washingtontimes--2020-06-23--More than half of war crimes court's members back tribunal

THE HAGUE , Netherlands ( AP ) - More than half of the member states of the International Criminal Court voiced their support for the institution in a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday in response to the Trump administration ’ s decision to authorize sanctions against court staff .
The 67 nations , including such U.S. allies as Australia , the United Kingdom and the Netherlands , said in the joint statement that they were reconfirming “ our unwavering support for the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution.
” The participating countries also reiterated their commitment to preserving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by any measures or threats against the Court , its officials and those cooperating with it.
” On June 11 , President Donald Trump authorized economic and travel sanctions against International Criminal Court workers who were investigating troops and intelligence officials from the United States and allied nations , including Israel , for possible war crimes in Afghanistan and elsewhere .
The Hague-based court was created in 2002 to prosecute war crimes , crimes of humanity and genocide in countries where authorities can not or will not bring perpetrators to justice .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Human Rights Watch welcomed the pledge of support from other member states .
“ This statement is highly significant because ICC member states globally , including key .U.S allies , are speaking up in defense of the court and its independence ” Richard Dicker , international justice director at Human Rights Watch , said .
“ It sends the crucial message that ICC states ‘ have the court ’ s back ’ and they will not be cowed in their commitment to seeing justice for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tribunal as a “ kangaroo court ” that has been unsuccessful and inefficient in its mandate to prosecute war crimes .
He said the U.S. would punish the ICC employees for any investigation or prosecution of Americans in Afghanistan .
The court personnel could also be banned from the U.S. for prosecuting Israelis for alleged abuses against Palestinians , he said .
“ It gives us no joy to punish them , ” Pompeo said .
“ But we can not allow ICC officials and their families to come to the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American freedoms as these same officials seek to prosecute the defender of those very freedoms.
” Last year , Pompeo revoked the visa of the court ’ s chief prosecutor , Fatou Bensouda , after she asked ICC judges to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan .
The judges initially rejected the request , but Bensouda appealed and the court authorized the investigation in March .
That ruling marked the first time the court ’ s prosecutor was cleared to investigate U.S. forces .
The case involves allegations of war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Taliban and Haqqani network militants , as well as by U.S. forces and intelligence officials in Afghanistan since May 2003 .
Bensouda has said there is information that members of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies “ committed acts of torture , cruel treatment , outrages upon personal dignity , rape and sexual violence.
” The 67 nations that signed off on Tuesday ’ s statement called the court “ an essential component of the multilateral architecture upholding the rule-of-law .
It embodies our collective commitment to fight impunity for international crimes.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ court their full backing , “ we defend the progress we have made together towards an international rules-based order , of which international justice is an indispensable pillar .
”

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - More than half of the member states of the International Criminal Court voiced their support for the institution in a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday in response to the Trump administration’s decision to authorize sanctions against court staff.
The 67 nations, including such U.S. allies as Australia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, said in the joint statement that they were reconfirming “our unwavering support for the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution.”
The participating countries also reiterated their commitment to preserving the court’s integrity “undeterred by any measures or threats against the Court, its officials and those cooperating with it.”
On June 11, President Donald Trump authorized economic and travel sanctions against International Criminal Court workers who were investigating troops and intelligence officials from the United States and allied nations, including Israel, for possible war crimes in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
The Hague-based court was created in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes of humanity and genocide in countries where authorities cannot or will not bring perpetrators to justice. The U.S. has never been an ICC member.
Human Rights Watch welcomed the pledge of support from other member states.
“This statement is highly significant because ICC member states globally, including key .U.S allies, are speaking up in defense of the court and its independence” Richard Dicker, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said. “It sends the crucial message that ICC states ‘have the court’s back’ and they will not be cowed in their commitment to seeing justice for crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced the tribunal as a “kangaroo court” that has been unsuccessful and inefficient in its mandate to prosecute war crimes. He said the U.S. would punish the ICC employees for any investigation or prosecution of Americans in Afghanistan. The court personnel could also be banned from the U.S. for prosecuting Israelis for alleged abuses against Palestinians, he said.
“It gives us no joy to punish them,” Pompeo said. “But we cannot allow ICC officials and their families to come to the United States to shop and travel and otherwise enjoy American freedoms as these same officials seek to prosecute the defender of those very freedoms.”
Last year, Pompeo revoked the visa of the court’s chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, after she asked ICC judges to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The judges initially rejected the request, but Bensouda appealed and the court authorized the investigation in March.
That ruling marked the first time the court’s prosecutor was cleared to investigate U.S. forces. The case involves allegations of war crimes committed by Afghan national security forces, Taliban and Haqqani network militants, as well as by U.S. forces and intelligence officials in Afghanistan since May 2003.
Bensouda has said there is information that members of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies “committed acts of torture, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity, rape and sexual violence.”
The 67 nations that signed off on Tuesday’s statement called the court “an essential component of the multilateral architecture upholding the rule-of-law. It embodies our collective commitment to fight impunity for international crimes.”
They said that by giving the court their full backing, “we defend the progress we have made together towards an international rules-based order, of which international justice is an indispensable pillar.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Adult film star Ron Jeremy charged with rape, sexual assault

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Adult film star Ron Jeremy was charged with raping three women and sexually assaulting a fourth , Los Angeles County prosecutors said Tuesday .
Jeremy , 67 , whose real name is Ron Jeremy Hyatt , was charged with three counts each of forcible rape and forcible penetration by a foreign object and one count each of forcible oral copulation and sexual battery .
If Jeremy is convicted , the charges could lead to a sentence of 90 years in prison .
He is scheduled to be arraigned later Tuesday .
Prosecutors say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million .
Emails seeking comment from Jeremy sent to several of his representatives were not immediately returned .
Prosecutors allege Jeremy raped a 25-year-old woman at a West Hollywood home in May 2014 , sexually assaulted a 33-year-old woman and a 46-year-old woman in separate incidents at a West Hollywood bar in 2017 , and raped a 30-year-old woman at the same bar in July of last year .
Another allegation from 2016 , was declined by prosecutors because of insufficient evidence .
Jeremy , nicknamed “ The Hedgehog , ” is among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the industry ’ s history , with thousands of credits to his name .
In recent years he has made a career of appearing in more mainstream entertainment , including music videos and reality television shows like “ The Surreal Life .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Adult film star Ron Jeremy was charged with raping three women and sexually assaulting a fourth, Los Angeles County prosecutors said Tuesday.
The counts make the 67-year-old Jeremy the third man to be charged, along with Harvey Weinstein and producer David Guillod, by a task force formed by District Attorney Jackie Lacey in 2017 to investigate sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
Jeremy, nicknamed “The Hedgehog,” is among the best known and most prolific actors in the history of the adult film industry, with thousands of credits to his name.
Jeremy, whose real name is Ronald Jeremy Hyatt, appeared in court Tuesday, wearing handcuffs and a face mask, but did not enter a plea. A judge delayed his arraignment until Friday and set his bail at $6.6 million.
Jeremy’s attorney Stuart Goldfarb said he is “absolutely innocent of the charges. It’s not a close call.”
Jeremy was charged with three counts each of forcible rape and forcible penetration by a foreign object and one count each of forcible oral copulation and sexual battery. If convicted of all the counts he could face 90 years in prison.
Prosecutors allege Jeremy raped a 25-year-old woman at a West Hollywood home in May 2014, sexually assaulted a 33-year-old woman and a 46-year-old woman in separate incidents at a West Hollywood bar in 2017, and raped a 30-year-old woman at the same bar in July of last year.
Goldfarb said witnesses who spoke to both detectives and his own investigator have cast doubt on the allegations. The lawyer said Jeremy often gropes women with their consent during public appearances, and suggested his long life as an adult performer makes him less likely to have committed sexual crimes.
“There is absolutely no reason for him to ever be aggressive with women,” Goldfarb said. “He’s had more women than you can count.”
He added that the bail amount was “horrendously high.”
Jeremy was investigated by the Hollywood task force after it was formed during a wave of sexual misconduct allegations that began in late 2017 with media reports about Weinstein that launched the #MeToo era.
The task force has investigated more than 20 men, but Jeremy is just the third to be charged.
Prosecutors have begun efforts to bring Weinstein to California to face charges of rape and sexual assault. He is being held in a New York prison after being convicted of similar charges earlier this year. He has denied engaging in any non-consensual sex.
On Monday, Guillod, a producer on the 2017 film “Atomic Blonde” and the 2020 Netflix movie “Extraction,” was arrested in Santa Barbara County and charged with 11 felonies, most of them rape counts, that were investigated by Lacey’s task force.
Guillod’s attorney Philip K. Cohen said in a statement that “for the past eight years, Mr. Guillod has denied these allegations” and an “overwhelming amount of evidence has been collected over the course of this investigation disputing these charges.”
Los Angeles prosecutors charged “That ‘70s Show” actor Danny Masterson last week with the rapes of three women, though that investigation preceded the formation of the Hollywood task force. Masterson denied the charges and his attorney said he will be vindicated.
Another allegation against Jeremy from 2016, was declined by the task force because of insufficient evidence.
In recent years, Jeremy has appeared in more mainstream entertainment, including music videos and reality television shows like “The Surreal Life.”
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Oregon hospital makes changes after Black patient's arrest

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - A hospital in Portland , Oregon said it is changing security protocols after a Black patient accused of trespassing was held by security last week .
The Oregonian/Oregon Live reports that Legacy Health said security officers will no longer handcuff or arrest potential trespassers in non-violent situations at its medical centers .
“ Safety and treating every patient and employee with dignity , respect , and compassion is our number one priority at Legacy Health .
We take this matter very seriously and are in the process of conducting a full and swift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of Legacy Health ’ s Columbia Region , said in a statement Monday .
The hospital declined to discuss details of the incident , citing patient privacy concerns , but confirmed that a patient at the hospital was arrested about 5:30 p.m. Thursday on suspicion of trespassing .
Initial reports from hospital workers indicated the woman had been a patient in Legacy Emanuel Medical Center ’ s emergency room who refused to leave after her discharge because she said she had not received all of her belongings .
The woman was then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about an hour while hospital security officers waited for Portland police to make the trespassing arrest , the Oregonian/Oregon Live reported .
The woman was eventually let go by the hospital after its workers informed supervisors about the issue .
The Oregonian/Oregon Live said the incident was seen by hospital workers and passersby who complained to the medical center and documented it with photos .
The newspaper also posted a photo showing a man wearing a security uniform next to a woman who appears to have her hands behind her back .
Nichols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next day that the hospital system had changed its security protocols , launched an investigation and reached out to the patient .
“ First and foremost , our patient relations team is reaching out to the patient to listen , hear what happened from the patient ’ s perspective , and to offer immediate and continued support for their safety and wellbeing , ” Nichols said in the email .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A hospital in Portland, Oregon said it is changing security protocols after a Black patient accused of trespassing was held by security last week.
The Oregonian/Oregon Live reports that Legacy Health said security officers will no longer handcuff or arrest potential trespassers in non-violent situations at its medical centers.
“Safety and treating every patient and employee with dignity, respect, and compassion is our number one priority at Legacy Health. We take this matter very seriously and are in the process of conducting a full and swift investigation,‘’ Gretchen Nichols, president of Legacy Health’s Columbia Region, said in a statement Monday.
The hospital declined to discuss details of the incident, citing patient privacy concerns, but confirmed that a patient at the hospital was arrested about 5:30 p.m. Thursday on suspicion of trespassing.
Initial reports from hospital workers indicated the woman had been a patient in Legacy Emanuel Medical Center’s emergency room who refused to leave after her discharge because she said she had not received all of her belongings.
The woman was then handcuffed and held at the entrance for about an hour while hospital security officers waited for Portland police to make the trespassing arrest, the Oregonian/Oregon Live reported.
The woman was eventually let go by the hospital after its workers informed supervisors about the issue. The Oregonian/Oregon Live said the incident was seen by hospital workers and passersby who complained to the medical center and documented it with photos.
The newspaper also posted a photo showing a man wearing a security uniform next to a woman who appears to have her hands behind her back.
Nichols said in an email to staff the next day that the hospital system had changed its security protocols, launched an investigation and reached out to the patient.
“First and foremost, our patient relations team is reaching out to the patient to listen, hear what happened from the patient’s perspective, and to offer immediate and continued support for their safety and wellbeing,” Nichols said in the email.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Boston man gets probation in bail fraud scheme

PROVIDENCE , R.I. ( AP ) - A Boston man who pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to cheat @ @ @ @ @ by pretending to be a relative who ’ s in jail and needs bail money @ @ @ @ @ years of probation , federal prosecutors said Tuesday .
Julio Feliciano , 32 , was @ @ @ @ @ hours of community service and repay his victims $ 31,500 , according to a statement @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Weisman .
Feliciano and his accomplices last year used fake names to contact older @ @ @ @ @ Delaware , Illinois , Tennessee and other states to tell them that cash payments ranging @ @ @ @ @ 9,500 were required to secure the release of their grandson , nephew or other relative @ @ @ @ @ .
They asked the victims to send the packages containing cash to addresses in Rhode @ @ @ @ @ , UPS stores and a pharmacy , where Feliciano would pick them up .
He @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy to commit mail fraud .

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Boston man who pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to cheat senior citizens out of cash by pretending to be a relative who’s in jail and needs bail money has been sentenced to three years of probation, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
Julio Feliciano, 32, was also ordered to perform 150 hours of community service and repay his victims $31,500, according to a statement from Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Aaron Weisman.
Feliciano and his accomplices last year used fake names to contact older residents of North Carolina, Delaware, Illinois, Tennessee and other states to tell them that cash payments ranging from $7,000 to $9,500 were required to secure the release of their grandson, nephew or other relative from jail, prosecutors said.
They asked the victims to send the packages containing cash to addresses in Rhode Island, including private homes, UPS stores and a pharmacy, where Feliciano would pick them up.
He pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Virginia will enter phase three of reopening next week as coronavirus starts to decline

Gov .
Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that Virginia , including Northern Virginia and Richmond , will move into phase three @ @ @ @ @ declines in the coronavirus spread .
Starting July 1 , mass gatherings will be limited @ @ @ @ @ , restaurants and bars will no longer have a capacity limit ; museums , zoos @ @ @ @ @ can reopen at 50 % with a cap of 1,000 people ; and fitness centers @ @ @ @ @ capacity limit .
Mr. Northam said he is comfortable moving into the next phase after @ @ @ @ @ in phase two and because of the state ’ s coronavirus metrics .
At his @ @ @ @ @ , Mr. Northam displayed graphs showing the downward trends in hospitalizations and the positivity rate @ @ @ @ @ now around 6.4 % .
Although Richmond and Northern Virginia have been behind the rest @ @ @ @ @ reopening , Mr. Northam said , “ To date , I haven ’ t heard @ @ @ @ @ to be with the rest of the state , ” next Wednesday .

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that the commonwealth, including Northern Virginia and Richmond, will move into phase three of the coronavirus reopening plan on July 1.
Starting next Wednesday, gatherings will be limited to 250 people, and retail stores, restaurants and bars will no longer have a capacity limit. Museums, zoos and other outdoor entertainment spaces can reopen at 50% capacity, with a cap of 1,000 people, and fitness centers can open with 75% capacity.
Mr. Northam said he is comfortable moving into the next phase after 3½ weeks in phase two because of the state’s coronavirus metrics.
During a press briefing Tuesday, Mr. Northam displayed graphs showing downward trends in hospitalizations and the positivity rate of COVID-19 tests, which is now around 6.4%.
Although Richmond and Northern Virginia have been behind the rest of the state in its reopening, Mr. Northam said, “To date, I haven’t heard they don’t intend to be with the rest of the state” next Wednesday.
“I want to reiterate that everyone should continue to take this pandemic seriously,” he said, warning of rising cases in other states and encouraging Virginians to wear masks in public places, practice social distancing and telework.
In other matters, the Democratic governor said there have been nearly 500 protests across Virginia since a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd on May 25. Most protests have been peaceful, but Richmond has seen nightly conflicts between police and demonstrators.
“After three weeks it is no longer clear what the goals are or a path to achieve them,” Mr. Northam said. “Clearly, Richmond needs a different path forward, these nightly conflicts can not continue indefinitely.”
The governor said he doesn’t like to see the use of tear gas and rubber bullets but he isn’t going to direct the police how to do their job, pointing out several peaceful demonstrations.
“When people break the law, we can’t condone that, so in order to keep the peace police are going to need to take the action that’s necessary,” Mr. Northam said, referring to police using tear gas to disperse protesters Monday night during an unlawful assembly in Richmond.
In the District, city police and U.S. Park Police officers used pepper spray and a helicopter to scatter protesters Monday night after a group tried to topple a statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square, across from the White House.
Protesters were interrupted by police before they could pull down the monument, but they did destroy parts of replica cannons in front of the structure and spray-painted “killer” on the base of the Jackson statue.
Jackson, the seventh president, owned slaves and signed the Indian Removal Act, which led to displacement and death of tens of thousands of American Indians known as the Trail of Tears.
Two weeks ago, the D.C. Council approved emergency legislation that would outlaw the use of chemical irritants by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to disperse protesters.
Council member Charles Allen, Ward 6 Democrat, introduced the emergency bill. On Tuesday he said he isn’t sure that the legislation’s prohibition on tear gas and pepper spray would have applied to Monday night’s incident, which occurred on federal land.
He said he supports a public hearing on a permanent bill that council member Brianne Nadeau, Ward 1 Democrat, introduced Tuesday, saying the city needs to get the “language right.”
“Still, we don’t need a hearing to know peaceful protesters should never be subjected to what we saw last night,” Mr. Allen said in a written statement. “Watching MPD officers in full riot gear working side-by-side with the same US Park Police that previously violently responded to protesters and media, it is clear the use of chemical irritants escalated tensions and may have infringed on First Amendment rights.”
The council on Monday transmitted the 30-page emergency legislation to Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has until July 7 to sign it into law.
“Though the mayor hasn’t signed the emergency legislation effecting the council’s changes yet, I would expect MPD to demonstrate good faith by at least attempting to follow the coming changes,” Council member David Grosso, at-large independent, said in a statement to the Washington Times. “Anything short of that could be seen by the council as an act of defiance by [police] Chief [Peter] Newsham, especially given his recent troubling comments regarding the Council’s actions.”
In a statement to The Washington Times, the Metropolitan Police Department said: “Under the existing and proposed legislation, MPD members in riot gear shall be deployed on First Amendment assemblies when there is a danger of violence. The use of a chemical irritant is reasonable and necessary to protect officers or others from physical harm or to arrest actively resisting subjects and may be used during a First Amendment assembly when assembly participants are committing acts of public disobedience endangering public safety and security.”
• Sophie Kaplan can be reached at skaplan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--2020 Twin Cities Marathon to become virtual event

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - The 2020 Twin Cities Marathon will switch to a virtual event because of the coronavirus pandemic , marathon organizers announced Tuesday .
Entrants in the 39th edition of the Minneapolis to St. Paul race can run any 26.2-mile route any day in October .
Twin Cities in Motion , which stages the marathon , said it will shift the rest of its 2020 races to a virtual format because of pandemic-related restrictions on big gatherings .
Runners will submit their times online , and race finishers still will receive their T-shirt and medal , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for Oct. 4 .
As many as 30,000 runners were expected to participate in marathon weekend events .
Twin Cities in Motion does not expect Minnesota ’ s limits on large group gatherings to loosen up much before October , said the group ’ s president , Mike Logan .
Race organizers hoped they could conduct the event safely but came to believe that was not possible after consulting with public health authorities and the race ’ s medical directors , Logan said .
“ We did the calculus on marathon weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With 30,000 people over two days , and 22,000 the morning of the marathon on Sunday , it became clear .
We don ’ t foresee the state changing things quickly enough for it to happen.
” Other marathons in recent months , including Grandma ’ s Marathon in Duluth , also have switched to a virtual format .
This story has been corrected to correct marathon length to 26.2 miles .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The 2020 Twin Cities Marathon will switch to a virtual event because of the coronavirus pandemic, marathon organizers announced Tuesday.
Entrants in the 39th edition of the Minneapolis to St. Paul race can run any 26.2-mile route any day in October.
Twin Cities in Motion, which stages the marathon, said it will shift the rest of its 2020 races to a virtual format because of pandemic-related restrictions on big gatherings. Runners will submit their times online, and race finishers still will receive their T-shirt and medal, the Star Tribune reported.
The marathon was scheduled for Oct. 4. As many as 30,000 runners were expected to participate in marathon weekend events.
Twin Cities in Motion does not expect Minnesota’s limits on large group gatherings to loosen up much before October, said the group’s president, Mike Logan. Race organizers hoped they could conduct the event safely but came to believe that was not possible after consulting with public health authorities and the race’s medical directors, Logan said.
“We did the calculus on marathon weekend,’’ Logan said. “With 30,000 people over two days, and 22,000 the morning of the marathon on Sunday, it became clear. We don’t foresee the state changing things quickly enough for it to happen.”
Other marathons in recent months, including Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, also have switched to a virtual format.
___
This story has been corrected to correct marathon length to 26.2 miles.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Court: Montana family owns dinosaur fossils worth millions

HELENA , Mont .
( AP ) - Dinosaur fossils worth millions of dollars unearthed on a Montana ranch belong to the owners of the land ’ s surface rights , not the owners of the mineral rights , a U.S. appeals court ruled .
The June 17 ruling by the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2016 decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters of Billings that found dinosaur fossils were part of the surface estate , not the mineral estate , in cases of split ownership .
The surface rights where the fossils were found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray .
“ The composition of minerals found in the fossils does not make them valuable or worthless , ” Watters wrote .
“ Instead the value turns on characteristics other than mineral composition , such as the completeness of the specimen , the species of dinosaur and how well it is preserved.
” Brothers Jerry and Bo Severson , who owned two-thirds of the mineral rights on property once owned by their father , appealed Watters ’ decision to the 9th Circuit .
A three-judge panel of the appeals court overturned Watters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Murrays asked for a larger panel of judges to hear the case .
In the meantime , the 2019 Montana Legislature passed a bill stating that dinosaur fossils are part of a property ’ s surface estate unless they are reserved as part of the mineral estate .
Before making its decision , the 9th Circuit asked Montana ’ s Supreme Court to rule on whether fossils were minerals under state law because at the time the case was filed , there was not a definitive law .
In a 4-3 ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinosaur fossils are not considered minerals under state law .
“ Because Mary Ann and Lige Murray are the undisputed owners of the surface estate here … the ( Montana ) Supreme Court ’ s decision requires a resolution in their favor , ” Chief Judge Sidney R. Thomas wrote on behalf of himself and 10 other members of the 9th Circuit .
Eric Nord , the attorney for the Murrays , declined to comment Tuesday .
Shane Swindle , an attorney for the Seversons , did not immediately return phone or email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court .
The dinosaurs unearthed on the ranch include a T. rex found in 2013 , a triceratops skull discovered in 2011 and the 2006 discovery of a pair of dinosaurs that appeared to have been locked in battle when they died .
The T. rex was sold for millions of dollars .
The so-called dueling dinosaurs drew a bid of $ 5.5 million in a 2014 auction , but failed to reach the $ 6 million reserve price .
In a legal effort to clarify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to sell them , the Murrays sought a court order saying they owned the fossils , sparking the legal battle .

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Dinosaur fossils worth millions of dollars unearthed on a Montana ranch belong to the owners of the land’s surface rights, not the owners of the mineral rights, a U.S. appeals court ruled.
The June 17 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2016 decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters of Billings that found dinosaur fossils were part of the surface estate, not the mineral estate, in cases of split ownership. The surface rights where the fossils were found are owned by Mary Ann and Lige Murray.
“The composition of minerals found in the fossils does not make them valuable or worthless,” Watters wrote. “Instead the value turns on characteristics other than mineral composition, such as the completeness of the specimen, the species of dinosaur and how well it is preserved.”
Brothers Jerry and Bo Severson, who owned two-thirds of the mineral rights on property once owned by their father, appealed Watters’ decision to the 9th Circuit.
A three-judge panel of the appeals court overturned Watters’ ruling in February 2018, but the Murrays asked for a larger panel of judges to hear the case.
In the meantime, the 2019 Montana Legislature passed a bill stating that dinosaur fossils are part of a property’s surface estate unless they are reserved as part of the mineral estate.
Before making its decision, the 9th Circuit asked Montana’s Supreme Court to rule on whether fossils were minerals under state law because at the time the case was filed, there was not a definitive law. In a 4-3 ruling last month, the Montana justices said dinosaur fossils are not considered minerals under state law.
“Because Mary Ann and Lige Murray are the undisputed owners of the surface estate here … the (Montana) Supreme Court’s decision requires a resolution in their favor,” Chief Judge Sidney R. Thomas wrote on behalf of himself and 10 other members of the 9th Circuit.
Eric Nord, the attorney for the Murrays, declined to comment Tuesday. Shane Swindle, an attorney for the Seversons, did not immediately return phone or email messages seeking comment on whether the Seversons plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The dinosaurs unearthed on the ranch include a T. rex found in 2013, a triceratops skull discovered in 2011 and the 2006 discovery of a pair of dinosaurs that appeared to have been locked in battle when they died.
The T. rex was sold for millions of dollars. The so-called dueling dinosaurs drew a bid of $5.5 million in a 2014 auction, but failed to reach the $6 million reserve price.
In a legal effort to clarify the ownership of the dueling dinosaurs before trying to sell them, the Murrays sought a court order saying they owned the fossils, sparking the legal battle.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Ontario health officer says MLB has not submitted a plan

TORONTO ( AP ) - Major League Baseball has not submitted the required plan to local health authorities that is needed for the Blue Jays to play in Toronto , Ontario ’ s Chief Medical Officer of Health said Tuesday .
Dr. David Williams said he has read a MLB Baseball proposal but it “ doesn ’ t mention anything about travel to Canada at this time.
” “ If there is some interest in that we would have to get a proposal from them , to see how they would undertake the uniqueness of bringing the team and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would work , ” Williams said .
Anyone entering Canada for non-essential reasons must quarantine for 14 days , and the U.S. Canada border remains closed to non essential travel until at least July 21 .
There has been talk the Toronto Blue Jays could play games at their training facility in Dunedin , Florida , but the facility was shuttered after one player showed symptoms of possible coronavirus .
and the virus upended plans of many clubs to resume training at their Florida facilities due to a rise in virus cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work out in their regular-season ballparks , but where the Toronto Blue Jays play remains uncertain .
“ The regular season locale is still a work in progress .
That ’ s all we can say at this time , ” Blue Jays spokesman Richard Griffin said .
Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro said he will not provide an update until the schedule is firm and MLB is moving forward .
Dr. Theresa Tam , Canada ’ s Chief Public Health Officer , said the federal government has talked to MLB but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicated on a mitigation plan that ensures the safety of Canadians .
“ The players have to come together and pose no risk to themselves or the surrounding population , ” Tam said .
“ Everything has to be reviewed .
There is strict testing and screening and quarantine requirements .
Routine testing is part of the mitigation plan .
All that has to be evaluated in real time as well and the local health authorizes have to be comfortable.
” Federal and local health authorities in Canada have approved a plan for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Edmonton , Alberta , or Vancouver , British Columbia , but the plan does not involve travel back and forth between the U.S. and Canada .
That decision last week comes as the NHL enters the advanced stages of selecting its hub cities - most likely two - from a list of seven in the U.S. and three in Canada .

TORONTO (AP) - The Canadian government is open to Major League Baseball playing in Toronto this summer, but the league has not submitted the required plan to health authorities, Canadian officials said Tuesday.
A senior federal government official said if MLB submitted an acceptable restart plan to the government, an exemption letter similar to the one provided to the National Hockey League could be provided.
But the official said the government had not received a proposal from MLB. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
Major League Baseball announced Tuesday night it will have a 60-game regular season that will start July 23 or 24 in empty ballparks. Each team will play 10 games against each of its four division rivals and four games vs. each of the five clubs in the corresponding division in the other league, according to details obtained by The Associated Press.
But there was no announcement of the schedule.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, said he has read an MLB proposal but it “doesn’t mention anything about travel to Canada at this time.”
“If there is some interest in that we would have to get a proposal from them, to see how they would undertake the uniqueness of bringing the team and other teams up here to play and how that would work,” Williams said.
Anyone entering Canada for non-essential reasons must quarantine for 14 days, and the U.S.-Canada border remains closed to non-essential travel until at least July 21.
There has been talk the Blue Jays could play at their training facility in Dunedin, Florida, but the facility was shuttered after one player showed symptoms of possible coronavirus, and the virus upended plans of many clubs to resume training at their Florida facilities due to a rise in cases in the state. Most teams intend to work out in their regular-season ballparks, but where Toronto is going to play remains uncertain.
“The regular-season locale is still a work in progress. That’s all we can say at this time,” Blue Jays spokesman Richard Griffin said.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, said the federal government has talked to MLB, but any plan to play in Toronto is predicated on a mitigation plan that ensures the safety of Canadians.
“The players have to come together and pose no risk to themselves or the surrounding population,” Tam said. “Everything has to be reviewed. There is strict testing and screening and quarantine requirements. Routine testing is part of the mitigation plan. All that has to be evaluated in real time as well and the local health authorities have to be comfortable.”
Federal and local health authorities in Canada have approved a plan for the NHL to play in either Toronto, Edmonton, Alberta, or Vancouver, British Columbia, but the plan does not involve travel back and forth between the U.S. and Canada. That decision last week comes as the NHL enters the advanced stages of selecting its hub cities - most likely two - from a list of seven in the U.S. and three in Canada.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Phils say 2 more players, 2 staffers test positive; 12 total

PHILADELPHIA ( AP ) - The Philadelphia Phillies say two more players and two additional staff numbers have tested positive COVID-19 , spiking the number of total members in the organization who have the virus to 12 .
The Phillies said Tuesday all other tests within the organization have come back negative .
One of the two players tested positive outside the team ’ s spring complex in Clearwater , Florida .
The Phillies did not identify anyone affected by COVID-19 .
The Phillies shut their spring complex after five players tested positive on Friday for COVID-19 .
Philadelphia became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be struck by the outbreak .
Three staff members at the camp also tested positive , and the Phillies didn ’ t identify any of those affected .
MLB responded Friday night by shutting down all 30 spring-training sites in Florida and Arizona , states that have seen a recent spike in coronavirus cases , and ordering that they undergo thorough cleansing and sanitizing .
The cases come as Major League Baseball moves closer to implementing a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players ’ association rejected a negotiated @ @ @ @ @ @

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia Phillies say two more players and two additional staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, spiking the number of total members in the organization who have the virus to 12.
The Phillies said Tuesday all other tests within the organization have come back negative. One of the two players tested positive outside the team’s spring complex in Clearwater, Florida.
The Phillies did not identify anyone affected by COVID-19.
The Phillies shut their spring complex after five players tested positive on Friday for COVID-19. Philadelphia became the first big league team known to be struck by the outbreak. Three staff members at the camp also tested positive, and the Phillies didn’t identify any of those affected.
MLB responded Friday night by shutting down all 30 spring training sites in Florida and Arizona, states that have seen a recent spike in coronavirus cases, and ordering that they undergo thorough cleansing and sanitizing.
Other teams have reported positive tests without identifying the players affected.
The cases came as Major League Baseball moved closer to implementing a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players’ association rejected a negotiated deal of the same length.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Segway to stop making its original personal transporter

Segway , which boldly claimed its two-wheeled personal transporter would revolutionize the way people get around , is ending production of its namesake vehicle .
The Segway PT , popular with tourists and police officers but perhaps better known for its high-profile crashes , will be retired on July 15 , the company said in a statement .
“ Within its first decade , the Segway PT became a staple in security and law enforcement , viewed as an effective and efficient personal vehicle , ” said Judy Cai , Segway president , in a statement , noting that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacationers in major cities in North America , Europe , Asia , South America , and the Middle East .
But the Segway , which carries a standing passenger on a wide platform , accounted for less than 1.5 % of the company ’ s revenue last year .
The company said 21 employees will be laid off , another 12 employees will stay on for two months to a year and five will remain at the Bedford , New Hampshire facility .
“ This decision was not made lightly , and while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and production , it was not a deciding factor in our decision , ” Cai said .
The transportation revolution that inventor Dean Kamen envisioned when he founded the company in 1999 never took off .
The Segway ’ s original price tag of around $ 5,000 was a hurdle for many customers .
It also was challenging to ride because the rider had to be balanced at a specific angle for the vehicle to move forward .
If the rider ’ s weight shifted too much in any direction , it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rider off .
They were banned in some cities because users could easily lose control if they were not balanced properly .
“ What did they think the market was when they built this , when they designed it ?
” asked Maryann Keller , principal at Maryann Keller & Associates .
“ My impression was they were talking about this as personal mobility .
How could you think that something this large and expensive would be personal mobility ?
” Ten months after buying the company in 2009 , British self-made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was riding careened off a 30-foot cliff not far from his country estate north of London .
He was 62 years old .
In 2003 , President George W. Bush avoided injury after tumbling off a Segway at his parents ’ summer home in Kennebunkport , Maine .
A cameraman riding a Segway ran over Usain Bolt in 2015 as the Jamaican sprinter did a victory lap after winning a 200-meter race in Beijing .
Bolt wasn ’ t injured and later joked about the incident .
In 2017 , Segway got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the light , inexpensive and easy-to-ride two-wheelers took over urban streets .
It may have been a sign that the Segway PT ’ s days were numbered .
“ It was probably over-hyped before it was launched , and when it was launched , it was like , this is not going to work on city sidewalks , ” Keller said .

Segway, which boldly claimed its two-wheeled personal transporter would revolutionize the way people get around, is ending production of its namesake vehicle.
The Segway PT, popular with tourists and police officers but perhaps better known for its high-profile crashes, will be retired on July 15, the company said in a statement.
“Within its first decade, the Segway PT became a staple in security and law enforcement, viewed as an effective and efficient personal vehicle,” said Judy Cai, Segway president, in a statement, noting that in the past decade it gained popularity with vacationers in major cities in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.
But the Segway, which carries a standing passenger on a wide platform, accounted for less than 1.5% of the company’s revenue last year. The company said 21 employees will be laid off, another 12 employees will stay on for two months to a year and five will remain at the Bedford, New Hampshire facility.
“This decision was not made lightly, and while the current global pandemic did impact sales and production, it was not a deciding factor in our decision,” Cai said.
The transportation revolution that inventor Dean Kamen envisioned when he founded the company in 1999 never took off. The Segway’s original price tag of around $5,000 was a hurdle for many customers. It also was challenging to ride because the rider had to be balanced at a specific angle for the vehicle to move forward. If the rider’s weight shifted too much in any direction, it could easily spin out of control and throw the rider off. They were banned in some cities because users could easily lose control if they were not balanced properly.
“What did they think the market was when they built this, when they designed it?” asked Maryann Keller, principal at Maryann Keller & Associates. “My impression was they were talking about this as personal mobility. How could you think that something this large and expensive would be personal mobility?”
Ten months after buying the company in 2009, British self-made millionaire Jim Heselden died after the Segway he was riding careened off a 30-foot cliff not far from his country estate north of London. He was 62 years old.
In 2003, President George W. Bush avoided injury after tumbling off a Segway at his parents’ summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
A cameraman riding a Segway ran over Usain Bolt in 2015 as the Jamaican sprinter did a victory lap after winning a 200-meter race in Beijing. Bolt wasn’t injured and later joked about the incident.
In 2017, Segway got into the scooter business, just as the light, inexpensive and easy-to-ride two-wheelers took over urban streets. It may have been a sign that the Segway PT’s days were numbered.
“It was probably over-hyped before it was launched, and when it was launched, it was like, this is not going to work on city sidewalks,” Keller said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Rural Missouri pastor: Virus 'just started to sprout up'

O ’ FALLON , Mo .
( AP ) - Pastor Joshua Manning is waiting for test results , but he can tell by the persistent fever and body aches that he probably has the coronavirus .
His wife and three kids have symptoms , too , and so many members of his Community Baptist Church in tiny Noel , Missouri , are infected that he ’ s closing the building until things improve .
“ We did all the things we were supposed to do , ” Manning , 41 , said .
“ We shut down for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to sprout up.
” Have they ever .
At the start of June , McDonald County in the far southwestern corner of Missouri had fewer than two dozen confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus .
As of Tuesday , 498 cases have been confirmed , many of them tied to the Tyson Foods chicken processing plant in Noel .
Meat processing plants across the U.S. have been stung by outbreaks , including plants in other parts of Missouri .
Few places , though , have been hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 23,000 residents , only six other Missouri counties and the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City have recorded more cases .
Last week , Missouri health officials began testing all 1,400 workers at the Tyson plant .
Results are expected to be announced soon , along with the state ’ s plan to address the outbreak .
People from neighboring areas also work at the plant .
Newton County , just to the north , has also seen a spike in cases , with 279 , most of those announced this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arkansas to the south and Oklahoma to the west - is known for soaring bluffs , waterfalls and breath-taking beauty along the Elk River , a popular spot for camping and float trips .
Noel itself is named for a founding family , but the yuletide-sounding name prompts thousands of Christmas cards and letters each December to be sent to the Noel Post Office so they can be stamped from “ The Christmas City.
” The arrival of immigrants to work at the Tyson plant has resulted in a unique and diverse community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ languages are spoken in the town of 1,800 residents , and his church hosts services where five languages are spoken .
The Spanish language pastor is hospitalized with COVID-19 , Manning said .
Manning wonders if government leaders shouldn ’ t have flipped their approach to slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We were shut down for two months with no cases within 100 miles of here , and now ’ s the situation where we need to be shut down , ” Manning said .
“ I will be fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the risk is going to be older people .
I want to keep them away from the church , keep them at home , because I don ’ t want that risk for them.
” Missouri was among the earliest states to start to reopen , and statewide restrictions were lifted effective June 16 .
Republican Gov .
Mike Parson frequently urges Missourians to use common sense , but the McDonald County Health Department is going further , stressing the need to avoid gatherings beyond immediate family , to wear a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing .
Tyson said in a statement that its top priority is “ the health and safety of our team members , their families and our communities.
” The company said it has put in place protective measures that include symptom screenings for all employees before every shift , mandatory face masks , social distancing requirements and physical barriers between work stations .
McDonald County Presiding Commissioner Bill Lant said the outbreak was surprising given the county ’ s sparse population spread out over 600 square miles ( 1,550 square kilometers ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of those who have tested positive have shown mild symptoms or no symptoms at all .
Only a few people have been hospitalized , and the county has reported no deaths .
“ I think we will be fine , it ’ s just a matter of working together , and we are , ” Lant said .
“ Everybody ’ s singing out of the same hymn book .
”

O’FALLON, Mo. (AP) - Pastor Joshua Manning is waiting for test results, but he can tell by the persistent fever and body aches that he probably has the coronavirus. His wife and three kids have symptoms, too, and so many members of his Community Baptist Church in tiny Noel, Missouri, are infected that he’s closing the building until things improve.
“We did all the things we were supposed to do,” Manning, 41, said. “We shut down for two months. But the cases have just started to sprout up.”
Have they ever. At the start of June, McDonald County in the far southwestern corner of Missouri had fewer than two dozen confirmed cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. As of Tuesday, 498 cases have been confirmed, many of them tied to the Tyson Foods chicken processing plant in Noel. Meat processing plants across the U.S. have been stung by outbreaks, including plants in other parts of Missouri.
Few places, though, have been hit like McDonald County. Though it has just 23,000 residents, only four other Missouri counties and the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City have recorded more cases.
Last week, Missouri health officials began testing all 1,400 workers at the Tyson plant. Results haven’t been announced but the state health department said it is working with local health departments on contact tracing and is offering free testing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to send investigators.
The state health department said other “clusters of cases” in southwestern Missouri are being watched. Over the past week, neighboring Newton County reported about 160 new cases and nearby Jasper County has seen 66 new cases.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson attributed the rise in confirmed cases to increased testing, not a resurgence of the virus.
“We are not overwhelmed,” Parson said during a news conference. “We are not currently experiencing a second wave, and we have no intentions of closing Missouri back down at this point in time.”
McDonald County - flanked by Arkansas to the south and Oklahoma to the west - is known for soaring bluffs, waterfalls and breath-taking beauty along the Elk River, a popular spot for camping and float trips. Noel is named for a founding family, but the yuletide-related name prompts thousands of Christmas cards and letters each December to be sent to the Noel Post Office so they can be stamped from “The Christmas City.”
The arrival of immigrants to work at the Tyson plant has resulted in a unique and diverse community. Manning said at least 11 different languages are spoken in the town of 1,800 residents, and his church hosts services where five languages are spoken. The Spanish language pastor is hospitalized with COVID-19, Manning said.
Manning wonders if government leaders shouldn’t have flipped their approach to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
“We were shut down for two months with no cases within 100 miles of here, and now’s the situation where we need to be shut down,” Manning said. “I will be fine. My family will be fine. But the risk is going to be older people. I want to keep them away from the church, keep them at home, because I don’t want that risk for them.”
Missouri was among the earliest states to start to reopen, and statewide restrictions were lifted effective June 16. Parson frequently urges Missourians to use common sense, but the McDonald County Health Department is going further, stressing the need to avoid gatherings beyond immediate family, to wear a mask when leaving home, and to practice social distancing.
Tyson said in a statement that its top priority is “the health and safety of our team members, their families and our communities.” The company said it has put in place protective measures that include symptom screenings for all employees before every shift, mandatory face masks, social distancing requirements and physical barriers between work stations.
McDonald County Presiding Commissioner Bill Lant said the outbreak was surprising given the county’s sparse population spread out over 600 square miles (1,550 square kilometers), but he’s thankful that most of those who have tested positive have shown mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Only a few people have been hospitalized, and the county has reported no deaths.
“I think we will be fine, it’s just a matter of working together, and we are,” Lant said. “Everybody’s singing out of the same hymn book.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Mitch McConnell dings Democrats for threatening to block debate on GOP police reform bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday brushed off Democrats ’ concerns about proceeding with the Senate GOP ’ s police reform package this week , as the chamber heads towards an impasse on the issue .
Mr. McConnell said he doesn ’ t see any downside for Democrats if they allow the procedural vote to pass Wednesday , noting they have other options if they want to object to the process .
“ I read that several of them said ‘ We don ’ t trust Mitch McConnell.
’ They don ’ t have to trust me because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Kentucky Republican said Tuesday .
“ It takes 60 votes to pass a bill like this in the Senate … if they don ’ t feel like they ’ ve had fair treatment , their remedy is to refuse to finish the bill .
“ There ’ s literally no harm done by debating this important topic , ” he added .
Republicans need at least seven Democrats to join them in order to get the package to a final vote , but Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Because the bill needs such large-scale and fundamental change , there is no conceivable way that a series of amendments strong enough to cure the defects in the bill could garner 60 votes , ” the New York Democrat said on the Senate floor .
“ So no bill will pass as a result of this ploy by Senator McConnell.
” Earlier Tuesday morning , Mr. Schumer along with Sens .
Cory Booker and Kamala Harris , the two lead senators on the Democrat bill , wrote to Mr. McConnell and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations .
Sen. Tim Scott , the sole black Republican senator and lead on the GOP ’ s proposal , said the Democratic antics made him concerned a deal can ’ t be reached .
“ Now if it ’ s more important for us to score political points and talk about the legislation and what ’ s missing and not actually come to the table to improve the legislation , [ that ] means we ’ re only talking about politics , and we ’ re not actually talking about human beings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina Republican .
“ If they won ’ t even start it , that tells me that this is already over , ” he added .
Republicans have said they ’ re open to an amendment process but want to ensure that police officers aren ’ t demonized .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , whose chamber is voting on its own police-reform legislation Thursday , last week signaled she would like to see the two competing packages go the traditional legislative route and for a deal to be worked out in conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve ever said this before , but Chuck Schumer ought to listen to Nancy Pelosi , ” said Sen. John Barrasso , Wyoming Republican .
“ We have Chuck Schumer with a chokehold on the Justice Act and our opportunity for police reform in America.
” Republicans estimate that there is about a 70 % overlap between their bill and the Democrats ’ version .
Mr. Scott highlighted a few of the issues both bills had in common , including reporting requirements , a duty to intervene , and resources from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key differences in the bill — particularly regarding chokehold bans — are more similar than they appear .
“ We ’ re deflecting by talking about the things that are dissimilar in the legislation , as opposed to talking about the things that are similar in the legislation , ” Mr. Scott said .
“ Why would you not allow the stuff that you have in common to become a law , so that you have the data necessary to direct resources and training to de-escalate and keep more people around the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they protect ?
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday brushed off Democrats’ concerns about proceeding with the Senate GOP’s police reform package this week, as the chamber heads towards an impasse on the issue.
Mr. McConnell said he doesn’t see any downside for Democrats if they allow the procedural vote to pass Wednesday, noting they have other options if they want to object to the process.
“I read that several of them said ‘We don’t trust Mitch McConnell.’ They don’t have to trust me because the way the process works is quite simple,” the Kentucky Republican said Tuesday. “It takes 60 votes to pass a bill like this in the Senate … if they don’t feel like they’ve had fair treatment, their remedy is to refuse to finish the bill.
“There’s literally no harm done by debating this important topic,” he added.
Republicans need at least seven Democrats to join them in order to get the package to a final vote, but Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said that’s not going to happen.
“Because the bill needs such large-scale and fundamental change, there is no conceivable way that a series of amendments strong enough to cure the defects in the bill could garner 60 votes,” the New York Democrat said on the Senate floor. “So no bill will pass as a result of this ploy by Senator McConnell.”
Earlier Tuesday morning, Mr. Schumer along with Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, the two lead senators on the Democrat bill, wrote to Mr. McConnell and called for a new start on bipartisan negotiations.
Sen. Tim Scott, the sole black Republican senator and lead on the GOP’s proposal, said the Democratic antics made him concerned a deal can’t be reached.
“Now if it’s more important for us to score political points and talk about the legislation and what’s missing and not actually come to the table to improve the legislation, [that] means we’re only talking about politics, and we’re not actually talking about human beings,” said Mr. Scott, South Carolina Republican.
“If they won’t even start it, that tells me that this is already over,” he added.
Republicans have said they’re open to an amendment process but want to ensure that police officers aren’t demonized.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose chamber is voting on its own police-reform legislation Thursday, last week signaled she would like to see the two competing packages go the traditional legislative route and for a deal to be worked out in conference.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said this before, but Chuck Schumer ought to listen to Nancy Pelosi,” said Sen. John Barrasso, Wyoming Republican. “We have Chuck Schumer with a chokehold on the Justice Act and our opportunity for police reform in America.”
Republicans estimate that there is about a 70% overlap between their bill and the Democrats’ version.
Mr. Scott highlighted a few of the issues both bills had in common, including reporting requirements, a duty to intervene, and resources from the federal government.
He argued that even key differences in the bill — particularly regarding chokehold bans — are more similar than they appear.
“We’re deflecting by talking about the things that are dissimilar in the legislation, as opposed to talking about the things that are similar in the legislation,” Mr. Scott said. “Why would you not allow the stuff that you have in common to become a law, so that you have the data necessary to direct resources and training to de-escalate and keep more people around the country safer, including officers and the citizens that they protect?”
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--No threat of tsunami after 5.9 earthquake off Guam

HAGATNA , Guam ( AP ) - A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck off Guam early Wednesday , the U.S. Geological @ @ @ @ @ no immediate reports of injuries or damage following the earthquake that struck 55.9 miles ( @ @ @ @ @ Yigo Village .
There was no tsunami warning , advisory , watch , or threat @ @ @ @ @ Tsunami Warning System .
Some people across Guam reported to the USGS that they felt @ @ @ @ @ quake had a depth of 41.4 miles ( 66.7 kilometers ) .

HAGATNA, Guam (AP) - A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck off Guam early Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage following the earthquake that struck 55.9 miles (90 kilometers) northeast of Yigo Village.
There were no reports made to Guam 911 dispatch from the earthquake, Pacific Daily News reported.
There was no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.
Some people across Guam reported to the USGS that they felt some weak-to-light shaking.
The quake had a depth of 41.4 miles (66.7 kilometers).


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Mall evacuated after package found near Wisconsin GOP office

HUDSON , Wis. ( AP ) - Police in western Wisconsin evacuated a mall and called in a bomb squad after a package made out of a military-grade ammunition can was found Tuesday outside a local Republican Party campaign office .
Officers in Hudson were sent to the scene just before 9 a.m. Police said the package has been identified as a potential threat and the area has been cordoned off , the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported .
Hudson officials placed trucks full of dirt in front of the GOP headquarters , and a bomb squad has been dispatched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Geoff Willems said .
No one was in the office when the package was discovered , Willems said .
“ We have differences in our views , in our philosophies , and our vision for America , but violence or threats of violence can not stand because such actions lead to potential destruction that can ’ t be overcome , ” Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Andrew Hitt said in a statement .
A safety perimeter was set up and a local mall was evacuated .
Police said they are working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asking the public to avoid the area .
The investigation is ongoing .
Hudson is a town of about 14,000 located 25 miles ( 40 kilometers ) east of Minneapolis .

HUDSON, Wis. (AP) - Police in western Wisconsin gave the all-clear after a strip mall was evacuated and a bomb squad called in following the discovery Tuesday of a suspicious package outside a local Republican Party campaign office.
Officers in Hudson were sent to the scene just before 9 a.m. Police said the package, made out of a military-grade ammunition can, was identified as a potential threat and the area was cordoned off.
Just after 2 p.m., authorities deemed the package “clear” and said there was no longer a threat, KSTP-TV reported.
Hudson officials placed trucks full of dirt in front of the GOP headquarters, and a bomb squad has been dispatched from Wausau, Wisconsin, Hudson Police Chief Geoff Willems said.
No one was in the office when the package was discovered, Willems said.
A safety perimeter was set up and a strip mall was evacuated.
Hudson is a town of about 14,000 located 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Minneapolis.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--State-distributed masks among precautions for school opening

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - Illinois public schools and colleges will open this fall despite the COVID-19 pandemic , with help from the the state to provide 2.5 million face coverings to K-12 students to help prevent transmission of the virus , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday .
Pritzker was joined by a group of education administrators in Chicago to announce COVID-19 safety guidelines for community colleges and universities .
Illinois has received $ 569 million in federal pandemic relief funds .
The bulk of that will go directly to elementary and secondary schools to handle local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Illinois State Board of Education will use $ 54 million of it to help schools buy laptops and tablets , internet connectivity , virtual coaching for teachers and professional development .
“ Classroom learning provides necessary opportunities for our students to learn , socialize and grow , ” Pritzker said in releasing guidelines for safe classroom learning .
“ The benefits of in-person instruction can ’ t be overstated.
” COVID-19 , the illness caused by the new coronavirus , has sickened nearly 138,000 people in Illinois and contributed to the deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
As the virus gripped Illinois in March , Pritzker ordered schools to close .
Students participated in heavily criticized remote learning for the remainder of the semester , along with stay-at-home guidelines that remained in place through May .
But on Monday , Pritzker announced that the spread of the illness remains controlled enough to allow the state to move into the fourth of his five-stage Restore Illinois plan for re-opening schools and business and lifting some restrictions on social interaction .
Meanwhile , in schools , staff and students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than 50 people will be prohibited .
People are advised to social distance by least 6 feet whenever possible .
Schools are also expected to ensure that people entering their premises are free of symptoms and increase disinfection of buildings .
The state ’ s two major teachers unions , the Illinois Education Association and Illinois Federation of Teachers , expressed concern that safety precautions are lacking in a joint statement issued by IEA president Kathi Griffin and IFT president Dan Montgomery .
“ Anxiety remains high over class sizes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety resources , ” the statement said .
“ We continue to be concerned about the deep disparities that exist in schools , especially in our Black and Brown communities , who still lack access to the internet and computers.
” The statement raised concerns about the number of personal protective equipment available .
The state board and Pritzker ’ s administration have set up umbrella purchasing agreements that allow districts to buy supplies at lower prices than if they procured them individually .
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all students and staff .
State and federal health officials have said face coverings should be changed daily and that each person should have several so that a fresh one may be worn while others are laundered .
But they ’ ve also pointed out that virtually any discarded shirts or other material made be used to make them .
Similar guidelines were announced for community colleges and four-year institutions , which expect to have dormitories , cafeterias , libraries and other facilities open to students with proper safeguards .
Check out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois public schools and colleges will open this fall despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with help from the the state to provide 2.5 million face coverings to K-12 students to help prevent transmission of the virus, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday.
Pritzker was joined by a group of education administrators in Chicago to announce COVID-19 safety guidelines for community colleges and universities.
Illinois has received $569 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The bulk of that will go directly to elementary and secondary schools to handle local needs in response to the outbreak. The Illinois State Board of Education will use $54 million of it to help schools buy laptops and tablets, internet connectivity, virtual coaching for teachers and professional development.
“Classroom learning provides necessary opportunities for our students to learn, socialize and grow,” Pritzker said in releasing guidelines for safe classroom learning. “The benefits of in-person instruction can’t be overstated.”
COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, has sickened nearly 138,000 people in Illinois and contributed to the deaths of 6,707 through Tuesday, public health officials said. As the virus gripped Illinois in March, Pritzker ordered schools to close. Students participated in heavily criticized remote learning for the remainder of the semester, along with stay-at-home guidelines that remained in place through May.
But on Monday, Pritzker announced that the spread of the illness remains controlled enough to allow the state to move into the fourth of his five-stage Restore Illinois plan for re-opening schools and business and lifting some restrictions on social interaction.
Meanwhile, in schools, staff and students will wear face coverings, and gatherings of more than 50 people will be prohibited. People are advised to social distance by least 6 feet whenever possible. Schools are also expected to ensure that people entering their premises are free of symptoms and increase disinfection of buildings.
The state’s two major teachers unions, the Illinois Education Association and Illinois Federation of Teachers, expressed concern that safety precautions are lacking in a joint statement issued by IEA president Kathi Griffin and IFT president Dan Montgomery.
“Anxiety remains high over class sizes and the lack of school nurses and other health and safety resources,” the statement said. “We continue to be concerned about the deep disparities that exist in schools, especially in our Black and Brown communities, who still lack access to the internet and computers.”
The statement raised concerns about the number of personal protective equipment available. The state board and Pritzker’s administration have set up umbrella purchasing agreements that allow districts to buy supplies at lower prices than if they procured them individually. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will provide 2.5 million cloth face coverings to distribute to all students and staff.
State and federal health officials have said face coverings should be changed daily and that each person should have several so that a fresh one may be worn while others are laundered. But they’ve also pointed out that virtually any discarded shirts or other material made be used to make them.
Similar guidelines were announced for community colleges and four-year institutions, which expect to have dormitories, cafeterias, libraries and other facilities open to students with proper safeguards.
___
Online
Illinois school reopening guidelines
K-12 schools: https://bit.ly/3hT6FJv
Community colleges: https://bit.ly/2NnYfvF
Four-year colleges
IBHE guidelines: https://bit.ly/3dtyG6Q
ICCB guidelines: https://bit.ly/2YtZm36
___
Check out more of the AP’s coronavirus coverage at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
___
Follow Political Writer John O’Connor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Senate Democrats threaten to kill GOP's policing bill

The Senate is bracing for a partisan showdown Wednesday on Republicans ’ policing package , with Democrats threatening to kill the bill before it gets to a full debate on the floor .
Senate Democrats delivered their verdict that the GOP plan is “ not salvageable ” and called for a new start on bipartisan negotiations .
“ Because the bill needs such large-scale and fundamental change , there is no conceivable way that a series of amendments strong enough to cure the defects in the bill could garner 60 votes , ” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate floor .
“ So no bill will pass as a result of this ploy by Sen. McConnell.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he doesn ’ t see a downside for Democrats if they allow the bill to advance , noting they have other options if they want to object later in the process .
“ I read that several of them said , ‘ We don ’ t trust Mitch McConnell.
’ They don ’ t have to trust me because the way the process works is quite simple , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It takes 60 votes to pass a bill like this in the Senate … if they don ’ t feel like they ’ ve had fair treatment , their remedy is to refuse to finish the bill.
” “ There ’ s literally no harm done by debating this important topic , ” he added .
Killing the Republican bill would set up an impasse , as Mr. McConnell has declared the House Democrats ’ police overhaul bill dead in the water when it reaches the upper chamber .
Senate Republicans need at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut off a filibuster and move the legislation forward.They accused Democrats of trying to score political points rather than hammer out new laws to address police racism and brutality against minorities .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , California Democrat , whose chamber is voting on its version Thursday , has signaled she would like to see the two competing packages follow the traditional legislative route and work out a deal in a conference .
Sen. Tim Scott , the South Carolina Republican who led the GOP ’ s effort , highlighted issues the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting requirements for police misconduct and added federal resources for police departments.He estimated there was a 70 % overlap between the two versions .
Differences between the bills — particularly bans on chokehold — are more similar than they appear , he said .
“ Now if it ’ s more important for us to score political points and talk about the legislation and what ’ s missing and not actually come to the table to improve the legislation means we ’ re only talking about politics , and we ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Mr. Scott , the sole Black Republican senator .
“ If they won ’ t even start it , that tells me that this is already over , ” he added .
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey , one of two Black Democratic senators and a leading co-sponsor of the Democrats ’ version , said the Republicans ’ comparison of the bills is “ fundamentally not true.
” Republicans have stayed away from implementing national mandates on policies , insisting they ’ re respecting states ’ rights , while Democrats accuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version that collects data but doesn ’ t require real change .
But even as partisan division threatens the GOP ’ s package , Sen. Mike Braun introduced a bill that would limit liability protections for police officers , which he hoped could lay the groundwork for a bipartisan deal .
“ The bill will be out there as a template that everybody can look at , ” the Indiana Republican told The Washington Times .
“ Because I don ’ t think the issue is going to go away .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it as a first attempt to do something other than kick the can down the road.
” Qualified immunity is a provision that protects police from civil lawsuits if they violate individuals ’ constitutional rights while acting in their official capacity .
It ’ s a key sticking point between the parties , with Democrats arguing it is vital to holding bad cops accountable and many Republicans arguing it could undermine good cops ’ ability to respond to dangerous situations .
Mr. Braun ’ s legislation seeks a middle ground by limiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His bill would make departments as well as individuals responsible for “ egregious violations.
” “ I think it ’ s a job that has an inherent risk , kind of complexities to it that you can not eliminate it completely , ” he said .
“ But in instances like George Floyd , Rayshard Brooks and Breonna Taylor — those would be examples where there needs to be accountability .
“ I think if we don ’ t get to the heart of transparency and accountability — you can do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not solve the issue in the long term , ” he said .

Gabriella Muñoz, David Sherfinski and Gabriella Muñoz, David Sherfinski

The Senate is bracing for a partisan showdown Wednesday on Republicans’ policing package, with Democrats threatening to kill the bill before it gets to a full debate on the floor.
Senate Democrats delivered their verdict that the GOP plan is “not salvageable” and called for a new start on bipartisan negotiations.
“Because the bill needs such large-scale and fundamental change, there is no conceivable way that a series of amendments strong enough to cure the defects in the bill could garner 60 votes,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said on the Senate floor. “So no bill will pass as a result of this ploy by Sen. McConnell.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he doesn’t see a downside for Democrats if they allow the bill to advance, noting they have other options if they want to object later in the process.
“I read that several of them said, ‘We don’t trust Mitch McConnell.’ They don’t have to trust me because the way the process works is quite simple,” the Kentucky Republican said. “It takes 60 votes to pass a bill like this in the Senate … if they don’t feel like they’ve had fair treatment, their remedy is to refuse to finish the bill.”
“There’s literally no harm done by debating this important topic,” he added.
Killing the Republican bill would set up an impasse, as Mr. McConnell has declared the House Democrats’ police overhaul bill dead in the water when it reaches the upper chamber.
Senate Republicans need at least seven Democrats to join them to cut off a filibuster and move the legislation forward.They accused Democrats of trying to score political points rather than hammer out new laws to address police racism and brutality against minorities.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, whose chamber is voting on its version Thursday, has signaled she would like to see the two competing packages follow the traditional legislative route and work out a deal in a conference.
Sen. Tim Scott, the South Carolina Republican who led the GOP’s effort, highlighted issues the two bills had in common, including reporting requirements for police misconduct and added federal resources for police departments.He estimated there was a 70% overlap between the two versions.
Differences between the bills — particularly bans on chokehold — are more similar than they appear, he said.
“Now if it’s more important for us to score political points and talk about the legislation and what’s missing and not actually come to the table to improve the legislation means we’re only talking about politics, and we’re not actually talking about human beings,” said Mr. Scott, the sole Black Republican senator.
“If they won’t even start it, that tells me that this is already over,” he added.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, one of two Black Democratic senators and a leading co-sponsor of the Democrats’ version, said the Republicans’ comparison of the bills is “fundamentally not true.”
Republicans have stayed away from implementing national mandates on policies, insisting they’re respecting states’ rights, while Democrats accuse them of peddling a “watered-down” version that collects data but doesn’t require real change.
But even as partisan division threatens the GOP’s package, Sen. Mike Braun introduced a bill that would limit liability protections for police officers, which he hoped could lay the groundwork for a bipartisan deal.
“The bill will be out there as a template that everybody can look at,” the Indiana Republican told The Washington Times. “Because I don’t think the issue is going to go away. And I’m proud to have my name on it as a first attempt to do something other than kick the can down the road.”
Qualified immunity is a provision that protects police from civil lawsuits if they violate individuals’ constitutional rights while acting in their official capacity.
It’s a key sticking point between the parties, with Democrats arguing it is vital to holding bad cops accountable and many Republicans arguing it could undermine good cops’ ability to respond to dangerous situations.
Mr. Braun’s legislation seeks a middle ground by limiting protections but not leaving officers entirely exposed. His bill would make departments as well as individuals responsible for “egregious violations.”
“I think it’s a job that has an inherent risk, kind of complexities to it that you cannot eliminate it completely,” he said. “But in instances like George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks and Breonna Taylor — those would be examples where there needs to be accountability.
“I think if we don’t get to the heart of transparency and accountability — you can do it as a smart way — we may not solve the issue in the long term,” he said.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com. • David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Judges differ on Minnesota absentee ballot witness mandate

ST. PAUL , Minn. ( AP ) - Minnesota still plans to waive the witness requirement for absentee ballots in the August primary , despite a federal judge ’ s opinion , the secretary of state ’ s office said Tuesday .
The office of Secretary of State Steve Simon said that Simon will follow a state court decision last week that approved an agreement removing the witness requirement .
That move was sought in a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund .
But in a separate case brought by the League of Women Voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a federal judge said Tuesday that a similar agreement went “ well beyond ” the concerns raised by a voter .
That voter said her health could be jeopardized by having to meet the witness requirement to vote during the coronavirus pandemic .
U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud suggested a more narrowly tailored agreement to remedy specific harms cited by the League ’ s lawsuit .
Despite the federal judge ’ s opinion , Simon , a Democratic proponent of mail-in voting , plans to continue to waive the witness requirement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ramsey County District Judge Sara Grewing .
“ Today ’ s U.S. District Court ruling does not affect last week ’ s state court ruling that the consent decree is fair , adequate , reasonable , and in the public interest .
We are bound by the ruling of the state district court and will comply with the order , ” Risikat Adesaogun , the spokeswoman for Simon ’ s office , said in a statement .
The Minnesota Republican Party and several GOP lawmakers have opposed the change .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots for the primary will be accepted even if they don ’ t have witness signatures , and that ballots received within two days of the Aug. 11 primary date will be accepted as long as they ’ re postmarked by Election Day .
Minnesota usually requires that the witness be a registered voter or notary public .
The settlements don ’ t apply to the November general election .
League spokeswoman Kayla Vix has said her group is keeping the case open in case they decide to pursue it for the general @ @

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota still plans to waive the witness requirement for absentee ballots in the August primary, despite a federal judge’s opinion, the secretary of state’s office said Tuesday.
The office of Secretary of State Steve Simon said that Simon will follow a state court decision last week that approved an agreement removing the witness requirement. That move was sought in a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund.
But in a separate case brought by the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, the Star Tribune reported a federal judge said Tuesday that a similar agreement went “well beyond” the concerns raised by a voter. That voter said her health could be jeopardized by having to meet the witness requirement to vote during the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud suggested a more narrowly tailored agreement to remedy specific harms cited by the League’s lawsuit.
Despite the federal judge’s opinion, Simon, a Democratic proponent of mail-in voting, plans to continue to waive the witness requirement in accordance with a decision signed last week by Ramsey County District Judge Sara Grewing.
“Today’s U.S. District Court ruling does not affect last week’s state court ruling that the consent decree is fair, adequate, reasonable, and in the public interest. We are bound by the ruling of the state district court and will comply with the order,” Risikat Adesaogun, the spokeswoman for Simon’s office, said in a statement.
The Minnesota Republican Party and several GOP lawmakers have opposed the change.
Early voting in the August primary begins Friday.
Under the settlements, Simon agreed that mailed-in absentee ballots for the primary will be accepted even if they don’t have witness signatures, and that ballots received within two days of the Aug. 11 primary date will be accepted as long as they’re postmarked by Election Day. Minnesota usually requires that the witness be a registered voter or notary public.
The settlements don’t apply to the November general election. League spokeswoman Kayla Vix has said her group is keeping the case open in case they decide to pursue it for the general election.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--AP PHOTOS: Virus sidelines iconic Philippine jeeps, drivers

MANILA , Philippines ( AP ) - The Philippines ’ iconic passenger jeepney was one of the first casualties of the country ’ s coronavirus outbreak , with the government imposing a tight lockdown that sidelined Manila ’ s “ king of the road ” and its thousands of poor drivers .
The restrictions imposed three months ago barred most public transport , forcing the gaudily decorated jeepneys off the road .
Many of the jobless drivers have resorted to begging in the streets , displaying cardboard signs bearing pleas for money and food on their jeepneys .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” one sign said .
In a once-bustling passenger terminal in suburban Quezon city ’ s Tandang Sora village , about 35 drivers have turned their jeepneys into tiny shelters .
They squeezed in cooking stoves , a few spare clothes , cellphone chargers and electric fans to fight off the tropical heat and mosquitoes in the cramped passenger compartment where they have now lived and slept for months .
“ We have no income now .
We have nothing to spend for our children , ” said Jude Recio , a distraught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope we ’ ll be allowed to drive again.
” Well before the outbreak began , jeepneys had already been threatened by a government program to modernize public transport and phase out aging vehicles .
The diesel-powered jeepneys that are popular among the working class cough out dark fumes which have been blamed for Manila ’ s notoriously polluted air .
The jeepneys evolved from U.S. military jeeps that American forces left behind after World War II .
The vehicles were modified and then were reproduced , many based on a second-hand truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most popular form of land transport and a showcase of Philippine culture on wheels .
The modernization program aims to make over jeepneys by improving their engines , safety and convenience .
Many have electric engines and are called “ e-jeeps.
” They are bigger , safer and more environmentally friendly , but no longer are a head-turning icon .
The government eased the lockdown this month to reopen the slumping economy , allowing newer passenger vehicles to return to the road under strict quarantine regulations .
But the traditional jeepneys remain sidelined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terminal have started sprucing up their jeepneys , hoping they can roll back onto the streets soon .
But they fear that even if they and their jeepneys survive the pandemic , the government ’ s modernization program will still bring them to extinction .
“ The government should study this program very well because we can not afford the new jeeps .
A lot of people will lose their jobs , ” Recio said .

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines’ iconic passenger jeepney was one of the first casualties of the country’s coronavirus outbreak, with the government imposing a tight lockdown that sidelined Manila’s “king of the road” and its thousands of poor drivers.
The restrictions imposed three months ago barred most public transport, forcing the gaudily decorated jeepneys off the road.
Many of the jobless drivers have resorted to begging in the streets, displaying cardboard signs bearing pleas for money and food on their jeepneys. “A little help please for us drivers,” one sign said.
In a once-bustling passenger terminal in suburban Quezon city’s Tandang Sora village, about 35 drivers have turned their jeepneys into tiny shelters. They squeezed in cooking stoves, a few spare clothes, cellphone chargers and electric fans to fight off the tropical heat and mosquitoes in the cramped passenger compartment where they have now lived and slept for months.
“We have no income now. We have nothing to spend for our children,” said Jude Recio, a distraught driver with three children. “I hope we’ll be allowed to drive again.”
Well before the outbreak began, jeepneys had already been threatened by a government program to modernize public transport and phase out aging vehicles. The diesel-powered jeepneys that are popular among the working class cough out dark fumes which have been blamed for Manila’s notoriously polluted air.
The jeepneys evolved from U.S. military jeeps that American forces left behind after World War II. The vehicles were modified and then were reproduced, many based on a second-hand truck chassis, and for decades were the most popular form of land transport and a showcase of Philippine culture on wheels.
The modernization program aims to make over jeepneys by improving their engines, safety and convenience. Many have electric engines and are called “e-jeeps.” They are bigger, safer and more environmentally friendly, but no longer are a head-turning icon.
The government eased the lockdown this month to reopen the slumping economy, allowing newer passenger vehicles to return to the road under strict quarantine regulations. But the traditional jeepneys remain sidelined.
The drivers in the Tandang Sora terminal have started sprucing up their jeepneys, hoping they can roll back onto the streets soon. But they fear that even if they and their jeepneys survive the pandemic, the government’s modernization program will still bring them to extinction.
“The government should study this program very well because we cannot afford the new jeeps. A lot of people will lose their jobs,” Recio said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--West Virginia man sentenced for 1981 murder of 7-year-old

CLARKSBURG , W.Va. ( AP ) - A man has been sentenced to prison for the slaying of a 7-year-old West Virginia boy more than 38 years after the child ’ s remains was found in a wooded area .
William Jeffries was sentenced to five to 18 years in prison last week for second-degree murder in the 1981 slaying of Conrad Roger “ C.R.
” Diaz , WBOY-TV reported .
The case into Diaz ’ s death had gone cold and was reopened in 2017 .
A jury convicted Jeffries in March after Harrison County Prosecutor Rachel Romano argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to molest him , and then killed him when he wouldn ’ t be quiet .
Defense attorney Christopher M. Wilson said Jeffries was cleared in the original investigation and the state ’ s case was primarily based on a February 2018 confession where Jeffries told investigators “ what they wanted to hear.
” The Harrison County Prosecutor ’ s Office told the news outlet Jeffries was charged as an adult although the crime happened when he was 17 .
Jeffries was also denied alternative sentencing , including home confinement , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parole board on his prison sentence , the office added .

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - A man has been sentenced to prison for the slaying of a 7-year-old West Virginia boy more than 38 years after the child’s remains was found in a wooded area.
William Jeffries was sentenced to five to 18 years in prison last week for second-degree murder in the 1981 slaying of Conrad Roger “C.R.” Diaz, WBOY-TV reported. The case into Diaz’s death had gone cold and was reopened in 2017.
A jury convicted Jeffries in March after Harrison County Prosecutor Rachel Romano argued he had taken Diaz to the woods to molest him, and then killed him when he wouldn’t be quiet.
Defense attorney Christopher M. Wilson said Jeffries was cleared in the original investigation and the state’s case was primarily based on a February 2018 confession where Jeffries told investigators “what they wanted to hear.”
The Harrison County Prosecutor’s Office told the news outlet Jeffries was charged as an adult although the crime happened when he was 17.
Jeffries was also denied alternative sentencing, including home confinement, and there has not been a recommendation to the parole board on his prison sentence, the office added.