washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Medal of Honor winner dies at 41; saved lives in Afghanistan

WINSTON-SALEM , N.C. ( AP ) - Former Army Staff Sgt .
Ronald Shurer II , who received the Medal of Honor in 2018 for braving heavy gunfire to save lives in Afghanistan , has died of cancer .
He was 41 .
Miranda Shurer said her husband died Thursday in Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington , D.C. She said he was diagnosed with cancer three years ago .
Ronald Shurer II received the nation ’ s highest military honor from President Donald Trump in a formal White House ceremony attended by 250 people .
“ He was an amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for being an amazing soldier , ” Miranda Shurer said .
“ The same characteristics that made him a great teammate in Special Forces also made him a great husband and a great father and a great friend .
He was very loved.
” A native of Fairbanks , Alaska , Shurer was a senior medical sergeant in the special forces on April 6 , 2008 , when his team encountered machine gun and sniper fire and rocket-propelled grenades from militants .
Shurer stabilized one soldier , then fought his way amid gunfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the unit .
There , he treated and stabilized four more soldiers .
Shurer helped evacuate them .
He lowered the wounded down the steep mountainside while using his body to shield them from enemy fire .
After he had loaded the wounded in an evacuation helicopter , Shurer went back up the mountain to fight .
Initially rejected by the military because of a medical condition , Shurer successfully enlisted a year after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 , 2001 .
He was promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan from late November 2007 to late May 2008 .
He was honorably discharged a year later .
Shurer then began a career with the Secret Service as a special agent assigned to a field office in Phoenix , Arizona , in September 2009 .
He was selected for the Secret Service ’ s counter assault team and assigned to the Special Operations Division in June 2014 .
“ Today , we lost an American Hero : Husband , Father , Son , Medal of Honor Recipient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From a grateful Nation and Agency - your memory and legacy will live on forever , ” the U.S. Secret Service said in a tweet .
Miranda Shurer , citing restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic , said her husband will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery near the nation ’ s capital at a future date .
In addition to his wife , Shurer is survived by two sons .

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - Former Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Shurer II, who received the Medal of Honor in 2018 for braving heavy gunfire to save lives in Afghanistan, has died of cancer. He was 41.
Miranda Shurer said her husband died Thursday in Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. She said he was diagnosed with cancer three years ago.
Ronald Shurer II received the nation’s highest military honor from President Donald Trump in a formal White House ceremony attended by 250 people.
“He was an amazing man. Obviously, he is known for being an amazing soldier,” Miranda Shurer said. “The same characteristics that made him a great teammate in Special Forces also made him a great husband and a great father and a great friend. He was very loved.”
A native of Fairbanks, Alaska, Shurer was a senior medical sergeant in the special forces on April 6, 2008, when his team encountered machine gun and sniper fire and rocket-propelled grenades from militants.
Shurer stabilized one soldier, then fought his way amid gunfire up a mountain to the lead members of the unit. There, he treated and stabilized four more soldiers. Shurer helped evacuate them. He lowered the wounded down the steep mountainside while using his body to shield them from enemy fire.
After he had loaded the wounded in an evacuation helicopter, Shurer went back up the mountain to fight.
Initially rejected by the military because of a medical condition, Shurer successfully enlisted a year after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He was promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant in late 2006 and served with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan from late November 2007 to late May 2008. He was honorably discharged a year later.
Shurer then began a career with the Secret Service as a special agent assigned to a field office in Phoenix, Arizona, in September 2009. He was selected for the Secret Service’s counter assault team and assigned to the Special Operations Division in June 2014.
“Today, we lost an American Hero: Husband, Father, Son, Medal of Honor Recipient - Special Agent Ronald J. Shurer II. From a grateful Nation and Agency - your memory and legacy will live on forever,” the U.S. Secret Service said in a tweet.
Miranda Shurer, citing restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic, said her husband will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery near the nation’s capital at a future date.
In addition to his wife, Shurer is survived by two sons.


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Louisiana juvenile inmates' release sought in federal lawsuit

Attorneys for various inmates have filed suit in federal court demanding that Louisiana release its juvenile prisoners in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The lawsuit claims conditions have become dangerous for juvenile prisoners , 28 of whom have tested positive for the coronavirus along with 41 staffers .
Those numbers could rise with more testing , the lawsuit noted .
The prisoners are between 10 and 21 years old and are held at four facilities run by Louisiana ’ s Office of Juvenile Justice ( OJJ ) , said the class action suit filed by attorneys with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Myers LLP , The Promise of Justice Initiative , and the law office of John Adcock .
While the OJJ has reportedly taken steps to protect juveniles from the virus , these have proved insufficient in the unsanitary and cramped conditions that hold the prisoners in lockdown for 23 hours a day , according to the lawsuit .
“ Exposing children to grave medical risk while simultaneously shutting down programming is truly the worst of both worlds , ” said Marsha Levick , the Juvenile Law Center ’ s chief legal officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the name of treatment but instead locking them in highly confined spaces flips public health strategy on its head and ignores the constitutional rights of children in state custody.
” Parents of detainees under 18 are also listed as plaintiffs , and some of them provided declarations attached to the lawsuit .
They allege state officials have not kept them informed of their children ’ s condition , and that some inmates who have spoken with family have described horrific conditions .
One OJJ official disputed those accounts to NBC News , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loop and that masks and hand sanitizer have been widely distributed in the system .
State officials had no immediate response to the lawsuit Thursday , though earlier they had said all the juveniles and staffers who tested positive for the virus have recovered .
Named as defendants were Gov .
John Bel Edwards , the Department of Public Safety , OJJ acting chief Edward Dustin Bickham , and other officials .
The OJJ has been the subject of intense criticism in recent years from prison reform activists , who accuse the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was unclear Thursday precisely how many people are held in the four facilities , which are reportedly plagued by violence and inadequate supervisory staff .
Mr. Edwards appointed Mr. Bickham to head OJJ when the prior deputy secretary resigned suddenly and without explanation March 25 .
During the COVID-19 emergency , the system has limited visitors and screened those entering the facilities , while providing personal protective equipment to staff , according to the department .
While Louisiana has tried to bolster security staff , eight juveniles broke out of the facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports in the New Orleans Advocate .
Prisoners across the country have been filing lawsuits based on conditions in detention centers during the pandemic .
Inmates at a geriatric prison in Texas said their facility didn ’ t protect them from COVID-19 and some have died .
While the district court sided with them and issued an injunction for the prison to follow improved cleaning measures so as not to violate the 8th Amendment , the 5th U.S .
Circuit stayed the lower court ’ s move .
The prisoners attempted to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the high court declined to do so Thursday .
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a statement respecting the court ’ s move , but acknowledged there were “ disturbing allegations.
” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined the statement .
“ While states and prisons retain discretion in how they respond to health emergencies , federal courts do have an obligation to ensure that prisons are not deliberately indifferent in the face of danger and death , ” Justice Sotomayor wrote .

Attorneys for various inmates have filed suit in federal court demanding that Louisiana release its juvenile prisoners in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lawsuit claims conditions have become dangerous for juvenile prisoners, 28 of whom have tested positive for the coronavirus along with 41 staffers. Those numbers could rise with more testing, the lawsuit noted.
The prisoners are between 10 and 21 years old and are held at four facilities run by Louisiana’s Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ), said the class action suit filed by attorneys with the Juvenile Law Center, O’Melveny & Myers LLP, The Promise of Justice Initiative, and the law office of John Adcock.
While the OJJ has reportedly taken steps to protect juveniles from the virus, these have proved insufficient in the unsanitary and cramped conditions that hold the prisoners in lockdown for 23 hours a day, according to the lawsuit.
“Exposing children to grave medical risk while simultaneously shutting down programming is truly the worst of both worlds,” said Marsha Levick, the Juvenile Law Center’s chief legal officer. “Stripping children of their liberty in the name of treatment but instead locking them in highly confined spaces flips public health strategy on its head and ignores the constitutional rights of children in state custody.”
Parents of detainees under 18 are also listed as plaintiffs, and some of them provided declarations attached to the lawsuit.
They allege state officials have not kept them informed of their children’s condition, and that some inmates who have spoken with family have described horrific conditions.
One OJJ official disputed those accounts to NBC News, saying parents have been kept in the loop and that masks and hand sanitizer have been widely distributed in the system.
State officials had no immediate response to the lawsuit Thursday, though earlier they had said all the juveniles and staffers who tested positive for the virus have recovered.
Named as defendants were Gov. John Bel Edwards, the Department of Public Safety, OJJ acting chief Edward Dustin Bickham, and other officials.
The OJJ has been the subject of intense criticism in recent years from prison reform activists, who accuse the state of holding juveniles in poor conditions. It was unclear Thursday precisely how many people are held in the four facilities, which are reportedly plagued by violence and inadequate supervisory staff.
Mr. Edwards appointed Mr. Bickham to head OJJ when the prior deputy secretary resigned suddenly and without explanation March 25.
During the COVID-19 emergency, the system has limited visitors and screened those entering the facilities, while providing personal protective equipment to staff, according to the department.
While Louisiana has tried to bolster security staff, eight juveniles broke out of the facility in Monroe last weekend, according to reports in the New Orleans Advocate.
Prisoners across the country have been filing lawsuits based on conditions in detention centers during the pandemic.
Inmates at a geriatric prison in Texas said their facility didn’t protect them from COVID-19 and some have died. While the district court sided with them and issued an injunction for the prison to follow improved cleaning measures so as not to violate the 8th Amendment, the 5th U.S. Circuit stayed the lower court’s move.
The prisoners attempted to get the Supreme Court to reinstate the injunction, but the high court declined to do so Thursday.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a statement respecting the court’s move, but acknowledged there were “disturbing allegations.” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined the statement.
“While states and prisons retain discretion in how they respond to health emergencies, federal courts do have an obligation to ensure that prisons are not deliberately indifferent in the face of danger and death,” Justice Sotomayor wrote.
• Alex Swoyer contributed to this report.
• James Varney can be reached at jvarney@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Denver to furlough thousands of workers amid coronavirus

DENVER ( AP ) - Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said Thursday that thousands of city employees , including himself , will be furloughed for eight days this year to help close what is expected to be a $ 226 million budget gap caused by the coronavirus , joining mayors across the country that have made the same move or are thinking about it .
“ This pandemic is not only a public health crisis , it is also fueling an economic crisis the likes of which we have not seen since the Great Depression , ” Hancock said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declines in sales , lodging and other taxes since the pandemic hit Colorado two months ago , and the state is still under a safer-at-home order that has placed restrictions on businesses .
City leaders say the drop in tax revenue is affecting the fund that pays for police and fire services , as well as street maintenance .
American cities , from Dallas to Puyallup , Washington , to Miramar , Florida , have already furloughed employees to save money in the face of dire economic forecasts .
In April , Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan he called “ a document of our pain ” that includes service cuts and furloughs for nearly 16,000 workers .
Under the proposal , city employees would take 26 furlough days , the equivalent of a 10 % pay cut , in the coming year .
The spending reductions in Los Angeles are likely to be a sign of what ’ s to come at city halls across the nation , as jobless lines grow and local treasuries see steep drops in tax revenue .
Denver ’ s planned furloughs , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firefighters , police officers and sheriff ’ s deputies , will save the city about $ 16 million .
The city also is reducing travel , hiring and purchases , and it is asking departments to cut 7.5 % from their budgets .
About 3,000 of Denver ’ s 12,000 employees are uniformed workers .
“ I want everyone to know that we have worked to exhaust every other tool we had before taking this step , ” said Hancock , who repeated his call for lawmakers to include cities in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is this : If cities can ’ t recover , there will be no national recovery , ” he said .
Brendan Hanlon , the city ’ s chief financial officer , said he thought the fallout from the 2008-2009 Great Recession was astonishing , but the current crisis will be harder to address .
“ I could have never imagined seeing the numbers that we ’ re seeing right now and the gravity that it means to the services that we provide to the public every day here in Denver , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughs in 2011 .
A survey by the National League of Cities found nearly universal agreement that cities would be hit hard by revenue shortfalls caused by the coronavirus outbreak , and in many cases furloughs and layoffs would be used to close budget gaps .

DENVER (AP) - Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said Thursday that thousands of city employees, including himself, will be furloughed for eight days this year to help close what is expected to be a $226 million budget gap caused by the coronavirus, joining mayors across the country that have made the same move or are thinking about it.
“This pandemic is not only a public health crisis, it is also fueling an economic crisis the likes of which we have not seen since the Great Depression,” Hancock said at a news conference.
Denver has seen steep declines in sales, lodging and other taxes since the pandemic hit Colorado two months ago, and the state is still under a safer-at-home order that has placed restrictions on businesses.
City leaders say the drop in tax revenue is affecting the fund that pays for police and fire services, as well as street maintenance.
American cities, from Puyallup, Washington, to Miramar, Florida, have also furloughed employees to save money in the face of dire economic forecasts.
In April, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti released a spending plan he called “a document of our pain” that includes service cuts and furloughs for nearly 16,000 workers. Under the proposal, city employees would take 26 furlough days, the equivalent of a 10% pay cut, in the coming year.
The spending reductions in Los Angeles are likely to be a sign of what’s to come at city halls across the nation, as jobless lines grow and local treasuries see steep drops in tax revenue.
Denver’s planned furloughs, which do not apply to uniformed employees like firefighters, police officers and sheriff’s deputies, will save the city about $16 million. The city also is reducing travel, hiring and purchases, and it is asking departments to cut 7.5% from their budgets.
About 3,000 of Denver’s 12,000 employees are uniformed workers.
“I want everyone to know that we have worked to exhaust every other tool we had before taking this step,” said Hancock, who repeated his call for lawmakers to include cities in the next federal stimulus package.
“The reality is this: If cities can’t recover, there will be no national recovery,” he said.
Brendan Hanlon, the city’s chief financial officer, said he thought the fallout from the 2008-2009 Great Recession was astonishing, but the current crisis will be harder to address.
“I could have never imagined seeing the numbers that we’re seeing right now and the gravity that it means to the services that we provide to the public every day here in Denver,” he said.
The city last instituted furloughs in 2011.
A survey by the National League of Cities found nearly universal agreement that cities would be hit hard by revenue shortfalls caused by the coronavirus outbreak, and in many cases furloughs and layoffs would be used to close budget gaps.


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Mississippi's high court upholds sentence in child's slaying

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) - The Mississippi State Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence and verdict @ @ @ @ @ in the death of a 5-year-old girl .
The Supreme Court affirmed the sentence Thursday @ @ @ @ @ “ the sentence imposed - death - is proportionate compared to other similar cases.
, @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty to the 2014 death of Janaya Thompson .
He was accused of sexually @ @ @ @ @ hanging her by using socks , which led to her death by strangulation on July @ @ @ @ @ teams discovered her body in an abandoned trailer a day after her disappearance and death @ @ @ @ @ death by Judge Lisa Dodson on Jan. 25 , 2017 .
Before handing down the @ @ @ @ @ “ This is one of the worst I ’ ve ever seen in terms of @ @ @ @ @ .
”

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi State Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence and verdict of a Gulfport man convicted in the death of a 5-year-old girl.
The Supreme Court affirmed the sentence Thursday against Alberto Garcia, saying “the sentence imposed - death - is proportionate compared to other similar cases.,” WLOX-TV reported.
Garcia pleaded guilty to the 2014 death of Janaya Thompson. He was accused of sexually assaulting the little girl and hanging her by using socks, which led to her death by strangulation on July 16, 2014. Search teams discovered her body in an abandoned trailer a day after her disappearance and death.
He was sentenced to death by Judge Lisa Dodson on Jan. 25, 2017. Before handing down the sentence, Dodson said, “This is one of the worst I’ve ever seen in terms of what happened to this child.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Top cuts, changes in California governor's revised budget

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom presented a revised $ 203 billion budget proposal to state lawmakers Thursday , reflecting an economy and tax revenues hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Legislature must approve a budget by mid-June , in time for the new fiscal year that begins July 1 .
Newsom says some the most damaging reductions could be eased if the federal government approves a proposed financial rescue plan for states .
Here ’ s a look at some of the biggest changes : California ’ s proposed budget plummeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the upcoming budget year in January to an anticipated deficit of $ 54.3 billion now .
Sales , personal income and corporate taxes are forecast to drop by a combined 22 % .
Rainy day reserves socked away during the good times will make up for about 45 % of the hole .
Funding will also come from the federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act and doing away with many of the program expansions Newsom proposed in January .
Nearly 20 % would be fiscal maneuvers like borrowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future budget years .
Another 26 % would come from cuts that Newsom says won ’ t be triggered if Congress and President Donald Trump approve more federal aid to states .
Another $ 4.5 billion comes from tax increases , including eliminating tax deductions on some businesses .
A 10 % pay cut for state employees would save about $ 2.8 billion overall .
The administration will negotiate the cuts with collective bargaining units , but it could mean furloughs like those during the 2008-2009 Great Recession .
His budget plan went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 84 billion on K-12 education and community colleges to an assortment of budget maneuvers to spare schools from what otherwise would be a $ 19 billion cut .
They include giving schools a share of the federal CARES Act money that could go to extending the school year and easing their mandatory pension contributions .
But overall K-12 education funding will fall $ 7.5 billion from Newsom ’ s January proposal , or by $ 4.2 billion compared with the current budget .
Gone is is January proposal to provide preschool for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t touch one proposal : Increased spending on special education programs .
The budget plan cuts state colleges and universities by 10 % and eliminates a proposed 5 % increase for state colleges and universities .
But he proposes giving the University of California , California State University and community college systems a combined nearly $ 1.4 billion in federal CARES Act funds .
Newsom is abandoning , for now , his January proposal to make California the first state to sell its own prescription drugs in a bid to stem spiraling prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his proposal for a tax on nicotine to curb vaping and said he still wants lawmakers to ban flavored tobacco products .
Also gone is his January plan to provide coverage for 27,000 older low-income immigrants who are in the country illegally , which saves $ 113 million .
California last year became the first state to offer full health benefits to low-income adults 25 and younger living in the country illegally .
Newsom wants to use about $ 750 million in federal funds to buy some of the hotels that the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which would be turned over to local governments and nonprofit organizations to provide permanent housing .
But other proposals from his January plan would disappear , including about $ 700 million for homeless social services .
Newsom doubled down on his January proposal to close one state prison , now saying he wants to close two undisclosed prisons in the coming years .
He also proposes to consolidate some inmate firefighting camps and parole offices to save money .
He shifted his plan to move the Division of Juvenile Justice from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human Services Agency , instead adopting a plan to gradually have all young offenders in county-run programs .
Newsom is still seeking to shorten probation to a maximum of two years , down from five for felonies , and to let ex-felons earn their way off supervision in just a year .
He also wants to expand credits that would allow inmates to leave prison more quickly .
He ’ s sticking with his January proposal to spend more than $ 200 million to hire more than 500 additional state firefighters and about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for fewer inmate firefighters who have been released earlier to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a revised $203 billion budget proposal to state lawmakers Thursday, reflecting an economy and tax revenues hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic. The Legislature must approve a budget by mid-June, in time for the new fiscal year that begins July 1. Newsom says some the most damaging reductions could be eased if the federal government approves a proposed financial rescue plan for states.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest changes:
FALLING REVENUES:
California’s proposed budget plummeted from a $6 billion projected surplus in the upcoming budget year in January to an anticipated deficit of $54.3 billion now. Sales, personal income and corporate taxes are forecast to drop by a combined 22%.
FILLING THE BUDGET HOLE:
Rainy day reserves socked away during the good times will make up for about 45% of the hole. Funding will also come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and doing away with many of the program expansions Newsom proposed in January.
Nearly 20% would be fiscal maneuvers like borrowing from special funds and deferring costs into future budget years. Another 26% would come from cuts that Newsom says won’t be triggered if Congress and President Donald Trump approve more federal aid to states.
Another $4.5 billion comes from tax increases, including eliminating tax deductions on some businesses.
A 10% pay cut for state employees would save about $2.8 billion overall. The administration will negotiate the cuts with collective bargaining units, but it could mean furloughs like those during the 2008-2009 Great Recession.
K-12 EDUCATION
His budget plan went from an ambitious proposal to spend $84 billion on K-12 education and community colleges to an assortment of budget maneuvers to spare schools from what otherwise would be a $19 billion cut. They include giving schools a share of the federal CARES Act money that could go to extending the school year and easing their mandatory pension contributions. But overall K-12 education funding will fall $7.5 billion from Newsom’s January proposal, or by $4.2 billion compared with the current budget.
Gone is is January proposal to provide preschool for all children. Newsom said he wouldn’t touch one proposal: Increased spending on special education programs.
HIGHER EDUCATION
The budget plan cuts state colleges and universities by 10% and eliminates a proposed 5% increase for state colleges and universities. But he proposes giving the University of California, California State University and community college systems a combined nearly $1.4 billion in federal CARES Act funds.
HEALTH CARE
Newsom is abandoning, for now, his January proposal to make California the first state to sell its own prescription drugs in a bid to stem spiraling prices. But he’s sticking with his proposal for a tax on nicotine to curb vaping and said he still wants lawmakers to ban flavored tobacco products.
Also gone is his January plan to provide coverage for 27,000 older low-income immigrants who are in the country illegally, which saves $113 million. California last year became the first state to offer full health benefits to low-income adults 25 and younger living in the country illegally.
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Newsom wants to use about $750 million in federal funds to buy some of the hotels that the state has begun leasing to house the homeless, which would be turned over to local governments and nonprofit organizations to provide permanent housing. But other proposals from his January plan would disappear, including about $700 million for homeless social services.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Newsom doubled down on his January proposal to close one state prison, now saying he wants to close two undisclosed prisons in the coming years. He also proposes to consolidate some inmate firefighting camps and parole offices to save money.
He shifted his plan to move the Division of Juvenile Justice from the state corrections department to the Health and Human Services Agency, instead adopting a plan to gradually have all young offenders in county-run programs.
Newsom is still seeking to shorten probation to a maximum of two years, down from five for felonies, and to let ex-felons earn their way off supervision in just a year. He also wants to expand credits that would allow inmates to leave prison more quickly.
WILDFIRES
He’s sticking with his January proposal to spend more than $200 million to hire more than 500 additional state firefighters and about 100 support personnel, partly to make up for fewer inmate firefighters who have been released earlier to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
___
Source: California Department of Finance, Gov. Gavin Newsom.


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Pandemic stands to complicate potentially bad fire season

DURANGO , Colo. ( AP ) - As if Southwest Colorado ’ s extreme drought wasn ’ t enough to raise concerns about a potentially destructive wildfire season , the added complications of the coronavirus have only fueled that anxiety .
The COVID-19 outbreak demands people isolate as much as possible to reduce the spread of the virus , but a typical wildfire response requires firefighters to work in close contact , under stressful conditions and in the presence of hazardous smoke .
In sum , things people should not be doing amid a global pandemic .
So how , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navigate this harrowing juxtaposition , along with other challenges that come with the coronavirus outbreak , should a large wildfire ignite ?
“ I think that all of us in the fire service , nationwide , are concerned what it ’ s going to look like if we get a major event going , ” Hal Doughty , chief of Durango Fire Protection District , said recently .
“ But some community , somewhere , is going to draw the unlucky card and have the big fire of the year .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do to keep firefighters and the community safe , ” he said .
The risk for a major fire breaking out right now is high .
From October to April , the region saw just 70 % of its average precipitation levels .
This winter , the ground in the high country froze before snow arrived and was not able to absorb moisture .
Lower elevations barely received any snowpack .
More recently , spring has been all but devoid of moisture .
Unusually high temperatures have caused snowpack to melt earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry , a sign that fuels on the ground are ripe to burn .
“ Unless we get some precipitation , we ’ re going to be fighting a lot of fires , ” said Butch Knowlton , director of La Plata County ’ s Office of Emergency Management .
The U.S. Forest Service did not respond to a request for comment for this story .
However , at a La Plata County meeting earlier this week , Richard Bustamante , fire manager for the San Juan National Forest , said the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the upcoming wildfire season .
In recent weeks , the Forest Service has enacted fire restrictions and started to mobilize its wildfire response teams .
But should a fire break out , the risk to firefighters remains a top concern .
“ As much as we want to have a normal response to any new starts … it ’ s going to be harder this year , ” Bustamante said .
Firefighters work side-by-side digging fire lines or back burning .
They eat together , and sleep in large encampments .
While typically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crews endure significant stress , poor sleep and hygiene , and inhale dangerous smoke and dust .
Bustamante said the Forest Service held virtual trainings in recent weeks to limit human interactions and had crews quarantine before coming on .
As of Tuesday , he said there were no reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the ranks .
“ It ’ s not just everyone in tight quarters looking over a map like it used to be , ” he said .
“ People are separating.
” Federal guidelines released last week recommend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widespread close contact among firefighters , and these crews should stay away from other large groups .
The guidelines also recommend avoiding traditional large camps and say everyone should wear masks and other protective equipment when around those outside their immediate crew .
One of the main concerns is a major fire breaking out that requires assistance from firefighters across the country .
“ We don ’ t want anything to grow in size where we need outside resources , ” Knowlton said .
John Lee , chief of Fort Lewis Mesa Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ La Plata County ’ s four fire districts have been in close contact to coordinate mutual aid , given this potential complication .
“ Our resources are a little thinner on the federal side right now , ” he said .
Knowlton added La Plata County Road and Bridge Department crews are supplying big water trucks so fire districts can concentrate on fighting fires and not worry about securing water to douse a blaze .
And this year , Bustamante said , the Forest Service is in full-suppression mode .
In recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildfire as a means of better managing the landscape , allowing blazes to burn to mimic when fires were part of the forest ’ s natural cycle .
But now , even though it would be hard to keep any fire under relative control given the dry conditions , Bustamante said COVID-19 poses additional risk , not just to firefighters , but also to the general public .
“ COVID-19 is a respiratory issue , and smoke in the air does not help , ” he said .
“ Does that mean we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we ’ ll give it our best effort , absolutely.
” La Plata County ’ s Knowlton said managing evacuations and evacuation shelters are yet another challenge .
During past fires that required evacuations , very few people needed an emergency shelter , staying instead with family and friends .
But with the COVID-19 outbreak , people may be less willing to house evacuees .
“ It ’ s something we all have to think about , ” Knowlton said .
“ Maybe we put people in hotel rooms .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @

DURANGO, Colo. (AP) - As if Southwest Colorado’s extreme drought wasn’t enough to raise concerns about a potentially destructive wildfire season, the added complications of the coronavirus have only fueled that anxiety.
The COVID-19 outbreak demands people isolate as much as possible to reduce the spread of the virus, but a typical wildfire response requires firefighters to work in close contact, under stressful conditions and in the presence of hazardous smoke.
In sum, things people should not be doing amid a global pandemic.
So how, exactly, are emergency personnel going to navigate this harrowing juxtaposition, along with other challenges that come with the coronavirus outbreak, should a large wildfire ignite?
“I think that all of us in the fire service, nationwide, are concerned what it’s going to look like if we get a major event going,” Hal Doughty, chief of Durango Fire Protection District, said recently.
“But some community, somewhere, is going to draw the unlucky card and have the big fire of the year. And we need to figure out what we need to do to keep firefighters and the community safe,” he said.
Conditions already dry
The risk for a major fire breaking out right now is high.
From October to April, the region saw just 70% of its average precipitation levels. This winter, the ground in the high country froze before snow arrived and was not able to absorb moisture. Lower elevations barely received any snowpack.
More recently, spring has been all but devoid of moisture. Unusually high temperatures have caused snowpack to melt earlier than normal. And soils are incredibly dry, a sign that fuels on the ground are ripe to burn.
“Unless we get some precipitation, we’re going to be fighting a lot of fires,” said Butch Knowlton, director of La Plata County’s Office of Emergency Management.
This week, La Plata County entered Stage 1 fire restrictions.
Virus complicates response
The U.S. Forest Service did not respond to a request for comment for this story. However, at a La Plata County meeting earlier this week, Richard Bustamante, fire manager for the San Juan National Forest, said the coronavirus outbreak delayed and complicated planning efforts for the upcoming wildfire season.
In recent weeks, the Forest Service has enacted fire restrictions and started to mobilize its wildfire response teams. But should a fire break out, the risk to firefighters remains a top concern.
“As much as we want to have a normal response to any new starts … it’s going to be harder this year,” Bustamante said.
Firefighters work side-by-side digging fire lines or back burning. They eat together, and sleep in large encampments. While typically made up of young people, fire crews endure significant stress, poor sleep and hygiene, and inhale dangerous smoke and dust.
Bustamante said the Forest Service held virtual trainings in recent weeks to limit human interactions and had crews quarantine before coming on. As of Tuesday, he said there were no reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the ranks.
“It’s not just everyone in tight quarters looking over a map like it used to be,” he said. “People are separating.”
Federal guidelines released last week recommend fire managers use small crews to limit widespread close contact among firefighters, and these crews should stay away from other large groups. The guidelines also recommend avoiding traditional large camps and say everyone should wear masks and other protective equipment when around those outside their immediate crew.
Keeping fires at bay
One of the main concerns is a major fire breaking out that requires assistance from firefighters across the country.
“We don’t want anything to grow in size where we need outside resources,” Knowlton said.
John Lee, chief of Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District, said earlier this week La Plata County’s four fire districts have been in close contact to coordinate mutual aid, given this potential complication.
“Our resources are a little thinner on the federal side right now,” he said.
Knowlton added La Plata County Road and Bridge Department crews are supplying big water trucks so fire districts can concentrate on fighting fires and not worry about securing water to douse a blaze.
And this year, Bustamante said, the Forest Service is in full-suppression mode.
In recent years, the Forest Service has been using wildfire as a means of better managing the landscape, allowing blazes to burn to mimic when fires were part of the forest’s natural cycle.
But now, even though it would be hard to keep any fire under relative control given the dry conditions, Bustamante said COVID-19 poses additional risk, not just to firefighters, but also to the general public.
“COVID-19 is a respiratory issue, and smoke in the air does not help,” he said. “Does that mean we’ll catch everything? No. But we’ll give it our best effort, absolutely.”
Avoiding the worst
La Plata County’s Knowlton said managing evacuations and evacuation shelters are yet another challenge.
During past fires that required evacuations, very few people needed an emergency shelter, staying instead with family and friends. But with the COVID-19 outbreak, people may be less willing to house evacuees.
“It’s something we all have to think about,” Knowlton said. “Maybe we put people in hotel rooms. It’s a case-by-case scenario.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Operation Stolen Promise probes coronavirus phishing scams, fake tests

On its face , the website had all the markings of a World Health Organization page .
It was seeking donations to help the WHO fight the coronavirus scourge .
Even the domain name suggested it was run by a nonprofit .
It was so good that when it was reported to special agents at Homeland Security Investigations ’ Cyber Crimes Center , they called the WHO just to double check and make sure they weren ’ t actually investigating a legitimate site .
They were assured it was indeed a scam .
HSI agents reached out to the Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which flagged the site for GoDaddy.com , which then repossessed it .
WeFightCovid-19.org , the scam site , is one of more than 11,000 websites HSI has knocked off the internet during Operation Stolen Promise , an effort by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to try to prevent fraudsters from taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers during the chaos of coronavirus .
While the internet has been a lifesaver for businesses and workers during the pandemic , it ’ s also been a tool hucksters are using to separate Americans from their money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim ’ s health .
Some websites are selling fake test kits or fake cures — there is no vaccine or proven treatment yet .
Other sites , such as the fake WHO donations page , prey on American generosity .
Still others are try to collect people ’ s identity information .
It ’ s the Super Bowl for scammers , fraudsters and other bad actors .
“ These individuals are targeting vulnerable populations of the public , ” said Special Agent Stephanie Hampton , the new chief of the HSI ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re targeting the elderly , they ’ re taking advantage of people that are in dire straits right now .
They ’ re exploiting folks who are already downtrodden.
” Operation Stolen Promise has helped open more than 400 cases , led to 29 search warrants being executed and to 15 arrests made , contributed to the seizure of $ 3.5 million in ill-gotten profits and , along with Customs and Border Protection , snatched more than 550 shipments of fake tests , bogus treatment kits and counterfeit protective equipment .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the scam began to evolve , Agent Hampton told The Washington Times .
“ There has been definitely a shift from the initial look from the counterfeit and fraudulent intellectual property violations , like the [ protective equipment ] , the counterfeit pharmaceuticals , the test kits , ” she said .
“ Now with the passing of the CURES Act we ’ ve seen more financial-related fraud.
” For the most part , the scammers are the same ones who operate throughout the year — but the coronavirus crisis has created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are online more , they ’ re confused about the nature of the disease and testing and treatment , and the government is handing tens of millions of people stimulus checks .
It ’ s a huge enticement for con artists .
“ They ’ re very quick to adapt to whatever fraud is out in the media , ” said Special Agent Matthew Swenson , who called the coronavirus crisis “ the perfect storm of cyber fraud.
” And it ’ s not just scams .
Across the country , online church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings have been “ Zoom bombed ” with interlopers interrupting proceedings with everything from racist taunts to child pornography .
ICE has created Project iGuardian , which offers virtual briefings to schools and youth groups to teach them what to look for and what to avoid in the online world .
Investigators are trying to make cases where they can , though the often anonymous world of the internet and the ability to set up operations overseas can make that difficult .
More often , the solution — particularly for scams — is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In that respect , domain registrars have been increasingly helpful .
“ At the beginning they were slower .
Now they ’ re much faster .
It ’ s almost to the point where they ’ re proactively knocking these sites offline , ” said Agent Swenson , chief of the CCC ’ s Network Intrusion Section .
GoDaddy.com , a major registrar , declined to say how many virus scam sites it has pulled , but a spokesman said they ’ ve become experts in sorting out bogus sites from legitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing this for more than 20 years and has considerable experience evaluating content to identify hoaxes , scams and other illegal activity on our platform , ” a spokesman said .
While ICE “ sinkholes ” bogus websites , getting domain registrars to suspend or repossess them , in one case the agency and the Justice Department went to court to seize a website outright .
The day after President Trump announced the coronavirus national emergency in March , someone went online offering to sell CoronaPrevention.org .
There was no bogus content posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach the seller and offer to buy it to get it off the market .
During the course of their conversations , the agent was told he could buy it for $ 500 — about 25 times the normal sales price — and payment had to be in bitcoin .
The seller even encouraged using the site to sell fake testing kits and told the agent to make sure to set up the page through a foreign-based service to remain outside the clutches of U.S. authorities , according to an affidavit filed justifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not tolerate exploitation of this national emergency for personal gain , ” U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Shea said in announcing the seizure last month .
The market for potentially hot websites is heated .
Covid19cure.com , for example , says it ’ s available to a buyer for the price of $ 150,000 .
ICE said some sites claimed to be helping people get their stimulus checks .
One site mimicked an IRS page , inviting users to turn over their personal identifying information .
ICE investigators notified the IRS ’ s criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it offline .
The fake WHO website was scary in its ability to accurately replicate a legitimate site , borrowing the design and most of the text directly from the real WHO page , with the only noticeable difference being the means of donation .
The fake site had buttons to pay by bitcoin or Paypal .
ICE said many of its tips on scams come from the public .
Agent Hampton urged those who come across potential fraud to email [ email protected ]

On its face, the website had all the markings of a World Health Organization page. It was seeking donations to help the WHO fight the coronavirus scourge. Even the domain name suggested it was run by a nonprofit.
It was so good that when it was reported to special agents at Homeland Security Investigations’ Cyber Crimes Center, they called the WHO just to double check and make sure they weren’t actually investigating a legitimate site.
They were assured it was indeed a scam.
HSI agents reached out to the Public Interest Registry, which controls .org domains, which flagged the site for GoDaddy.com, which then repossessed it.
WeFightCovid-19.org, the scam site, is one of more than 11,000 websites HSI has knocked off the internet during Operation Stolen Promise, an effort by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to try to prevent fraudsters from taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers during the chaos of coronavirus.
While the internet has been a lifesaver for businesses and workers during the pandemic, it’s also been a tool hucksters are using to separate Americans from their money, often at the risk of the victim’s health.
Some websites are selling fake test kits or fake cures — there is no vaccine or proven treatment yet. Other sites, such as the fake WHO donations page, prey on American generosity. Still others are try to collect people’s identity information. It’s the Super Bowl for scammers, fraudsters and other bad actors.
“These individuals are targeting vulnerable populations of the public,” said Special Agent Stephanie Hampton, the new chief of the HSI’s Cyber Crimes Center. “They’re targeting the elderly, they’re taking advantage of people that are in dire straits right now. They’re exploiting folks who are already downtrodden.”
Operation Stolen Promise has helped open more than 400 cases, led to 29 search warrants being executed and to 15 arrests made, contributed to the seizure of $3.5 million in ill-gotten profits and, along with Customs and Border Protection, snatched more than 550 shipments of fake tests, bogus treatment kits and counterfeit protective equipment.
As the stimulus checks began to go out, the scam began to evolve, Agent Hampton told The Washington Times.
“There has been definitely a shift from the initial look from the counterfeit and fraudulent intellectual property violations, like the [protective equipment], the counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the test kits,” she said. “Now with the passing of the CARES Act we’ve seen more financial-related fraud.”
For the most part, the scammers are the same ones who operate throughout the year — but the coronavirus crisis has created all the conditions for success. People are online more, they’re confused about the nature of the disease and testing and treatment, and the government is handing tens of millions of people stimulus checks. It’s a huge enticement for con artists.
“They’re very quick to adapt to whatever fraud is out in the media,” said Special Agent Matthew Swenson, who called the coronavirus crisis “the perfect storm of cyber fraud.”
And it’s not just scams.
Across the country, online church broadcasts, school classes and even government meetings have been “Zoom bombed” with interlopers interrupting proceedings with everything from racist taunts to child pornography.
ICE has created Project iGuardian, which offers virtual briefings to schools and youth groups to teach them what to look for and what to avoid in the online world.
Investigators are trying to make cases where they can, though the often anonymous world of the internet and the ability to set up operations overseas can make that difficult.
More often, the solution — particularly for scams — is to try to boot the fraudsters offline.
In that respect, domain registrars have been increasingly helpful.
“At the beginning they were slower. Now they’re much faster. It’s almost to the point where they’re proactively knocking these sites offline,” said Agent Swenson, chief of the CCC’s Network Intrusion Section.
GoDaddy.com, a major registrar, declined to say how many virus scam sites it has pulled, but a spokesman said they’ve become experts in sorting out bogus sites from legitimate ones.
“Our team has been doing this for more than 20 years and has considerable experience evaluating content to identify hoaxes, scams and other illegal activity on our platform,” a spokesman said.
While ICE “sinkholes” bogus websites, getting domain registrars to suspend or repossess them, in one case the agency and the Justice Department went to court to seize a website outright.
The day after President Trump announced the coronavirus national emergency in March, someone went online offering to sell CoronaPrevention.org. There was no bogus content posted, so ICE had an undercover agent approach the seller and offer to buy it to get it off the market.
During the course of their conversations, the agent was told he could buy it for $500 — about 25 times the normal sales price — and payment had to be in bitcoin.
The seller even encouraged using the site to sell fake testing kits and told the agent to make sure to set up the page through a foreign-based service to remain outside the clutches of U.S. authorities, according to an affidavit filed justifying the website seizure.
“We will not tolerate exploitation of this national emergency for personal gain,” U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Shea said in announcing the seizure last month.
The market for potentially hot websites is heated. Covid19cure.com, for example, says it’s available to a buyer for the price of $150,000.
ICE said some sites claimed to be helping people get their stimulus checks. One site mimicked an IRS page, inviting users to turn over their personal identifying information. ICE investigators notified the IRS’s criminal investigative division and had the registrar take it offline.
The fake WHO website was scary in its ability to accurately replicate a legitimate site, borrowing the design and most of the text directly from the real WHO page, with the only noticeable difference being the means of donation. The fake site had buttons to pay by bitcoin or Paypal.
ICE said many of its tips on scams come from the public. Agent Hampton urged those who come across potential fraud to email covid19fraud@dhs.gov.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--CDC alerts doctors to COVID-19 linked condition in children

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning doctors about a serious rare inflammatory condition in children linked with the coronavirus .
In an alert issued Thursday , the CDC called the condition multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children .
The agency ’ s case definition includes current or recent COVID-19 infection or exposure to the virus , a fever of at least 100.4 for at least 24 hours , severe illness requiring hospitalization , inflammatory markers in blood tests , and evidence of problems affecting at least two organs that could include the heart , kidneys , lungs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The name and definition are similar to those used in Europe , where the condition was first reported several weeks ago .
The condition has been reported in at least 110 New York children and in several kids in other states .
A few children have died .
Some children may have symptoms resembling Kawasaki disease , a rare condition in children that can cause swelling and heart problems .
Reported cases have all involved children but the CDC said it is unknown if the condition can occur in adults .
Doctors should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and report suspected cases to local or state health departments .
It should be suspected in all deaths in children who had evidence of COVID-19 infection , the CDC said .
Children are less likely than adults to develop COVID-19 and their illnesses usually are less severe although they can spread the disease without showing symptoms .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning doctors about a serious rare inflammatory condition in children linked with the coronavirus.
In an alert issued Thursday, the CDC called the condition multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. The agency’s case definition includes current or recent COVID-19 infection or exposure to the virus, a fever of at least 100.4 for at least 24 hours, severe illness requiring hospitalization, inflammatory markers in blood tests, and evidence of problems affecting at least two organs that could include the heart, kidneys, lungs, skin or other nervous system. The name and definition are similar to those used in Europe, where the condition was first reported several weeks ago.
The condition has been reported in at least 110 New York children and in several kids in other states. A few children have died.
Some children may have symptoms resembling Kawasaki disease, a rare condition in children that can cause swelling and heart problems.
Reported cases have all involved children but the CDC said it is unknown if the condition can occur in adults.
Doctors should be on the lookout for the condition and report suspected cases to local or state health departments. It should be suspected in all deaths in children who had evidence of COVID-19 infection, the CDC said.
Children are less likely than adults to develop COVID-19 and their illnesses usually are less severe although they can spread the disease without showing symptoms.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


washingtontimes--2020-05-14--Texas sees deadliest COVID-19 day so far with 58 deaths

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - Texas saw its deadliest COVID-19 day of the coronavirus pandemic so far , with state officials reporting 58 deaths during a time span between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon , according to state tabulations .
Also , the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling that , for now , Texas does not have provide inmates at one prison with hand sanitizer , masks and unrestricted access to soap amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The high court ’ s decision upheld an appeals court ruling that had put a previous ruling on hold .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 million program that was created to help residents who have been hurt economically by the coronavirus and are struggling to pay their rent ran out of money within 90 minutes after applications were accepted online .
The Texas Department of State Health Services reports the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus , reached 1,216 Thursday , up from 1,158 Wednesday .
State figures also show 116 COVID-related deaths over the past three days .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases reported to the state rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to almost 44,000 on Thursday .
However , the true number is likely higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
The biggest jump in the number of cases reported Thursday came in Dallas County , where 243 new cases were reported , bringing its total to 6,602 .
That was still second to Harris County , where 205 new cases reported Thursday brought its total to 8,621 .
The biggest increase in COVID-19-related deaths was reported in El Paso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
The highest death toll remained in Harris County , where five new deaths reported Thursday brought its total to 188 .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
Justice Samuel Alito ’ s decision Thursday let stand a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must take additional measures to protect the health of inmates at a prison that houses mostly older and infirm men .
The class-action suit was brought by two men who contend conditions at the Pack Unit , near Navasota , about 60 miles ( 97 kilometers ) northwest of Houston , violate their constitutional rights .
After weeks of litigation and the death of one Pack Unit prisoner who had COVID-19 , U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison had ordered Texas to take a number of additional steps to protect inmates there from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so showed “ deliberate indifference.
” In Houston , nearly 12,000 renters applied for the rent-assistance program on Wednesday .
The program , to be paid for by federal funding from the CARES Act , was expected to help about 7,000 households .
“ I knew going into it , that the need would be greater than the amount provided .
That is why last week I sent a letter urging the federal leaders to commit at least another $ 100 billion to rent relief and $ 75 billion to homeowners being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re hoping that Congress will do something.
” The program will provide qualified low-to-moderate income Houston residents up to $ 1,056 in rental assistance for each of the months of April and May .
Houston joins other cities in Texas , including Austin , Dallas and San Antonio , with similar rent assistance programs .

DALLAS (AP) - Texas saw its deadliest COVID-19 day of the coronavirus pandemic so far, with state officials reporting 58 deaths during a time span between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, according to state tabulations.
In Corpus Christi, 63 workers of the 747 employees, contractors and vendors at the STX Beef processing plant tested positive for COVID-19, Nueces County health officials said.
Also, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling that, for now, Texas does not have provide inmates at one prison with hand sanitizer, masks and unrestricted access to soap amid the coronavirus pandemic. The high court’s decision upheld an appeals court ruling that had put a previous ruling on hold.
In Houston, meanwhile, a $15 million program that was created to help residents who have been hurt economically by the coronavirus and are struggling to pay their rent ran out of money within 90 minutes after applications were accepted online.
COVID-19’S DEADLIEST DAY
The Texas Department of State Health Services reports the number of deaths linked to COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, reached 1,216 Thursday, up from 1,158 Wednesday. State figures also show 116 COVID-related deaths over the past three days.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases reported to the state rose by at least 1,800 in one day to almost 44,000 on Thursday. However, the true number is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The biggest jump in the number of cases reported Thursday came in Dallas County, where 243 new cases were reported, bringing its total to 6,602. That was still second to Harris County, where 205 new cases reported Thursday brought its total to 8,621. The biggest increase in COVID-19-related deaths was reported in El Paso County, which reported eight new deaths on Thursday. The highest death toll remained in Harris County, where five new deaths reported Thursday brought its total to 188.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
63 WORKERS AT SOUTH TEXAS MEAT PLANT TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
The 747 workers at the STX Beef plant were tested for COVID-19 from Saturday through Wednesday, Nueces County Health Director Annette Rodriguez said. No evidence was found of food or food packaging being associated with coronavirus transmission, she said, and there have been no reports of meat contamination.
In a statement, STX Beef has said it is implementing extra safety precautions, including face masks, face shields, social distancing measures in break rooms and other safety measures.
On Wednesday, a JBS USA meatpacking plant in the Texas Panhandle accepted the state’s offer to test employees for the coronavirus as officials try to contain a cluster of infections connected to the facility. Hundreds of cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the Moore County plant near Amarillo, and Gov. Greg Abbott has singled out the county as an area of concern.
Outbreaks have hit meat plants across the country. President Donald Trump has ordered them to remain open, but Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called the plants among “the most dangerous places there are right now.”
HIGH COURT LETS STAND APPEALS COURT STAY OF INMATE COVID-19 RELIEF
Justice Samuel Alito’s decision Thursday let stand a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that held up a lower-court order that Texas must take additional measures to protect the health of inmates at a prison that houses mostly older and infirm men.
The class-action suit was brought by two men who contend conditions at the Pack Unit, near Navasota, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Houston, violate their constitutional rights.
After weeks of litigation and the death of one Pack Unit prisoner who had COVID-19, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison had ordered Texas to take a number of additional steps to protect inmates there from the virus. He wrote the failure to do so showed “deliberate indifference.”
RENT-ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RUNS DRY
In Houston, nearly 12,000 renters applied for the rent-assistance program on Wednesday. The program, to be paid for by federal funding from the CARES Act, was expected to help about 7,000 households.
“I knew going into it, that the need would be greater than the amount provided. That is why last week I sent a letter urging the federal leaders to commit at least another $100 billion to rent relief and $75 billion to homeowners being foreclosed,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “We’re hoping that Congress will do something.”
The program was set up to provide qualified low-to-moderate income Houston residents up to $1,056 in rental assistance for each of the months of April and May.
Houston joins other cities in Texas, including Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, with similar rent assistance programs.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--New York Stock Exchange to reopen May 26 with restrictions

The New York Stock Exchange plans to reopen May 26 , but will limit the number of traders on the @ @ @ @ @ working electronically since March after an NYSE employee tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease @ @ @ @ @ .
But when they return after Memorial Day , traders have new restrictions to follow @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic is they can not use public transportation .
Traders must also @ @ @ @ @ .
Stacey Cunningham , the NYSE president , made the announcement in an op-ed with @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .

The New York Stock Exchange plans to reopen May 26, but will limit the number of traders on the floor.
Traders have been working electronically since March after an NYSE employee tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
But when they return after Memorial Day, traders have new restrictions to follow.
One new rule due to the coronavirus pandemic is they cannot use public transportation. Traders must also social distance and wear masks.
Stacey Cunningham, the NYSE president, made the announcement in an op-ed with the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Police: Man found shot to death along St. Louis interstate

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - A man has been found shot to death along a St. Louis interstate , @ @ @ @ @ a suspect , police said .
The man ’ s body was found around 3 @ @ @ @ @ lanes of Interstate 70 and West Florissant , television station KSDK reported .
Police said @ @ @ @ @ wound .
The victim ’ s name has not been released , and police gave @ @ @ @ @ shooting .
No arrests had been reported in the case by later Friday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ Department is investigating the shooting .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A man has been found shot to death along a St. Louis interstate, and investigators are searching for a suspect, police said.
The man’s body was found around 3 a.m. Friday along the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 and West Florissant, television station KSDK reported. Police said he had suffered a gunshot wound.
The victim’s name has not been released, and police gave no other details of the shooting. No arrests had been reported in the case by later Friday morning.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the shooting.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Woman kidnapped, pistol-whipped, held for ransom

BLOOMINGTON , Minn. ( AP ) - Two people are accused of kidnapping a woman , beating her and holding her for ransom at a suburban Twin Cities hotel .
The woman from Little Canada was lured to a car in Oakdale Monday , thrown in the trunk and driven to a hotel in Bloomington were she was instructed to contact family and friends for a $ 5,000 ransom , officials said .
One of the suspects choked and pistol whipped the victim , according to court documents .
The captors threatened to shoot the woman if the ransom was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramsey County Undersheriff Mike Martin tells the Star Tribune , law enforcement officers used GPS cellphone data and social media to find the woman who spent the night in a bathroom at the hotel .
The victim ’ s father worked with law enforcement to set up a spot to meet the kidnappers .
Deputies who had pinged the victim ’ s cellphone in a nearby hotel located the victim .
Jason Tucker , 37 , and Hailey Flynn , 20 , both of Minneapolis , were arrested .
They ’ re charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court .
It ’ s not clear whether they have hired attorneys to speak on their behalf .

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) - Two people are accused of kidnapping a woman, beating her and holding her for ransom at a suburban Twin Cities hotel.
The woman from Little Canada was lured to a car in Oakdale Monday, thrown in the trunk and driven to a hotel in Bloomington were she was instructed to contact family and friends for a $5,000 ransom, officials said.
One of the suspects choked and pistol whipped the victim, according to court documents. The captors threatened to shoot the woman if the ransom was not paid, according to prosecutors.
Ramsey County Undersheriff Mike Martin tells the Star Tribune, law enforcement officers used GPS cellphone data and social media to find the woman who spent the night in a bathroom at the hotel.
The victim’s father worked with law enforcement to set up a spot to meet the kidnappers. Deputies who had pinged the victim’s cellphone in a nearby hotel located the victim.
Jason Tucker, 37, and Hailey Flynn, 20, both of Minneapolis, were arrested. They’re charged with felony kidnapping in Ramsey County District Court. It’s not clear whether they have hired attorneys to speak on their behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Motorcyclist crashes into median on Route 16

ROCHESTER , N.H. ( AP ) - A motorcyclist lost control his bike on a highway and struck the median @ @ @ @ @ stopping , New Hampshire State Police said .
Police said the motorcycle was headed north @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
The motorcyclist , Anthony Krasny , 50 , of Gonic , was @ @ @ @ @ He suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital .

ROCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after losing control of his bike on a highway and striking the median cement barriers multiple times, New Hampshire State Police said.
Police said the motorcycle was headed north on Route 16 in Rochester on Thursday.
The motorcyclist, Anthony Krasny, 50, of Gonic, was not wearing a helmet.
Police are investigating the crash.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Heavy rains force water rescues in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS ( AP ) - Residents in parts of Louisiana are keeping a close eye on rivers after heavy @ @ @ @ @ .
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff ’ s Office said late Thursday that its deputies @ @ @ @ @ and vehicles in the Madisonville area and the Highway 1077 corridor .
Parish President Mike @ @ @ @ @ Orleans Advocate that residents near rivers should prepare for them to flood .
The National @ @ @ @ @ warning for the Bogue Falaya River in Covington , the Tchefuncte River above U.S. 190 @ @ @ @ @ Robert .

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Residents in parts of Louisiana are keeping a close eye on rivers after heavy rainfall flooded streets and homes.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office said late Thursday that its deputies were rescuing people from homes and vehicles in the Madisonville area and the Highway 1077 corridor.
Parish President Mike Cooper told The Times Picayune/New Orleans Advocate that residents near rivers should prepare for them to flood.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Bogue Falaya River in Covington, the Tchefuncte River above U.S. 190 and the Tangipahoa River near Robert.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Nine states see COVID-19 cases increasing, 24 states report a decrease: Report

In two dozen states , the number of new COVID-19 cases is decreasing every day , but nine states continue @ @ @ @ @ CNN reported .
According to an analysis of Johns Hopkins University data , the network @ @ @ @ @ steady in their coronavirus numbers .
On Thursday , 27,368 new coronavirus cases were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ 1,779 deaths were reported .
As of May 13 , more than 79,000 Americans have @ @ @ @

In two dozen states, the number of new COVID-19 cases is decreasing every day, but nine states continue to see an increase, CNN reported.
According to an analysis of Johns Hopkins University data, the network noted 17 states have remained steady in their coronavirus numbers.
On Thursday, 27,368 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the U.S., and 1,779 deaths were reported.
As of May 13, more than 79,000 Americans have died from COVID-19.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--St. Louis police say 3-year-old child shot in head dies

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - Police in St. Louis are investigating the shooting death of a 3-year-old child .
@ @ @ @ @ p.m. Thursday in the Fairground neighborhood , in northern St. Louis , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ after the child was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the head @ @ @ @ @ Doctors were unable to save the child , who was pronounced dead shortly after arriving @ @ @ @ @ have not released the child ’ s name or gender or given other details about @ @ @ @ @ The department ’ s Child Abuse Unit is investigating the death .
St. Louis has @ @ @ @ @ violence incidents involving children .
More than a dozen children ages 16 or younger were @ @ @ @ @ city in 2019 .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Police in St. Louis are investigating the shooting death of a 3-year-old child.
The shooting happened around 9 p.m. Thursday in the Fairground neighborhood, in northern St. Louis, police said. Police learned of the shooting after the child was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the head, according to investigators. Doctors were unable to save the child, who was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Police have not released the child’s name or gender or given other details about how the shooting occurred. The department’s Child Abuse Unit is investigating the death.
St. Louis has seen a string of gun violence incidents involving children. More than a dozen children ages 16 or younger were shot to death in the city in 2019.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--System off Florida could become season's first named storm

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. ( AP ) - A trough of low pressure moving through the Florida Straits could organize over the northwestern Bahamas later Friday or Saturday and become the first named storm of the 2020 hurricane season , the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said .
Tropical storm force wind gusts are possible in the Florida Keys , southeast Florida and the Bahamas on Friday and Saturday , forecasters said .
Gale warnings have also been issued for the region .
Hurricane season starts June 1 , but forecasters at the hurricane center said the system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wind across South Florida on Friday morning , has a 70 % chance of developing into a subtropical or tropical storm .
If it develops , the storm would be named Arthur .
Subtropical storms are not as defined as tropical storms , with its strongest winds located some distance from it ’ s loosely formed center .
They are also not a strong as tropical storms .
It ’ s not uncommon to have a named storm before the official start of hurricane season .
Later in the weekend and early next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally northeastward over the western Atlantic .
The forecast led Florida emergency management officials to close 14 state-run COVID-19 test sites on Friday .
The sites in Miami-Dade , Broward , Palm Beach and Brevard counties will reopen on Monday .
Helen Aguirre Ferré , the communications director for Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , said on Twitter that it ’ s the right move .
“ With possible wind gusts of 40 mph , it is best for public safety to reopen on Monday .
It ’ s also common sense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have said Florida is currently testing 16,000 to 24,000 people a day for the coronavirus .
Closing the testing sites for the entire weekend will give officials time to break down and set up tables , tents and other equipment at each location , Jason Mahon , communications director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management , told the Miami Herald .
Even though the anticipated weather is expected to move through the area by later in the weekend , Mahon noted that the sites would remain closed Sunday “ to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conditions have passed .
”

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A trough of low pressure moving through the Florida Straits could organize over the northwestern Bahamas later Friday or Saturday and become the first named storm of the 2020 hurricane season, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
Tropical storm force wind gusts are possible in the Florida Keys, southeast Florida and the Bahamas on Friday and Saturday, forecasters said. Gale warnings have also been issued for the region.
Hurricane season starts June 1, but forecasters at the hurricane center said the system, which was already bringing heavy rain and wind across South Florida on Friday morning, has a 70% chance of developing into a subtropical or tropical storm. If it develops, the storm would be named Arthur.
Subtropical storms are not as defined as tropical storms, with its strongest winds located some distance from it’s loosely formed center. They are also not a strong as tropical storms. It’s not uncommon to have a named storm before the official start of hurricane season.
Later in the weekend and early next week the system is forecast to move generally northeastward over the western Atlantic.
The forecast led Florida emergency management officials to close 14 state-run COVID-19 test sites on Friday. The sites in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Brevard counties will reopen on Monday.
Helen Aguirre Ferré, the communications director for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, said on Twitter that it’s the right move. “With possible wind gusts of 40 mph, it is best for public safety to reopen on Monday. It’s also common sense,” she tweeted Thursday night.
State officials have said Florida is currently testing 16,000 to 24,000 people a day for the coronavirus.
Closing the testing sites for the entire weekend will give officials time to break down and set up tables, tents and other equipment at each location, Jason Mahon, communications director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, told the Miami Herald.
Even though the anticipated weather is expected to move through the area by later in the weekend, Mahon noted that the sites would remain closed Sunday “to allow staff to set up the sites after the conditions have passed.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Authorities: North Carolina worker dies in forklift accident

CHARLOTTE , N.C. ( AP ) - An employee working at a North Carolina distribution center died Thursday in an @ @ @ @ @ according to authorities .
The BIC Corp. employee was at the company ’ s center @ @ @ @ @ happened , BIC officials confirmed .
First responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene @ @ @ @ @ Services Agency said .
Company officials did not identify the worker or comment further on @ @ @ @ @ , but called it “ a tragic accident , ” according to a statement obtained @ @ @ @ @ Police said they were investigating in coordination with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration .
@ @ @ @ @ at BIC ’ s Charlotte distribution center since the site opened in 2005 , The @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Robert Miller as saying .
BIC Corp. produces razors and stationery , among other @ @

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - An employee working at a North Carolina distribution center died Thursday in an accident involving a forklift, according to authorities.
The BIC Corp. employee was at the company’s center in Charlotte when the accident happened, BIC officials confirmed. First responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene, the Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency said.
Company officials did not identify the worker or comment further on the circumstances surrounding the death, but called it “a tragic accident,” according to a statement obtained by news outlets.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said they were investigating in coordination with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The fatality was the first at BIC’s Charlotte distribution center since the site opened in 2005, The Charlotte Observer quoted BIC Group spokesman Robert Miller as saying.
BIC Corp. produces razors and stationery, among other products.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Authorities: Dispute over $10 ends in fight, fatal shooting

MIDDLETOWN , Ohio ( AP ) - A dispute over $ 10 sparked a brawl at an Ohio home this week that ended with one man fatally shooting another , authorities said .
Dhameer Haamid Scott , 24 , of Middletown , turned himself in Wednesday and will face murder charges in the death of John Booker , 36 .
It wasn ’ t known if Scott has retained an attorney .
The shooting occurred Monday at a Middletown home where Scott ’ s father and Booker ’ s mother live .
Citing police and court records , the Dayton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home Monday and dropped off $ 30 for his younger brother .
When Booker arrived at the home later that day , he took $ 10 from the cash that was sitting on a shelf and refused demands to put it back .
Scott ’ s father called him to report what had happened , and Scott returned to the home Monday night .
Scott and Booker began arguing and it soon turned physical .
The fight eventually moved to the front porch , where Scott allegedly shot Booker , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short time later .
No other injuries were reported in the shooting , which remains under investigation .

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (AP) - A dispute over $10 sparked a brawl at an Ohio home this week that ended with one man fatally shooting another, authorities said.
Dhameer Haamid Scott, 24, of Middletown, turned himself in Wednesday and will face murder charges in the death of John Booker, 36. It wasn’t known if Scott has retained an attorney.
The shooting occurred Monday at a Middletown home where Scott’s father and Booker’s mother live.
Citing police and court records, the Dayton Daily News reports that Scott went to the home Monday and dropped off $30 for his younger brother. When Booker arrived at the home later that day, he took $10 from the cash that was sitting on a shelf and refused demands to put it back.
Scott’s father called him to report what had happened, and Scott returned to the home Monday night. Scott and Booker began arguing and it soon turned physical.
The fight eventually moved to the front porch, where Scott allegedly shot Booker, who was taken to a hospital but died there a short time later.
No other injuries were reported in the shooting, which remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Spring planting ahead of schedule in Wisconsin

MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) - Wisconsin farmers are ahead of schedule on spring planting this season thanks to favorable weather .
The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows corn planting in the state is 59 percent complete .
Wisconsin Public Radio News reports that ’ s a week ahead of the five-year average and 24 days ahead of planting in 2019 .
A long stretch of wet weather last spring caused record-late planting in Wisconsin and across the Midwest .
Nick Baker , agricultural agent for University of Wisconsin-Madison ’ s Division of Extension in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led farmers to start planting earlier this spring .
“ I think people this year , as soon as the ground conditions allowed it , started planting .
And we ’ re in really good shape , ” Baker said .
The state ’ s soybean crop is 35 percent complete , nine days ahead of the average and also 24 days ahead of last year .
Favorable planting conditions may help farmers set new records for crop yields this year .
“ Getting that crop into the ground and germinating and growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can is one of the characteristics of a high-yielding year , ” University of Wisconsin agronomist Joe Lauer said .
“ We ’ re kind of set up for that this year .
But we have a lot of season to go yet and a lot of things can happen.
” A plentiful crop would be good news for producers as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to weigh down commodity prices .

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin farmers are ahead of schedule on spring planting this season thanks to favorable weather.
The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows corn planting in the state is 59 percent complete. Wisconsin Public Radio News reports that’s a week ahead of the five-year average and 24 days ahead of planting in 2019.
A long stretch of wet weather last spring caused record-late planting in Wisconsin and across the Midwest.
Nick Baker, agricultural agent for University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Extension in Rock County, said that may have led farmers to start planting earlier this spring.
“I think people this year, as soon as the ground conditions allowed it, started planting. And we’re in really good shape,” Baker said.
The state’s soybean crop is 35 percent complete, nine days ahead of the average and also 24 days ahead of last year.
Favorable planting conditions may help farmers set new records for crop yields this year.
“Getting that crop into the ground and germinating and growing as quickly into the season as we can is one of the characteristics of a high-yielding year,” University of Wisconsin agronomist Joe Lauer said. “We’re kind of set up for that this year. But we have a lot of season to go yet and a lot of things can happen.”
A plentiful crop would be good news for producers as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to weigh down commodity prices.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--USGS reports magnitude-6.4 earthquake in western Nevada

TONOPAH , Nev. ( AP ) - The U.S. Geological Service is reporting that a magnitude-6.4 earthquake struck in remote @ @ @ @ @ The temblor was reported at 4:03 a.m. about 35 miles outside Tonopah , just east @ @ @ @ @ .
The initial quake struck about 4.7 miles ( 7.6 kilometers ) deep , the @ @ @ @ @ least six sizable aftershocks were recorded shortly thereafter , including two with estimated magnitudes of @ @ @ @ @ Lake City , Utah , to California ’ s Central Valley tweeted that they felt @ @ @

TONOPAH, Nev. (AP) — The U.S. Geological Service is reporting that a magnitude-6.4 earthquake struck in remote western Nevada early Friday.
The temblor was reported at 4:03 a.m. about 35 miles outside Tonopah, just east of the Sierra Nevada range.
The initial quake struck about 4.7 miles (7.6 kilometers) deep, the USGS said, and at least six sizable aftershocks were recorded shortly thereafter, including two with estimated magnitudes of 5.4.
People from Salt Lake City, Utah, to California’s Central Valley tweeted that they felt the quake.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Female inmate dies at Minnehaha County Jail

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
( AP ) - The cause of death of a woman at the Minnehaha County @ @ @ @ @ determined .
Jordin Lea Eichmann , 31 , was found unresponsive in her cell early @ @ @ @ @ Mike Mattson .
Jail , medical staff and paramedics could not revive her .
Mattson @ @ @ @ @ into the jail that morning on a misdemeanor charge related to child support .
Authorities @ @ @ @ @ suspected in her death .
The Argus Leader reports a Facebook page for Emily ’ @ @ @ @ @ says Eichmann was the mother of three who was waiting on a spot reserved her @ @ @ @ @ .

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The cause of death of a woman at the Minnehaha County Jail has not yet been determined.
Jordin Lea Eichmann, 31, was found unresponsive in her cell early Wednesday, according to Warden Mike Mattson. Jail, medical staff and paramedics could not revive her.
Mattson said she had been booked into the jail that morning on a misdemeanor charge related to child support. Authorities say foul play is not suspected in her death.
The Argus Leader reports a Facebook page for Emily’s Hope Sober Living house says Eichmann was the mother of three who was waiting on a spot reserved her her at the treatment facility.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Joe Biden: Women believing Tara Reade 'shouldn't vote for me'

Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden suggested Thursday that women who believe his accuser , Tara Reade , shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ November ’ s presidential election .
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has denied any wrongdoing @ @ @ @ @ former staffer , came forward , publicly accusing the former vice president of sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ a U.S. senator .
“ I think they should vote their heart , and if @ @ @ @ @ they probably shouldn ’ t vote for me .
I wouldn ’ t vote for @ @ @ @ @ Reade , ” Mr. Biden told MSNBC .
Ms. Reade reportedly worked for Mr. Biden @ @ @ @ @ he was a senator representing Delaware .
She says he pushed her against the wall @ @ @ @ @ , penetrating her with his fingers .

Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden suggested Thursday that women who believe his accuser, Tara Reade, shouldn’t vote for him in November’s presidential election.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has denied any wrongdoing after Ms. Reade, a former staffer, came forward, publicly accusing the former vice president of sexual assault in 1993 when he was a U.S. senator.
“I think they should vote their heart, and if they believe Tara Reade, they probably shouldn’t vote for me. I wouldn’t vote for me if I believed Tara Reade,” Mr. Biden told MSNBC.
Ms. Reade reportedly worked for Mr. Biden as a staff assistant when he was a senator representing Delaware. She says he pushed her against the wall and reached under her skirt, penetrating her with his fingers.
Mr. Biden has repeatedly denied the allegation.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Young children found at church and in a car, mother charged

BISMARCK , N.D. ( AP ) - A Bismarck mother is facing felony charges after police say they found two @ @ @ @ @ at a church and the third in a car dressed only in messy diapers in @ @ @ @ @ , 25 , is charged with child neglect and a misdemeanor drug offense .
Police @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday by a worker who found the chlildren in the building .
The worker told @ @ @ @ @ on Mother ’ s Day .
The Bismarck Tribune reports a court affidavit says officers @ @ @ @ @ home and determined a third child was missing .
The child was found in a @ @ @ @ @ The ages of the children were not provided .
They were turned over to their @ @ @ @ @ , Moreland was placed on probation for a year and ordered to complete a parenting @ @ @ @ @ to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the deprivation or delinquency of a minor , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attorney did not immediately return a call for comment .

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A Bismarck mother is facing felony charges after police say they found two of her three young children at a church and the third in a car dressed only in messy diapers in 45-degree weather.
Oceane Moreland, 25, is charged with child neglect and a misdemeanor drug offense.
Police were called to a church Tuesday by a worker who found the chlildren in the building. The worker told police a similar incident happened on Mother’s Day.
The Bismarck Tribune reports a court affidavit says officers found Moreland asleep at her home and determined a third child was missing. The child was found in a car near the home.
The ages of the children were not provided. They were turned over to their biological father.
In February, Moreland was placed on probation for a year and ordered to complete a parenting class after she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the deprivation or delinquency of a minor, court records show.
Moreland’s attorney did not immediately return a call for comment.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Outdoor restaurants to resume patio dining in reopening move

COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) - Ohio restaurants had the option beginning Friday to offer outdoor dining , the next step toward resuming normal business operations under Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine ’ s state reopening plan .
DeWine has said that 90 % of the state ’ s economy will be back online this weekend with Ohioans having returned to offices , factories , construction jobs and retail stores , and now outdoor eating .
In-person dining can resume on May 21 .
The governor and Health Director Dr. Amy Acton made it clear at a Thursday briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from wearing masks to frequent hand-washing to proper social distancing .
“ This is a time when we ’ ve got to really continue to do that , ” DeWine said .
“ Even as people move around more , they ’ ve got to even be more cautious.
” Restaurants had the option to provide takeout food during the pandemic , but even so , four in 10 restaurants closed since the stay-at-home orders began and 3 % won ’ t reopen , the Ohio Restaurant Association said Thursday .
Nearly half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 70 % and more than half of the state ’ s 585,000 food service employees were laid off or furloughed , the association said .
The number of confirmed and probable deaths associated with the coronavirus in Ohio has reached 1,534 , an increase of 51 from a day earlier , state health officials said Thursday .
The number of confirmed and probable cases topped 26,000 , and hospitalizations exceeded 4,700 , the Ohio Department of Health said .

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Life has changed significantly since Laura Simmons and her wife, Leah, last patronized the Old Bag of Nails in Worthington, the Columbus suburb where they live.
“This was actually the last place we went before the governor issued the (stay-at-home) order,” Simmons, 33, a state worker, said from behind her protective mask. “We thought, if anyone, they’d probably be doing the patio thing and maybe lunchtime wouldn’t be too crowded. Turns out we’re the only ones here.”
“Welcome to the Old Bag of Nails 2.0,” their masked server quipped.
The Simmonses were among Ohioans venturing back to dining establishments Friday, as outdoor patio spaces were allowed to reopen. It’s the next step toward resuming normal business operations under Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s state reopening plan.
DeWine has said that 90% of the state’s economy will be back online this weekend with Ohioans having returned to offices, factories, construction jobs and retail stores, and now outdoor eating. In-person dining can resume on May 21.
The governor and Health Director Dr. Amy Acton made it clear at a Thursday briefing that Ohioans must still take numerous precautions from wearing masks to frequent hand-washing to proper social distancing.
“This is a time when we’ve got to really continue to do that,” DeWine said. “Even as people move around more, they’ve got to even be more cautious.”
Dr. Rene Anand, 59, of Westerville, whose company is working on COVID-19 research, and marketer colleague Kevin Rich, of Columbus, heeded the governor’s advice as they met for coffee Friday on the patio of La Chatalaine, another Worthington restaurant. Anand wore a fabric face mask, ball cap and protective glasses and Rich wore a mask, cap and thick gloves.
“We are social people, human beings are, and it is necessary to kind of come together and make those connections outside of Zoom and Skype,” Anand said. “But we’re taking all the precautions. … It feels lovely.”
Restaurants had the option to provide takeout food during the pandemic, but even so, four in 10 restaurants closed since the stay-at-home orders began and 3% won’t reopen, the Ohio Restaurant Association said Thursday.
Nearly half of Ohio restaurants experienced economic losses of more than 70%, and more than half of the state’s 585,000 food service employees were laid off or furloughed, the association said.
Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, tattoo shops, spas and massage services also were allowed to reopen Friday, with caveats aimed at protecting health and safety.
Tommy Checkler, who owns the Old Village Barber in Worthington, said his first customer, a 90-year-old regular, arrived at 7 a.m. By noon, he and brother Tommy were cropping the shaggy heads of two others - barbers and customers alike in masks - and two other patrons were waiting on their designated Xs on a bench along the wall.
Checkler said he didn’t get any unemployment or PPT assistance while barber shops were under forced shutdown.
“The only thing I’ve received is my stimulus check, which I call a survival check,” he said.
The number of confirmed and probable deaths associated with the coronavirus in Ohio has reached 1,581, an increase of 47 from a day earlier, state health officials said Friday. The number of confirmed and probable cases neared 27,000, and hospitalizations neared 4,800, the Ohio Department of Health said.
___
BYE-BYE BASEBALL
Bowling Green State University said Friday it was dropping baseball, citing the financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move would save $2 million, the school said.
“This is a very difficult, but necessary, decision,” athletic director Bob Moosbrugger said. “As a baseball alumnus, my heart breaks for the families affected by this decision.”
The school will honor scholarship agreements through graduation and will assist student-athletes who want to transfer, he said.
Bowling Green’s move came one day after Akron, another member of the Mid-American Conference, dropped three sports because of fiscal hardship caused by the virus outbreak. Earlier this week, the MAC announced it is eliminating postseason tournaments in eight sports, including baseball and softball, to save money.