-42% lead over Ms. McSally, and a massive 40-point edge among the independent voters.
Independents played a key role in powering Ms. Sinema to victory two years ago, and have been moving in a center-left direction in recent elections, according to pollsters.
Senate Democrats are projecting confidence in Arizona.
“Martha McSally is an unelected Senator who’s on track to get rejected at the ballot box two election cycles in a row,” said Stewart Boss, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the campaign arm for the Senate GOP.
Mr. Boss said Ms. McSally has been on the wrong side of the issues that voters care about, and said Mr. Kelly would be “an independent voice for Arizona.”
The Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee did not return a request for comment.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Chief: Man shot and killed in Town of Madison targeted

TOWN OF MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) - Authorities believe a man who was shot and killed in the @ @ @ @ @ , the police chief said .
Police Chief Scott Gregory said Tuesday the suspect in @ @ @ @ @ still at large .
The Dane County Medical Examiner ’ s Office identifies the victim @ @ @ @ @ Madison .
Shaw died at the scene .
Authorities were called just before 10 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ gunshots being fired and someone lying next to a vehicle .
The police chief is @ @ @ @ @ crime scene , the type of weapon used or how many shots were fired , @ @ @ @ @ a possible motive .

TOWN OF MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Authorities believe a man who was shot and killed in the Town of Madison was targeted, the police chief said.
Police Chief Scott Gregory said Tuesday the suspect in Monday’s killing is still at large. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office identifies the victim as 48-year-old Antonio Shaw of Madison. Shaw died at the scene.
Authorities were called just before 10 p.m. Monday about a report of gunshots being fired and someone lying next to a vehicle.
The police chief is not releasing details of the crime scene, the type of weapon used or how many shots were fired, and is not commenting on a possible motive.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--Lee encouraging voucher applications despite court order

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - Tennessee will continue to accept applications for a contentious school voucher program despite a state judge ’ s order deeming the program unconstitutional and unenforceable , Gov .
Bill Lee said Tuesday .
The vouchers - also known as education savings accounts - have become a defining issue for Lee after he narrowly won support from the GOP-controlled Statehouse on the proposal in 2019 , his first year in elected office .
“ We are still encouraging parents to apply to the program because we believe that it will continue to move forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Republican governor even made sure to include $ 41 million for the program in a state budget that he was forced to drastically reduce because of recession concerns caused by the COVID-19 outbreak .
He reduced the pay bumps that he had proposed for public school teachers , among other cuts .
On Monday , Davidson County Chancellor Anne C. Martin ruled that the voucher law violated the Tennessee constitution ’ s “ home rule , ” which says the Legislature can ’ t pass measures singling out individual counties without local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the voucher program would only apply to Nashville and Shelby County , which includes Memphis , the areas with the lowest performing schools and regions with Democratic political strongholds .
The original version of the measure included several other regions , but it was eventually whittled down after Republican lawmakers objected due to uneasiness about launching a voucher program in their own legislative district .
Democratic lawmakers in Nashville and Memphis had also objected to the voucher bill .
The program would allow eligible Tennessee families to use up to $ 7,300 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other preapproved expenses .
After reviewing two separate lawsuits from local officials and civil rights groups , Martin issued a decision that the voucher law was “ unconstitutional , unlawful and unenforceable.
” Lee has vowed to challenge the judge ’ s decision with the Tennessee Court of Appeals , which would have to agree to take the case .
The state had been accepting voucher applications until this Thursday , a deadline that was extended from April 29 because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
But critics warned that by encouraging parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been ruled illegal by a judge , Lee may face additional legal challenges .
“ The governor ’ s statement is concerning , ” said Bob Cooper , the top attorney for Nashville ’ s government , which is one of the lawsuits ’ plaintiffs .
Cooper , a former Tennessee attorney general himself , said he is talking to the state attorney general ’ s office about what the state needs to do to comply with the court ’ s injunction .
Other plaintiffs in the voucher lawsuit also flagged concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ESA voucher law unconstitutional and she permanently enjoined the state defendants , including Governor Lee , from implementing and enforcing the law , ” said Thomas H. Castelli , legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee .
“ To the extent that Governor Lee may be violating this order , we will consider all legal options , ” Castelli added .

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee will continue to accept applications for a contentious school voucher program despite a state judge’s order deeming the program unconstitutional and unenforceable, Gov. Bill Lee said Tuesday.
The vouchers - also known as education savings accounts - have become a defining issue for Lee after he narrowly won support from the GOP-controlled Statehouse on the proposal in 2019, his first year in elected office.
“We are still encouraging parents to apply to the program because we believe that it will continue to move forward,” Lee told reporters Tuesday.
The Republican governor even made sure to include $41 million for the program in a state budget that he was forced to drastically reduce because of recession concerns caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. He reduced the pay bumps that he had proposed for public school teachers, among other cuts.
On Monday, Davidson County Chancellor Anne C. Martin ruled that the voucher law violated the Tennessee constitution’s “home rule,” which says the Legislature can’t pass measures singling out individual counties without local support.
According to the law, the voucher program would only apply to Nashville and Shelby County, which includes Memphis, the areas with the lowest performing schools and regions with Democratic political strongholds.
The original version of the measure included several other regions, but it was eventually whittled down after Republican lawmakers objected due to uneasiness about launching a voucher program in their own legislative district.
Democratic lawmakers in Nashville and Memphis had also objected to the voucher bill.
The program would allow eligible Tennessee families to use up to $7,300 in public tax dollars on private schooling tuition and other preapproved expenses.
After reviewing two separate lawsuits from local officials and civil rights groups, Martin issued a decision that the voucher law was “unconstitutional, unlawful and unenforceable.”
Lee has vowed to challenge the judge’s decision with the Tennessee Court of Appeals, which would have to agree to take the case.
The state had been accepting voucher applications until this Thursday, a deadline that was extended from April 29 because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
But critics warned that by encouraging parents to apply to a program that has been ruled illegal by a judge, Lee may face additional legal challenges.
“The governor’s statement is concerning,” said Bob Cooper, the top attorney for Nashville’s government, which is one of the lawsuits’ plaintiffs. Cooper, a former Tennessee attorney general himself, said he is talking to the state attorney general’s office about what the state needs to do to comply with the court’s injunction.
Other plaintiffs in the voucher lawsuit also flagged concerns.
“Chancellor Martin was clear in declaring the ESA voucher law unconstitutional and she permanently enjoined the state defendants, including Governor Lee, from implementing and enforcing the law,” said Thomas H. Castelli, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee.
“To the extent that Governor Lee may be violating this order, we will consider all legal options,” Castelli added.


washingtontimes--2020-05-05--State suspends Portland nursing home license over virus care

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - State officials are ordering a Portland nursing home with the largest and most fatal coronavirus outbreak in Oregon to close .
The move comes after Department of Human Services officials found that Healthcare at Foster Creek “ demonstrated a consistent inability to adhere to basic infection control standards , ” The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
The nursing homes “ continued operation poses a serious danger to the public health and safety , ” the agency said in a letter signed Monday .
Officials said Tuesday in a statement that the department ordered an emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We have worked on multiple strategies to contain the COVID-19 outbreak at Healthcare at Foster Creek and have concluded that moving all residents is mandatory at this stage , ” said Mike McCormick , interim director of the department ’ s Office of Aging and People with Disabilities , which licenses long-term care facilities .
About 117 residents and staff at Foster Creek have fallen ill with the coronavirus and at least 28 residents have died as of Tuesday , according to state data .
The facility didn ’ t immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press seeking comment .
In mid-April , Department of Human Services ’ inspectors found staff violating protocols necessary to contain infections .
At that time , the department created a lengthy list of requirements for the nursing home to improve practices and evacuated 20 people to local hospitals .
The department will evacuate the few remaining residents , officials said .
A suspension means the nursing home could be allowed to reopen at a later time .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - State officials are ordering a Portland nursing home with the largest and most fatal coronavirus outbreak in Oregon to close.
The move comes after Department of Human Services officials found that Healthcare at Foster Creek “demonstrated a consistent inability to adhere to basic infection control standards,” The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
The nursing homes “continued operation poses a serious danger to the public health and safety,” the agency said in a letter signed Monday. Officials said Tuesday in a statement that the department ordered an emergency suspension of the facility’s license.
“We have worked on multiple strategies to contain the COVID-19 outbreak at Healthcare at Foster Creek and have concluded that moving all residents is mandatory at this stage,” said Mike McCormick, interim director of the department’s Office of Aging and People with Disabilities, which licenses long-term care facilities.
About 117 residents and staff at Foster Creek have fallen ill with the coronavirus and at least 28 residents have died as of Tuesday, according to state data. The facility didn’t immediately respond to a phone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.
In mid-April, Department of Human Services’ inspectors found staff violating protocols necessary to contain infections. At that time, the department created a lengthy list of requirements for the nursing home to improve practices and evacuated 20 people to local hospitals.
The department will evacuate the few remaining residents, officials said. A suspension means the nursing home could be allowed to reopen at a later time.