washingtontimes--2020-04-18--The Latest: Italy-bound cruise can't disembark in France

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
-Trump hoping to resume campaign rallies without social distancing .
MADRID - Spain has reached 20,000 deaths for the coronavirus pandemic and total infections increased to more than 190,000 .
Spain ’ s health authorities reported 565 deaths in the last 24 hours .
Only the United States and Italy have more deaths .
New infections rose by nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain have recovered .
This week , health authorities said there were discrepancies in the statistics of virus deaths and infections reported by regional administrations .
The central government has ordered regions to give more precise data and use the same parameters .
As the outbreak ’ s spread slows , pressure on hospitals has relaxed .
Authorities have closed one part of a huge field hospital with thousands of beds set up by the military in a convention center in Madrid .
But strict confinement rules are expected to be extended beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s commissioner for the coronavirus is cautioning against pitting health concerns versus economic worries when deciding to ease lockdown rules .
Domenico Arcuri says , “ without health , the ( economic ) revival will disappear in the batting of an eyelash.
” Health experts say easing must be gradual .
Italy has nearly 23,000 deaths , the most in Europe , and more than 172,000 known cases .
To put the COVID-19 pandemic in perspective , Arcuri noted during World War II in Milan , bombings killed some 2,000 civilians .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Italy ’ s COVID-19 cases and is a leader of the country ’ s industrial production , more than 11,851 people have died .
“ That ’ s five times as many in only two months , ” says Arcuri .
Authorities in Lombardy and other northern regions , but also Sicily in the south , have been pressing the central government to quickly ease restrictions on factories and many other businesses .
The government decree that shut down nonessential industries and businesses runs through May 3 .
PARIS - French authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been at sea since early January from disembarking more than 1,000 passengers before its final destination in Italy .
The regional administration for the Bouches-du-Rhone in southern France cited a nationwide ban on allowing foreign cruise ships to dock , as part of France ’ s virus-related confinement measures .
The French administration said that the Costa Deliziosa sought to make a stop in Marseille on Friday to disembark 1,400 passengers who wanted to get out before the final stop in Venice .
The administration granted exemptions to six other cruise ships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get off , but refused this time .
The Costa Deliziosa left on an around-the-world cruise and is expected to reach Italy in the coming days .
PARIS - France ’ s lower house of parliament approved an emergency budget overnight that takes into account the government ’ s 110 billion euro ( $ 120 billion ) plan to save the economy from virus-related collapse .
The budget includes bonuses for medical staff , funds to help struggling workers and families , and aid to businesses including strategic industries like aviation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate on Tuesday .
The government has warned that France ’ s economy , one of the world ’ s biggest , could shrink 8 % this year and see its worst recession since World War II .
BERLIN - A group of thirteen countries including Britain , Brazil , Italy and Germany is calling for global cooperation to lessen the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
In a joint statement the group said it is committed to “ work with all countries to coordinate on public health , travel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to minimize disruptions and recover stronger.
” The countries emphasized the need to maintain “ air , land and marine transportation links ” to ensure the continued flow of goods , including medical equipment and aid , and the return home of travelers .
They want key transport hubs around the world to remain open and for airlines to maintain major routes .
The group - also including Canada and France - stressed the critical role of the scientific community in providing guidance to governments .
SINGAPORE - Singapore has reported a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its total surge to 5,992 .
The sharp one-day spike in the tiny city-state of nearly six million people is the highest seen in Southeast Asia .
The number of cases more than doubled this week amid an upsurge among foreign workers staying in crowded dormitories , who constitute 60 percent of Singapore ’ s COVID-19 infections .
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote on Facebook that the vast majority of cases among migrant workers were mild as the workers are young .
Although cases in the dorms are expected to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing healthcare and isolation facilities to handle the load .
More than 200,000 migrant workers from Bangladesh , India and other Asian countries live in dormitories housing up to 20 people a room with shared facilities .
JOHANNESBURG - Africa now has more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 , according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
A total of 52 of the continent ’ s 54 countries have reported the virus , with the overall number of cases more than 19,800 as of Saturday morning .
The World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cases in Africa and a 60 % jump in deaths .
But the WHO chief has warned that because of a shortage of testing “ it ’ s likely the real numbers are higher than reported.
” The Africa CDC has said more than 1 million test kits will be rolled out starting next week .
PERTH , Australia - A German cruise ship has left Western Australia state after a three-week stay during which three people on board died of COVID-19 .
The Artania began its journey from Fremantle back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon departure time Saturday .
A total of 79 crew and passengers from the Artania tested positive for coronavirus in Western Australia .
They included a 42-year-old crewman from the Philippines who died in a Perth hospital on Thursday , raising the state ’ s toll to seven .
The ship ’ s captain , Morten Hansen , said the crew member had been with the company since 2006 and most recently served as a motorman , describing his death as “ heartbreaking.
” Two other people from the Artania died last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the other a 69-year-old crewman .
ISLAMABAD __ Pakistan ’ s radical religious leaders urged adherents into mosques even as Prime Minister Imran Khan tries to find a way to stem the coronavirus in Pakistan , where Saturday showed a jump of 465 new cases bringing the total of confirmed cases to 7,481 .
Pakistan has ramped up testing , but the poor country that on Friday received a $ 1.4 billion International Monetary Fund emergency loan conducts less than 6,500 tests a day .
There are 220 million people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 intensive care beds and a health care system that struggled to deal with its sick before the pandemic strained its resources .
But it is the government ’ s refusal to rein in its radical religious leaders and order its mosques closed that has its critics worried as the group causing one of the fastest spreads of the virus inside Pakistan was the Tableeghi Jamaat ( Islamic missionaries ) , whose massive gatherings in March were stopped late .
In religiously conservative Pakistan Islamic clerics have become increasingly powerful , using their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the street .
On Friday in a mosque in the federal capital , scores of faithful gathered for Friday prayers in defiance of a government order to limit gatherings to four or less .
Standing guard inside the mosque was a guard with a firearm at his side .
The capital police did not prevent the gathering .
SEOUL , South Korea — South Korea has reported 18 new cases of the coronavirus , its lowest daily jump since Feb. 20 , continuing a downward trend as officials discuss more sustainable forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communal and economic activity .
Figures released by South Korea ’ s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday brought national totals to 10,653 cases and 232 virus-related deaths .
The caseload continued to wane in the hardest-hit city of Daegu , where officials say the number of active cases dropped below 1,000 for the first time since a surge of infections in late February .
At least 993 of overall infections have been linked to arrivals from overseas .
Most of these cases were detected in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of students and other South Korean nationals returned home amid worsening outbreaks and suspended school years in Europe and the United States .
Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip on Saturday called for vigilance to maintain the hard-won gains against the virus , raising concern over continuing infections at hospitals and local transmissions health workers have been unable to trace .
It would also take a week or two to assess the impact of Wednesday ’ s national parliamentary election , which showed the highest turnout in nearly three decades despite the epidemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-COVID-19 normalcy would be impossible , Kim said officials as early as Sunday could announce essential parts of a new guideline that would replace the country ’ s weeks-long social distancing campaign .
Officials have said they are looking for ways to allow people to engage in “ certain levels of economic and social activity ” while containing the risk of infection .
Government officials have yet to share specific details about the new guideline .
SEOUL , South Korea — North Korea says it released all foreign nationals from coronavirus quarantine while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The official Korean Central News Agency also said Saturday authorities released all citizens who had been quarantined in the provinces of South Phyongan and North Hwanghae , which are near capital Pyongyang , and the city of Rason at a tri-point bordering China and Russia .
The report didn ’ t specify how many people remained under the country ’ s 30-day quarantine .
Figures from previous state media reports suggest the North would have released close to 10,000 people over the past weeks .
The North had initially placed 380 foreigners under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special government flight to fly out dozens of diplomats to Vladivostok , Russia .
The KCNA says officials are continuing to strengthen “ medical monitoring ” of its citizens while ensuring normal activity for those released from quarantine .
The North has said there hasn ’ t been a single virus case on its territory , but the claim is questioned by many outside experts .
Describing its anti-virus efforts as a “ matter of national existence , ” the North has banned foreign tourists , shut down nearly all cross-border traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points and mobilized health workers to monitor residents and isolate those with symptoms .
TOKYO - Japan had 556 new cases of the coronavirus , bringing a national total to 9,795 , the country ’ s Ministry of Health , Labor and Welfare said Saturday .
With an addition of 712 others from a cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo earlier this year , Japan now has 10,507 cases altogether , surpassing the 10,000-mark about three months after the first case was found in the country .
Nearly one-third of the domestic cases come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cases has overburdened hospitals , triggering fear of the collapse of medical system .
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded his April 7 state of emergency , which was limited to Tokyo and six other urban prefectures , to all of Japan on Thursday .
He expressed concern at a news conference Friday that people are not observing the government-requested social distancing as much as they should .
So far , additional requests of non-essential business closures are in place only in Tokyo and several other prefectures , and starting in few other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry no penalties .
Abe ’ s nationwide stay-at-home request comes ahead of the weekend and an upcoming “ golden week ” holidays at the end of April , as official try to stop people from traveling and potentially spreading virus .
Abe also announced a 100,000-yen ( $ 930 ) cash handout to all residents to give them more incentive to comply .
BEIJING - China has reported 27 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 , as it tries to stem an upsurge in infections in a northeastern province bordering Russia .
Twenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province , including 13 Chinese nationals who had returned recently from Russia .
The land border with Russia has been closed .
China ’ s official death toll rose sharply to 4,632 , reflecting a major upwards revision the previous day by authorities in Wuhan , the nation ’ s hardest-hit city .
The latest confirmed cases brought the total to 82,719 , of which 77,029 have recovered and been discharged , the National Health Commission said .
Eighteen officials in Heilongjiang province have been punished for failures in their response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They include the deputy mayor of Harbin , the provincial capital , and a vice president of Harbin Medical University .
They were given warnings , or demerits , in their personnel files .
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump says he remains hopeful that he will be able to resume campaign rallies ahead of the November election .
Trump said that he does not want social distancing at his rallies , which typically draw big crowds , because doesn ’ t want attendees to miss the “ flavor ” of the experience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in early March because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The president predicted that when the rallies resume they ’ ll be “ bigger than ever.
” Trump has only left Washington once over the last month as he ’ s dealt with the pandemic .
But the president announced Friday that he plans to travel to the U.S. Military Academy in New York next month for its commencement ceremony .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
- Japan surpasses 10,000 domestic cases.
- California is on its way to acquiring 15,000 hotel rooms to house the homeless during the pandemic
- US, Canada to keep border closed 30 more days.
- Africa surpasses 20,000 cases, more than 1,000 deaths.
TOKYO - Japanese health ministry said Sunday that 568 new cases of the coronavirus were reported the day before, bringing a domestic total to 10,361. A combined total including 712 others from a cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo earlier this year came to 11,073, with 174 deaths.
The number of cases is still relatively small compared to the U.S. and Europe, but that’s only as many as Japan’s limited testing has detected and actual infections are believed to be far more widespread.
Japan has finally started setting up additional testing centers in Tokyo and elsewhere, allowing primary care doctors to send suspected patients directly to testing stations rather than having them go through public health centers to screen eligibility, an earlier requirement that had prevented and delayed testing and treatment of many people.
Experts have noted that their strategy of going after clusters to trace infections is no longer effective to keep up with the surging cases and more tests are needed.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday expanded a state of emergency, which was limited to Tokyo and six other urban areas, to all of Japan, in a bid to prevent further spread of the virus nationwide amid concerns that hospitals are already overburdened with influx of patients.
It took two months for the cases to reach 1,000 since the first case was detected in mid-January, but the spread of the infections has accelerated in recent weeks and the number doubled from around 5,000 in just 10 days.
___
SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea has reported eight more cases of the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, the first time for a daily jump in the country to drop to a single digit in about two months.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the additional figures released Sunday took the country’s total to 10,661 with 234 deaths.
It says 8,042 of the total have been recovered and released from quarantine and that 12,243 others were under tests to determine whether they contracted the virus.
South Korea’s caseload has been waning in recent weeks since it recorded hundreds of new cases every day between late February and early March, mostly in the southeastern city of Daegu and nearby areas.
Despite the recent downward trend, South Korean officials have warned about the possibility of a broader “quiet spread” with people easing up on social distancing.
___
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina retail stores and public beach access points that had been closed to halt the spread of the coronavirus will be allowed to reopen next week, The Post and Courier reported Saturday.
Gov. Henry McMaster will issue orders Monday to allow for the reopenings to take place on Tuesday, the governor’s chief of staff, Trey Walker, told the newspaper.
The order will apply to numerous nonessential stores, including department stores, flea markets, florists, bookstores and music shops. Grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores and medical facilities have been allowed to stay open during the pandemic.
Occupancy in each store will be limited to five customers per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% occupancy, whichever is less, the newspaper said.
Local governments will still be allowed to make their own rules about waterway access.
The governor’s stay-at-home order will remain in place, as will the ban on eating inside restaurants, Walker said.
___
RIO DE JANEIRO — Hundreds of people denouncing pandemic lockdown measures opposed by President Jair Bolsonaro snarled traffic in major Brazilian cities on Saturday.
Protesters in trucks, cars and on motorcycles honked horns on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and the capital of Brasilia, calling for governors to resign over measures that have forced most businesses to close for weeks.
Bolsonaro has been a fierce critic of the states’ stay-at-home measures, arguing that the economic harm could be more damaging than the illness. The protests took place a day after Bolsonaro fired his health minister, who had been promoting isolation measures.
In Rio de Janeiro, about 100 vehicles took part in the gridlock and temporarily shut down Copacabana Beach.
In Brasilia, Bolsonaro reiterated his intention to start reopening the economy.
___
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation is ordering all people on the tribe’s sprawling reservation to wear protective masks when out in public to help fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Tribal officials announced Friday night that the Navajo Department of Health issued an emergency health order for the reservation, which includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
The Navajo Nation has been hit harder by the coronavirus than any other Native American tribe.
The tribe and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service said the number of positive coronavirus tests reached 1,127 as of Friday with 44 deaths attributed to COVID-19.
___
SAN FRANCISCO — California is on its way to acquiring 15,000 hotel rooms to house the homeless during the pandemic, said Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday as he reminded people to stay indoors while outbreaks continue to crop up throughout the state.
Standing in front of a Motel 6 outside the city of San Jose, Newsom said more than 4,000 people have been moved out of shelters and off the streets and into motel rooms. He took the opportunity to scold leaders of unnamed cities for blocking efforts to house the homeless, asking them to “please consider the morality” of their decisions.
His announcement came a day after the state reported another 87 deaths from the coronavirus. Meanwhile, California’s death toll from the virus rose above 1,050 on Saturday, according to a tally by John Hopkins University.
___
INDIANAPOLIS - More than 200 people upset over restrictions on Indiana residents because of the coronavirus protested outside the state mansion of Gov. Eric Holcomb, urging him to back off and restart the economy.
Holcomb, a Republican, said a stay-at-home order that expires Monday will be extended to May 1 while he works on a plan to reopen businesses.
In Austin, Texas, a few hundred people rallied at the state Capitol in another protest over stay-at-home orders. The demonstration came a day after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced that next week Texas will begin reopening state parks and letting retailers sell items curbside.
Abbott says more restrictions will be lifted before the end of April.
___
TIRANA, Albania - About 2,400 Kosovo citizens stranded abroad due to the new coronavirus will begin returning home.
A Foreign Ministry statement Saturday said the first two flights from Switzerland and Turkey would be next week.
Kosovo has been in a total lockdown for more than a month. The Kosovar Foreign Ministry selected the first 600 people based on criteria set by the Health Ministry. More citizens will be allowed to return once quarantines are lifted.
___
ATHENS, Greece - There have been two new fatalities from COVID-19 in Greece since Friday, raising the total to 110.
The country’s health ministry also announced Saturday the number of confirmed cases rose by 11, to 2,235. There are 68 people hooked to ventilators in intensive care units, down from 71 on Friday, and 39 patients have exited ICUs.
The average age of the victims is 74, the ministry said.
___
MADRID - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the government will seek to extend the country’s state of emergency by two weeks to fight the new coronavirus outbreak but will start easing the total confinement of children.
Spain imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe in mid-March that brought economic activity to a near standstill. The government, which has been under pressure from regional governments, parents and some educators to ease the lockdown for children, will begin to do so in nine days.
Sánchez said Saturday that children will be allowed “to get out of their houses for a period on a daily basis” but the specifics need to be ironed out with experts. He says rolling back the national lockdown will only come when the country’s embattled health system is ready for possible rebounds. The state of emergency extension until May 9 needs to be approved by parliament.
___
PARIS — France’s national health agency says the number of virus patients in intensive care dropped for the 10th straight day, while the number of overall virus hospitalizations has fallen for three consecutive days.
Health officials say confinement is “stopping the viral spread.”
The total number of deaths in France from COVID-19 reached 19,323, and nursing home deaths amount to more than one third of the total.
___
DETROIT - A Michigan prisoner who declined to be paroled earlier this year after decades behind bars has died from COVID-19 complications.
William Garrison died at a hospital after nearly 44 years in prison. The coronavirus outbreak has infected more than 500 inmates in Michigan prisons and killed 17.
The 60-year-old Garrison was sentenced to life in prison for killing a man during a 1976 robbery when Garrison was 16 years old. He could have been paroled two weeks ago but decided to wait until September, when he would be eligible for a complete release without the rigors of parole supervision, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The parole board approved his application in March.
___
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Broadway star Nick Cordero faces leg amputation due to virus

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The wife of Tony Award-nominated actor Nick Cordero , who specialized in playing tough guys on Broadway , says her husband will have to have his right leg amputated after suffering complications from the coronavirus .
Amanda Koots on Instagram said Saturday that Cordero had been treated with blood thinners to help with clotting in his leg , but his doctors had to stop the treatment because it was causing internal bleeding .
“ We took him off blood thinners but that again was going to cause some clotting in the right leg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , ” she said .
Cordero entered the intensive case unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on March 31 and has been on a ventilator and unconscious after contracting COVID-19 .
His wife has been sending him daily videos of her and their 10-month-old son , Elvis , so he could see them when we woke up , and urging friends and fans to join a daily sing-a-long .
Cordero played a mob soldier with a flair for the dramatic in 2014 in Broadway ’ s Woody Allen 1994 film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for which he received a Tony nomination for best featured actor in a musical .
The lanky Cordero originated the menacing role of husband Earl opposite his estranged wife , played by Jessie Mueller , in “ Waitress ” on Broadway , as well as the role of Sonny in Chazz Palminteri ’ s “ A Bronx Tale.
” On the small screen , Cordero appeared in several episodes of “ Blue Bloods ” and “ Law & Order : Special Victims Unit ” as well as “ Lilyhammer ” and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Going in Style.
” The virus has sickened other Broadway veterans , including the actors Danny Burstein , Brian Stokes Mitchell , Gavin Creel , Aaron Tveit and Laura Bell Bundy as well as composer David Bryan .
It has also claimed the life of Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally .

NEW YORK (AP) - Tony Award-nominated actor Nick Cordero has had his his right leg amputated after suffering complications from the coronavirus, his wife says.
Amanda Kloots on Instagram wrote late Saturday that Cordero “made it out of surgery alive and is headed to his room to rest and recover.”
Cordero had been treated with blood thinners to help with clotting in his leg, but his doctors had to stop the treatment because it was causing internal bleeding.
“We took him off blood thinners but that again was going to cause some clotting in the right leg, so the right leg will be amputated today,” she said earlier Saturday.
Cordero entered the intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on March 31 and has been on a ventilator and unconscious after contracting COVID-19.
His wife has been sending him daily videos of her and their 10-month-old son, Elvis, so he could see them when he woke up, and urging friends and fans to join a daily sing-a-long. A GoFundMe fundraiser has raised over $200,000.
Cordero played a mob soldier with a flair for the dramatic in 2014 in Broadway’s Woody Allen 1994 film adaptation of “Bullets Over Broadway,” for which he received a Tony nomination for best featured actor in a musical. He moved to Los Angeles to star in “Rock of Ages.”
The lanky Cordero originated the menacing role of husband Earl opposite his estranged wife, played by Jessie Mueller, in “Waitress” on Broadway, as well as the role of Sonny in Chazz Palminteri’s “A Bronx Tale.”
On the small screen, Cordero appeared in several episodes of “Blue Bloods” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as well as “Lilyhammer” and he had a role in the film “Going in Style.”
The virus has sickened other Broadway veterans, including the actors Danny Burstein, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Gavin Creel, Aaron Tveit and Laura Bell Bundy as well as composer David Bryan. It has also claimed the life of Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally.
___
Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Trees destroyed at Las Vegas park named after slain officer

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Authorities are trying to identify the person or people who vandalized a park named @ @ @ @ @ Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer ambushed and fatally shot while on duty in 2014 .
@ @ @ @ @ sought the public ’ s assistance in identifying those responsible for the destruction of approximately @ @ @ @ @ Memorial Park in northwest Las Vegas , city officials said Saturday .
City marshals discovered @ @ @ @ @ of the trees were lying in the parking lot and others were snapped from their @ @ @ @ @ off .
City officials estimate the value of the trees totaled $ 55,000 .
Beck @ @ @ @ @ killed while having lunch when they were shot by a couple who also killed a @ @ @ @ @ eventually died in a gunfight with other officers .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Authorities are trying to identify the person or people who vandalized a park named in honor of a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer ambushed and fatally shot while on duty in 2014.
Las Vegas deputy city marshals sought the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the destruction of approximately 25 trees at Alyn Beck Memorial Park in northwest Las Vegas, city officials said Saturday.
City marshals discovered the damage Thursday. Some of the trees were lying in the parking lot and others were snapped from their base or had branches sawed off.
City officials estimate the value of the trees totaled $55,000.
Beck and Officer Igor Soldo were killed while having lunch when they were shot by a couple who also killed a third person. The couple eventually died in a gunfight with other officers.
The park was opened Jan. 31.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Trump: Some governors have gotten 'carried away' with lockdown orders

President Trump on Saturday said some governors have gotten carried away with the lockdown orders they ’ ve signed off on in response to the coronavirus outbreak , as some states try to chart a path forward toward reopening parts of their economy next month .
“ I just think that some of the governors have gotten carried away , ” Mr. Trump said at the White House .
He said he ’ s getting along nicely with Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , but said the restrictions in Michigan that have prompted protests this week might have gone too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paint .
Don ’ t buy roses… she ’ s got all these crazy things , ” he said .
“ Some of them are being unreasonable , I really believe that.
” He also once again mentioned Virginia , which along with Michigan will be a crucial battleground state in the 2020 election .
“ When you look at Virginia… they want to take your guns away — they want to violate your Second Amendment , ” the president said .
Last Friday , Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam signed into law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including legislation to reinstate the commonwealth ’ s “ one-handgun-a-month ” rule and legislation that expands gun-purchase background checks .
“ That ’ s not even politics — we ’ re entitled to a Second Amendment , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ To me , that ’ s liberty — when I say liberate Virginia , I would say liberate Virginia when that kind of thing happens , ” he said .
The president on Friday had tweeted that Minnesota , Michigan , and Virginia should “ liberate ” amid various stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had unveiled a series of benchmarks and steps for states to take when they craft plans to roll back some of their social distancing measures and restart their economies when it ’ s safe to do so .
On Saturday , Mr. Trump mentioned Texas , Vermont , Montana , Ohio , and North Dakota as among states that are planning to reopen some businesses in the near term or are in the midst of crafting plans to do so .

President Trump on Saturday said some governors have gotten carried away with the lockdown orders they’ve signed off on in response to the coronavirus outbreak, as some states try to chart a path forward toward reopening parts of their economy next month.
“I just think that some of the governors have gotten carried away,” Mr. Trump said at the White House.
He said he’s getting along nicely with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but said the restrictions in Michigan that have prompted protests this week might have gone too far.
“Don’t buy paint. Don’t buy roses… she’s got all these crazy things,” he said. “Some of them are being unreasonable, I really believe that.”
He also once again mentioned Virginia, which along with Michigan will be a crucial battleground state in the 2020 election.
“When you look at Virginia… they want to take your guns away — they want to violate your Second Amendment,” the president said.
Last Friday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law a number of gun control measures, including legislation to reinstate the commonwealth’s “one-handgun-a-month” rule and legislation that expands gun-purchase background checks.
“That’s not even politics — we’re entitled to a Second Amendment,” Mr. Trump said.
“To me, that’s liberty — when I say liberate Virginia, I would say liberate Virginia when that kind of thing happens,” he said.
The president on Friday had tweeted that Minnesota, Michigan, and Virginia should “liberate” amid various stay-at-home orders.
The White House on Thursday had unveiled a series of benchmarks and steps for states to take when they craft plans to roll back some of their social distancing measures and restart their economies when it’s safe to do so.
On Saturday, Mr. Trump mentioned Texas, Vermont, Montana, Ohio, and North Dakota as among states that are planning to reopen some businesses in the near term or are in the midst of crafting plans to do so.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Trump touts U.S. wins against coronavirus, lower per capita death rate than in Europe

President Trump on Saturday heralded gains made against the coronavirus pandemic and the relatively low mortality rate in the U.S. compared to other hard-hit countries .
“ While we mourn the tragic loss of life — and you can ’ t mourn it any stronger than we are mourning it — the United States has produced dramatically better health outcomes than any other country with the possible exception of Germany , ” Mr. Trump said at the daily briefing at the White House .
He said the high death toll in the U.S. , which has most coronavirus deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be attributed to the large U.S. population .
The U.S. population of about 328 million is four or five times larger than most European countries .
Of the 10 countries with the most COVID-19 deaths , the U.S. has the second-lowest per capita mortality rate at 5.3 % per 100,000 people , according to an analysis by Johns Hopkins University .
Only Germany had a lower rate of 3.1 % per 100,000 people among the 10 countries in the study .
Belgium , the U.K. , Italy , France , the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher per capita mortality rates .
Belgium had the highest per capita mortality rate of 14.3 % per 100,000 people .
The U.K. , Italy , France , the Netherlands and Spain each had double-digit per capita mortality rates .
Spain , with more than 20,000 deaths , had a per capita mortality rate of 10.5 % — nearly double the rate in the U.S. Mr. Trump said the news media has ignored the successes of the U.S. effort against COVID-19 , which included a nearly complete shutdown of the economy and massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home orders .
“ But you don ’ t hear that .
You hear that we have more death .
But we are a much bigger country than any of those countries , by far , ” said Mr. Trump .
“ So , when the fake news gets out there and starts talking about the United States has more — but we ’ re not number one.
” He also questioned the death toll reported by China , where the virus began .
The data shows China with a mortality rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the JHU study .
“ They are way ahead of us in terms of death .
It ’ s not even close , ” he told the reporters at the briefing .
“ You know it .
I know it .
They know it .
But you don ’ t want to report it .
Why ?
You ’ ll have to explain that .
”

President Trump on Saturday heralded gains made against the coronavirus pandemic and the relatively low mortality rate in the U.S. compared to other hard-hit countries.
“While we mourn the tragic loss of life — and you can’t mourn it any stronger than we are mourning it — the United States has produced dramatically better health outcomes than any other country with the possible exception of Germany,” Mr. Trump said at the daily briefing at the White House.
He said the high death toll in the U.S., which has most coronavirus deaths in the world at more than 37,000, could be attributed to the large U.S. population.
The U.S. population of about 328 million is four or five times larger than most European countries.
Of the 10 countries with the most COVID-19 deaths, the U.S. has the second lowest mortality rate at 5.3% per 100 reported cases, according to an analysis by Johns Hopkins University.
Only Germany had a lower rate at 3.1% among the 10 countries in the study.
Belgium, the U.K., Italy, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Iran and China had higher mortality rates.
Belgium had the highest mortality rate per 100 cases of 14.3%. The U.K., Italy, France, the Netherlands and Spain each had double-digit mortality rates.
Spain, with more than 20,000 deaths, had a mortality rate of 10.5% — nearly double the rate in the U.S.
Mr. Trump said the news media has ignored the successes of the U.S. effort against COVID-19, which included a nearly complete shutdown of the economy and massive stimulus spending to sustain Americans living under stay-at-home orders.
“But you don’t hear that. You hear that we have more death. But we are a much bigger country than any of those countries, by far,” said Mr. Trump. “So, when the fake news gets out there and starts talking about the United States has more — but we’re not number one.”
He also questioned the death toll reported by China, where the virus began. The data shows China with a mortality rate of 5.5% per 100,000, according to the JHU study.
“They are way ahead of us in terms of death. It’s not even close,” he told the reporters at the briefing. “You know it. I know it. They know it. But you don’t want to report it. Why? You’ll have to explain that.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Florida governor orders schools closed rest of academic year

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. ( AP ) - Gov .
Ron DeSantis said Saturday that schools would remain closed for rest of the academic year , calling it a fairly easy decision since the prospect of reopening for just a few weeks in May offered little academic benefit .
“ You had kind of a division among folks whether this was a good idea or not , ” the governor said during a news conference in Tallahassee .
“ The last thing you want to do is force everyone to have school and have half the kids not show up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their teachers didn ’ t want to do it.
” DeSantis , a Republican , said he understands the social impacts of kids not being able to see friends .
He said he plans to ease some restrictions in the next phase so that “ kids will have a little bit more to be able to do , ” but he didn ’ t elaborate on what that would look like or when it might happen .
In his own home , his wife , Casey , has not left the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave birth to the couple ’ s third child at the end of March .
“ I see how it is to be inside and not be able to go out every day inside my house , ” he said .
Meanwhile , the state is also working on developing a system with private labs for quick turnaround testing , to get “ 5,000 , 10,000 in each lab turned around within 24 hours , ” which DeSantis said will provide critical data to drive policy decisions around reopening the state .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic lawmakers for lagging behind many other states in per capita testing , although its total number of tests has been running about second or third behind hardest-hit New York .
The governor said a massive number of tests were returned in the last two days .
As of Saturday evening , state health officials said more than 25,400 people in Florida had tested positive for COVID-19 , leading to more than 3,700 hospitalizations and at least 748 deaths .
Access to quick turnaround tests opened up after Medicare and Medicaid started reimbursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that wasn ’ t an option a week ago because labs weren ’ t willing to do it for $ 50 .
DeSantis said he ’ s also considering investing money so state labs can do their own quick turnaround tests , saying it makes sense to spend a million dollars up front on a machine , instead of contracting it out to private labs .
“ If we plan on ( paying private labs to process ) tens of thousands of tests a day … that ’ s going to add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have our own capacity then that would be able to do a lot .
”

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday that schools would remain closed for rest of the academic year, calling it a fairly easy decision since the prospect of reopening for just a few weeks in May offered little academic benefit.
“You had kind of a division among folks whether this was a good idea or not,” the governor said during a news conference in Tallahassee. “The last thing you want to do is force everyone to have school and have half the kids not show up because their parents didn’t want, their teachers didn’t want to do it.”
DeSantis, a Republican, said he understands the social impacts of kids not being able to see friends. He said he plans to ease some restrictions in the next phase so that “kids will have a little bit more to be able to do,” but he didn’t elaborate on what that would look like or when it might happen.
In his own home, his wife, Casey, has not left the house since the end of February. She gave birth to the couple’s third child at the end of March.
“I see how it is to be inside and not be able to go out every day inside my house,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state is also working on developing a system with private labs for quick turnaround testing, to get “5,000, 10,000 in each lab turned around within 24 hours,” which DeSantis said will provide critical data to drive policy decisions around reopening the state.
The DeSantis administration has come under criticism from Democratic lawmakers for lagging behind many other states in per capita testing, although its total number of tests has been running about second or third behind hardest-hit New York.
The governor said a massive number of tests were returned in the last two days. As of Saturday evening, state health officials said more than 25,400 people in Florida had tested positive for COVID-19, leading to more than 3,700 hospitalizations and at least 748 deaths.
Access to quick turnaround tests opened up after Medicare and Medicaid started reimbursing $100 per test. The governor said that wasn’t an option a week ago because labs weren’t willing to do it for $50.
DeSantis said he’s also considering investing money so state labs can do their own quick turnaround tests, saying it makes sense to spend a million dollars up front on a machine, instead of contracting it out to private labs.
“If we plan on (paying private labs to process) tens of thousands of tests a day … that’s going to add up pretty quickly, so if we have our own capacity then that would be able to do a lot.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Trump hints at 'consequences' for China if country was knowingly responsible for coronavirus spread

President Trump on Saturday hinted that he ’ s looking at unspecified “ consequences ” for China if it ’ s proven that the country was knowingly responsible for the global spread of the coronavirus .
“ If they were knowingly responsible , certainly .
If it was a mistake , a mistake is a mistake .
But if they were knowingly responsible , yeah , then there should be consequences , ” Mr. Trump said at the White House .
“ I haven ’ t ruled out anything — I want to look at the facts as they come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House briefing on the coronavirus outbreak , Mr. Trump repeatedly cast doubt on the death toll being reported by China , where the virus was first discovered late last year .
He said Saturday that the spread “ could have been stopped in China before it started and it wasn ’ t and the whole world is suffering.
” U.S. officials are looking into the possibility that the spread of the virus originated from a research lab in Wuhan , perhaps unwittingly , rather than from a nearby “ wet market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — was it a mistake that got out of control or was it done deliberately ?
” Mr. Trump said .
“ I think they were embarrassed — I think they knew it was something bad and I think they were embarrassed.
” Mr. Trump has moved to withhold U.S. funding for the World Health Organization , saying the group flubbed the response to COVID-19 by too eagerly accepting Beijing ’ s narrative about the extent of the problem in China .
But he has been less willing to directly criticize Chinese President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to embarrass countries that I like and leaders that I like , ” he said .
Mr. Trump had said in January that China was working “ very hard ” to contain the coronavirus .
“ The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency .
It will all work out well .
In particular , on behalf of the American People , I want to thank President Xi !
” Mr. Trump tweeted on Jan. 24 .

President Trump on Saturday hinted that he’s looking at unspecified “consequences” for China if it’s proven that the country was knowingly responsible for the global spread of the coronavirus.
“If they were knowingly responsible, certainly. If it was a mistake, a mistake is a mistake. But if they were knowingly responsible, yeah, then there should be consequences,” Mr. Trump said at the White House.
“I haven’t ruled out anything — I want to look at the facts as they come in,” he said.
During the White House briefing on the coronavirus outbreak, Mr. Trump repeatedly cast doubt on the death toll being reported by China, where the virus was first discovered late last year.
He said Saturday that the spread “could have been stopped in China before it started and it wasn’t and the whole world is suffering.”
U.S. officials are looking into the possibility that the spread of the virus originated from a research lab in Wuhan, perhaps unwittingly, rather than from a nearby “wet market” in Wuhan.
“It depends — was it a mistake that got out of control or was it done deliberately?” Mr. Trump said. “I think they were embarrassed — I think they knew it was something bad and I think they were embarrassed.”
Mr. Trump has moved to withhold U.S. funding for the World Health Organization, saying the group flubbed the response to COVID-19 by too eagerly accepting Beijing’s narrative about the extent of the problem in China.
But he has been less willing to directly criticize Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I don’t want to embarrass countries that I like and leaders that I like,” he said.
Mr. Trump had said in January that China was working “very hard” to contain the coronavirus.
“The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!” Mr. Trump tweeted on Jan. 24.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Orthodox churches empty for Easter amid pandemic

KYIV , Ukraine ( AP ) - Orthodox priests in much of Europe held Easter services in churches empty of parishoners because of restrictions imposed to block the spread of coronavirus .
In Moscow , St. Petersburg and Kyiv , priests at the services that began late Saturday night wore the elaborate robes that characterize Orthodoxy ’ s most important holy day and choirs sang , but worshipers could only see them on TV or online broadcasts .
Police were deployed outside hundreds of churches in Ukraine to ensure that anyone who came to stand outside a service observed regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings .
A small exception was made at the Pechersk monastery in Kyiv , where police allowed worshipers to enter the church one at a time , with the next person going inside when another left .
About 100 people stood outside the monastery waiting to be let in .
The monastery , a major tourist attraction because of its extensive system of caves and catacombs , was closed under quarantine ; more than 90 of its monks have been identified as infected with coronavirus and at least two have died .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is loyal to to the Russian Orthodox Church and is one of two rival Orthodox denominations denominations in Ukraine .
The church ’ s leader drew criticism after suggesting that worshipers could gather outside while services were conducted rather than staying at home .
That statement increased tensions with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine , which last year was granted autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople , Orthodoxy ’ s prime authority , displacing the Russia-affiliated church .
In Georgia , some churches were open to worshipers , but only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s 9 p.m. curfew started and remaining there until the curfew lifts at 6 a.m. About 100 people showed up to do that the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the capital Tbilisi , where marks were placed on the floor so that people would observe distancing .
All churches in greater Moscow , St. Petersburg and many Russian regions have been closed since Monday , although some churches in remote regions were expected to have services with parishoners attending .
Russian Orthodox leader Patriarch Kirill led the church ’ s main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Savior Cathedral .
In an Easter epistle , he called on his flock not to be discouraged by being unable to attend services .
“ We Orthodox Christians should not lose heart or despair in these difficult circumstances , let alone panic .
We are called upon to preserve the inner world , ” he said .
In Cyprus , many Orthodox faithful stood on their balconies or front porches with lighted candles as clergymen officiating midnight Easter Service in empty churches chanted “ Christ is Risen.
” Cypriots observed Easter services from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on worshippers attending church services that ’ s part of a strict stay-at-home order .
Jim Heintz in Moscow , Sophiko Megrelidze in Tbilisi and Menelaos Hadjicostis in Nicosia , Cyprus , contributed to this story .

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Orthodox priests in much of Europe held Easter services in churches empty of parishoners because of restrictions imposed to block the spread of coronavirus.
In Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kyiv, priests at the services that began late Saturday night wore the elaborate robes that characterize Orthodoxy’s most important holy day and choirs sang, but worshipers could only see them on TV or online broadcasts.
Police were deployed outside hundreds of churches in Ukraine to ensure that anyone who came to stand outside a service observed regulations calling for social distancing and banning large gatherings.
A small exception was made at the Pechersk monastery in Kyiv, where police allowed worshipers to enter the church one at a time, with the next person going inside when another left. About 100 people stood outside the monastery waiting to be let in.
The monastery, a major tourist attraction because of its extensive system of caves and catacombs, was closed under quarantine; more than 90 of its monks have been identified as infected with coronavirus and at least two have died.
The monastery belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is loyal to to the Russian Orthodox Church and is one of two rival Orthodox denominations denominations in Ukraine. The church’s leader drew criticism after suggesting that worshipers could gather outside while services were conducted rather than staying at home.
That statement increased tensions with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which last year was granted autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Orthodoxy’s prime authority, displacing the Russia-affiliated church.
In Georgia, some churches were open to worshipers, but only if they committed themselves to arriving before the country’s 9 p.m. curfew started and remaining there until the curfew lifts at 6 a.m. About 100 people showed up to do that the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the capital Tbilisi, where marks were placed on the floor so that people would observe distancing.
All churches in greater Moscow, St. Petersburg and many Russian regions have been closed since Monday, although some churches in remote regions were expected to have services with parishoners attending.
Russian Orthodox leader Patriarch Kirill led the church’s main service at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral. In an Easter epistle, he called on his flock not to be discouraged by being unable to attend services.
“We Orthodox Christians should not lose heart or despair in these difficult circumstances, let alone panic. We are called upon to preserve the inner world,” he said.
In Cyprus, many Orthodox faithful stood on their balconies or front porches with lighted candles as clergymen officiating midnight Easter Service in empty churches chanted “Christ is Risen.” Cypriots observed Easter services from their televisions at home following a government-imposed ban on worshippers attending church services that’s part of a strict stay-at-home order.
—=
Jim Heintz in Moscow, Sophiko Megrelidze in Tbilisi and Menelaos Hadjicostis in Nicosia, Cyprus, contributed to this story.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Washington anglers protest coronavirus fishing closure

RICHLAND , Wash. ( AP ) - Protesters in boats and on shore Saturday demanded that restrictions on recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting in Washington because of the coronavirus be lifted .
About 50 boats along with several hundred protesters on shore gathered on Saturday around Columbia Point Marina in Richland in southwestern Washington .
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife on March 25 temporarily closed recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
But the protesters say the restrictions should be lifted because anglers can practice social distancing while fishing .
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pleasure boaters and others are on the water .
“ There ’ s nobody but us two out in the middle of the river , ” Alan Doughty told the Tri-City Herald .
He was on their boat in the Columbia River with Pam Doughty and their two dogs .
“ We ’ ve got a $ 60,000 boat .
We have I don ’ t know how much in gear .
We ’ ve got a fishing license .
We ’ ve got insurance , and we can ’ t use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest after noticing non-fishing boaters on the water and believed the restrictions on fishing were unfair .
“ The anglers of Washington state aren ’ t going to put up with ( the ban ) much longer , ” he said .
Al Bernicker , 74 , regularly comes to Columbia Point to fish .
This time he brought a sign that said , “ I can sit here .
Why not fish here .
I am 6-feet apart.
” Washington has at least 11,735 virus cases and 611 deaths , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that clear up in two to three weeks .
But it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death for some people , especially older adults and people with pre-existing health problems .

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) - Protesters in boats and on shore Saturday demanded that restrictions on recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting in Washington because of the coronavirus be lifted.
About 50 boats along with several hundred protesters on shore gathered on Saturday around Columbia Point Marina in Richland in southwestern Washington.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife on March 25 temporarily closed recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
But the protesters say the restrictions should be lifted because anglers can practice social distancing while fishing. They said kayakers, jet skis, wake boarders, pleasure boaters and others are on the water.
“There’s nobody but us two out in the middle of the river,” Alan Doughty told the Tri-City Herald. He was on their boat in the Columbia River with Pam Doughty and their two dogs. “We’ve got a $60,000 boat. We have I don’t know how much in gear. We’ve got a fishing license. We’ve got insurance, and we can’t use it,”
Ben Hanes organized the protest after noticing non-fishing boaters on the water and believed the restrictions on fishing were unfair.
“The anglers of Washington state aren’t going to put up with (the ban) much longer,” he said.
Al Bernicker, 74, regularly comes to Columbia Point to fish. This time he brought a sign that said, “I can sit here. Why not fish here. I am 6-feet apart.”
Washington has at least 11,735 virus cases and 611 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally on Saturday afternoon.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. But it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death for some people, especially older adults and people with pre-existing health problems.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Folk DJ, Gene Shay, dies of the coronavirus at 85

PHILADELPHIA ( AP ) - Gene Shay , a folk DJ who spent a half-century on the Philadelphia airwaves and helped promote the careers of Bob Dylan , Joni Mitchell and countless others , has died of complications of the coronavirus .
Shay , 85 , who had been hospitalized in recent weeks , died Friday , according to WXPN-FM station manager Roger LaMay .
His weekly “ Folk Show ” ran on various stations in the city from 1968 to 2015 , the last 20 of them at WXPN .
“ He was a giant in terms of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And to do it for close to 60 years is extraordinary , ” LaMay said .
Shay , being introduced into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame by David Bromberg in 2013 , said he put unknown talent on the air in the hope they could find an audience and perhaps a record deal .
“ I play people who have a glint of something , some spark , … ( and ) just let them play good music where other people can hear them , ” Shay said .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life.
” Shay also helped start the popular Philadelphia Folk Festival , where he long served as emcee , and the organization that runs it , the Philadelphia Folksong Society .
Shay ’ s daughter , Rachel Vaughn , told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday that Shay died at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood .
Shay , born Ivan Shaner , joined WRTI at Temple University in 1962 and later worked at many of the city ’ s top stations .
He also worked a day job much of his life as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Music Alliance wrote the original radio commercials for Woodstock .
He famously brought Dylan to town for a show at the Philadelphia Ethical Society in May 1963 , before the release of Dylan ’ s second album .
About 45 people turned out and Dylan made $ 150 , Shay often recalled .
Shay ’ s wife , Gloria Shaner , died in 2018 .
He lived in Lower Merion , and is also survived by another daughter .
His WXPN colleagues did not know if he had ever legally changed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in spirit , ” LaMay said .
“ I loved the guy .
”

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Gene Shay, a folk DJ who spent a half-century on the Philadelphia airwaves and helped promote the careers of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and countless others, has died of complications of the coronavirus.
Shay, 85, who had been hospitalized in recent weeks, died Friday, according to WXPN-FM station manager Roger LaMay. His weekly “Folk Show” ran on various stations in the city from 1968 to 2015, the last 20 of them at WXPN.
“He was a giant in terms of his impact on artists and the music. And to do it for close to 60 years is extraordinary,” LaMay said.
Shay, being introduced into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame by David Bromberg in 2013, said he put unknown talent on the air in the hope they could find an audience and perhaps a record deal.
“I play people who have a glint of something, some spark, … (and) just let them play good music where other people can hear them,” Shay said. “That is one of the great joys of my life.”
Shay also helped start the popular Philadelphia Folk Festival, where he long served as emcee, and the organization that runs it, the Philadelphia Folksong Society.
Shay’s daughter, Rachel Vaughn, told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday that Shay died at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood.
Shay, born Ivan Shaner, joined WRTI at Temple University in 1962 and later worked at many of the city’s top stations. He also worked a day job much of his life as an ad man, and according to the Music Alliance wrote the original radio commercials for Woodstock.
He famously brought Dylan to town for a show at the Philadelphia Ethical Society in May 1963, before the release of Dylan’s second album. About 45 people turned out and Dylan made $150, Shay often recalled.
Shay’s wife, Gloria Shaner, died in 2018. He lived in Lower Merion, and is also survived by another daughter. His WXPN colleagues did not know if he had ever legally changed his name.
“He was so generous in spirit,” LaMay said. “I loved the guy.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Local Republican leader calls scuffle 'immature, stupid'

WATERBURY , Conn. ( AP ) - A local Republican Party leader in Connecticut who was charged with scuffling with another customer at a restaurant said Saturday that his behavior was “ immature , stupid ” and he apologized .
Jeffrey Santopietro , who was recently appointed head of Waterbury ’ s Republican Town Committee , was cited for misdemeanor breach of peace Friday morning , the Republican-American reported .
Witnesses said he grabbed and pushed another man against a wall at Monteiro ’ s Restaurant , believing the man called him fat .
Santopietro , 53 , also is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinator in Connecticut .
“ It was an immature , stupid , thing , ” he said Saturday .
“ I ’ ve apologized to everybody included .
It was regrettable .
I wish I could take it back .
Unfortunately , I can ’ t. ” Santopietro , who said he went to the restaurant to get takeout , said he “ snapped ” when he thought the man called him fat .
He was issued a summons to appear in court in July .
The Republican-American reported Santopietro was among eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on corruption-related charges in 1991 .
His brother , then-mayor Joseph Santopietro , was among those arrested .
Jeffrey Santopietro ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion .

WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) - A local Republican Party leader in Connecticut who was charged with scuffling with another customer at a restaurant said Saturday that his behavior was “immature, stupid” and he apologized.
Jeffrey Santopietro, who was recently appointed head of Waterbury’s Republican Town Committee, was cited for misdemeanor breach of peace Friday morning, the Republican-American reported. Witnesses said he grabbed and pushed another man against a wall at Monteiro’s Restaurant, believing the man called him fat.
Santopietro, 53, also is President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign coordinator in Connecticut.
“It was an immature, stupid, thing,” he said Saturday. “I’ve apologized to everybody included. It was regrettable. I wish I could take it back. Unfortunately, I can’t.”
Santopietro, who said he went to the restaurant to get takeout, said he “snapped” when he thought the man called him fat. He was issued a summons to appear in court in July.
The Republican-American reported Santopietro was among eight politically connected Republicans arrested by federal agents on corruption-related charges in 1991. His brother, then-mayor Joseph Santopietro, was among those arrested. Jeffrey Santopietro ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Maui County Council approves plastic disposable utensils ban

WAILUKU , Hawaii ( AP ) - Nearly all the sales and use of plastic disposable food ware in Maui will be banned under a bill that was given final approval by county officials .
The Maui County Council voted unanimously Friday to approve the measure , which would take effect Jan. 1 , 2022 , Maui News reported .
The bill next heads to Mayor Michael Victorino for his approval and signature .
Food providers in county facilities or county-sponsored or county-permitted events will be prohibited from selling , using and providing plastic disposable food ware , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , knives , spoons , straws , coffee stirrers , cocktail picks and chopsticks , but there are some exceptions to the measure , county officials said .
Exceptions include plastic used for raw or butchered meats , poultry , seafood , unprepared produce or eggs , officials said .
Plastic straws for people with disabilities or in hospitals , nursing homes or other care or medical facilities are also exempt .
If there are no reasonable alternatives to plastic usage , food providers are able to seek an exemption from the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a similar bill into law in December .
That law prohibits all single-use plastic and polystyrene food service items on Oahu and will take effect Jan. 1 , 2021 .

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) - Nearly all the sales and use of plastic disposable food ware in Maui will be banned under a bill that was given final approval by county officials.
The Maui County Council voted unanimously Friday to approve the measure, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2022, Maui News reported.
The bill next heads to Mayor Michael Victorino for his approval and signature.
Food providers in county facilities or county-sponsored or county-permitted events will be prohibited from selling, using and providing plastic disposable food ware, according to the bill.
Nonplastic alternative utensils are permitted upon customer request.
Legislation includes banning forks, knives, spoons, straws, coffee stirrers, cocktail picks and chopsticks, but there are some exceptions to the measure, county officials said.
Exceptions include plastic used for raw or butchered meats, poultry, seafood, unprepared produce or eggs, officials said. Plastic straws for people with disabilities or in hospitals, nursing homes or other care or medical facilities are also exempt.
Prepackaged foods also are exempted.
If there are no reasonable alternatives to plastic usage, food providers are able to seek an exemption from the county.
The bill’s approval comes months after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a similar bill into law in December. That law prohibits all single-use plastic and polystyrene food service items on Oahu and will take effect Jan. 1, 2021.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Coronavirus cases in Delaware now top 2,500

DOVER , Del .
( AP ) - More than 200 new coronavirus cases in Delaware have tipped the statewide @ @ @ @ @ virus first arrived in the state .
New numbers reported by the state Saturday show @ @ @ @ @ than 2,300 Friday to more than 2,500 on Saturday .
The death toll in the @ @ @ @ @ 67 .
Hospitalizations increased from about 225 to about 250 .
Delawareans have been under @ @ @ @ @ 24 .
Those restrictions are currently scheduled to remain in place through May 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ first issued March 22 , the state had identified fewer than 60 positive cases .

DOVER, Del. (AP) - More than 200 new coronavirus cases in Delaware have tipped the statewide total above 2,500 since the virus first arrived in the state.
New numbers reported by the state Saturday show positive cases increased from more than 2,300 Friday to more than 2,500 on Saturday.
The death toll in the state increased from 61 to 67.
Hospitalizations increased from about 225 to about 250.
Delawareans have been under a stay-at-home order since March 24. Those restrictions are currently scheduled to remain in place through May 15.
When the stay-at-home order was first issued March 22, the state had identified fewer than 60 positive cases.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Stephen Moore, Trump adviser, compares coronavirus protesters to civil rights icon Rosa Parks

Stephen A. Moore , a member of President Trump ’ s council to reopen the U.S. economy , likened demonstrators protesting coronavirus mitigation efforts to civil rights icon Rosa Parks .
Mr. Moore , a conservative economist recently named to the newly launched task force , faced harsh criticism after he compared the protesters to Parks in an interview out Friday .
“ I think there ’ s a boiling point that has been reached and exceeded , ” said Mr. Moore , The Washington Post reported .
“ I call these people the modern-day Rosa Parks — they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberties , ” Mr. Moore said about the demonstrators , according to the report .
Mr. Moore made the remarks as restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , come under fire from right-wing activists who have responded by holding protests in defiance of stay-at-home orders enacted in most states and contrary to social distancing practices encouraged by public health officials .
Governors for a vast majority of states have imposed the restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic that has infected more than 700,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30,000 .
Critics of those restrictions have since organized protests held in several states , and similar events have been scheduled to take place across the country in the coming weeks .
Mr. Moore drawing parallels between the protesters to Parks , who famously helped spark the civil rights movement 65 years earlier by refusing to give up a bus seat in racially segregated Alabama , prompted an outcry on social media afterward .
Bill Kristol , a conservative commentator frequently critical of Mr. Trump , said on Twitter that the comparison was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive.
” Gregg Gonsalves , a noted epidemiologist and assistant professor at Yale , tweeted that Mr. Moore “ is a dangerous charlatan and fool.
” Prior to the Post article , Mr. Moore made similar comments during an interview uploaded recently to YouTube in which he said he was working with activists planning a protest in Wisconsin .
“ This is a great time , gentlemen and ladies , for civil disobedience .
We need to be the Rosa Parks here and protest against these government injustices , ” Mr. Moore said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump on Tuesday named Mr. Moore to what he has called his “ Opening the Country ” council , which is separate from the White House Coronavirus Task Force guiding his administration ’ s health response to the pandemic .
More recently , Mr. Trump sympathized with protesters rallying against the mitigation efforts during a White House press briefing Friday evening .
“ When you look at what they ’ ve been through , when you look at all of the death and all of the problems and all of the sickness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s happened , I just think the American people have been incredible , ” said Mr. Trump .
“ They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion , and my opinion is just the same as about all of the governors .
They all wan na open – nobody wants to stay shut , but they wan na open safely , ” Mr. Trump added .

Stephen Moore, a member of President Trump’s council to reopen the U.S. economy, likened demonstrators protesting coronavirus mitigation efforts to civil rights icon Rosa Parks.
Mr. Moore, a conservative economist recently named to the newly launched task force, faced harsh criticism after he compared the protesters to Parks in an interview out Friday.
“I think there’s a boiling point that has been reached and exceeded,” said Mr. Moore, The Washington Post reported.
“I call these people the modern-day Rosa Parks — they are protesting against injustice and a loss of liberties,” Mr. Moore said about the demonstrators, according to the report.
Mr. Moore made the remarks as restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, come under fire from right-wing activists who have responded by holding protests in defiance of stay-at-home orders enacted in most states and contrary to social distancing practices encouraged by public health officials.
Governors for a vast majority of states have imposed the restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic that has infected more than 700,000 people in the U.S. and killed over 30,000.
Critics of those restrictions have since organized protests held in several states, and similar events have been scheduled to take place across the country in the coming weeks.
Mr. Moore drawing parallels between the protesters to Parks, who famously helped spark the civil rights movement 65 years earlier by refusing to give up a bus seat in racially segregated Alabama, prompted an outcry on social media afterward.
Bill Kristol, a conservative commentator frequently critical of Mr. Trump, said on Twitter that the comparison was “at once strikingly stupid and deeply offensive.” Gregg Gonsalves, a noted epidemiologist and assistant professor at Yale, tweeted that Mr. Moore “is a dangerous charlatan and fool.”
Prior to The Post article, Mr. Moore made similar comments during an interview uploaded recently to YouTube in which he said he was working with activists planning a protest in Wisconsin.
“This is a great time, gentlemen and ladies, for civil disobedience. We need to be the Rosa Parks here and protest against these government injustices,” Mr. Moore said on the Freedom on Tap show.
Mr. Trump on Tuesday named Mr. Moore to what he has called his “Opening the Country” council, which is separate from the White House Coronavirus Task Force guiding his administration’s health response to the pandemic.
More recently, Mr. Trump sympathized with protesters rallying against the mitigation efforts during a White House press briefing Friday evening.
“When you look at what they’ve been through, when you look at all of the death and all of the problems and all of the sickness, when you look at what’s happened, I just think the American people have been incredible,” said Mr. Trump.
“They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion, and my opinion is just the same as about all of the governors. They all wanna open — nobody wants to stay shut, but they wanna open safely,” Mr. Trump added.
• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--1 dead, 1 injured in small plane crash in California

AUBURN , Calif. ( AP ) - A small plane crashed shortly after taking off from a Northern California airport @ @ @ @ @ pilot and injuring a passenger , authorities said .
The single-engine aircraft was engulfed in @ @ @ @ @ field near Auburn Municipal Airport shortly before 11 a.m. , Placer County Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ County firefighters who responded to the scene said the passenger suffered minor injuries .
Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ cause of the crash with the assistance of the National Transportation Board , whose investigators @ @ @ @ @ traveling to the crash site due to the COVID-19 pandemic , Scott said .

AUBURN, Calif. (AP) - A small plane crashed shortly after taking off from a Northern California airport on Saturday, killing the pilot and injuring a passenger, authorities said.
The single-engine aircraft was engulfed in fire after crashing into a field near Auburn Municipal Airport shortly before 11 a.m., Placer County Sheriff’s Lt. Andrew Scott said.
County firefighters who responded to the scene said the passenger suffered minor injuries.
Sheriff investigators were looking into the cause of the crash with the assistance of the National Transportation Board, whose investigators will participate remotely instead of traveling to the crash site due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--West Virginia sees 2 more coronavirus deaths, up to 18 total

CHARLESTON , W.Va. ( AP ) - Two more people in West Virginia have died due to the coronavirus , bringing the state ’ s confirmed death count to 18 , officials reported Saturday .
According to the state Department of Health and Human Resources , the two deaths are an 83-year-old man and an 88-year-old woman from Jackson County , both affiliated with a nursing home .
The state did not specify which facility .
State health officials have confirmed that at least 825 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in West Virginia out of about 19,800 completed test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday ordered that residents and staffers of all nursing homes in the state immediately be tested for the coronavirus .
Eldercare Health and Rehabilitation in Jackson County reported Saturday that 47 additional patients tested positive for the coronavirus , with none of them showing symptoms at the time of testing .
Two are now hospitalized .
At the facility , 24 patients tested negative , and 13 tests are pending .
Results are also pending for tests of 63 staff members .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that clear up in two to three weeks , and the overwhelming majority of people recover .
But severe cases can need respirators to survive , and with infections spreading rapidly , hospitals across the country are either bracing for a coming wave of patients , or already struggling to keep up .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Two more people in West Virginia have died due to the coronavirus, bringing the state’s confirmed death count to 18, officials reported Saturday.
According to the state Department of Health and Human Resources, the two deaths are an 83-year-old man and an 88-year-old woman from Jackson County, both affiliated with a nursing home. The state did not specify which facility.
State health officials have confirmed that at least 825 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in West Virginia out of about 19,800 completed test results.
Gov. Jim Justice on Friday ordered that residents and staffers of all nursing homes in the state immediately be tested for the coronavirus.
Eldercare Health and Rehabilitation in Jackson County reported Saturday that 47 additional patients tested positive for the coronavirus, with none of them showing symptoms at the time of testing. Two are now hospitalized.
At the facility, 24 patients tested negative, and 13 tests are pending. Results are also pending for tests of 63 staff members.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks, and the overwhelming majority of people recover. But severe cases can need respirators to survive, and with infections spreading rapidly, hospitals across the country are either bracing for a coming wave of patients, or already struggling to keep up.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Maine Arts Commission gets over $426,000 in pandemic relief

PORTLAND , Maine ( AP ) - The Maine Arts Commission has received nearly $ 427,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts to help with pandemic relief .
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree , D-1st District , said in a statement that the money was appropriated through the CARES Act and will preserve jobs and cover operational costs , the Portland Press Herald reported Thursday .
“ This federal support will deliver much-needed relief to Maine ’ s world-class arts community as it faces this unprecedented challenge , ” Pingree said .
Julie Richard , executive director of the commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribution plan that will be announced next week .
David Greenham , chairman of the commission , said the funds would be distributed through the commission ’ s grant process .
“ The other major concern , of course , is individual artists , and this funding for the most part is restricted to organizations , ” Greenham wrote in an email .
Greenham said ArtsEngageMe , a nonprofit division of the Maine Arts Commission , is raising funds and giving $ 500 awards to individual artists in need .
Some groups who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation or postponing of upcoming events Thursday .

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The Maine Arts Commission has received nearly $427,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts to help with pandemic relief.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, said in a statement that the money was appropriated through the CARES Act and will preserve jobs and cover operational costs, the Portland Press Herald reported Thursday.
“This federal support will deliver much-needed relief to Maine’s world-class arts community as it faces this unprecedented challenge,” Pingree said.
Julie Richard, executive director of the commission, said her staff is developing a distribution plan that will be announced next week.
David Greenham, chairman of the commission, said the funds would be distributed through the commission’s grant process.
“The other major concern, of course, is individual artists, and this funding for the most part is restricted to organizations,” Greenham wrote in an email.
Greenham said ArtsEngageMe, a nonprofit division of the Maine Arts Commission, is raising funds and giving $500 awards to individual artists in need.
Some groups who could benefit from the funds announced the cancellation or postponing of upcoming events Thursday.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Mother, son with 'extensive medical histories' found dead

LAKEWOOD , N.J. ( AP ) - A mother and son who had “ extensive medical histories ” were found @ @ @ @ @ home , authorities said .
The Ocean County prosecutor ’ s office said Lakewood Township @ @ @ @ @ home Thursday and found the two deceased .
Prosecutors identified them as 86-year-old Fabiola Rubiano @ @ @ @ @ said “ the information available to us indicates that both of the decedents have extensive @ @ @ @ @ investigating along with township police and the county sheriff ’ s office .
Spokesman Bryan @ @ @ @ @ the prosecutor ’ s office , said foul play isn ’ t suspected at this @

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (AP) - A mother and son who had “extensive medical histories” were found dead in a New Jersey home, authorities said.
The Ocean County prosecutor’s office said Lakewood Township police were called to the home Thursday and found the two deceased.
Prosecutors identified them as 86-year-old Fabiola Rubiano and 51-year-old James Rubiano and said “the information available to us indicates that both of the decedents have extensive medical histories.”
Prosecutors are investigating along with township police and the county sheriff’s office. Spokesman Bryan Huntenburg, a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office, said foul play isn’t suspected at this time..


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Protesters gather at governor's mansion; virus cases up

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - More than 200 people upset over restrictions on Indiana residents because of the coronavirus protested Saturday outside the state mansion of Gov .
Eric Holcomb , urging him to back off and restart the economy .
People carrying signs and American flags stood close together along the street outside the home in Indianapolis .
Cars passing the scene honked in support , although the rally wasn ’ t as large as a similar event Wednesday in Michigan .
Signs said , “ If Holcomb ’ s job is essential , everyone ’ s job is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now !
” Another said , “ Not here for Trump here for freedom !
” Holcomb , a Republican , said a stay-at-home order that expires Monday will be extended to May 1 while he works on a plan to reopen businesses .
Earlier in the week , ahead of the rally , he disagreed with critics who accused him of acting illegally .
“ If we disagree about that , then I ’ d be more than welcome to sit down with anyone that wants to go over the constitution or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Holcomb said .
Meanwhile , the state health department reported 529 new coronavirus cases between April 7 and Friday at noon , raising the total to 10,641 .
Nearly 57,000 tests have been reported .
The number of deaths from COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the virus , rose by 26 to 545 , the health department said .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - More than 200 people upset over restrictions on Indiana residents because of the coronavirus protested Saturday outside the state mansion of Gov. Eric Holcomb, urging him to back off and restart the economy.
People carrying signs and American flags stood close together along the street outside the home in Indianapolis. Cars passing the scene honked in support, although the rally wasn’t as large as a similar event Wednesday in Michigan.
Signs said, “If Holcomb’s job is essential, everyone’s job is essential!” and “Open Indiana Now!” Another said, “Not here for Trump here for freedom!”
Holcomb, a Republican, said a stay-at-home order that expires Monday will be extended to May 1 while he works on a plan to reopen businesses.
Earlier in the week, ahead of the rally, he disagreed with critics who accused him of acting illegally.
“If we disagree about that, then I’d be more than welcome to sit down with anyone that wants to go over the constitution or see where our authority is derived from,” Holcomb said.
Meanwhile, the state health department reported 529 new coronavirus cases between April 7 and Friday at noon, raising the total to 10,641. Nearly 57,000 tests have been reported.
The number of deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, rose by 26 to 545, the health department said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Mayor Bill de Blasio urges New Yorkers to rat out neighbors who break social-distance rules

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged residents Saturday to turn in neighbors who fail to follow social-distancing rules , encouraging them to text photos of violators and report their location to a government hotline .
He congratulated New Yorkers for being “ extraordinary at social distancing ” during the novel coronavirus crisis , but then said that “ we still know there ’ s some people who need to get the message.
” “ And that means sometimes making sure the enforcement is there to educate people and make clear , we ’ ve got to have social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a video posted on social media .
He said New Yorkers can send texts to the city ’ s non-emergency 311 number or use the 311 app , “ and action will ensue.
” “ Now it is easier than ever .
When you see a crowd , when you see a line that ’ s not distanced , when you see a supermarket that ’ s too crowded , anything , you can report it right away so we can get help there to fix the problem , ” Mr. de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a simple as taking a photo .
All you got to do is take the photo and put the location with it , and bang , send a photo like this , and we will make sure that enforcement comes right away.
” He emphasized that turning in offenders was needed “ to save lives ” as the nation seeks to combat the COVID-19 pandemic , but it didn ’ t take long for critics on social media to accuse him of employing totalitarian tactics .
The Federalist ’ s David Marcus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to start informing on each other , ” given the city ’ s success in flattening the infection curve , accusing the mayor of seeking “ soldiers in his dream socialist army , pointing fingers and getting a nice pat on the back from the powers that be.
” Journalist Alex Berenson sarcastically hailed the mayor ’ s “ brave call for citizens to inform on each other.
” “ With the city ’ s economy collapsing , Mayor de Blasio remains focused on what really matters .
Attention citizens !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times reporter and author of “ Tell Your Children : The Truth Behind Marijuana , Mental Illness and Violence ” ( 2019 ) .
New York has seen more cases of the novel coronavirus than any other U.S. state , and most of those infected have been in New York City , which had recorded 131,372 cases and 8,632 deaths as of Saturday , according to the New York Times count .
“ Look , this is important , ” Mr. de Blasio said .
“ I want to keep reminding people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sending that photo in is going to help make sure that people are kept apart , and that ’ s going to stop the disease from spreading , and that ’ s going to save lives.
” Two weeks ago , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo increased the maximum fine for violations of state social-distancing rules , which require people to keep six feet apart , from $ 500 to $ 1,000 .

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged residents Saturday to turn in neighbors who fail to follow social-distancing rules, encouraging them to text photos of violators and report their location to a government hotline.
He congratulated New Yorkers for being “extraordinary at social distancing” during the novel coronavirus crisis, but then said that “we still know there’s some people who need to get the message.”
“And that means sometimes making sure the enforcement is there to educate people and make clear, we’ve got to have social distancing,” said Mr. de Blasio in a video posted on social media.
He said New Yorkers can send texts to the city’s non-emergency 311 number or use the 311 app, “and action will ensue.”
“Now it is easier than ever. When you see a crowd, when you see a line that’s not distanced, when you see a supermarket that’s too crowded, anything, you can report it right away so we can get help there to fix the problem,” Mr. de Blasio said. “Now it’s a simple as taking a photo. All you got to do is take the photo and put the location with it, and bang, send a photo like this, and we will make sure that enforcement comes right away.”
He emphasized that turning in offenders was needed “to save lives” as the nation seeks to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, but it didn’t take long for critics on social media to accuse him of employing totalitarian tactics.
The Federalist’s David Marcus said that “now is not the time to start informing on each other,” given the city’s success in flattening the infection curve, accusing the mayor of seeking “soldiers in his dream socialist army, pointing fingers and getting a nice pat on the back from the powers that be.”
Journalist Alex Berenson sarcastically hailed the mayor’s “brave call for citizens to inform on each other.”
“With the city’s economy collapsing, Mayor de Blasio remains focused on what really matters. Attention citizens!” tweeted Mr. Berenson, a former New York Times reporter and author of “Tell Your Children: The Truth Behind Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence” (2019).
Attention citizens! Your Dept. Of Pandemia is pleased to announce @NYCMayor is today’s Hero of The Virus (TM) for his brave call for citizens to inform on each other. With his city’s economy collapsing, Mayor de Blasio remains focused on what really matters. Attention citizens! pic.twitter.com/PBvwvNam8b — Alex Berenson (@AlexBerenson) April 18, 2020
How do you report places that aren’t enforcing social distancing? It’s simple: just snap a photo and text it to 311-692. #AskMyMayor pic.twitter.com/WQdCcVf1Rl — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 18, 2020
New York has seen more cases of the novel coronavirus than any other U.S. state, and most of those infected have been in New York City, which had recorded 131,372 cases and 8,632 deaths as of Saturday, according to the New York Times count.
“Look, this is important,” Mr. de Blasio said. “I want to keep reminding people, it’s about saving lives. Sending that photo in is going to help make sure that people are kept apart, and that’s going to stop the disease from spreading, and that’s going to save lives.”
Two weeks ago, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo increased the maximum fine for violations of state social-distancing rules, which require people to keep six feet apart, from $500 to $1,000.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-18--Virginia high court rejects bid to keep slave block in place

FREDERICKSBURG , Va. ( AP ) - The Virginia Supreme Court has rejected a petition to prohibit the city of @ @ @ @ @ slave auction block .
The sandstone block was installed in the city ’ s downtown @ @ @ @ @ years of debate the city council voted to moved the block to a museum .
@ @ @ @ @ after business owners in the city sued to keep the stone where it is .
@ @ @ @ @ delayed implementation of the order so the Supreme Court could take up the case .
@ @ @ @ @ in Fredericksburg reported that the Supreme Court rejected the petition .
City officials say plans @ @ @ @ @ currently on hold because of the coronavirus .

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) - The Virginia Supreme Court has rejected a petition to prohibit the city of Fredericksburg from moving a historic slave auction block.
The sandstone block was installed in the city’s downtown in the 1840s.
After years of debate the city council voted to moved the block to a museum.
A judge upheld the move after business owners in the city sued to keep the stone where it is. But in February the judge delayed implementation of the order so the Supreme Court could take up the case.
On Friday the Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg reported that the Supreme Court rejected the petition.
City officials say plans to move the block are currently on hold because of the coronavirus.