washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Waste-watching: Sewage can help track pandemic virus trends

NEW YORK ( AP ) - One county in Utah beat back a spike of pandemic virus infections in the spring , and another saw its rate jump .
Both trends showed up in their sewage .
Yes , sewage .
Across the U.S. and in Europe , researchers and health officials say they can track the course of a community outbreak of the new coronavirus by studying the waste flushed from its bathrooms .
And that can provide a valuable addition to public health tools , they say .
In Utah , wastewater from communities near a Cache County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated an outbreak several days before it was officially reported .
In contrast , sewage from Summit County showed a decline after officials imposed anti-virus measures , including asking tourists to stay away from its popular Park City ski area .
The monitoring in April and May was part of a demonstration project , and the results helped persuade state officials to authorize a bigger monitoring effort that will include wastewater from 75 % of Utah ’ s residents , said Erica Gaddis , director of the state ’ s Division of Water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in embracing that approach .
When the Massachusetts company Biobot said on social media this spring that it would test wastewater for free , “ it just kind of exploded , ” said CEO Marian Martus .
The company took on 400 wastewater plants in 42 states , representing waste from about 10 % of the U.S. population , she said .
The company now charges for its service , Martus said , and still has hundreds of customers that regularly send in samples of about a half-cup ( 150 milliliters ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also announced monitoring programs , with all wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands to participate .
“ We can detect the virus anonymously , quickly and on a large scale , ” said Dutch health minister Hugo de Jonge .
The concept is straightforward .
Studies indicate genetic material from the virus can be recovered from the stools of about half of patients with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
Wastewater analysis looks for that genetic material .
Results over time are taken as indications of trends for infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That should even include people who would normally be overlooked because they don ’ t get tested or may not know they ’ re infected .
The approach can serve as an early warning because it can detect trends several days before results appear from community testing or people get sick enough to show up at a hospital , studies indicate .
One Dutch study found a wastewater signal in a city six days before the community reported its first cases .
Sewage can be used as “ a mirror of society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a microbiologist at the KWR Water Research Institute in the Netherlands .
“ Sewage is more than just a wastewater carrier , it ’ s also an information carrier.
” Sewage monitoring is “ a very promising tool , ” said Vince Hill , chief of the waterborne disease prevention branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The CDC is now working to understand how useful it can be in the U.S. “ There is a lot to learn , ” he said .
“ We ’ re working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has long been used to look for outbreaks of the polio virus .
With the new application to the pandemic virus , scientists are working to refine their techniques as economies reopen and researchers warn of a possible surge of disease this fall .
They don ’ t yet have a reliable way to use wastewater to pin down just how many infected people a community has .
Biobot provides estimates but its calculation method is still being studied and the estimates should not be taken as hard numbers , Martus said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at “ making sure we ’ ve got the science right , ” said Peter Grevatt , CEO of The Water Research Foundation , which promotes studies of water and wastewater to ensure water quality and service .
Among the unknowns experts cite : How does the viral shedding in stools vary by different stages of infection ?
How can lab results produced by different testing methods be compared ?
And how are samples affected by the characteristics of different sewage systems , such as the degree of dilution and the time waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , Matt Meyer , county executive for New Castle County in Delaware , said his community is putting reports from Biobot to work .
In addition to county-wide data from a central treatment plant , the county uses readings from its 11 sewage pumping stations that serve more localized areas .
“ That gives us a view of where the hot spots are and … where the hot spots are developing if the numbers are going up , ” he said .
So that helps officials decide where to put mobile stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also help gauge the effect of changes in measures to fight the virus spread , Meyer added .
Although he has no idea when a so-called “ second wave ” with surging infections may appear across the country , Meyer said , “ We ’ re working like it ’ s going to happen any day now.
” Kathy Young in New York and Aleksandar Furtula in Nieuwegein , the Netherlands , contributed to this report .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The AP is solely responsible for all content .

NEW YORK (AP) - One county in Utah beat back a spike of pandemic virus infections in the spring, and another saw its rate jump. Both trends showed up in their sewage.
Yes, sewage. Across the U.S. and in Europe, researchers and health officials say they can track the course of a community outbreak of the new coronavirus by studying the waste flushed from its bathrooms. And that can provide a valuable addition to public health tools, they say.
In Utah, wastewater from communities near a Cache County meatpacking plant that discovered 287 infected workers indicated an outbreak several days before it was officially reported. In contrast, sewage from Summit County showed a decline after officials imposed anti-virus measures, including asking tourists to stay away from its popular Park City ski area.
The monitoring in April and May was part of a demonstration project, and the results helped persuade state officials to authorize a bigger monitoring effort that will include wastewater from 75% of Utah’s residents, said Erica Gaddis, director of the state’s Division of Water Quality.
Utah is far from alone in embracing that approach. When the Massachusetts company Biobot said on social media this spring that it would test wastewater for free, “it just kind of exploded,” said CEO Marian Martus.
The company took on 400 wastewater plants in 42 states, representing waste from about 10% of the U.S. population, she said. The company now charges for its service, Martus said, and still has hundreds of customers that regularly send in samples of about a half-cup (150 milliliters).
The British, Italian and Dutch governments have also announced monitoring programs, with all wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands to participate. “We can detect the virus anonymously, quickly and on a large scale,” said Dutch health minister Hugo de Jonge.
The concept is straightforward. Studies indicate genetic material from the virus can be recovered from the stools of about half of patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Wastewater analysis looks for that genetic material. Results over time are taken as indications of trends for infection in the community that produced the waste. That should even include people who would normally be overlooked because they don’t get tested or may not know they’re infected.
The approach can serve as an early warning because it can detect trends several days before results appear from community testing or people get sick enough to show up at a hospital, studies indicate. One Dutch study found a wastewater signal in a city six days before the community reported its first cases.
Sewage can be used as “a mirror of society,’’ said Gertjan Medema, a microbiologist at the KWR Water Research Institute in the Netherlands. “Sewage is more than just a wastewater carrier, it’s also an information carrier.”
Sewage monitoring is “a very promising tool,” said Vince Hill, chief of the waterborne disease prevention branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC is now working to understand how useful it can be in the U.S. “There is a lot to learn,” he said. “We’re working on this with urgency.”
Wastewater surveillance has long been used to look for outbreaks of the polio virus. With the new application to the pandemic virus, scientists are working to refine their techniques as economies reopen and researchers warn of a possible surge of disease this fall.
They don’t yet have a reliable way to use wastewater to pin down just how many infected people a community has. Biobot provides estimates but its calculation method is still being studied and the estimates should not be taken as hard numbers, Martus said.
Researchers in the field are still working at “making sure we’ve got the science right,” said Peter Grevatt, CEO of The Water Research Foundation, which promotes studies of water and wastewater to ensure water quality and service.
Among the unknowns experts cite: How does the viral shedding in stools vary by different stages of infection? How can lab results produced by different testing methods be compared? And how are samples affected by the characteristics of different sewage systems, such as the degree of dilution and the time waste spends in transit before being sampled?
Still, Matt Meyer, county executive for New Castle County in Delaware, said his community is putting reports from Biobot to work.
In addition to county-wide data from a central treatment plant, the county uses readings from its 11 sewage pumping stations that serve more localized areas. “That gives us a view of where the hot spots are and … where the hot spots are developing if the numbers are going up,” he said. So that helps officials decide where to put mobile stations for testing people.
The sewage data can also help gauge the effect of changes in measures to fight the virus spread, Meyer added.
Although he has no idea when a so-called “second wave” with surging infections may appear across the country, Meyer said, “We’re working like it’s going to happen any day now.”
___
Kathy Young in New York and Aleksandar Furtula in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands, contributed to this report.
___
Follow Malcolm Ritter on Twitter: @MalcolmRitter
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Death toll from flooding in Japan rises to 50, dozen missing

TOKYO ( AP ) - Japan ’ s disaster management agency says the death toll from recent flooding has risen @ @ @ @ @ a dozen others are still missing .
Pounding rain since late Friday in Japan ’ @ @ @ @ @ has triggered widespread flooding .
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said 49 of the @ @ @ @ @ morning were from riverside towns in the Kumamoto region .
One person was found dead @ @ @ @ @ rain spread across the southern area .
At least a dozen people are missing .
@ @ @ @ @ by the floodwater and continuing harsh weather .

TOKYO (AP) — Soldiers rescued residents on boats as floodwaters flowed down streets in southern Japanese towns hit by deadly rains that were expanding across the region Tuesday. At least 50 people have died and a dozen are missing.
Pounding rain since late Friday in Japan’s southern region of Kyushu has triggered widespread flooding. More rain was predicted in Kyushu and the western half of Japan’s main island as the rain front moved east.
In Fukuoka, on the northern part of the island, three soldiers waded through knee-high water pulling a boat carrying a mother, her 2-month-old baby and two other residents.
“Good job!” one of the soldiers said as he held up the baby to his chest while the mother got off the boat, Asahi video footage showed. Several children wearing orange life vests over their wet T-shirts arrived on another boat.
An older woman told NHK television she started walking down the road to evacuate, but floodwater rose quickly up to her neck. Another woman said, “I was almost washed away and had to grab a electrical pole.”
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said 49 victims were from riverside towns in the Kumamoto prefecture. Another of the dead confirmed as of Tuesday morning was a woman in her 80s found inside her flooded home in another prefecture.
About 3 million residents were advised to evacuate across Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island.
Tens of thousands of army troops, police and other rescue workers mobilized from around the country worked their way through mud and debris in the hardest-hit riverside towns along the Kuma River. Rescue operations have been hampered by the floodwater and continuing harsh weather.
In Kuma village in the hardest-hit Kumamoto prefecture, dozens of residents took shelter at a park. The roofed structure had no walls or floor and they sat on blue tarps spread on the dirt ground, with no partitions. The village office’s electricity and communications had been cut.
Among the victims were 14 residents of a nursing home next to the Kuma River, known as the “raging river” because it is joined by another river just upstream and is prone to flooding. Its embankment fell, letting water gush into the nursing home.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Walmart donates $100,000 for new Arkansas statues

Retail giant Walmart contributed $ 100,000 to replace Arkansas ’ century-old statues with new ones of civil rights activist Daisy Bates and country singer Johnny Cash .
The statues will be placed at the U.S. Capitol ’ s National Statuary Hall Collection , the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported .
Last year , legislation was passed to replace the statues of late attorney Uriah M. Rose and the late U.S. senator and Gov .
James P. Clarke .
Anne Hatfield , a Walmart spokeswoman , said the company supports the state ’ s decision to honor the Arkansas .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action with a gift to the Foundation for Arkansas Heritage and History to help make these new statues a reality , ” Hatfield said .
The nonprofit , which supports the Arkansas Division of Heritage , will be collecting any private donations for designing and creating the statues .
Donations will be given to the secretary of state ’ s office , said Melissa Whitfield , a spokeswoman for the state Department of Parks , Heritage and Tourism .
Kurt Naumann , director of administration for Republican Secretary of State John Thurston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 400,000 to $ 500,000 before Thurston ’ s office issues separate requests for qualifications for sculptors to create the statues .
Naumann added that the office has an unfunded appropriation of $ 750,000 for the project .

Retail giant Walmart contributed $100,000 to replace Arkansas’ century-old statues with new ones of civil rights activist Daisy Bates and country singer Johnny Cash.
The statues will be placed at the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. Last year, legislation was passed to replace the statues of late attorney Uriah M. Rose and the late U.S. senator and Gov. James P. Clarke.
Anne Hatfield, a Walmart spokeswoman, said the company supports the state’s decision to honor the Arkansas.
“We are pleased to support the state’s action with a gift to the Foundation for Arkansas Heritage and History to help make these new statues a reality,” Hatfield said.
The nonprofit, which supports the Arkansas Division of Heritage, will be collecting any private donations for designing and creating the statues. Donations will be given to the secretary of state’s office, said Melissa Whitfield, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Kurt Naumann, director of administration for Republican Secretary of State John Thurston, said the aim is to raise about $400,000 to $500,000 before Thurston’s office issues separate requests for qualifications for sculptors to create the statues.
Naumann added that the office has an unfunded appropriation of $750,000 for the project.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Sports jumps on PPP bandwagon, but big leagues take a pass

Rapper Ice Cube , Republican Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine and longtime boxing promoter Bob Arum led a cavalcade of sports leagues , federations , businesses and teams that navigated a federal loan program designed to help small firms cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Data released Monday showed hundreds of thousands of Paycheck Protection Program recipients across a wide range of industries , and sports-related businesses were well represented .
However , none of the four major North American sports leagues - the NFL , NBA , NHL and Major League Baseball - were among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the data .
Big 3 Basketball LLC , a Los Angeles-based 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Ice Cube , received $ 1.6 million and returned $ 700,000 , Jeremy Watkins , a spokesman for the company , told The Associated Press .
The remaining $ 600,000 was used to pay coaches and players for this season and ensure the league could play its 2021 season , Watkins said .
At least four Major League Soccer teams tapped the PPP program , according to the data : D.C. United and Inter Miami were approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 2 million range , while Orlando City and the Seattle Sounders each applied for between $ 2 million and $ 5 million .
Because the federal government released loan amounts in ranges , it wasn ’ t possible to tell exact amounts .
The data showed businesses that applied for and received loans , though some may not ultimately have taken the funds .
The National Women ’ s Soccer League , which made headlines last weekend after a majority of players in the Challenge Cup tournament took a knee during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received between $ 1 million and $ 2 million and reported that the money was used to support 213 employees .
An AP survey completed in May found 32 U.S. Olympic sports organizations - about 70 % of all federations - had applied for PPP loans .
Among those listed in the government ’ s data drop were the U.S .
Figure Skating Association and USA Softball , which did not respond to the survey .
The requests for federal money shredded the long-held and distinctly American tradition of not relying on taxpayers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But as one official explained at the time , “ The sports organizations we work with closely are feeling revenue pain .
And it ’ s immediate.
” Under the PPP , Congress created $ 659 billion in low-interest loans that will be forgiven if employers use the money on payroll , rent and similar expenses .
With about $ 130 billion unclaimed as the application deadline closed June 30 , Congress extended the program until Aug. 8 .
The public may never know the identity of more than 80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the Trump administration has refused to release details on loans under $ 150,000 .
That secrecy spurred a lawsuit by news organizations including The Associated Press .
The data provided Monday showed a bulk of both NASCAR and IndyCar teams were approved for substantial loans .
It is not clear which teams accepted the funds , but the list showed numerous teams that were approved for a loan .
The data for NASCAR showed championship-winning teams Richard Childress Racing and Roush Fenway Racing were approved , as were Richard Petty Motorsports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jeff Gordon Inc .
In IndyCar , nearly every full-time team was approved for a loan .
The list did not include Team Penske , which likely was considered too large of an organization to qualify .
The loans went beyond race teams , too .
Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania was approved for a loan between $ 350,000 and $ 1 million .
Three of boxing ’ s biggest promotion companies applied for between $ 350,000 and $ 1 million to ease the pain of the sport ’ s extended layoff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Arum ’ s Top Rank company , Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions , headed by former world champions Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya , also were approved for loans .
With their seasons shut down , more than a dozen minor league baseball teams turned up on the PPP rolls .
One of the most high-profile was DeWine Seeds-Silver Dollar Baseball , partly owned by Ohio ’ s governor .
The company owns the North Carolina-based Asheville Tourists , purchased by Mike DeWine ’ s family in 2010 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The team received between $ 150,000 and $ 350,000 , according to the data .
At least four of college sports ’ smaller conferences and the Sugar Bowl , host to one of the college game ’ s football galas , also applied for loans .
The Big South Conference , Conference USA , Southland Conference and Big Sky Conference all listed less than two dozen full-time employees , according to the data .
AP Sports Writers Jim Litke , Jenna Fryer and Will Graves contributed to this report .

Rapper Ice Cube, Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and longtime boxing promoter Bob Arum led a cavalcade of sports leagues, federations, businesses and teams that navigated a federal loan program designed to help small firms cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Data released Monday showed hundreds of thousands of Paycheck Protection Program recipients across a wide range of industries, and sports-related businesses were well represented. However, none of the four major North American sports leagues - the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball - were among the businesses that applied, according to the data.
Big 3 Basketball LLC, a Los Angeles-based 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Ice Cube, received $1.6 million and returned $700,000, Jeremy Watkins, a spokesman for the company, told The Associated Press. The remaining $600,000 was used to pay coaches and players for this season and ensure the league could play its 2021 season, Watkins said.
At least four Major League Soccer teams tapped the PPP program, according to the data: D.C. United and Inter Miami were approved for loans in the $1 million to $2 million range, while Orlando City and the Seattle Sounders each applied for between $2 million and $5 million.
Because the federal government released loan amounts in ranges, it wasn’t possible to tell exact amounts. The data showed businesses that applied for and received loans, though some may not ultimately have taken the funds.
The National Women’s Soccer League, which made headlines last weekend after a majority of players in the Challenge Cup tournament took a knee during the national anthem, applied for and received between $1 million and $2 million and reported that the money was used to support 213 employees.
An AP survey completed in May found 32 U.S. Olympic sports organizations - about 70% of all federations - had applied for PPP loans. Among those listed in the government’s data drop were the U.S. Figure Skating Association and USA Softball, which did not respond to the survey.
The requests for federal money shredded the long-held and distinctly American tradition of not relying on taxpayers to fund the pursuit of Olympic medals. But as one official explained at the time, “The sports organizations we work with closely are feeling revenue pain. And it’s immediate.”
Under the PPP, Congress created $659 billion in low-interest loans that will be forgiven if employers use the money on payroll, rent and similar expenses. With about $130 billion unclaimed as the application deadline closed June 30, Congress extended the program until Aug. 8.
The public may never know the identity of more than 80% of the nearly 5 million beneficiaries to date because the Trump administration has refused to release details on loans under $150,000. That secrecy spurred a lawsuit by news organizations including The Associated Press.
The data provided Monday showed a bulk of both NASCAR and IndyCar teams were approved for substantial loans. It is not clear which teams accepted the funds, but the list showed numerous teams that were approved for a loan. The data for NASCAR showed championship-winning teams Richard Childress Racing and Roush Fenway Racing were approved, as were Richard Petty Motorsports, Jimmie Johnson Racing, Kyle Busch Motorsports and Jeff Gordon Inc.
In IndyCar, nearly every full-time team was approved for a loan. The list did not include Team Penske, which likely was considered too large of an organization to qualify.
The loans went beyond race teams, too. Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania was approved for a loan between $350,000 and $1 million.
Three of boxing’s biggest promotion companies applied for between $350,000 and $1 million to ease the pain of the sport’s extended layoff, according to the data. In addition to Arum’s Top Rank company, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, headed by former world champions Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya, also were approved for loans.
With their seasons shut down, more than a dozen minor league baseball teams turned up on the PPP rolls. One of the most high-profile was DeWine Seeds-Silver Dollar Baseball, partly owned by Ohio’s governor. The company owns the North Carolina-based Asheville Tourists, purchased by Mike DeWine’s family in 2010 and run by his son, Brian DeWine. The team received between $150,000 and $350,000, according to the data.
At least four of college sports’ smaller conferences and the Sugar Bowl, host to one of the college game’s football galas, also applied for loans. The Big South Conference, Conference USA, Southland Conference and Big Sky Conference all listed less than two dozen full-time employees, according to the data.
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AP Sports Writers Jim Litke, Jenna Fryer and Will Graves contributed to this report.
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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Official: Walmart donates $100,000 for new Arkansas statues


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Washington coronavirus cases nearing 37,000

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Washington health officials confirmed 1,088 additional cases of the coronavirus on Monday , including 11 @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health says the number of cases reported Monday includes a data processing backlog @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
Over the past four days the average daily case total has been 711 @ @ @ @ @ state total to 36,985 cases and 1,370 deaths .
About 3.7 % of people diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ So far , 629,256 tests for the coronavirus have been conducted in the state , @ @ @ @ @ , 5.9 % have come back positive since testing began .
Deaths have been concentrated @ @ @ @ @ includes Seattle , where the Department of Health has confirmed 11,105 cases and 622 deaths @ @ @ @ @ or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people .
But for some @ @ @ @ @ people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia @ @ @ @

SEATTLE (AP) - Washington health officials confirmed 1,088 additional cases of the coronavirus on Monday, including 11 more deaths.
The state Department of Health says the number of cases reported Monday includes a data processing backlog of cases over the holiday weekend.
Over the past four days the average daily case total has been 711. The update brings the state total to 36,985 cases and 1,370 deaths. About 3.7% of people diagnosed in Washington have died.
So far, 629,256 tests for the coronavirus have been conducted in the state, per DOH. Of those, 5.9% have come back positive since testing began.
Deaths have been concentrated in King County, which includes Seattle, where the Department of Health has confirmed 11,105 cases and 622 deaths.
The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people. But for some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Chile Eboe-Osuji, International Criminal Court president, still hopes to mend broken ties with U.S.

The head of the International Criminal Court said Monday that he still hopes to forge a productive relationship with the Trump administration despite the deepening strains between the global organization and Washington .
But ICC President Chile Eboe-Osuji , a Nigerian lawyer whose three-year term expires next year , made it clear the U.S. would also have to adjust its attitude .
Mr. Eboe-Osuji , speaking at a teleconference hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations Monday , said an executive order Mr. Trump signed effectively sanctioning top prosecutors of the ICC and declaring a “ national emergency ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Hague-based ICC was “ an absurd proposition.
” “ I daresay , that is not the American way as the world has come to know , ” Mr. Eboe-Osuji said .
The court , established in 2002 and now with 123 member-states including a number of top U.S. allies , was conceived as a judicial panel to handle international crimes such as genocide and to provide legal backing for weak or ungoverned states where local courts were unwilling or unable to function .
But conservatives have long been suspicious of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broad mandate unchecked by any political leadership , and by what critics say is a temptation to pursue politicized prosecutions .
“ We won ’ t cooperate with the ICC , ” former National Security Advisor John Bolton said in 2018 .
“ We will provide no assistance to the ICC .
And we certainly will not join the ICC .
We will let the ICC die on its own.
” He added , “ If the court comes after us , we will not sit quietly.
” But the Trump administration has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership ’ s decision in March to proceed with an investigation of war crimes and human rights violations in the war in Afghanistan , including , potentially , actions of U.S. troops and officials stationed there .
U.S. officials had revoked the visa of the court ’ s chief prosecutor , Fatou Bensouda , last year after she had signaled she was considering pursuing such cases .
In a show of bureaucratic force last month , four top Cabinet members , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien , Mr. Bolton ’ s successor , briefed reporters at the State Department last month on the sanctions and visa restrictions being placed on ICC prosecutors — and their families — in the wake of the Afghan decision .
“ We can not , we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court , ” Mr. Pompeo said .
Mr. Eboe-Osuji acknowledged criticisms of the ICC bureaucracy and management failings , and said he agreed with many of the critics .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that the “ legal process ” is being used to “ correct things that need to be corrected.
” But in a 56-page brief Mr. Eboe-Osuji included with his presentation Monday , he argued it was U.S. leaders such as Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman who built the international order from which the ICC sprung .
And he insisted Washington ’ s fears of the court and of frivolous prosecutions were “ understandable ” but overblown .
“ There are adequate guarantees — both legal and political — in place against such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it is critical that vigilance is not relented in that regard .
”

The head of the International Criminal Court said Monday that he still hopes to forge a productive relationship with the Trump administration despite the deepening strains between the global organization and Washington.
But ICC President Chile Eboe-Osuji, a Nigerian lawyer whose three-year term expires next year, made it clear the U.S. would also have to adjust its attitude.
Mr. Eboe-Osuji, speaking at a teleconference hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations Monday, said an executive order Mr. Trump signed effectively sanctioning top prosecutors of the ICC and declaring a “national emergency” to prevent any cooperation between the U.S. government and the Hague-based ICC was “an absurd proposition.”
“I daresay, that is not the American way as the world has come to know,” Mr. Eboe-Osuji said.
The court, established in 2002 and now with 123 member-states including a number of top U.S. allies, was conceived as a judicial panel to handle international crimes such as genocide and to provide legal backing for weak or ungoverned states where local courts were unwilling or unable to function.
But conservatives have long been suspicious of the unelected court’s claim to a broad mandate unchecked by any political leadership, and by what critics say is a temptation to pursue politicized prosecutions.
“We won’t cooperate with the ICC,” former National Security Advisor John Bolton said in 2018. “We will provide no assistance to the ICC. And we certainly will not join the ICC. We will let the ICC die on its own.”
He added, “If the court comes after us, we will not sit quietly.”
But the Trump administration has been particularly angered by the ICC top leadership’s decision in March to proceed with an investigation of war crimes and human rights violations in the war in Afghanistan, including, potentially, actions of U.S. troops and officials stationed there.
U.S. officials had revoked the visa of the court’s chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, last year after she had signaled she was considering pursuing such cases.
In a show of bureaucratic force last month, four top Cabinet members, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, Attorney General William Barr, and National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, Mr. Bolton’s successor, briefed reporters at the State Department last month on the sanctions and visa restrictions being placed on ICC prosecutors — and their families — in the wake of the Afghan decision.
“We cannot, we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court,” Mr. Pompeo said.
Mr. Eboe-Osuji acknowledged criticisms of the ICC bureaucracy and management failings, and said he agreed with many of the critics.
The ICC chief said he hears the complaints and that the “legal process” is being used to “correct things that need to be corrected.”
But in a 56-page brief Mr. Eboe-Osuji included with his presentation Monday, he argued it was U.S. leaders such as Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman who built the international order from which the ICC sprung. And he insisted Washington’s fears of the court and of frivolous prosecutions were “understandable” but overblown.
“There are adequate guarantees — both legal and political — in place against such risks,” he wrote. “And it is critical that vigilance is not relented in that regard.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Hygiene, virus safety top concerns at summer camps during pandemic

Face masks and hand sanitizer have replaced backpacks and sleeping bags as must-have items at the few summer camps that have opened during the coronavirus pandemic .
Taking their cues from public health officials , camps are employing a number of tactics to keep campers safe such as testing them for fevers , holding abbreviated sessions , limiting transportation to and from facilities and even conducting some activities online .
According to the American Camp Association , there are more than 14,000 day and resident camps in the U.S. CampMinder , a firm that creates management software for camps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camps it surveyed are remaining closed for the summer .
Camp Winnebago in Fayette , Maine , is one of just 20 camps in the state to open this year .
The other 90 camps in Maine are closed .
“ We believe that we can run a program safely and with the health of the campers at the top of our minds .
We ’ re not doing this cavalierly .
We ’ re taking this extremely seriously , ” camp owner Andy Lilienthal told the Associated Press .
At Camp Winnebago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before and after arrival , face masks are required in larger groups , and hand sanitizer is required when entering or exiting a cabin and before and after group activities .
Meanwhile , the YMCA of Metro Chicago is offering “ Camp Redefined , ” an online experience that includes welcome circles , physical activity and group learning .
“ For years the Y has shaped what summer camp looks like and has always developed our programming with safety , convenience and cost in mind to service our families as best we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its own guidelines for reopening camps , acknowledging that some children may fear being near others after having been at home for so long and that children ’ s psychosocial development , self-esteem and leadership qualities can benefit from camp experience .
“ During the summer , it is important that children begin to reestablish connections with their friends , peers and non-parental adults in an environment that supports their development while also consistently practicing the recommended principles to limit the spread of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the American Camp Association said children aren ’ t the only ones who will miss out on opportunities as many camps remain closed this summer .
Camps are estimated to lose $ 16 billion in revenue , with more than $ 4.4 billion in lost wages and over 900,000 lost jobs this summer , he told the AP .
Some camps , however , are shutting their doors almost as soon as they opened .
Media outlets have reported that Camp High Harbour in Georgia closed after counselors and campers tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country are facing a similar fate .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have outlined sanitization and social distancing guidelines , and encouraged campers to be “ Clean Camp Champs ” this summer .
• This article is based in part on wire service reports .

Face masks and hand sanitizer have replaced backpacks and sleeping bags as must-have items at the few summer camps that have opened during the coronavirus pandemic.
Taking their cues from public health officials, camps are employing a number of tactics to keep campers safe such as testing them for fevers, holding abbreviated sessions, limiting transportation to and from facilities and even conducting some activities online.
According to the American Camp Association, there are more than 14,000 day and resident camps in the U.S. CampMinder, a firm that creates management software for camps, found that 62% of the 885 camps it surveyed are remaining closed for the summer.
Camp Winnebago in Fayette, Maine, is one of just 20 camps in the state to open this year. The other 90 camps in Maine are closed.
“We believe that we can run a program safely and with the health of the campers at the top of our minds. We’re not doing this cavalierly. We’re taking this extremely seriously,” camp owner Andy Lilienthal told the Associated Press.
At Camp Winnebago, campers were tested for the coronavirus before and after arrival, face masks are required in larger groups, and hand sanitizer is required when entering or exiting a cabin and before and after group activities.
Meanwhile, the YMCA of Metro Chicago is offering “Camp Redefined,” an online experience that includes welcome circles, physical activity and group learning.
“For years the Y has shaped what summer camp looks like and has always developed our programming with safety, convenience and cost in mind to service our families as best we can,” the YMCA’s website says.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its own guidelines for reopening camps, acknowledging that some children may fear being near others after having been at home for so long and that children’s psychosocial development, self-esteem and leadership qualities can benefit from camp experience.
“During the summer, it is important that children begin to reestablish connections with their friends, peers and non-parental adults in an environment that supports their development while also consistently practicing the recommended principles to limit the spread of COVID-19,” the guide states.
Tom Rosenberg of the American Camp Association said children aren’t the only ones who will miss out on opportunities as many camps remain closed this summer. Camps are estimated to lose $16 billion in revenue, with more than $4.4 billion in lost wages and over 900,000 lost jobs this summer, he told the AP.
Some camps, however, are shutting their doors almost as soon as they opened.
Media outlets have reported that Camp High Harbour in Georgia closed after counselors and campers tested positive for the coronavirus. Other camps across the country are facing a similar fate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have outlined sanitization and social distancing guidelines, and encouraged campers to be “Clean Camp Champs” this summer.
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Muriel Bowser, D.C. mayor, decries epidemic of youth killings

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday said the city is plagued by another epidemic besides the coronavirus — the “ sense of hopelessness of kids with guns that will kill other kids ” — after three people , including an 11-year-old boy , were fatally shot in the District over the Fourth of July weekend .
“ We are dealing with a response to a health pandemic , to demonstrations brought on by outrage of an American being killed on the streets , representative of other Americans killed on the streets , and now we see our kids killing each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Monday at a press conference .
“ I guarantee when they find out what this is about , it ’ s going to be about nothing .
It ’ s going to be about absolutely nothing.
” Davon McNeal , 11 , was shot dead at around 9:20 p.m. Saturday in the 1400 block of Cedar Street SE , said Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham , adding that officers arrived on the scene to find Crystal McNeal , Davon ’ s mom , holding him in her arms .
Delbert McFadden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety and Engagement , said Davon was killed after attending a community cookout organized in part by the community and violence interrupters , including Davon ’ s mom , who is a contracted violence interrupter with the city .
Mr. McFadden said he met with Davon , who was helping his mom with the cookout , just an hour before he was killed .
Chief Newsham said there is no evidence to suggest that Davon was killed because of his mother ’ s work as a violence interrupter and investigators already have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an award of $ 25,000 to anyone who has information on Davon ’ s killing that will lead to an arrest .
Shortly after Davon ’ s killing , Antonio Gardner , 36 , of Oxon Hill , was killed at a McDonald ’ s in the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE .
Chief Newsham said police believe fireworks were shot off inside the McDonalds where Mr. Gardner was a patron , and when he went outside to see what was going on , he was shot and then taken to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 p.m. Friday , a dispute about how a car was parked in the 1900 block of 18th Street SE resulted in two gunmen opening fire on the vehicle , police said .
Jordyn Simmons , 25 , of Hyattsville , was shot and taken to a hospital , where she died .
Chief Newsham said Ms. Simmons was not the intended target .
“ When people are so raw and emotional and hurt , not just Crystal , not just Davon ’ s mother , but people are hurting when they see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They want answers , sometimes people want revenge , which we are also very concerned about , people want it just to stop , ” Miss Bowser said .
“ And sometimes they think I can make it stop , the police chief can make it stop , a violence interrupter can make it stop.
” “ And to have this confluence of having an event sponsored by violence interrupters , have a child of a violence interrupter killed , so are you suggesting to me that there is some magic answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I wish there were , ” the mayor said after being asked about how her budget cuts for violence interrupter programs .
On Tuesday , the D.C. Council will take its first vote on the nearly $ 17 billion fiscal 2021 budget , which includes a $ 15 million cut to the Metropolitan Police Department ( MPD ) and a term limit for the police chief .
The cuts to MPD ’ s budget will reduce the department ’ s force by about 200 officers over the next year , council Chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a separate press conference .
Miss Bowser said after tragedies , such as Davon ’ s slaying , neighborhoods will still look to police to respond , regardless if the budget is cut , but there will be fewer officers available to respond .
“ There is a tension that is at work and that tension is between a great number of citizens who argue we are over policing our communities , you all know this to ‘ defund police ’ , and the need to ensure that we have adequate public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ So the committee struck a balance.
” The chairman said if the reduction is too great or too small , the issue can be revisited .

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday said the city is plagued by another epidemic besides the coronavirus — the “sense of hopelessness of kids with guns that will kill other kids” — after three people, including an 11-year-old boy, were fatally shot in the District over the Fourth of July weekend.
“We are dealing with a response to a health pandemic, to demonstrations brought on by outrage of an American being killed on the streets, representative of other Americans killed on the streets, and now we see our kids killing each other over what?” Miss Bowser said Monday at a press conference. “I guarantee when they find out what this is about, it’s going to be about nothing. It’s going to be about absolutely nothing.”
Davon McNeal, 11, was shot dead at around 9:20 p.m. Saturday in the 1400 block of Cedar Street SE, said Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham, adding that officers arrived on the scene to find Crystal McNeal, Davon’s mom, holding him in her arms.
Delbert McFadden, executive director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, said Davon was killed after attending a community cookout organized in part by the community and violence interrupters, including Davon’s mom, who is a contracted violence interrupter with the city. Mr. McFadden said he met with Davon, who was helping his mom with the cookout, just an hour before he was killed.
Chief Newsham said there is no evidence to suggest that Davon was killed because of his mother’s work as a violence interrupter and investigators already have made progress.
The police department is offering an award of $25,000 to anyone who has information on Davon’s killing that will lead to an arrest.
Shortly after Davon’s killing, Antonio Gardner, 36, of Oxon Hill, was killed at a McDonald’s in the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Chief Newsham said police believe fireworks were shot off inside the McDonalds where Mr. Gardner was a patron, and when he went outside to see what was going on, he was shot and then taken to a hospital, where he died.
At 11 p.m. Friday, a dispute about how a car was parked in the 1900 block of 18th Street SE resulted in two gunmen opening fire on the vehicle, police said. Jordyn Simmons, 25, of Hyattsville, was shot and taken to a hospital, where she died.
Chief Newsham said Ms. Simmons was not the intended target.
“When people are so raw and emotional and hurt, not just Crystal, not just Davon’s mother, but people are hurting when they see a child senselessly killed in our city. They want answers, sometimes people want revenge, which we are also very concerned about, people want it just to stop,” Miss Bowser said. “And sometimes they think I can make it stop, the police chief can make it stop, a violence interrupter can make it stop.”
“And to have this confluence of having an event sponsored by violence interrupters, have a child of a violence interrupter killed, so are you suggesting to me that there is some magic answer that’s reflected in my budget? I wish there were,” the mayor said after being asked about how her budget cuts for violence interrupter programs.
On Tuesday, the D.C. Council will take its first vote on the nearly $17 billion fiscal 2021 budget, which includes a $15 million cut to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and a term limit for the police chief.
The cuts to MPD’s budget will reduce the department’s force by about 200 officers over the next year, council Chairman Phil Mendeslon, at-large Democrat, said at a separate press conference.
Miss Bowser said after tragedies, such as Davon’s slaying, neighborhoods will still look to police to respond, regardless if the budget is cut, but there will be fewer officers available to respond.
“There is a tension that is at work and that tension is between a great number of citizens who argue we are over policing our communities, you all know this to ‘defund police’, and the need to ensure that we have adequate public safety,” Mr. Mendelson said. “So the committee struck a balance.”
The chairman said if the reduction is too great or too small, the issue can be revisited.
• Sophie Kaplan can be reached at skaplan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Disaster agency says death toll from flooding in southern Japan has risen to 50 and at least a dozen

TOKYO ( AP ) - Disaster agency says death toll from flooding in southern Japan has risen to 50 and @ @ @ @ @ missing .

TOKYO (AP) - Disaster agency says death toll from flooding in southern Japan has risen to 50 and at least a dozen are missing.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Army identifies buried remains as missing Texas soldier

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - An Army commander confirmed Monday that dismembered remains found last week buried near Fort Hood belonged to a 20-year-old soldier who vanished more than two months ago from the Texas base .
Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt , Fort Hood ’ s senior commander , said during a news conference that the armed forces forensic examiner determined through DNA analysis that the remains belonged to Spc .
Vanessa Guillén .
A day earlier , an attorney for Guillén ’ s family had said Army officials told the family at their Houston home that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re now confronted with the aftermath of one of the most heinous acts I can imagine , ” Efflandt said .
Guillén , who had been missing since April , was killed and dismembered by U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson , a 20-year-old soldier from Calumet City , Illinois , took his own life last week , federal and military investigators have said .
Cecily Aguilar , a 22-year-old civilian from Killeen , has been arrested and charged with one count of conspiring to tamper with evidence for allegedly helping hide Guillén ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance Monday in federal court in Waco , saying that she understood the charge as read .
If convicted , Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $ 250,000 .
Her next court date is scheduled for July 14 .
The human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County , about 20 miles ( 32 kilometers ) east of Fort Hood .
Natalie Khawam , the attorney representing the Guillén family , said Army officials told the family it took longer to identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terribly that they were unable to use dental records .
“ Her mom is distraught that they can ’ t even bury her body because there are only fragments , ” Khawam said .
Guillén ’ s family has said that they believe she was sexually harassed by Robinson and is calling for a congressional investigation .
Army investigators said last week that they had no credible evidence that Guillén had been sexually harassed or assaulted .
Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform , including Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had requested a briefing on the Army ’ s response and investigation into Guillén ’ s disappearance .
“ The emerging details about the disappearance and murder of Specialist Vanessa Guillen are truly horrific , and our hearts go out to her family .
We are also deeply disturbed by reports that Specialist Guillen was sexually harassed prior to her disappearance , but according to her family , was too fearful of the professional consequences to report her concerns , ” the Democrats said in a joint news release .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will complete their ongoing sexual harassment investigation and will take action on any findings .
“ Every person who raises their right hand to serve their family and their country in uniform deserves to be safe and treated with dignity and respect , ” Efflandt said .
“ To the victims of sexual harassment and assault we hear you , we believe you and encourage you to come forward.
” Col. Ralph Overland , commander of Guillén ’ s regiment , said at the news conference that Guillén ’ s death “ has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our formation.
” “ She was strong , courageous and caring , ” he said , adding that she “ always went above and beyond to accomplish the mission.
” AP writer Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed to this report .
Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - An Army commander confirmed Monday that dismembered remains found last week buried near Fort Hood belonged to a 20-year-old soldier who vanished more than two months ago from the Texas base.
Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, Fort Hood’s senior commander, said during a news conference that the armed forces forensic examiner determined through DNA analysis that the remains belonged to Spc. Vanessa Guillén. A day earlier, an attorney for Guillén’s family had said Army officials told the family at their Houston home that the remains were hers.
“We’re now confronted with the aftermath of one of the most heinous acts I can imagine,” Efflandt said.
Guillén, who had been missing since April, was killed and dismembered by U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, a 20-year-old soldier from Calumet City, Illinois, took his own life last week, federal and military investigators have said.
Cecily Aguilar, a 22-year-old civilian from Killeen, has been arrested and charged with one count of conspiring to tamper with evidence for allegedly helping hide Guillén’s body.
Aguilar made her initial appearance Monday in federal court in Waco, saying that she understood the charge as read. If convicted, Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Her next court date is scheduled for July 14.
The human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Fort Hood.
Natalie Khawam, the attorney representing the Guillén family, said Army officials told the family it took longer to identify the remains because Guillén was bludgeoned so terribly that they were unable to use dental records.
“Her mom is distraught that they can’t even bury her body because there are only fragments,” Khawam said.
Guillén’s family has said that they believe she was sexually harassed by Robinson and is calling for a congressional investigation. Army investigators said last week that they had no credible evidence that Guillén had been sexually harassed or assaulted.
Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, including Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, of New York, said Monday that they had requested a briefing on the Army’s response and investigation into Guillén’s disappearance.
“The emerging details about the disappearance and murder of Specialist Vanessa Guillen are truly horrific, and our hearts go out to her family. We are also deeply disturbed by reports that Specialist Guillen was sexually harassed prior to her disappearance, but according to her family, was too fearful of the professional consequences to report her concerns,” the Democrats said in a joint news release.
At the Monday news conference, Efflandt said they will complete their ongoing sexual harassment investigation and will take action on any findings.
“Every person who raises their right hand to serve their family and their country in uniform deserves to be safe and treated with dignity and respect,” Efflandt said. “To the victims of sexual harassment and assault we hear you, we believe you and encourage you to come forward.”
Col. Ralph Overland, commander of Guillén’s regiment, said at the news conference that Guillén’s death “has devastated us all and left a hole in our formation.”
“She was strong, courageous and caring,” he said, adding that she “always went above and beyond to accomplish the mission.”
___
AP writer Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed to this report.
___
Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Judge blocks auction of so-called Hawaiian princess' things

HONOLULU ( AP ) - An auction of a 94-year-old Native Hawaiian heiress ’ belongings can ’ t go forward until a conservator is named to handle her finances , a judge ruled Monday .
Abigail Kawananakoa ’ s foundation , which has been working to ensure her fortune goes to benefiting Native Hawaiian causes , asked a judge to stop the auction until at least a conservator is named .
The auction was scheduled to close next week , while a hearing on her conservator isn ’ t scheduled until July 21 .
On Monday , the the auction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end on Aug. 2 .
Kawananakoa ’ s wife and others can ’ t proceed with the auction or sell any of her belongings until there ’ s a ruling on the foundation ’ s petition and a permanent conservator is named , Judge R. Mark Browning ruled .
Her $ 215-million fortune has been tied up in a legal battle since 2017 , when her longtime lawyer , Jim Wright , argued a stroke left her impaired .
Kawananakoa said she ’ s fine and fired Wright .
She then married her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worth , who later took her last name .
A judge ruled in March that she needs a conservator because she ’ s unable to manage her property and business affairs .
Another judge ruled month last month her conservatorship should be unlimited and set a hearing for July 21 to determine who that will be .
Some consider Kawananakoa a princess because she ’ s related to the family that ruled the islands before the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893 .
She inherited her wealth as the great-granddaughter of James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fortune as a sugar plantation owner and one of Hawaii ’ s largest landowners .
“ Ms .
Abigail and her spouse , Veronica , have no issue with postponing the sale of Ms. Kawananakoa ’ s personal effects located in her North Shore cottage , ” Michael Rudy , an attorney representing Kawananakoa ’ s wife , said in a statement on behalf of the couple .
“ The Kawānanakoa Foundation is grateful that the auction has been stopped for now , ” the foundation said in a statement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Conservator who can best determine what should happen to Ms. Kawānanakoa ’ s property , consistent with what is in her best interests.
” Foundation directors said in their petition they are concerned that some of the auction items appear culturally significant .
Kawananakoa “ will carefully re-examine the sale items to ensure that no significant cultural or historical items are publicly sold ” and plans to donate those items to Iolani Palace , Rudy said .
“ Ms .
Abigail and Veronica respect this ruling and all other prior rulings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They desperately wish , however , that the Court continues to protect and conserve all of Ms. Kawananakoa ’ s other assets and financial resources that continue to be squandered by unnecessary and unreasonable attorneys ’ fees , trustee ’ s fees and other costs ( now totaling in the millions of dollars ) , that Ms. Kawananakoa is being involuntarily forced to incur and will continue to be incurred until such time as the Court puts a stop to it .
”

HONOLULU (AP) - An auction of a 94-year-old Native Hawaiian heiress’ belongings can’t go forward until a conservator is named to handle her finances, a judge ruled Monday.
Abigail Kawananakoa’s foundation, which has been working to ensure her fortune goes to benefiting Native Hawaiian causes, asked a judge to stop the auction until at least a conservator is named. The auction was scheduled to close next week, while a hearing on her conservator isn’t scheduled until July 21. On Monday, the the auction website said it is now scheduled to end on Aug. 2.
Kawananakoa’s wife and others can’t proceed with the auction or sell any of her belongings until there’s a ruling on the foundation’s petition and a permanent conservator is named, Judge R. Mark Browning ruled.
Her $215-million fortune has been tied up in a legal battle since 2017, when her longtime lawyer, Jim Wright, argued a stroke left her impaired. Kawananakoa said she’s fine and fired Wright. She then married her partner of 20 years, Veronica Gail Worth, who later took her last name.
A judge ruled in March that she needs a conservator because she’s unable to manage her property and business affairs. Another judge ruled month last month her conservatorship should be unlimited and set a hearing for July 21 to determine who that will be.
Some consider Kawananakoa a princess because she’s related to the family that ruled the islands before the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893.
She inherited her wealth as the great-granddaughter of James Campbell, an Irish businessman who made his fortune as a sugar plantation owner and one of Hawaii’s largest landowners.
“Ms. Abigail and her spouse, Veronica, have no issue with postponing the sale of Ms. Kawananakoa’s personal effects located in her North Shore cottage,” Michael Rudy, an attorney representing Kawananakoa’s wife, said in a statement on behalf of the couple.
“The Kawānanakoa Foundation is grateful that the auction has been stopped for now,” the foundation said in a statement. “We look forward to the appointment of a Conservator who can best determine what should happen to Ms. Kawānanakoa’s property, consistent with what is in her best interests.”
Foundation directors said in their petition they are concerned that some of the auction items appear culturally significant.
Kawananakoa “will carefully re-examine the sale items to ensure that no significant cultural or historical items are publicly sold” and plans to donate those items to Iolani Palace, Rudy said.
“Ms. Abigail and Veronica respect this ruling and all other prior rulings in this case,” Rudy said. “They desperately wish, however, that the Court continues to protect and conserve all of Ms. Kawananakoa’s other assets and financial resources that continue to be squandered by unnecessary and unreasonable attorneys’ fees, trustee’s fees and other costs (now totaling in the millions of dollars), that Ms. Kawananakoa is being involuntarily forced to incur and will continue to be incurred until such time as the Court puts a stop to it.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Samsung projects 23% jump in 2Q profit on strong chip sales

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23 % from the same period last year .
The growth was apparently driven by increasing demands for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the COVID-19 pandemic forces more people to work from home .
The South Korean technology giant , which will release more detailed information when it announces its finalized earnings later this month , projected its operating profit during the April-June period to come in at 8.1 trillion won ( $ 6.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue for the quarter was expected to fall 7 % to 52 trillion won ( $ 43.6 billion ) .
After reporting a 3.4 % increase in operating profit for the first three months of the year , Samsung had said in April it expected its second-quarter profit to decline with the pandemic pushing down sales of smartphones , TVs and other products .
Analysts say Samsung , which is the world ’ s largest provider of semiconductors , is continuing to benefit from robust chip demand generated by PCs and servers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also forcing the company to spend less on marketing due to traveling restrictions .

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23% from the same period last year, helped by robust demand for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the coronavirus pandemic has more people working from home.
The South Korean technology giant will release more detailed information when it announces its finalized earnings later this month. It projected its operating profit during the April-June period will be 8.1 trillion won ($6.8 billion). The company’s revenue for the quarter is forecast to fall 7% to 52 trillion won ($43.6 billion).
After reporting a 3.4% increase in operating profit in the first three months of the year, Samsung said in April it expected its second-quarter profit to decline with the pandemic pushing down sales of smartphones, TVs and other products.
Analysts say Samsung, which is the world’s largest provider of semiconductors, is continuing to benefit from robust chip demand generated by PCs and servers. It’s likely that the pandemic is also forcing the company to spend less on marketing due to traveling restrictions.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Pence's Pennsylvania plan includes fundraiser, police union

HARRISBURG , Pa. ( AP ) - Vice President Mike Pence will travel again to Pennsylvania this week , dropping in on an important presidential battleground state on Thursday .
Pence will take a bus tour from Lancaster to Philadelphia , including taking part in a roundtable discussion at Rajant Corp. , a suburban Philadelphia maker of wireless communication technology , his office said .
Then he will speak to Philadelphia police officers at their union hall , the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No .
5 , in the city before they hold a “ Back the Blue ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraiser in Manheim , said Bob Asher , Pennsylvania ’ s Republican national committeeman .
Asher said he expects to meet the fundraiser ’ s $ 1 million goal to benefit President Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign .
Pence was last in Pennsylvania last month .
Trump ’ s shocking 2016 victory in Pennsylvania helped him capture the White House , and shifted the state ’ s electoral votes to the Republican column for the first time since 1988 .
The presumptive Democratic nominee , former Vice President Joe Biden , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in the Democratic bastion of Scranton , where he is viewed as a hometown boy .
He also is making his headquarters in Philadelphia after living just across the border in Wilmington , Delaware , for decades as that state ’ s longtime U.S. senator .

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence will travel again to Pennsylvania this week, dropping in on an important presidential battleground state on Thursday.
Pence will take a bus tour from Lancaster to Philadelphia, including taking part in a roundtable discussion at Rajant Corp., a suburban Philadelphia maker of wireless communication technology, his office said. Then he will speak to Philadelphia police officers at their union hall, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, in the city before they hold a “Back the Blue” rally.
He will also attend a fundraiser in Manheim, said Bob Asher, Pennsylvania’s Republican national committeeman. Asher said he expects to meet the fundraiser’s $1 million goal to benefit President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign.
Pence was last in Pennsylvania last month.
Trump’s shocking 2016 victory in Pennsylvania helped him capture the White House, and shifted the state’s electoral votes to the Republican column for the first time since 1988.
The presumptive Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, has numerous ties to Pennsylvania.
He grew up in the Democratic bastion of Scranton, where he is viewed as a hometown boy. He also is making his headquarters in Philadelphia after living just across the border in Wilmington, Delaware, for decades as that state’s longtime U.S. senator.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Virus is no brake on July 4 lake party in SW Michigan

LAGRANGE TOWNSHIP , Mich. ( AP ) - Hundreds of people spent the holiday in swimsuits but no masks a lake in southwestern Michigan , a turnout that disappointed authorities who warn that the coronavirus remains a threat .
The virus “ doesn ’ t discriminate , ” said Danielle Persky of the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department .
“ The goal right now is to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 , and when we ’ re not doing things like social distancing 6 feet apart or wearing masks , we run the risk of spreading it further.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diamond Lake , near Cassopolis in Cass County .
The sheriff ’ s office said it couldn ’ t stop the gathering , although officers were at the lake to ticket people for certain offenses .
“ In attempts to work with the event ’ s organizers , we have found them to be confrontational and not willing to work towards a controlled event , ” the sheriff ’ s office told WOOD-TV .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s office said it was “ incredibly disappointing ” to see so many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health department , meanwhile , reported nearly 300 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan and three more deaths Monday .

LAGRANGE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Hundreds of people spent the holiday in swimsuits but no masks a lake in southwestern Michigan, a turnout that disappointed authorities who warn that the coronavirus remains a threat.
The virus “doesn’t discriminate,” said Danielle Persky of the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department. “The goal right now is to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and when we’re not doing things like social distancing 6 feet apart or wearing masks, we run the risk of spreading it further.”
The party of young adults occurred Saturday at Diamond Lake, near Cassopolis in Cass County.
The sheriff’s office said it couldn’t stop the gathering, although officers were at the lake to ticket people for certain offenses.
“In attempts to work with the event’s organizers, we have found them to be confrontational and not willing to work towards a controlled event,” the sheriff’s office told WOOD-TV.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office said it was “incredibly disappointing” to see so many people ignoring safe distance guidelines.
The state health department, meanwhile, reported nearly 300 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan and three more deaths Monday.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--3 Democrats appear together for last time before primary

PORTLAND , Maine ( AP ) - One of three Democratic candidates vying to try to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins sought to use the front-runner ’ s prolific fundraising against her during their final gathering on Monday ahead of next week ’ s primary .
Attorney Bre Kidman of Saco asked House Speaker Sara Gideon “ why are you lying to Maine voters ” about getting money out of politics while raising money at a furious pace and spending heavily on advertising .
“ At this point in our country , we all agree that we need the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Kidman said minutes later .
Gideon , who raised more than $ 8 million in the latest reporting period , brushed aside the question from Kidman , saying her record shows she ’ s not afraid to stand up to corporate or special interests like the pharmaceutical industry , health insurance companies or energy companies .
She noted that she ’ s not accepting corporate political action committee donations and shut down Kidman ’ s past complaints that she accepted corporate PAC that was “ laundered ” through other PACs by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrary are the ones that the national Republican Party and Senator Collins herself continue to put out.
” Kidman , Gideon and activist Betsy Sweet participated in the virtual event hosted by Maine Public , their final time together before the state ’ s primary election on July 14 .
The debate was held Monday afternoon and then aired Monday evening on Maine Public .
Sweet and Kidman have struggled to gain traction against Gideon who became the establishment candidate when the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed her about a year ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates touched on climate change , racial unrest , the lobster industry , student debt , conservative judges , and Israel and the Palestinians .
Gideon continues to outpace Collins in fundraising – reporting $ 23 million in contributions versus $ 16.3 million for Collins .
Neither Sweet nor Kidman have tried to compete in fundraising .

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - One of three Democratic candidates vying to try to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins sought to use the front-runner’s prolific fundraising against her during their final gathering on Monday ahead of next week’s primary.
Attorney Bre Kidman of Saco asked House Speaker Sara Gideon “why are you lying to Maine voters” about getting money out of politics while raising money at a furious pace and spending heavily on advertising.
“At this point in our country, we all agree that we need the best representation that can’t be bought,” Kidman said minutes later.
Gideon, who raised more than $8 million in the latest reporting period, brushed aside the question from Kidman, saying her record shows she’s not afraid to stand up to corporate or special interests like the pharmaceutical industry, health insurance companies or energy companies.
She noted that she’s not accepting corporate political action committee donations and shut down Kidman’s past complaints that she accepted corporate PAC that was “laundered” through other PACs by saying “any talking points to the contrary are the ones that the national Republican Party and Senator Collins herself continue to put out.”
Kidman, Gideon and activist Betsy Sweet participated in the virtual event hosted by Maine Public, their final time together before the state’s primary election on July 14. The debate was held Monday afternoon and then aired Monday evening on Maine Public.
Sweet and Kidman have struggled to gain traction against Gideon who became the establishment candidate when the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed her about a year ago.
The discussion was mostly cordial as the candidates touched on climate change, racial unrest, the lobster industry, student debt, conservative judges, and Israel and the Palestinians.
Gideon continues to outpace Collins in fundraising – reporting $23 million in contributions versus $16.3 million for Collins. Neither Sweet nor Kidman have tried to compete in fundraising.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Schools cancel police contracts over 'traumatic presence'

Armed police officers could become relics in many schools as local education officials cancel long-standing contracts with law enforcement amid calls for defunding police forces .
But some members of the community wonder who will keep students safe .
School boards in Oakland , California ; Denver ; and Milwaukee have voted to end mutual aid agreements with local law enforcement agencies that provided work for police officers on campuses .
In Seattle , the public schools superintendent said the presence of four armed security officers on school premises “ prohibits ” many students and staff from feeling safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the School Emphasis Officers has been to build relationships and provide assistance to youth in crisis , the unintended consequence of their presence in our buildings could bring more distress to our young people , ” Superintendent Denise Juneau said in a letter to the community late last month .
Since June 30 , public schools in St. Paul , Minnesota , no longer have a contract with the city ’ s police force .
The school board voted to develop an “ interim safety ” plan and eliminate school resource officers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hostile presence , as a traumatic presence , as a reminder of what they don ’ t want to engage with in schools , even if there are other students and staff who see them as someone who could keep them safe , ” said school board member Steve Marchese , who introduced the motion last month .
But residents also are concerned that school safety could be reduced , particularly among children of color .
“ Nine times out of 10 , it ’ s going to be a Black child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Tyrone Terrell , president of the African-American Leadership Council of St. Paul , told The Washington Times .
“ We have guns in the schools , we have guns in the parking lot and we have guns one call away .
… The SROs are crucial to the schools.
” Police first were brought into schools in Flint , Michigan , in the 1950s to improve ties between youths and law enforcement .
Their numbers on campuses dramatically increased in the 1990s thanks to millions of dollars from a Justice Department grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School massacre of 12 students and one teacher .
By 2016 , nearly 60 % of U.S. public schools reported having a security officer who patrolled campuses at least once a week , and almost three out of four high schools , especially in urban and suburban areas , according to the National Center for Education Statistics .
“ Those best positioned to respond to acts of violence are those with specialized training such as school resource officers who are generally sworn law enforcement officers , ” according to the final report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School Safety , chaired by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos , in December 2018 .
That same year , at Dixon High School in Illinois , Officer Mark Dallas was credited with saving lives by chasing a gunman out of a school moments after hearing shots near a morning graduation rehearsal in the gymnasium .
The 19-year-old gunman was found unfit to stand trial .
“ I could not be more proud of the police officer and the way he responded in this situation , ” Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell told reporters after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his heroic actions , countless lives were saved.
” Policing advocates say the goal of school resource officers is not merely to have armed sentinels but to have officers involved in student mentoring and to foster “ positive relationships ” with youths .
Rather than contributing to a school-to-prison pipeline , school resource officers have helped contribute to a decline in rates of juvenile arrests in the U.S. , they say .
“ From a weapon being brought on campus to trespassing , there are other violent activities that can occur on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Mo Canady , executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers .
“ By having an SRO there , you ’ re getting an officer who is engaged who understands the unique dynamic that happens on a school campus.
” Police presence in schools has increasingly come under scrutiny in the past decade , especially after high-profile incidents such as the handcuffing of a 4-year-old in Virginia and the dispatching of two dozen officers to a water balloon fight at a North Carolina high school .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , critics are making the case that schools are too chummy with police forces that they say disproportionately target young people of color .
“ We don ’ t want either , ” Katrina Feldkamp , with Legal Services in New York City , said in a teleconference last month announcing a “ road map ” toward schools without police .
“ We would like to see the removal of both school safety agents and police from our schools.
” The track record of police on campuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wide range of studies .
Violence in schools dropped dramatically during the late 1990s and 2000s when police presence grew , but reports show high referral rates to juvenile law enforcement agencies , especially of Black students .
Blacks represented 13 % of the student body but 53 % of offenses for disorderly conduct from 2012 to 2015 at a school in Texas , according to a study by Texas Appleseed , a nonprofit justice center .
Teachers also represent some school safety personnel , but calls are growing louder to disband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation of Teachers called last month for the “ separation of school safety from policing and police forces.
” When the superintendent of Portland Public Schools in Oregon announced the phasing-out of school resource officers by next year , the local union cheered .
“ We need to re-examine our relationship ” with the local police force , the union said on Facebook .
The teachers union in Boston passed a resolution demanding the reinvestment of $ 4 million spent on law enforcement agents to go to mental health services and restorative justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropping cops .
The Chicago Board of Education narrowly rejected ending its $ 33 million contract with the city ’ s police department .
The Los Angeles Unified School District ’ s board rejected cuts to spending on police after a marathon 12-hour meeting last week .
For many school officials , the back-and-forth over the role of law enforcement doesn ’ t end once a contract is severed .
St. Paul schools Superintendent Joe Gothard told the board last month that he had received a “ thousand emails ” on whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven school resource officers at the city ’ s high schools .
Most opposed the security measures , he said .
Mr. Gothard said 60 of the district ’ s buildings did not maintain school resource officers before last month ’ s vote .
With no more officers in schools , he said , the district will nevertheless rely on law enforcement .
“ It may not be in a formal way of a contract , ” Mr. Gothard said during a school board meeting , “ but we rely upon our police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community .
And there will be times where they are going to be called upon , the men and women of this city who work for the police department , to provide services for St. Paul Public Schools .
”

Armed police officers could become relics in many schools as local education officials cancel long-standing contracts with law enforcement amid calls for defunding police forces. But some members of the community wonder who will keep students safe.
School boards in Oakland, California; Denver; and Milwaukee have voted to end mutual aid agreements with local law enforcement agencies that provided work for police officers on campuses.
In Seattle, the public schools superintendent said the presence of four armed security officers on school premises “prohibits” many students and staff from feeling safe and welcome.
“While the focus of the School Emphasis Officers has been to build relationships and provide assistance to youth in crisis, the unintended consequence of their presence in our buildings could bring more distress to our young people,” Superintendent Denise Juneau said in a letter to the community late last month.
Since June 30, public schools in St. Paul, Minnesota, no longer have a contract with the city’s police force. The school board voted to develop an “interim safety” plan and eliminate school resource officers.
“Many of them see them as a hostile presence, as a traumatic presence, as a reminder of what they don’t want to engage with in schools, even if there are other students and staff who see them as someone who could keep them safe,” said school board member Steve Marchese, who introduced the motion last month.
But residents also are concerned that school safety could be reduced, particularly among children of color.
“Nine times out of 10, it’s going to be a Black child who is murdered in that school,” Tyrone Terrell, president of the African-American Leadership Council of St. Paul, told The Washington Times. “We have guns in the schools, we have guns in the parking lot and we have guns one call away. … The SROs are crucial to the schools.”
Police first were brought into schools in Flint, Michigan, in the 1950s to improve ties between youths and law enforcement. Their numbers on campuses dramatically increased in the 1990s thanks to millions of dollars from a Justice Department grant program that coincided with the 1999 Columbine High School massacre of 12 students and one teacher.
By 2016, nearly 60% of U.S. public schools reported having a security officer who patrolled campuses at least once a week, and almost three out of four high schools, especially in urban and suburban areas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
“Those best positioned to respond to acts of violence are those with specialized training such as school resource officers who are generally sworn law enforcement officers,” according to the final report of the President’s Commission on School Safety, chaired by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, in December 2018.
That same year, at Dixon High School in Illinois, Officer Mark Dallas was credited with saving lives by chasing a gunman out of a school moments after hearing shots near a morning graduation rehearsal in the gymnasium. The 19-year-old gunman was found unfit to stand trial.
“I could not be more proud of the police officer and the way he responded in this situation,” Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell told reporters after the attempted attack. “Because of his heroic actions, countless lives were saved.”
Policing advocates say the goal of school resource officers is not merely to have armed sentinels but to have officers involved in student mentoring and to foster “positive relationships” with youths. Rather than contributing to a school-to-prison pipeline, school resource officers have helped contribute to a decline in rates of juvenile arrests in the U.S., they say.
“From a weapon being brought on campus to trespassing, there are other violent activities that can occur on a school campus, both internally and externally,” said Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers. “By having an SRO there, you’re getting an officer who is engaged who understands the unique dynamic that happens on a school campus.”
Police presence in schools has increasingly come under scrutiny in the past decade, especially after high-profile incidents such as the handcuffing of a 4-year-old in Virginia and the dispatching of two dozen officers to a water balloon fight at a North Carolina high school.
Now, in the aftermath of the police-involved deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, critics are making the case that schools are too chummy with police forces that they say disproportionately target young people of color.
“We don’t want either,” Katrina Feldkamp, with Legal Services in New York City, said in a teleconference last month announcing a “road map” toward schools without police. “We would like to see the removal of both school safety agents and police from our schools.”
The track record of police on campuses is fiercely contested from both sides using a wide range of studies. Violence in schools dropped dramatically during the late 1990s and 2000s when police presence grew, but reports show high referral rates to juvenile law enforcement agencies, especially of Black students.
Blacks represented 13% of the student body but 53% of offenses for disorderly conduct from 2012 to 2015 at a school in Texas, according to a study by Texas Appleseed, a nonprofit justice center.
Teachers also represent some school safety personnel, but calls are growing louder to disband armed units in schools.
The American Federation of Teachers called last month for the “separation of school safety from policing and police forces.” When the superintendent of Portland Public Schools in Oregon announced the phasing-out of school resource officers by next year, the local union cheered. “We need to re-examine our relationship” with the local police force, the union said on Facebook.
The teachers union in Boston passed a resolution demanding the reinvestment of $4 million spent on law enforcement agents to go to mental health services and restorative justice practices.
Not every school district is dropping cops. The Chicago Board of Education narrowly rejected ending its $33 million contract with the city’s police department. The Los Angeles Unified School District’s board rejected cuts to spending on police after a marathon 12-hour meeting last week.
For many school officials, the back-and-forth over the role of law enforcement doesn’t end once a contract is severed.
St. Paul schools Superintendent Joe Gothard told the board last month that he had received a “thousand emails” on whether to keep or remove the district’s seven school resource officers at the city’s high schools. Most opposed the security measures, he said.
Mr. Gothard said 60 of the district’s buildings did not maintain school resource officers before last month’s vote. With no more officers in schools, he said, the district will nevertheless rely on law enforcement.
“It may not be in a formal way of a contract,” Mr. Gothard said during a school board meeting, “but we rely upon our police department for a lot of things in our community. And there will be times where they are going to be called upon, the men and women of this city who work for the police department, to provide services for St. Paul Public Schools.”
• Christopher Vondracek can be reached at cvondracek@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Deep cuts but no new taxes in Nevada governor's budget

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - As Nevada struggles with nation-topping unemployment and enormous revenue loss facing the state ’ s gambling and hospitality industries , Gov .
Steve Sisolak released a report on Monday evening proposing measures to plug the state ’ s estimated $ 1.2 billion budget shortfall .
The report calls for “ deep cuts in services and proposals ” and says budget balancing efforts addressed in the Legislature ’ s upcoming special session will not include passing any new taxes .
“ Considering any new revenue streams would require substantial time to setup , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not viable as an immediate option to address this emergency situation , ” the report says .
The Legislature , however , may consider “ augmenting existing major revenue sources ” by raising taxes .
“ If the legislature is able to move a revenue package forward , with the two-thirds vote required , the Governor is willing to consider the legislation , ” the report said .
Nevada levies no state income tax on its residents .
The state funds most of its budget with tax revenue from the gambling and hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ susceptible to economic booms and busts .
The news presents a setback for labor unions representing state workers and teachers , who have clamored for the state to diversify its revenue streams rather than make cuts since the onset of the pandemic .
Instead , the report says , “ the actions proposed to address the current shortfall are similar to the actions taken by the State during prior recessions in Nevada.
” Lawmakers are set to convene for a special legislative session Wednesday .
Sisolak announced the tentative date last week yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an official proclamation outlining the duration and parameters of the session .

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - As Nevada struggles with nation-topping unemployment and enormous revenue loss facing the state’s gambling and hospitality industries, Gov. Steve Sisolak released a report on Monday evening proposing measures to plug the state’s estimated $1.2 billion budget shortfall.
The report calls for “deep cuts in services and proposals” and says budget balancing efforts addressed in the Legislature’s upcoming special session will not include passing any new taxes.
“Considering any new revenue streams would require substantial time to setup, administer, and implement, they are not viable as an immediate option to address this emergency situation,” the report says.
The Legislature, however, may consider “augmenting existing major revenue sources” by raising taxes.
“If the legislature is able to move a revenue package forward, with the two-thirds vote required, the Governor is willing to consider the legislation,” the report said.
Nevada levies no state income tax on its residents. The state funds most of its budget with tax revenue from the gambling and hospitality industries, both of which are highly susceptible to economic booms and busts.
The news presents a setback for labor unions representing state workers and teachers, who have clamored for the state to diversify its revenue streams rather than make cuts since the onset of the pandemic.
Instead, the report says, “the actions proposed to address the current shortfall are similar to the actions taken by the State during prior recessions in Nevada.”
Lawmakers are set to convene for a special legislative session Wednesday. Sisolak announced the tentative date last week yet neither he nor legislative leaders have issued an official proclamation outlining the duration and parameters of the session.


washingtontimes--2020-07-06--Rev. Theodore Rothrock supporters heckle Bishop Timothy Doherty over 'Black lives matter' suspension

CARMEL , Ind .
— Supporters of an Indiana minister who was suspended for calling organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement “ maggots and parasites ” walked out of a service and shouted at a bishop who ended his remarks with the words , “ Black lives matter.
” The counterprotesters Sunday at St. Elizabeth Seton church in Carmel , Indiana , were opposing the suspension of Rev .
Theodore Rothrock .
After Bishop Timothy Doherty said “ Black lives matter ” at the end of his opening comments , one woman shouted “ You ’ re a coward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
“ Black lives matter !
” chants were met with chants of “ Go Father Ted !
” during the demonstration called the “ Gathering for Equality , Justice and Healing.
” Counterprotesters argued that Rothrock was speaking the truth , according to The Indianapolis Star .
Rothrock was suspended on Wednesday from public ministry by Doherty for comparing the Black Lives Matter movement and its organizers to “ maggots and parasites ” in a recent church bulletin .
By 11 a.m. on Sunday , protesters and counterprotesters went from church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respective messages to passing cars and church attendees .
A group in support of Rothrock said their goal was not to engage with other groups but to have a presence on the church campus throughout the day .
“ We feel that Father Ted spoke out in truth , and we ’ re to peaceably pray in support of all lives , ” Jill Metz , who organized the group said .
“ This should not be about Black lives .
All lives matter .
All lives.
” Kathy Cohenour , an Indianapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rothrock ’ s remarks .
She held a sign during the demonstration that read , “ Racism is not a Catholic teaching.
” Cohenour said she ’ s been taking part in social justice movements since the 1960s and is thankful that the next generation continues to fight .

CARMEL, Ind. — Supporters of an Indiana minister who was suspended for calling organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement “maggots and parasites” walked out of a service and shouted at a bishop who ended his remarks with the words, “Black lives matter.”
The counterprotesters Sunday at St. Elizabeth Seton church in Carmel, Indiana, were opposing the suspension of Rev. Theodore Rothrock. After Bishop Timothy Doherty said “Black lives matter” at the end of his opening comments, one woman shouted “You’re a coward!,” before she was escorted out.
“Black lives matter!” chants were met with chants of “Go Father Ted!” during the demonstration called the “Gathering for Equality, Justice and Healing.” Counterprotesters argued that Rothrock was speaking the truth, according to The Indianapolis Star.
Rothrock was suspended on Wednesday from public ministry by Doherty for comparing the Black Lives Matter movement and its organizers to “maggots and parasites” in a recent church bulletin.
By 11 a.m. on Sunday, protesters and counterprotesters went from church grounds to the sidewalk, communicating their respective messages to passing cars and church attendees.
A group in support of Rothrock said their goal was not to engage with other groups but to have a presence on the church campus throughout the day.
“We feel that Father Ted spoke out in truth, and we’re to peaceably pray in support of all lives,” Jill Metz, who organized the group said. “This should not be about Black lives. All lives matter. All lives.”
Kathy Cohenour, an Indianapolis resident, said she was horrified by Rothrock’s remarks. She held a sign during the demonstration that read, “Racism is not a Catholic teaching.”
Cohenour said she’s been taking part in social justice movements since the 1960s and is thankful that the next generation continues to fight.