washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Peaceful protest in Madison later turns violent

MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) - Hundreds of protesters gathered peacefully at the state Capitol after curfew Monday night until a small group of demonstrators broke away and started breaking into boarded-up stores on nearby State Street .
The larger group of protesters dissipated as police in riot gear arrived and deployed tear gas .
Madison is among the cities nationwide where anger over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked peaceful protests but also property damage and looting .
On Saturday and Sunday nights , protesters broke windows , looted and damaged property in the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Milwaukee , protesters made their way back to the city early Tuesday after moving north several miles into suburban Glendale and Whitefish Bay .
A large contingent of law enforcement was present at Bayshore Town Center , an outdoor mall in Glendale .
Mayor Bryan Kennedy said the city had received “ credible threats ” that people planned to destroy businesses and harm police officers .
The threat never materialized .
Floyd died last week after he was pinned to the pavement by a white police officer in Minneapolis who put his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s neck .
His death set off protests that spread across America .

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Protesters shut down a six-lane state highway that feeds into downtown Madison for a second day on Tuesday, as Gov. Tony Evers called for the Legislature to pass a law to reduce the use of police force and urged a united battle against racism.
The latest actions came after a third night of violence gripped downtown Madison, with protesters spraying graffiti on the state Capitol and nearby buildings, dumping paint on the beloved “Forward” statue and breaking into boarded up businesses. Police in riot gear used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Madison, the liberal state capital with one of the deepest racial divides in the nation, has been a flashpoint for protests over the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis policeman pressed his knee into his neck for minutes, even after he stopped moving and pleading for air.
Evers, in a video message released Tuesday afternoon, urged calm and unity. The Democrat condemned “all those who encourage violence against black lives” and urged systematic change to fight racism. He did not speak directly to Republican criticism that he hasn’t done enough to quell the violence.
Evers called on the Republican-controlled Legislature to pass a Democratic-sponsored bill that would require law enforcement agencies to minimize the use of force and prioritize preserving life. He also called for local government leaders to join the call for change. The bill died when the Legislature adjourned its regular session earlier this year.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway condemned the vandalism and called for an end. “This is not protest. This is dangerous criminal behavior,” the mayor said in a statement Tuesday.
Rhodes-Conway said she welcomes protests, but does not want legitimate protests “to continue to provide cover for this violent, unacceptable behavior.”
Meanwhile, workers boarded up storefronts near the state Capitol and University of Wisconsin campus that have borne the brunt of the vandalism since Saturday night, to ward off any more destruction.
“I have seen hope in those who’ve joined this cause in support, who’ve lent a hand to a neighbor, who’ve showed up with brooms and dustbins in hand to help clean up our neighborhoods,” Evers said. “We must use this dark moment to begin to be an example for the rest of the nation. … Please be kind to each other, support each other, and keep each other safe tonight and in the days ahead.”
Hundreds of protesters again blocked traffic on John Nolen Drive, a state highway that feeds into downtown Madison. Traffic was stopped early evening on Monday in a peaceful protest and marchers held up traffic there for about two hours on Tuesday before forming a caravan through the city, including to the home of the Dane County sheriff in a residential neighborhood where they left flowers and signs saying “Black Lives Matter.”
In Milwaukee, police fired several tear gas canisters and rubber bullets at protesters Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Police said protesters were ordered to disperse after throwing rocks, glass and “Molotov Cocktails” at officers. An armed suspect in the crowd also was taken into custody, said Sgt. Sheronda Grant, a Milwaukee police spokeswoman.
Things turned violent in Madison late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Police said around 1 a.m. that someone fired a handgun in the air, two men were beaten with a crowbar and others attempted to light Molotov cocktails. Madison Police Chief Vic Wahl said in his blog that multiple police officers were struck with rocks and projectiles.
Madison police said 15 people were arrested Monday night, bringing the number of arrests since Saturday to at least 32.
The Capitol has increasingly become the target. A four-letter expletive was painted in large red letters on the building Monday night.
Graffiti painted on the state veterans museum, the “Forward” statue and nearby sidewalks and boarded-up storefronts said: “We had enough,” “Where is our museum?” and “Do you hear us?”
Criticism from Republican state lawmakers over Madison’s handling of the protests escalated Tuesday.
Several lawmakers retweeted photos of the vandalized “Forward” statue. It was first installed 125 years ago, but replaced with a bronze replica in 1998. It is placed prominently outside the Capitol, facing the University of Wisconsin campus and the street lined with bars, restaurants and small businesses that have been the target of much of the vandalism since Saturday.
Republican Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke directed a Twitter message bearing an image of the statue to Evers and Rhodes-Conway, both Democrats.
“When does it end?” Steineke tweeted. “When are you going to put a stop to this? Without a massive police presence (with actual arrests), this is your ‘new normal’.”
Rhodes-Conway has condemned the property damage and violence, but also said that frustration should instead be directed at how black people are treated.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Mudslides bury homes in northeast India; 20 dead, 7 injured

GAUHATI , India ( AP ) - Three mudslides triggered by overnight rains buried homes in northeastern India ’ s Assam state , killing 20 people and injuring at least seven others , authorities said Tuesday .
Seven of the victims were members of a single family , said M.S .
Manivannan , head of the state disaster management authority .
He said seven people were hospitalized .
Their medical condition was not immediately clear .
The mudslides occurred in the districts of Cachar , Karimganj and Hailakandi , large parts of which share borders with Bangladesh .
“ Rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any more people are trapped under the debris , ” Manivannan said .
Pre-monsoon rains have caused rivers to flood in large parts of Assam , with at least 10 deaths reported so far .
The state ’ s main river , Brahmaputra , and its many tributaries flood heavily each year , forcing many to take shelter on higher ground .
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal , the state ’ s highest elected official , has been touring flood-hit areas to inspect relief and rescue operations in the last few days .

GAUHATI, India (AP) - Three mudslides triggered by overnight rains buried homes in northeastern India’s Assam state, killing 20 people and injuring at least seven others, authorities said Tuesday.
Seven of the victims were members of a single family, said M.S. Manivannan, head of the state disaster management authority. He said seven people were hospitalized. Their medical condition was not immediately clear.
The mudslides occurred in the districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi, large parts of which share borders with Bangladesh.
“Rescue operations are still on to ascertain if any more people are trapped under the debris,” Manivannan said.
Pre-monsoon rains have caused rivers to flood in large parts of Assam, with at least 10 deaths reported so far.
The state’s main river, Brahmaputra, and its many tributaries flood heavily each year, forcing many to take shelter on higher ground.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the state’s highest elected official, has been touring flood-hit areas to inspect relief and rescue operations in the last few days.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Depression forms in Gulf, heavy rain threat for south Mexico

MIAMI ( AP ) - A tropical depression that formed Monday in the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to become a tropical storm in coming hours , with heavy rains already causing deadly flash flooding in parts of southern Mexico and Central America .
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the depression was centered early Tuesday about 105 miles ( 169 kilometers ) west of Campeche , Mexico .
At 5 a.m. EDT , it had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph ( 55 kph ) and was crawling westward at 2 mph ( 4 kph ) .
Forecasters said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the night or sometime Tuesday .
It ’ s expected to move northward across the Gulf of Mexico later this week , but it ’ s too early to say when and where it might strike the United States .
The government of Mexico has a tropical storm warning in effect from Campeche to the port of Veracruz on that country ’ s Gulf coast .
The warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere in that warning area within 36 hours .
The Miami-based hurricane center said deadly flooding has already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salvador .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, bringing some flooding to Mexico’s southern Gulf coast and threatening more deadly inundations farther inland.
Cristobal was the earliest third named storm of an Atlantic hurricane season on record; in 2016, Tropical Storm Colin formed in the Gulf on June 5.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Cristobal was now expected to dip inland along the Mexican coast near the low-lying, flood-prone city of Ciudad del Carmen and meander there for a couple of days. That could pump a huge amount of water into coastal lagoons behind the city.
Police in Campeche state, where Ciudad del Carmen is located, said they have already closed several highways because of flooding.
By Friday, the storm is expected to make a northward turn and head towards the U.S. Gulf coast, where the Hurricane Center said “there is a risk of storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts this weekend along portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Texas to the Florida Panhandle.”
By late Tuesday, Cristobal was centered about 50 miles (75 kilometers) northwest of Ciudad del Carmen, and the Hurricane Center said the storm was heading to the south at 1 mph (2 kph). It had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph).
It is unclear whether interaction with land in southern Mexico could weaken the storm, and how much wind sheer in the Gulf might prevent it from strengthening again. Cristobal’s winds could build to 65 mph (105 kph) when it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast over the weekend.
While that would remain tropical-storm strength, Dennis Feltgen, a spokesman for the National Hurricane Center, urged Gulf Coast residents to keep an eye on Cristobal, noting “there is no such thing as ‘just a tropical storm’.”
A tropical storm warning was in effect across the southern arc of the Gulf from Campeche to the port of Veracruz, though the biggest effect was likely to be rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters), and even more in isolated areas.
That poses a special risk to the Pacific coastal areas of southern Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, which were already drenched.
Cristobal formed from the remnants of the Eastern Pacific’s Tropical Storm Amanda, which killed at least 17 people as it moved across El Salvador and Guatemala over the weekend.
Because Amanda broke up after crossing over Guatemala and El Salvador into the Gulf, where Cristobal formed, it is not technically a “cross-over”storm that moved from the Pacific to the Atlantic, though that has occurred in the past.
But Amanda and Cristobal will soak some of the same areas, Feltgen noted.
“Unfortunately, the rain is falling in the same general area,” said Feltgen. “There are areas that will probably be measuring the rain in feet, not inches. … That is catastrophic.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--California black leaders seek reforms, reparations study

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California ’ s Legislative Black Caucus is prioritizing a package of bills for this year that include police reform , a task force to study reparations and a repeal of California ’ s controversial 1996 law barring affirmative action at colleges following the police killing of George Floyd .
Assemblywoman Shirley Weber , who chairs the caucus , said California and the nation need deep reforms , from stricter rules about police conduct to leveling the playing field for black Americans in college admissions and in the workforce .
“ Will it be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick response that we ’ ve had before ?
” she said at a news conference Tuesday after advocating for sweeping legislation .
“ Every riot has its somehow quick response to the problem , and it doesn ’ t sustain itself .
And we find ourselves back in the same situation .
We ’ re optimistic that will not happen this time.
” The caucus ’ wish list includes legislation to study whether descendants of slaves in the nation ’ s most populous state should receive cash reparations .
Members are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure asking Californians to repeal Proposition 209 , a 1996 referendum that banned preferential treatment for minority groups applying to state colleges and government jobs .
Another measure would expand the right to vote for parolees .
Weber , a San Diego Democrat , said she has been frustrated in the past when bills backed by the Legislative Black Caucus “ get killed in committee ” or the politically powerful law enforcement lobby opposes changes such as ending neck holds , known as a carotid restraint .
San Diego police said Monday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two bills go before the Legislature ’ s Appropriations Committee Wednesday .
California ’ s ban on affirmative action has been controversial ever since California voters outlawed state institutions from discriminating or giving preference to individuals on the basis of race or sex .
Many minority groups support repealing the measure to boost racial and gender equity , with college admissions being a major flash point .
The repeal bill by Weber and two other lawmakers would need voter approval .
Another bill by Weber would establish an eight-person expert group to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to pay reparations .
The task force would hold hearings and issue recommendations on what forms of compensation should be awarded and who would be eligible .
The caucus also supports making it harder for law enforcement officers with a record of misconduct to move from one department to another .
Sen. Steven Bradford , a Democrat from Los Angeles , said the “ future of black California is dependent on changing this system.
” Protests nationwide over police brutality were sparked after four police officers in Minneapolis detained Floyd , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes on the ground .
While most of the protests have been peaceful , Weber also condemned the property damage and violence in some cities .
“ We don ’ t want people to get caught up in that .
We want them to remember the real issue , ” she said .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California’s Legislative Black Caucus is prioritizing a package of bills for this year that include police reform, a task force to study reparations and a repeal of California’s controversial 1996 law barring affirmative action at colleges following the police killing of George Floyd.
Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, who chairs the caucus, said California and the nation need deep reforms, from stricter rules about police conduct to leveling the playing field for black Americans in college admissions and in the workforce.
“Will it be systemic … or will this be a quick response that we’ve had before?” she said at a news conference Tuesday after advocating for sweeping legislation. “Every riot has its somehow quick response to the problem, and it doesn’t sustain itself. And we find ourselves back in the same situation. We’re optimistic that will not happen this time.”
The caucus’ wish list includes legislation to study whether descendants of slaves in the nation’s most populous state should receive cash reparations. Members are also seeking legislative approval for a proposed ballot measure asking Californians to repeal Proposition 209, a 1996 referendum that banned preferential treatment for minority groups applying to state colleges and government jobs. Another measure would expand the right to vote for parolees.
Weber, a San Diego Democrat, said she has been frustrated in the past when bills backed by the Legislative Black Caucus “get killed in committee” or the politically powerful law enforcement lobby opposes changes such as ending neck holds, known as a carotid restraint. San Diego police said Monday that officers will no longer use that tactic.
Two bills go before the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee Wednesday.
California’s ban on affirmative action has been controversial ever since California voters outlawed state institutions from discriminating or giving preference to individuals on the basis of race or sex. Many minority groups support repealing the measure to boost racial and gender equity, with college admissions being a major flash point. The repeal bill by Weber and two other lawmakers would need voter approval.
Another bill by Weber would establish an eight-person expert group to study whether California should become the first state to pay reparations. The task force would hold hearings and issue recommendations on what forms of compensation should be awarded and who would be eligible.
The caucus also supports making it harder for law enforcement officers with a record of misconduct to move from one department to another. Sen. Steven Bradford, a Democrat from Los Angeles, said the “future of black California is dependent on changing this system.”
Protests nationwide over police brutality were sparked after four police officers in Minneapolis detained Floyd, who was black. Floyd died after an officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes on the ground.
While most of the protests have been peaceful, Weber also condemned the property damage and violence in some cities.
“We don’t want people to get caught up in that. We want them to remember the real issue,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Los Angeles police have arrested 2,700 since protests began

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Los Angeles police have arrested more than 2,700 people since protests began last week , a total believed the largest of any American city .
Chief Michael Moore provided the figure Tuesday to the Police Commission , a civilian oversight board .
He said about 2,500 of the arrests were for failure to disperse or curfew violations .
The rest were for crimes including burglary , assaults on police officers and other violence .
On Monday alone , more than 1,000 were arrested , a one-day total that far surpasses all the arrests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New York City ’ s total on Monday was about 700 .
The Los Angeles County curfew was extended to a fourth night Tuesday .
Authorities credit it and the arrival of more than 1,000 National Guard troops with significantly reducing vandalism and thefts at businesses .
Meantime , Moore is under fire for comments he made Monday that rioters and thieves “ capitalizing ” on the demonstrations to commit crimes have the death of George Floyd “ on their hands ” just as much as the Minneapolis police officers who killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called in to the virtual Police Commission meeting slammed Moore for the remarks he made during a news conference with Mayor Eric Garcetti .
After Moore spoke , the mayor came back to the microphone and asked the chief to clarify his comments .
“ I misspoke when I said his blood was on their hands , ” Moore said .
“ Certainly your actions do not serve the enormity of his loss , and can not be in his memory.
” The chief apologized again on Twitter late Monday and once more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who called in to the meeting said Moore should resign .
Some described instances of police officers escalating violence at the protests by using tear gas or shooting rubber bullets into crowds .
“ The LAPD needs to be torn down and rebuilt , ” one caller said .
Other callers , who were not identified , claimed the police department hasn ’ t gained empathy for minority communities in the three decades since the Rodney King riots .
They said incidents of protesters clashing with police were sadly reminiscent of scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets after an all-white jury acquitted four white police officers of beating King after a traffic stop .
“ I understand that there are those that are not able to accept my apology , ” Moore said .
“ I ’ m hopeful that my words and deeds , as well as those in our department , will show others the genuineness of our intentions , our values and our beliefs.
” The chief told commissioners his department ’ s enforcement efforts have been “ to restore order , to identify those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and looting as well as to enforce the curfew.
” Twenty-seven LAPD officers have been injured during the protests and two hospitalized , including one who required surgery after his skull was fractured by a brick , Moore said .
All were expected to recover .
Moore didn ’ t know how many protesters were injured .
No one has been killed .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles police have arrested more than 2,700 people since protests began last week, a total believed the largest of any American city.
Police Chief Michel Moore provided the figure Tuesday to the Police Commission, a civilian oversight board. He said about 2,500 of the arrests were for failure to disperse or curfew violations. The rest were for crimes including burglary, assaults on police officers and other violence.
On Monday alone, more than 1,000 people were arrested, a one-day total that far surpasses all the arrests in virtually every city since the protests began. New York City’s total on Monday was about 700.
The Los Angeles County curfew was extended to a fourth night Tuesday. Authorities credit it and the arrival of more than 1,000 National Guard troops with significantly reducing vandalism and thefts at businesses.
Meantime, Moore is under fire for comments he made Monday that rioters and thieves “capitalizing” on the demonstrations to commit crimes have the death of George Floyd “on their hands” just as much as the Minneapolis police officers who killed him.
Members of the public who called in to the virtual Police Commission meeting slammed Moore for the remarks he made during a news conference with Mayor Eric Garcetti. After Moore spoke, the mayor came back to the microphone and asked the chief to clarify his comments.
“I misspoke when I said his blood was on their hands,” Moore said. “Certainly your actions do not serve the enormity of his loss, and cannot be in his memory.”
The chief apologized again on Twitter late Monday and once more during the commission meeting.
Many of those who called in to the meeting said Moore should resign. Some described instances of police officers escalating violence at the protests by using tear gas or shooting rubber bullets into crowds.
“The LAPD needs to be torn down and rebuilt,” one caller said.
Other callers, who were not identified, claimed the police department hasn’t gained empathy for minority communities in the three decades since the Rodney King riots. They said incidents of protesters clashing with police were sadly reminiscent of scenes from April 1992 when thousands took to the streets after an all-white jury acquitted four white police officers of beating King after a traffic stop.
“I understand that there are those that are not able to accept my apology,” Moore said. “I’m hopeful that my words and deeds, as well as those in our department, will show others the genuineness of our intentions, our values and our beliefs.”
Garcetti on Tuesday defended Moore and praised the chief for correcting his statement.
“That statement is a wrong statement, that looters are the equivalent of murderers. Looting is wrong but they are not the moral equivalents. The officers who killed George Floyd are murderers. I’m glad he quickly corrected it and I’m glad that he further apologized as well,” Garcetti said.
The chief told commissioners his department’s enforcement efforts have been “to restore order, to identify those responsible for arson, vandalism, burglary and looting as well as to enforce the curfew.”
Twenty-seven LAPD officers have been injured during the protests and two hospitalized, including one who required surgery after his skull was fractured by a brick, Moore said. All were expected to recover.
Moore didn’t know how many protesters were injured. No one has been killed.
___
Associated Press reporters John Antczak and Robert Jablon in Los Angeles contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--GOP's Spartz, Democrat Hale win Indiana's 5th district bids

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - State Sen. Victoria Spartz has won the Republican nomination to replace GOP Rep. Susan Brooks in a central Indiana congressional district that Democrats are targeting for the fall election .
Spartz won Tuesday ’ s primary over 14 other candidates in the 5th Congressional District after flooding TV screens and mailboxes with ads fueled largely by $ 1 million she loaned to her campaign .
Former state Rep. Christina Hale of Indianapolis won the Democratic primary and will face Spartz in the November election .
Spartz also benefited from nearly $ 500,000 spent by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighting past criticisms of President Donald Trump by other candidates in a race that largely turned into a contest of Trump loyalty .
That enabled Spartz , who is from Noblesville , to build name identification as a first-time candidate after two years in the state Senate from being picked by party activists to complete a retired senator ’ s term .
Hale was the 2016 Democratic lieutenant governor nominee , and she has already raised more than $ 1 million .
Hale ’ s closest challenger was Dee Thornton , the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - State Sen. Victoria Spartz has won the Republican nomination to replace GOP Rep. Susan Brooks in a central Indiana congressional district that Democrats are targeting for the fall election.
Spartz won Tuesday’s primary over 14 other candidates in the 5th Congressional District after flooding TV screens and mailboxes with ads fueled largely by $1 million she loaned to her campaign.
Former state Rep. Christina Hale of Indianapolis won the Democratic primary and will face Spartz in the November election.
Spartz also benefited from nearly $500,000 spent by the Washington-based anti-tax Club for Growth on ads highlighting past criticisms of President Donald Trump by other candidates in a race that largely turned into a contest of Trump loyalty.
That enabled Spartz, who is from Noblesville, to build name identification as a first-time candidate after two years in the state Senate from being picked by party activists to complete a retired senator’s term.
Hale was the 2016 Democratic lieutenant governor nominee, and she has already raised more than $1 million. Hale’s closest challenger was Dee Thornton, the party’s 2018 candidate for the seat who was endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Expensive California mask deal blows past another deadline

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - A Chinese company paid by California to manufacturer hundreds of millions of protective masks missed a Sunday deadline for federal certification , marking the second times its shipments to the state will be delayed .
State officials are deciding whether to give manufacturer BYD more time or seek a refund for about a quarter-billion dollars it already paid up front for the masks , said Brian Ferguson , spokesman for the Office of Emergency Services .
The contract requires BYD to repay the money by Friday unless it can reach an agreement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to actively explore what ’ s in the best interest both of taxpayers and the PPE supply chain alike , ” Ferguson said .
It ’ s the latest setback in the contract Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced with fanfare on a nightly cable news show in early April , calling it a “ bold and big ” expression of California ’ s economic power .
California signed the nearly $ 1 billion contract with BYD , a Chinese-based electric vehicle manufacturer with offices in California , to manufacture 200 million masks a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 60 million looser-fitting surgical masks to the state .
The rest of the order is for tight-fitting N95 masks that must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health .
The masks failed certification in April , prompting BYD to refund the state $ 247 million , half of what it paid up-front .
It had until Sunday to try again or be required to send the rest back .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear why the masks haven ’ t been certified .
The company said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time due to a paperwork issue and not because of the quality of the masks .
Katie Shahan , a NIOSH spokeswoman , said in mid-May the masks were denied “ based on a number of factors ” and that the company was given a corrective action plan .
She said about 30 % of mask approval applications fail .
Representatives for BYD did not immediately respond to emails and a phone call seeking comment .
Newsom has touted the contract as a success because the state has already received surgical masks he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen business , restaurants and other parts of the economy .
“ We have not spent one penny on anything we haven ’ t received , ” he said at a Friday news conference .
“ If they do not get the certification that ’ s required in the contract , we won ’ t be out $ 1 , and we ’ ll find other ways of procuring those masks.
” After Newsom announced the deal in April , skepticism grew as his administration refused for weeks to release details of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , at the same time it announced the first partial refund .
It ’ s one of several contracts the state executed that ultimately fell apart .
Administration officials say taxpayers didn ’ t lose any money in the deals .
Newsom enacted a statewide stay-at-home order on March 19 in response to the pandemic and the state began scrambling for personal protective equipment , competing against other states and countries for access to limited gear .
He ’ s now lifting parts of the order , allowing counties to reopen restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather , but with limitations .
The state has distributed masks to health care workers , schools and other essential services .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A Chinese company paid by California to manufacturer hundreds of millions of protective masks missed a Sunday deadline for federal certification, marking the second times its shipments to the state will be delayed.
State officials are deciding whether to give manufacturer BYD more time or seek a refund for about a quarter-billion dollars it already paid up front for the masks, said Brian Ferguson, spokesman for the Office of Emergency Services. The contract requires BYD to repay the money by Friday unless it can reach an agreement with the state.
“The state continues to actively explore what’s in the best interest both of taxpayers and the PPE supply chain alike,” Ferguson said.
It’s the latest setback in the contract Gov. Gavin Newsom announced with fanfare on a nightly cable news show in early April, calling it a “bold and big” expression of California’s economic power.
California signed the nearly $1 billion contract with BYD, a Chinese-based electric vehicle manufacturer with offices in California, to manufacture 200 million masks a month. The company has already sent more than 60 million looser-fitting surgical masks to the state.
The rest of the order is for tight-fitting N95 masks that must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The masks failed certification in April, prompting BYD to refund the state $247 million, half of what it paid up-front. It had until Sunday to try again or be required to send the rest back.
It wasn’t immediately clear why the masks haven’t been certified. The company said in May that it failed the first time due to a paperwork issue and not because of the quality of the masks. Katie Shahan, a NIOSH spokeswoman, said in mid-May the masks were denied “based on a number of factors” and that the company was given a corrective action plan. She said about 30% of mask approval applications fail.
Representatives for BYD did not immediately respond to emails and a phone call seeking comment.
Newsom has touted the contract as a success because the state has already received surgical masks he says are key to its efforts to reopen business, restaurants and other parts of the economy.
“We have not spent one penny on anything we haven’t received,” he said at a Friday news conference. “If they do not get the certification that’s required in the contract, we won’t be out $1, and we’ll find other ways of procuring those masks.”
After Newsom announced the deal in April, skepticism grew as his administration refused for weeks to release details of the contract. It released the contract in May, at the same time it announced the first partial refund. It’s one of several contracts the state executed that ultimately fell apart. Administration officials say taxpayers didn’t lose any money in the deals.
Newsom enacted a statewide stay-at-home order on March 19 in response to the pandemic and the state began scrambling for personal protective equipment, competing against other states and countries for access to limited gear. He’s now lifting parts of the order, allowing counties to reopen restaurants, churches and other facilities where people gather, but with limitations.
The state has distributed masks to health care workers, schools and other essential services.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--False claims of antifa protesters plague small U.S. cities

CHICAGO ( AP ) - In the days since President Donald Trump blamed antifa activists for an eruption of violence at protests over police killings of black people , social media has lit up with false rumors that the far-left-leaning group is transporting people to wreak havoc on small cities across America .
The speculation was being raised by conservative news outlets and pro-Trump social media accounts , as well as impostor Facebook and Twitter accounts .
Twitter and Facebook busted some of the instigators behind the unsubstantiated social media chatter .
Twitter determined Monday that a tweet promising antifa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ white ” neighborhoods was sent by the white supremacy group Identity Evropa .
The tweet was shared hundreds of times and cited in online news articles before Twitter removed it Monday , a company spokesperson said .
Yet the tweet continued to circulate Tuesday on Facebook and Instagram .
Facebook , using information shared by Twitter , announced Tuesday night it also took down a handful of accounts on its platform that were created by whites supremacy groups like Identity Evropa and American Guard , some of them posing as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some social media users have tried to delegitimize controversial or political protests with baseless theories that they were organized by wealthy financiers or extremists organizations .
Over the weekend , Trump singled out antifa as being responsible for the violent protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd , saying in a tweet : “ It ’ s ANTIFA and the Radical Left.
” “ Usually you see this when there ’ s an interest to deflect conversations from protests to just accusing the protests of being violent , organized or having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Filippo Menczer , a professor of informatics and computer science at Indiana University .
“ The president mentioning it , of course , has generated a huge spike.
” The theories about antifa - short for “ anti-fascists ” and an umbrella term for lefitst militant groups that confront or resist neo-Nazis and white supremacists at demonstrations - have trickled through cities across the country in recent days .
Police departments say people are phoning in “ tips ” they see on social media claiming antifa is sending buses or even planes full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Payette County , Idaho - a rural county of 24,000 - the calls started early Monday morning after one Facebook user said the sheriff had spotted antifa rioters in the area .
The calls didn ’ t taper off until the sheriff ’ s office debunked the rumor on Facebook .
“ It ’ s really a small community , where our citizens know us pretty well , ” said Payette County Sheriff Lt. Andy Creech .
“ When the post got out there , we started getting phone calls directly.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their friends to stay clear of a shopping center in a New Jersey suburb , saying it would be the center of antifa destruction on Tuesday .
But police had “ no credible information ” that antifa would be present in the area , Toms River Police Department media specialist Jillian Messina said in an email .
The police aren ’ t aware of anyone showing up at all , she added .
Identical Facebook and Twitter posts about busloads of antifa protesters also stumped the Sioux Falls Police Department , where officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t see any unusual bus activity in town .
But the claims still spread for days ahead of a planned protest this Saturday , said Sam Clemens , a public information officer for the department .
“ Everyone heard there were going to be buses of people , ” Clemens said .
“ It was very specific : there were three busloads.
” Even the owner of a Michigan limousine business was forced to refute online rumors when two of his buses became the center of a conspiracy theory that liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milan , Michigan .
Social media users widely shared a manipulated photo of his white buses , edited to show the words “ Soros Riot Dance squad ” emblazoned on the sides .
The buses belong to Sean Duval , the owner of local transportation company Golden Limousine International , and don ’ t have any words printed on them .
Said Duval : “ It ’ s frustrating when people from the outside start instigating and try to turn American against American.
” Associated Press writers Barbara Ortutay in Oakland , Calif. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ali Swenson in Seattle contributed to this report .

CHICAGO (AP) - In the days since President Donald Trump blamed antifa activists for an eruption of violence at protests over police killings of black people, social media has lit up with false rumors that the far-left-leaning group is transporting people to wreak havoc on small cities across America.
The speculation was being raised by conservative news outlets and pro-Trump social media accounts, as well as impostor Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Twitter and Facebook busted some of the instigators behind the unsubstantiated social media chatter. Twitter determined Monday that a tweet promising antifa would “move into residential areas” and “white” neighborhoods was sent by the white supremacy group Identity Evropa. The tweet was shared hundreds of times and cited in online news articles before Twitter removed it Monday, a company spokesperson said.
Yet the tweet continued to circulate Tuesday on Facebook and Instagram.
Facebook, using information shared by Twitter, announced Tuesday night it also took down a handful of accounts on its platform that were created by white supremacy groups like Identity Evropa and American Guard, some of them posing as part of the antifa movement.
For years, some social media users have tried to delegitimize controversial or political protests with baseless theories that they were organized by wealthy financiers or extremists organizations. Over the weekend, Trump singled out antifa as being responsible for the violent protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd, saying in a tweet: “It’s ANTIFA and the Radical Left.”
“Usually you see this when there’s an interest to deflect conversations from protests to just accusing the protests of being violent, organized or having backers that are evil,”said Filippo Menczer, a professor of informatics and computer science at Indiana University. “The president mentioning it, of course, has generated a huge spike.”
The theories about antifa - short for “anti-fascists” and an umbrella term for lefitst militant groups that confront or resist neo-Nazis and white supremacists at demonstrations - have trickled through cities across the country in recent days.
Police departments say people are phoning in “tips” they see on social media claiming antifa is sending buses or even planes full of antifa activists to their area.
In Payette County, Idaho - a rural county of 24,000 - the calls started early Monday morning after one Facebook user said the sheriff had spotted antifa rioters in the area. The calls didn’t taper off until the sheriff’s office debunked the rumor on Facebook.
“It’s really a small community, where our citizens know us pretty well,” said Payette County Sheriff Lt. Andy Creech. “When the post got out there, we started getting phone calls directly.”
Meanwhile, Facebook users were also warning their friends to stay clear of a shopping center in a New Jersey suburb, saying it would be the center of antifa destruction on Tuesday.
But police had “no credible information” that antifa would be present in the area, Toms River Police Department media specialist Jillian Messina said in an email. The police aren’t aware of anyone showing up at all, she added.
Identical Facebook and Twitter posts about busloads of antifa protesters also stumped the Sioux Falls Police Department, where officers in the South Dakota city said they didn’t see any unusual bus activity in town. But the claims still spread for days ahead of a planned protest this Saturday, said Sam Clemens, a public information officer for the department.
“Everyone heard there were going to be buses of people,” Clemens said. “It was very specific: there were three busloads.”
Even the owner of a Michigan limousine business was forced to refute online rumors when two of his buses became the center of a conspiracy theory that liberal financier George Soros was funneling protesters to Milan, Michigan. Social media users widely shared a manipulated photo of his white buses, edited to show the words “Soros Riot Dance squad” emblazoned on the sides.
The buses belong to Sean Duval, the owner of local transportation company Golden Limousine International, and don’t have any words printed on them.
Said Duval: “It’s frustrating when people from the outside start instigating and try to turn American against American.”
___
Associated Press writers Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, Calif., Beatrice Dupuy in New York and Ali Swenson in Seattle contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--The Latest: Minneapolis School Board ends police contract

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - The Latest on the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd , a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck : The Minneapolis school board has voted to end its contract with the Minneapolis Police Department following the death last week of George Floyd while a white police officer pressed his knee to the black man ’ s neck .
The Star Tribune reports the vote was unanimous Tuesday .
Minneapolis Public Schools will stop further negotiations with the Police Department .
Schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new plan for school safety by the board ’ s Aug. 18 meeting .
School board chairwoman Kim Ellison said in an interview that she values “ people and education and life.
” Ellison said she ’ s now convinced , “ based on the actions of the Minneapolis Police Department , that we don ’ t have the same values.
” The Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts have faced criticism over the use of school resource officers .
Both districts have sought to transform the role to be more of @ @ @ @ @ @

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Latest on the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck:
8 p.m.
The Minneapolis school board has voted to end its contract with the Minneapolis Police Department following the death last week of George Floyd while a white police officer pressed his knee to the black man’s neck.
The Star Tribune reports the vote was unanimous Tuesday.
Minneapolis Public Schools will stop further negotiations with the Police Department. Schools Superintendent Ed Graff must come up with a new plan for school safety by the board’s Aug. 18 meeting.
School board chairwoman Kim Ellison said in an interview that she values “people and education and life.” Ellison said she’s now convinced, “based on the actions of the Minneapolis Police Department, that we don’t have the same values.”
The Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts have faced criticism over the use of school resource officers. Both districts have sought to transform the role to be more of a mentor than an enforcer.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Sarah Iannarone, 'Antifa mayor,' eyes Portland, Oregon runoff win

Voters in Portland , Oregon , will decide in November whether to elect an Antifa mayor , even after President Trump vowed to declare Antifa a domestic terrorism organization .
Longtime Portland community organizer Sarah Iannarone has made no secret of her political sympathies .
She declared last year that “ I am Antifa ” and wryly embraced the “ Antifa mayor ” label .
She and her campaign manager , Gregory McKelvey , were featured in a December article in Playboy with the headline “ Antifa in Focus.
” “ I am antifa , ” she tweeted in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good people of this city organizing in countless ways every day to oppose hate in its myriad forms.
” Two months later , she tweeted , “ If they ’ re going to call me ‘ Antifa Mayor , ’ then I might as well fight fascism.
” Despite her proud stance , or maybe because of it , Ms. Iannarone placed second in the crowded May 19 mayoral primary with 23.8 % of the vote .
That landed her in the November runoff with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler , who came up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to win the race outright .
A former Oregon state treasurer , Mr. Wheeler is as liberal as the next big-city mayor .
He is a Democrat , though the office is nonpartisan , but the often-violent clashes between Antifa and right-wing groups such as Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys have placed him in a difficult position .
Mr. Wheeler , 57 , has sought to discourage right-wingers from rallying in Portland , but he has run afoul of leftist extremists by refusing to ban right-wing groups from holding rallies on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues involved .
“ He ’ s in a no-win situation , ” said Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bill Currier , mayor of Adair Village .
“ He ’ s somewhat sympathetic to [ Antifa ‘ s ] objectives , but he is loathed by them .
With the Antifa folks , you ’ re either all-in or you ’ re against them.
” Ms. Iannarone has taken advantage of the tension by accusing the mayor of using the “ militarized ” police to create a “ safe space ” for “ white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her “ rethinking public safety ” plan calls for exploring “ all legal avenues to prevent hate groups from crossing state lines ” and “ speaking out against hate groups with the goal of destigmatizing antifascism and clearly demonstrating that the people of Portland wish to stand up to the rise of fascism and white nationalism.
” “ Sarah rejects the notion of ‘ both sides , ’ ” her platform statement reads .
“ When the people stand up , the mayor should stand with them .
The demonization of antifascism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no-tolerance position on “ hate groups ” may be a First Amendment lawsuit waiting to happen , but it has without a doubt made her a popular figure on the far left , a not-insignificant percentage of the Portland vote .
“ There is a subculture in Portland that goes along with their unofficial motto of ‘ Keep Portland Weird , ’ where a certain amount of anarchy is embraced , ” Mr. Currier said .
“ It ’ s about sticking it to the man to achieve social justice goals.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Ms. Iannarone , who placed third in the 2016 mayoral primary , has the political sense not to look the part .
With her short , elfin red hair and round glasses , the 46-year-old looks more like a cool college professor than a street radical .
She was savvy enough to take advantage of Portland ’ s little-used campaign financing program , which matches donations of $ 50 or less by 6-to-1 , bringing her $ 330,892 in public funding , according to Willamette Week .
Ms. Iannarone also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She frequently defends Antifa activists as peaceful and blames law enforcement and the far-right for skirmishes .
Instead of hurting her , the rioting spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody may have helped Ms. Iannarone by giving her political ammunition .
Mr. Wheeler has looked overwhelmed by the thousands of protesters descending on Portland .
The mayor has imposed a curfew and called for Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown , a Democrat , to send in National Guard troops to bolster local officers .
Ms. Iannarone promptly condemned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in The National Guard to stop the peaceful protests our community desperately needs to heal , ” Ms. Iannarone said Monday in a written statement .
“ The mayor of Portland should not be taking marching orders from Donald Trump ’ s tweets.
” Portland police , who have made at least 75 arrests , may have a different view of whether the protests are peaceful , but Ms. Iannarone said the presence of law enforcement is making matters worse .
“ The solution to outrage over police brutality is not a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ This perpetuates the ‘ us vs. them ’ attitude that is ripping our city apart .
I stood proudly beside our community in protest this week .
They need to be heard , not hurt.
” Mr. Wheeler has strong union support and will undoubtedly outraise her campaign , but Republican political consultant Jonathan Lockwood warned that Ms. Iannarone should not be underestimated .
“ On one hand , you have the incompetent , impotent Ted Wheeler , and on the other , you have an Antifa candidate who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pumping taxpayer funds , ” Mr. Lockwood said .
“ I think it should be taken more seriously that she ’ s out and proud Antifa , and the people scoffing at her campaign should realize she now has until November to drag Wheeler out of City Hall.
” Asked about his candidate ’ s Antifa affiliation , Mr. McKelvey said the campaign had no comment and took issue with questions about whether Ms. Iannarone belongs to the loosely organized anarchist group .
“ We can not respond to an inquiry which implies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or which intentionally confuses the default position of antifascism with membership with any group , ” he said in an email .
In her Playboy interview , Ms. Iannarone said she felt a “ responsibility to change the public discourse around anti-fascism , absolutely.
” “ Our society ’ s lack of awareness and understanding of the issue is extremely disappointing to me , ” she said .
“ Because this problem exists within the system , it ’ s important we use radical tactics — though I definitely think electoral politics matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m running .
”

Voters in Portland, Oregon, will decide in November whether to elect an Antifa mayor, even after President Trump vowed to declare Antifa a domestic terrorism organization.
Longtime Portland community organizer Sarah Iannarone has made no secret of her political sympathies. She declared last year that “I am Antifa” and wryly embraced the “Antifa mayor” label. She and her campaign manager, Gregory McKelvey, were featured in a December article in Playboy with the headline “Antifa in Focus.”
“I am antifa,” she tweeted in September. “I stand proudly beside the good people of this city organizing in countless ways every day to oppose hate in its myriad forms.”
Two months later, she tweeted, “If they’re going to call me ‘Antifa Mayor,’ then I might as well fight fascism.”
Despite her proud stance, or maybe because of it, Ms. Iannarone placed second in the crowded May 19 mayoral primary with 23.8% of the vote. That landed her in the November runoff with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who came up just shy of the 50% threshold needed to win the race outright.
A former Oregon state treasurer, Mr. Wheeler is as liberal as the next big-city mayor. He is a Democrat, though the office is nonpartisan, but the often-violent clashes between Antifa and right-wing groups such as Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys have placed him in a difficult position.
Mr. Wheeler, 57, has sought to discourage right-wingers from rallying in Portland, but he has run afoul of leftist extremists by refusing to ban right-wing groups from holding rallies on city property, given the free speech issues involved.
“He’s in a no-win situation,” said Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bill Currier, mayor of Adair Village. “He’s somewhat sympathetic to [Antifa’s] objectives, but he is loathed by them. With the Antifa folks, you’re either all-in or you’re against them.”
Ms. Iannarone has taken advantage of the tension by accusing the mayor of using the “militarized” police to create a “safe space” for “white nationalists” while “abusing” anti-fascists.
Her “rethinking public safety” plan calls for exploring “all legal avenues to prevent hate groups from crossing state lines” and “speaking out against hate groups with the goal of destigmatizing antifascism and clearly demonstrating that the people of Portland wish to stand up to the rise of fascism and white nationalism.”
“Sarah rejects the notion of ‘both sides,’” her platform statement reads. “When the people stand up, the mayor should stand with them. The demonization of antifascism is dangerous for democracy.”
Ms. Iannarone’s no-tolerance position on “hate groups” may be a First Amendment lawsuit waiting to happen, but it has without a doubt made her a popular figure on the far left, a not-insignificant percentage of the Portland vote.
“There is a subculture in Portland that goes along with their unofficial motto of ‘Keep Portland Weird,’ where a certain amount of anarchy is embraced,” Mr. Currier said. “It’s about sticking it to the man to achieve social justice goals.”
She may toe the Antifa line, but Ms. Iannarone, who placed third in the 2016 mayoral primary, has the political sense not to look the part. With her short, elfin red hair and round glasses, the 46-year-old looks more like a cool college professor than a street radical.
She was savvy enough to take advantage of Portland’s little-used campaign financing program, which matches donations of $50 or less by 6-to-1, bringing her $330,892 in public funding, according to Willamette Week.
Ms. Iannarone also has been careful not to espouse violence. She frequently defends Antifa activists as peaceful and blames law enforcement and the far-right for skirmishes.
Instead of hurting her, the rioting spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody may have helped Ms. Iannarone by giving her political ammunition. Mr. Wheeler has looked overwhelmed by the thousands of protesters descending on Portland.
The mayor has imposed a curfew and called for Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, to send in National Guard troops to bolster local officers. Ms. Iannarone promptly condemned the action.
“I oppose calling in The National Guard to stop the peaceful protests our community desperately needs to heal,” Ms. Iannarone said Monday in a written statement. “The mayor of Portland should not be taking marching orders from Donald Trump’s tweets.”
Portland police, who have made at least 75 arrests, may have a different view of whether the protests are peaceful, but Ms. Iannarone said the presence of law enforcement is making matters worse.
“The solution to outrage over police brutality is not a more militarized presence in our streets,” she said. “This perpetuates the ‘us vs. them’ attitude that is ripping our city apart. I stood proudly beside our community in protest this week. They need to be heard, not hurt.”
Mr. Wheeler has strong union support and will undoubtedly outraise her campaign, but Republican political consultant Jonathan Lockwood warned that Ms. Iannarone should not be underestimated.
“On one hand, you have the incompetent, impotent Ted Wheeler, and on the other, you have an Antifa candidate who was able to force a runoff by pumping taxpayer funds,” Mr. Lockwood said. “I think it should be taken more seriously that she’s out and proud Antifa, and the people scoffing at her campaign should realize she now has until November to drag Wheeler out of City Hall.”
Asked about his candidate’s Antifa affiliation, Mr. McKelvey said the campaign had no comment and took issue with questions about whether Ms. Iannarone belongs to the loosely organized anarchist group.
“We cannot respond to an inquiry which implies one can be a part of Antifa or which intentionally confuses the default position of antifascism with membership with any group,” he said in an email.
In her Playboy interview, Ms. Iannarone said she felt a “responsibility to change the public discourse around anti-fascism, absolutely.”
“Our society’s lack of awareness and understanding of the issue is extremely disappointing to me,” she said. “Because this problem exists within the system, it’s important we use radical tactics — though I definitely think electoral politics matter, and that’s why I’m running.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--The Latest: Biden wins South Dakota's presidential primary

The Latest on Tuesday ’ s primary elections ( all times EDT ) : Democrat Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania ’ s presidential primary , which promises the biggest haul of delegates among the seven states choosing their presidential nominees on Tuesday .
Biden has also won the Democratic primaries in Rhode Island and Indiana .
With no active opposition , Biden is already the party ’ s presumed nominee .
But the former vice president ’ s haul of delegates from Tuesday ’ s voting pushes him closer to the 1,911 delegates he needs to claim the Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating in primary elections .
They coincide with a time of crisis across the country .
Voters have had to navigate both health concerns over the coronavirus and protests against racism and police brutality .
Indiana is among the states and the District of Columbia with primaries on Tuesday .
Pennsylvania offers the day ’ s biggest trove of presidential delegates .
The Democratic result in Indiana was expected because Biden ’ s rivals have already dropped out of the race .
The former vice president ’ s haul of delegates from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,911 delegates he needs to capture the Democratic presidential nomination .
The state ’ s primary was delayed by four weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Voters in nine states and the District of Columbia are participating in primaries Tuesday .
The states voting are Idaho , Indiana , Iowa , Maryland , Montana , New Mexico , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island and South Dakota .
Indiana polls are scheduled to close first , at 7 p.m. Eastern time .
Pennsylvania offers the day ’ s biggest trove of delegates .
Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee , but he needs to win 89 % of all delegates at stake Tuesday to formally clinch the nomination .
If he doesn ’ t reach the requisite number on Tuesday , he has more opportunities to do so later this month .
Voters are navigating coronavirus concerns and curfews in place amid protests of George Floyd ’ s killing by police .
In-person voting is down in every state , as many voters were encouraged to vote by mail because of the pandemic .

The Latest on Tuesday’s primary elections (all times EDT):
1:05 a.m.
Former CIA operative Valerie Plame has lost her race in the Democratic primary for an open seat representing New Mexico in Congress.
Attorney Teresa Leger Fernandez overcame six competitors to win her party’s nomination to succeed U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján as he runs for the U.S. Senate. Sen. Tom Udall is retiring.
In her first run for public office, Plame harnessed her fame as a former U.S. intelligence operative whose secret identity was exposed shorty after her diplomat husband disputed U.S. intelligence used to justify the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Leger Fernandez was making her first bid for public office as a professional advocate for Native American communities and voting rights issues.
She could become the first woman to represent the state’s 3rd Congressional District, a Democrat-heavy district.
___
12:10 a.m.
Controversial Iowa Republican congressman Steve King has lost his bid to be nominated for a 10th term.
The 71-year-old Iowa native faced four challengers in Tuesday’s Iowa primary. Topping the field is a well-funded state senator, Randy Feenstra, who offered support for President Donald Trump, hardline immigration policies and other conservative views without King’s baggage.
Provocative statements piling up over the years have been a drag on King’s latest campaign. He has compared immigrants crossing the border illegally to cattle, made light of rape and incest in defending his anti-abortion views, and wondered aloud when the term “white supremacist” became offensive.
Last year House Republicans stripped King of his committee assignments after his remarks seeming to defend white nationalism appeared in The New York Times. King said they were taken out of context.
Critics in both parties have charged that King is no longer an effective representative for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District on agriculture and other local issues. Worse for King, even his supporters worried that he could lose the seat to a Democratic challenger if he were nominated again.
___
10:45 p.m.
Joe Biden has scored a clean sweep of the seven states conducting Democratic presidential primaries on Tuesday, not at all a surprise given that the presumptive Democratic nominee has no active opposition.
Yet the delegate haul is important to Biden’s goal of gaining enough delegates to claim the Democratic nomination before the party’s summer convention. Tuesday’s results may leave Biden just short of the 1,991 delegates he needs, but primaries next week in Georgia and West Virginia could put him over the top.
Of Tuesday’s elections, Pennsylvania’s could add the most delegates to Biden’s count. He also won contests in Maryland, Indiana, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Montana and South Dakota.
Also choosing a nominee Tuesday are voters in the District of Columbia. Those results are pending.
___
10:44 p.m.
Dozens of Maryland primary voters are waiting in line to vote two hours after polls were scheduled to close.
At one location in Baltimore, roughly 100 people were still waiting to cast their ballots around 10 p.m. Tuesday. Another location had about 50 people in line.
The voting was being slowed by the limited number of people allowed inside the polling stations because of the coronavirus pandemic. Most voting took place by mail because of the virus.
However, elections officials allowed six in-person voting centers in Baltimore over concerns that ballots were not arriving in the mail as scheduled.
The highest-profile contest on the ballot is the Baltimore mayoral election. Voters are looking for a leader who can get violent crime under control, address deep-rooted poverty and restore trust in local government after years of scandal and dysfunction.
___
10:19 p.m.
Joe Biden has won the Montana presidential primary as he advances toward the goal of earning enough delegates to claim the Democratic Party nomination before the summer convention.
The primary in Montana was conducted by mail in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Biden has also won Tuesday contests in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Rhode Island, New Mexico and South Dakota.
With no active opposition, Biden is already the party’s presumed nominee. But the former vice president’s haul of delegates from Tuesday’s voting pushes him closer to the 1,911 delegates he needs to claim the Democratic presidential nomination.
Voters in several states and the District of Columbia have participated in primary elections Tuesday. They coincide with a time of crisis across the country. Voters have had to navigate both health concerns over the coronavirus and protests against racism and police brutality.
___
9:30 p.m.
Democrat Joe Biden has won the New Mexico presidential primary, his latest victory in Tuesday’s voting as he marches toward earning enough delegates to claim the party nomination before the summer convention.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has pledged to help Biden connect with racial- and ethnic-minority voters in the state. She has also been talked about as a possible Biden running mate.
Biden has also won Tuesday contests in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Rhode Island and South Dakota.
With no active opposition, Biden is already the party’s presumed nominee. But the former vice president’s haul of delegates from Tuesday’s voting pushes him closer to the 1,911 delegates he needs to claim the Democratic presidential nomination.
Voters in several states and the District of Columbia are participating in primary elections. They coincide with a time of crisis across the country. Voters have had to navigate both health concerns over the coronavirus and protests against racism and police brutality.
___
9:13 p.m.
Democrat Joe Biden has won the South Dakota presidential primary, racking up another victory in Tuesday’s voting as he marches toward earning enough delegates to claim the party nomination before the summer convention.
The secretary of state’s office sent absentee ballot applications to all registered voters in South Dakota in late April amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden has also won primaries in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Indiana.
With no active opposition, Biden is already the party’s presumed nominee. But the former vice president’s haul of delegates from Tuesday’s voting pushes him closer to the 1,911 delegates he needs to claim the Democratic presidential nomination.
Voters in several states and the District of Columbia are participating in primary elections. They coincide with a time of crisis across the country. Voters have had to navigate both health concerns over the coronavirus and protests against racism and police brutality.
___
8:55 p.m.
Joe Biden has won Maryland’s Democratic presidential primary.
Biden was declared the winner of Tuesday’s primary on a night when six other states and the District of Columbia are voting in the presidential nomination contest. The result has been expected because Biden’s rivals have already dropped out of the race.
Voters in Maryland were strongly urged to vote by mail because of concerns about further spread of the coronavirus.
Biden’s haul of delegates from his Maryland win and victories in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Indianan push him closer to the 1,911 delegates he needs to capture the Democratic presidential nomination.
___
8:40 p.m.
Democrat Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania’s presidential primary, which promises the biggest haul of delegates among the seven states choosing their presidential nominees on Tuesday.
Biden has also won the Democratic primaries in Rhode Island and Indiana.
With no active opposition, Biden is already the party’s presumed nominee. But the former vice president’s haul of delegates from Tuesday’s voting pushes him closer to the 1,911 delegates he needs to claim the Democratic presidential nomination.
Voters in several states are participating in primary elections. They coincide with a time of crisis across the country. Voters have had to navigate both health concerns over the coronavirus and protests against racism and police brutality.
___
7:05 p.m.
Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump have won Indiana’s presidential primary.
Indiana is among the states and the District of Columbia with primaries on Tuesday. Pennsylvania offers the day’s biggest trove of presidential delegates.
The Democratic result in Indiana was expected because Biden’s rivals have already dropped out of the race.
The former vice president’s haul of delegates from the Indiana victory pushes him closer to the 1,911 delegates he needs to capture the Democratic presidential nomination.
The state’s primary was delayed by four weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak.
___
4:40 p.m.
Voters in nine states and the District of Columbia are participating in primaries Tuesday.
The states voting are Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota.
Indiana polls are scheduled to close first, at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Pennsylvania offers the day’s biggest trove of delegates. Joe Biden is already the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, but he needs to win 89% of all delegates at stake Tuesday to formally clinch the nomination. If he doesn’t reach the requisite number on Tuesday, he has more opportunities to do so later this month.
Voters are navigating coronavirus concerns and curfews in place amid protests of George Floyd’s killing by police. In-person voting is down in every state, as many voters were encouraged to vote by mail because of the pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Former Gov. Hickenlooper tries to quash ethics subpoena

DENVER ( AP ) - Former Colorado Gov .
John Hickenlooper ’ s Senate campaign on Tuesday asked a state court to quash a subpoena requiring him to testify during a virtual hearing of the Independent Ethics Commission , arguing anything less than in-person testimony would violate Hickenlooper ’ s due process rights .
Hickenlooper ’ s campaign said he is happy to testify in the hearing over a Republican complaint that he violated ethics laws by accepting rides in private airplanes when he was governor .
Republicans argue Hickenlooper violated the state ’ s voter-approved ban on gifts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ partisan smear .
The initial hearing was delayed by the coronavirus outbreak .
The commission wants Hickenlooper to testify during a virtual meeting on Thursday .
Hickenlooper ’ s attorney contended the commission is using glitchy software that could hamper Hickenlooper ’ s ability to present a full defense and say he could testify in-person in August .
That ’ d be after the June 30 Democratic primary , during which Hickenlooper faces former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff .
The winner of that contest will face Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in the @ @

DENVER (AP) - Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s Senate campaign on Tuesday asked a state court to quash a subpoena requiring him to testify during a virtual hearing of the Independent Ethics Commission, arguing anything less than in-person testimony would violate Hickenlooper’s due process rights.
Hickenlooper’s campaign said he is happy to testify in the hearing over a Republican complaint that he violated ethics laws by accepting rides in private airplanes when he was governor. Republicans argue Hickenlooper violated the state’s voter-approved ban on gifts. The campaign claims the complaint is a partisan smear.
The initial hearing was delayed by the coronavirus outbreak. The commission wants Hickenlooper to testify during a virtual meeting on Thursday. Hickenlooper’s attorney contended the commission is using glitchy software that could hamper Hickenlooper’s ability to present a full defense and say he could testify in-person in August.
That’d be after the June 30 Democratic primary, during which Hickenlooper faces former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. The winner of that contest will face Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in the fall.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Hawaii lineman faces charges of violating virus quarantine

HONOLULU ( AP ) - A University of Hawaii football player was among those arrested on suspicion of violating a 14-day quarantine imposed on travelers to control the spread of the coronavirus , officials said .
The Hawai ‘ i COVID-19 Joint Information Center said Venasio Vaipulu was arrested Monday by special agents from the attorney general ’ s office after a witness reported he had returned from a trip on May 18 but left his designated quarantine location almost every day .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether he had an attorney .
A voicemail message left with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not immediately returned .
University of Hawaii spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said the school had no comment .
An emergency order issued by the governor requires that people arriving from out of state or traveling between islands stay in their lodgings for 14 days .
They may leave only for medical emergencies .
Vaipulu is listed on the football team ’ s roster as Solo Vaipulu , a junior offensive lineman .
Last year , he played in 10 games and started in nine .
Agents arrested Vaipulu on suspicion of a self-quarantine violation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was booked , charged and his bail was set at $ 4,000 .
Hawaii law enforcement personnel have arrested dozens of travelers suspected of quarantine violations since March 26 , when the requirement took effect .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
The vast majority of people recover @

HONOLULU (AP) - A University of Hawaii football player was among those arrested on suspicion of violating a 14-day quarantine imposed on travelers to control the spread of the coronavirus, officials said.
The Hawai‘i COVID-19 Joint Information Center said Venasio Vaipulu was arrested Monday by special agents from the attorney general’s office after a witness reported he had returned from a trip on May 18 but left his designated quarantine location almost every day.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had an attorney. A voicemail message left with the public defender’s office was not immediately returned. University of Hawaii spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said the school had no comment.
An emergency order issued by the governor requires that people arriving from out of state or traveling between islands stay in their lodgings for 14 days. They may leave only for medical emergencies.
Vaipulu is listed on the football team’s roster as Solo Vaipulu, a junior offensive lineman. Last year, he played in 10 games and started in nine.
Agents arrested Vaipulu on suspicion of a self-quarantine violation and unsworn falsification to authority. He was booked, charged and his bail was set at $4,000.
Hawaii law enforcement personnel have arrested dozens of travelers suspected of quarantine violations since March 26, when the requirement took effect.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Judge blocks sit-down dining at central Minnesota bar chain

ST .
CLOUD , Minn. ( AP ) - A judge on Tuesday blocked a chain of central Minnesota bars and restaurants from offering sit-down dining in violation of Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s peacetime emergency order during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Stearns County judge issued a temporary injunction sought by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison against the owner of the “ Shady ’ s ” chain .
Shady ’ s owner Kris Schiffler earlier had planned to reopen a bar in Albany last month , but announced he was not reopening after he was blocked by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially the folks who live in and near Stearns County - can be relieved that the Court has put their health first by granting this temporary injunction , ” Ellison said in a statement .
Walz has since allowed bars and restaurants to offer outdoor dining .
Ellison has said his office warned Schiffler that he could be fined up to $ 25,000 for each location that opened .
Schiffler also has Shady ’ s taverns in Burtrum , Cold Spring , New Munich , Rice and St. Martin .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 hot spot with 2,042 cases confirmed as of Tuesday .
An attorney for “ Shady ’ s ” owner did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday .
As of Tuesday , more than 25,500 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in Minnesota .
Minnesota reported 22 new deaths Tuesday , raising the state ’ s death toll to 1,072 .

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) - A judge on Tuesday blocked a chain of central Minnesota bars and restaurants from offering sit-down dining in violation of Gov. Tim Walz’s peacetime emergency order during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Stearns County judge issued a temporary injunction sought by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison against the owner of the “Shady’s” chain. Shady’s owner Kris Schiffler earlier had planned to reopen a bar in Albany last month, but announced he was not reopening after he was blocked by a court order.
“All Minnesotans - especially the folks who live in and near Stearns County - can be relieved that the Court has put their health first by granting this temporary injunction,” Ellison said in a statement.
Walz has since allowed bars and restaurants to offer outdoor dining.
Ellison has said his office warned Schiffler that he could be fined up to $25,000 for each location that opened. Schiffler also has Shady’s taverns in Burtrum, Cold Spring, New Munich, Rice and St. Martin. They’re all in or near Stearns County, a COVID-19 hot spot with 2,042 cases confirmed as of Tuesday.
An attorney for “Shady’s” owner did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, more than 25,500 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in Minnesota. Minnesota reported 22 new deaths Tuesday, raising the state’s death toll to 1,072.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Judge invalidates proposed land swap for Alaska refuge road

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - A judge has vacated a proposed land exchange aimed at building a road through a national wildlife refuge in Alaska , finding procedural violations .
U.S. District Court Senior Judge John Sedwick in a ruling Monday said Interior Secretary David Bernhardt failed to provide adequate reasoning to support a change in policy in entering into a land exchange agreement with King Cove Corp .
The Interior Department , under the Obama administration , declined a proposed land swap to build a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge , an internationally recognized habitat for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alaska Peninsula .
Supporters of a proposed road that would connect remote King Cove to Cold Bay and its all-weather airport see the matter as a safety issue .
The Trump administration previously proposed a land exchange but a judge found insufficient rationale for the shift in position in that case , too .
Nicole Whittington-Evans , Alaska program director for Defenders of Wildlife , in a statement called the ruling “ a victory for an ecologically irreplaceable area and the black brant , Emperor geese , brown bears and stunning array of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Della Trumble , CEO of King Cove Corp. , called the decision disheartening .
She said it ’ s being reviewed and had no comment on any potential next steps .
But , she said , “ we ’ ve been a part of this battle for 35 years and we ’ re not going to quit .
That is the bottom line.
” Nick Goodwin , an Interior Department spokesperson , by email said Bernhardt “ firmly believes that the welfare and well-being of the Alaska Native people who call King Cove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands behind its decision .
”

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A judge has vacated a proposed land exchange aimed at building a road through a national wildlife refuge in Alaska, finding procedural violations.
U.S. District Court Senior Judge John Sedwick in a ruling Monday said Interior Secretary David Bernhardt failed to provide adequate reasoning to support a change in policy in entering into a land exchange agreement with King Cove Corp.
The Interior Department, under the Obama administration, declined a proposed land swap to build a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, an internationally recognized habitat for migrating waterfowl near the tip of the Alaska Peninsula. Supporters of a proposed road that would connect remote King Cove to Cold Bay and its all-weather airport see the matter as a safety issue.
The Trump administration previously proposed a land exchange but a judge found insufficient rationale for the shift in position in that case, too.
Nicole Whittington-Evans, Alaska program director for Defenders of Wildlife, in a statement called the ruling “a victory for an ecologically irreplaceable area and the black brant, Emperor geese, brown bears and stunning array of other wildlife that call it home.”
Della Trumble, CEO of King Cove Corp., called the decision disheartening. She said it’s being reviewed and had no comment on any potential next steps.
But, she said, “we’ve been a part of this battle for 35 years and we’re not going to quit. That is the bottom line.”
Nick Goodwin, an Interior Department spokesperson, by email said Bernhardt “firmly believes that the welfare and well-being of the Alaska Native people who call King Cove home is paramount, and the Department stands behind its decision.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Virus outbreak at Kansas City paper plant infects 200-plus

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - A coronavirus outbreak at a Kansas City paper plant has infected @ @ @ @ @ health officials announced Tuesday .
The Kansas City Health Department said the first employee at @ @ @ @ @ in mid-May .
As cases continued to increase , Aspen tested all its employees on @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City plant employs about 850 people .
Health officials are working with Aspen to @ @ @ @ @ equipment .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A coronavirus outbreak at a Kansas City paper plant has infected more than 200 people, health officials announced Tuesday.
The Kansas City Health Department said the first employee at Aspen Paper Products tested positive in mid-May. As cases continued to increase, Aspen tested all its employees on Friday and Saturday. The Kansas City plant employs about 850 people.
Health officials are working with Aspen to increase cleaning and personal protection equipment.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Police in Bay Area find man cannibalizing grandmother

RICHMOND , Calif. ( AP ) - Police in the San Francisco Bay Area arrested a man on suspicion of murdering and cannibalizing his own grandmother .
Dwayne Wallick , 37 , was arrested Monday after Richmond police allegedly caught him in the act of eating his 90-year-old grandmother , Ruby Wallick .
Police are unsure of a motive , and continued to investigate , the East Bay Times reported .
Officers responded to the home in a quiet residential area after receiving a report of a man standing over a woman ’ s body covered in blood .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found Dwayne Wallick standing over his grandmother , police said .
They ordered Wallick to stop , but he ignored them and continued what he was doing , police said .
They used a stun gun on him and after a struggle , he was handcuffed and arrested .
Wallick remains in a hospital , where he is being treated for unspecified physical injuries .
Investigators are looking into whether drug use played a role in the crime , police said .
Ruby Wallick was pronounced dead Monday , but her cause of @ @ @ @ @ @

RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) - Police in the San Francisco Bay Area arrested a man on suspicion of murdering and cannibalizing his own grandmother.
Dwayne Wallick, 37, was arrested Monday after Richmond police allegedly caught him in the act of eating his 90-year-old grandmother, Ruby Wallick. Police are unsure of a motive, and continued to investigate, the East Bay Times reported.
Officers responded to the home in a quiet residential area after receiving a report of a man standing over a woman’s body covered in blood. When they entered the home, they allegedly found Dwayne Wallick standing over his grandmother, police said.
They ordered Wallick to stop, but he ignored them and continued what he was doing, police said. They used a stun gun on him and after a struggle, he was handcuffed and arrested.
Wallick remains in a hospital, where he is being treated for unspecified physical injuries. Investigators are looking into whether drug use played a role in the crime, police said.
Ruby Wallick was pronounced dead Monday, but her cause of death has not been released.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--LA police arrest man with assault rifle wearing combat gear

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Los Angeles police on Tuesday arrested a man they say was carrying an assault rifle and wearing military fatigues similar to a National Guard uniform , authorities said .
A National Guard member stationed downtown alerted police after spotting the unfamiliar man outfitted in combat gear around 1:30 a.m. , said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Drake Madison .
The man arrived in a civilian car , Madison said .
Officers took Gregory Wong , 31 , into custody on suspicion of transportation of an assault weapon , he said .
Contact information for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not immediately be found .
Wong , who was also carrying a pistol , told police he was heading downtown to provide security to a friend ’ s establishment , Madison said .
“ While investigators are still looking into the incident , at this time it does not appear that Mr. Wong intended to harm anyone , ” he said .
The National Guard is deployed across Los Angeles to help the LAPD police large protests over the death of George Floyd , a black man who died while being arrested in @ @

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles police on Tuesday arrested a man they say was carrying an assault rifle and wearing military fatigues similar to a National Guard uniform, authorities said.
A National Guard member stationed downtown alerted police after spotting the unfamiliar man outfitted in combat gear around 1:30 a.m., said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Drake Madison. The man arrived in a civilian car, Madison said.
Officers took Gregory Wong, 31, into custody on suspicion of transportation of an assault weapon, he said.
Contact information for Wong, a Gardena resident, could not immediately be found.
Wong, who was also carrying a pistol, told police he was heading downtown to provide security to a friend’s establishment, Madison said.
“While investigators are still looking into the incident, at this time it does not appear that Mr. Wong intended to harm anyone,” he said.
The National Guard is deployed across Los Angeles to help the LAPD police large protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while being arrested in Minneapolis.


washingtontimes--2020-06-02--Missouri Medicaid expansion proposal survives lawsuits

JEFFERSON CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - A Missouri judge has dismissed two lawsuits against a ballot proposal to expand Medicaid health care eligibility to thousands more low-income adults .
The lawsuits by conservative advocacy group United for Missouri and Americans for Prosperity-Missouri sought to knock the proposal off the Aug. 4 ballot .
Both groups claimed the proposal would expand the government health insurance program without coming up with a funding source to pay for that .
But Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green on Tuesday ruled that the ballot measure doesn ’ t require lawmakers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That means the measure will stay on the ballot .
Both critics of the proposal say they will appeal .
The campaign manager for Healthcare for Missouri , which is pushing for Medicaid eligibility expansion , lauded the judge ’ s decision and said passing the proposal will help keep rural hospitals open .
Democratic Auditor Nicole Galloway ’ s office estimated that expanding Medicaid health care eligibility will save the state about $ 1 billion .
Missouri ’ s Medicaid program currently does not cover most adults without children , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents is one of the lowest in the nation at about one-fifth of the poverty level .

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri judge has dismissed two lawsuits against a ballot proposal to expand Medicaid health care eligibility to thousands more low-income adults.
The lawsuits by conservative advocacy group United for Missouri and Americans for Prosperity-Missouri sought to knock the proposal off the Aug. 4 ballot. Both groups claimed the proposal would expand the government health insurance program without coming up with a funding source to pay for that.
But Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green on Tuesday ruled that the ballot measure doesn’t require lawmakers to set aside state revenue for the expansion. That means the measure will stay on the ballot.
Both critics of the proposal say they will appeal.
The campaign manager for Healthcare for Missouri, which is pushing for Medicaid eligibility expansion, lauded the judge’s decision and said passing the proposal will help keep rural hospitals open.
Democratic Auditor Nicole Galloway’s office estimated that expanding Medicaid health care eligibility will save the state about $1 billion.
Missouri’s Medicaid program currently does not cover most adults without children, and it’s income eligibility threshold for parents is one of the lowest in the nation at about one-fifth of the poverty level.