washingtontimes--2020-04-21--US pressures Mexico to reopen plants amid worker walkouts

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - The U.S. pressed Mexico on Tuesday to reopen border assembly plants that are key to the U.S. supply chain , including defense contractors , as more employees staged walkouts and protests at the facilities because of fears over the coronavirus .
Christopher Landau , the U.S. ambassador to Mexico , launched a Twitter campaign urging efforts to keep supply chains intact .
He expressed concern about virus lockdowns damaging the flow of parts and goods that feed businesses in the three nations of the North American free trade zone - United States , Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we do not coordinate our response , these chains can evaporate.
” “ There are risks everywhere , but we don ’ t all stay at home for fear we are going to get in a car accident , ” Landau wrote .
“ The destruction of the economy is also a health threat.
” Ellen Lord , U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment , voiced similar concerns Monday in Washingotn .
“ We are seeing impacts on the industrial base by several pockets of closure internationally .
Particularly of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of companies that are impacting many of our major primes , ” she said .
Lord , who mentioned the importance of Mexican border plants in U.S. airframe production , said she planned to talk with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Tuesday to ask for help to reopen international suppliers there .
Mexico ’ s Foreign Relations Department declined to confirm whether that discussion had occurred .
But Mexico ’ s Economy Department later wrote that the two governments “ are holding conversations to protect the health of their citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the productive integration of their economies.
” It gave no further details o those talks .
The effort came as even more employees staged walkouts and protests at border assembly plants , which are known as maquiladoras , because of fears the facilities have become breeding grounds for coronavirus outbreaks .
The latest protests came at Electro Componentes de Mexico plants in Ciudad Juarez , across the border from El Paso , Texas .
“ This was a work stoppage , ” said Susana Prieto , a long-time labor lawyer and organizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dozens of employees demonstrating at a company parking lot , many wearing masks .
She said dozens of maquiladora workers are infected with the virus and some have died , including 16 employees at plants run by automotive seat maker Lear Corp. Lear has acknowledged there have been coronavirus deaths among its 24,000 employees in Ciudad Juárez , but won ’ t say how many .
The company adds that its 10 plants in the city “ are all currently closed and will remain closed until we have a plan that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe returning to work.
” Prieto said she believed there had been three deaths at the several Electro Componentes plants in Ciudad Juarez , but the company could not be reached to confirm that .
The struggle at the maquiladora plants is twofold : At first , many of the plants refused to shut down in line with government orders closing “ nonessential ” businesses .
Now , Prieto says , many firms want to send workers home on two-week furloughs at half pay , which in many cases could amount to less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government of Chihuahua state , where Ciudad Juárez is located , said that “ the maquiladora industry should not be stigmatized ” amid the pandemic .
It said dozens of plants have shut down and 180,000 of the city ’ s 300,000 industrial workers had been idled .
Underlining the complexities of the situation , it said 33 plants deemed “ essential ” continued to operate fully and 35 were operating partially .
The state government also noted that 28 plants not considered essential had refused to shut down and said that officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mexico currently has about 9,500 confirmed coronavirus cases and 857 deaths .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - The U.S. pressed Mexico on Tuesday to reopen border assembly plants that are key to the U.S. supply chain, including defense contractors, as more employees staged walkouts and protests at the facilities because of fears over the coronavirus.
Christopher Landau, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, launched a Twitter campaign urging efforts to keep supply chains intact.
He expressed concern about virus lockdowns damaging the flow of parts and goods that feed businesses in the three nations of the North American free trade zone - United States, Mexico and Canada - and warned that “if we do not coordinate our response, these chains can evaporate.”
“There are risks everywhere, but we don’t all stay at home for fear we are going to get in a car accident,” Landau wrote. “The destruction of the economy is also a health threat.”
Ellen Lord, U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, voiced similar concerns Monday in Washingotn.
“We are seeing impacts on the industrial base by several pockets of closure internationally. Particularly of note is Mexico, where we have a group of companies that are impacting many of our major primes,” she said.
Lord, who mentioned the importance of Mexican border plants in U.S. airframe production, said she planned to talk with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Tuesday to ask for help to reopen international suppliers there. Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department declined to confirm whether that discussion had occurred.
But Mexico’s Economy Department later wrote that the two governments “are holding conversations to protect the health of their citizens and, at the same time, protect the productive integration of their economies.” It gave no further details o those talks.
The effort came as even more employees staged walkouts and protests at border assembly plants, which are known as maquiladoras, because of fears the facilities have become breeding grounds for coronavirus outbreaks. The latest protests came at Electro Componentes de Mexico plants in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas.
“This was a work stoppage,” said Susana Prieto, a long-time labor lawyer and organizer in Ciudad Juarez. She posted photos of dozens of employees demonstrating at a company parking lot, many wearing masks.
She said dozens of maquiladora workers are infected with the virus and some have died, including 16 employees at plants run by automotive seat maker Lear Corp.
Lear has acknowledged there have been coronavirus deaths among its 24,000 employees in Ciudad Juárez, but won’t say how many.
The company adds that its 10 plants in the city “are all currently closed and will remain closed until we have a plan that is supported by our workers and they feel safe returning to work.”
Prieto said she believed there had been three deaths at the several Electro Componentes plants in Ciudad Juarez, but the company could not be reached to confirm that.
The struggle at the maquiladora plants is twofold: At first, many of the plants refused to shut down in line with government orders closing “nonessential” businesses. Now, Prieto says, many firms want to send workers home on two-week furloughs at half pay, which in many cases could amount to less than $30 a week.
The government of Chihuahua state, where Ciudad Juárez is located, said that “the maquiladora industry should not be stigmatized” amid the pandemic.
It said dozens of plants have shut down and 180,000 of the city’s 300,000 industrial workers had been idled. Underlining the complexities of the situation, it said 33 plants deemed “essential” continued to operate fully and 35 were operating partially.
The state government also noted that 28 plants not considered essential had refused to shut down and said that officials were visiting them to demand they close.
Mexico currently has about 9,500 confirmed coronavirus cases and 857 deaths.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--Several others apply for grazing allotments Hammonds’ lost

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) - Oregon ’ s Hammond Ranches could be competing with several other applicants for access to federal grazing allotments that it lost in a court ruling last year .
The company submitted one of four applications to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to use the 41 square miles ( 106 square kilometers ) , where the Hammond family has traditionally grazed cattle near its home base in Diamond , Oregon , the Capital Press reported .
However , Hammond Ranches may still reactivate an administrative appeal against the BLM by May 12 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allotments , at least until the legal challenge is resolved .
Steven Hammond , the company ’ s co-owner , said he hasn ’ t yet decided whether to continue that administrative process .
The BLM said it ’ s not making information publicly available about who has applied for grazing access .
Steven Hammond and his father , Dwight , were convicted of arson and imprisoned for mandatory five-year terms but were released in 2018 after President Donald Trump pardoned them .
The grazing permit that had been taken away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the BLM in early 2019 , but that decision was challenged by environmentalists and overturned by a federal judge in December .
Last month , the agency announced it would accept applications for access to the grazing allotments because this would bring about the “ most expeditious resolution ” to the matter .
The Oregon Cattlemen ’ s Association would have preferred if nobody else competed for the allotments and Jerome Rosa , its executive director , said he was surprised that three other applications had been turned in .

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon’s Hammond Ranches could be competing with several other applicants for access to federal grazing allotments that it lost in a court ruling last year.
The company submitted one of four applications to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to use the 41 square miles (106 square kilometers), where the Hammond family has traditionally grazed cattle near its home base in Diamond, Oregon, the Capital Press reported.
However, Hammond Ranches may still reactivate an administrative appeal against the BLM by May 12 that would suspend the competition for the grazing allotments, at least until the legal challenge is resolved.
Steven Hammond, the company’s co-owner, said he hasn’t yet decided whether to continue that administrative process.
The BLM said it’s not making information publicly available about who has applied for grazing access.
Steven Hammond and his father, Dwight, were convicted of arson and imprisoned for mandatory five-year terms but were released in 2018 after President Donald Trump pardoned them.
The grazing permit that had been taken away from the Hammonds after their arson convictions was restored by the BLM in early 2019, but that decision was challenged by environmentalists and overturned by a federal judge in December.
Last month, the agency announced it would accept applications for access to the grazing allotments because this would bring about the “most expeditious resolution” to the matter.
The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association would have preferred if nobody else competed for the allotments and Jerome Rosa, its executive director, said he was surprised that three other applications had been turned in.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--Trump defends Mar-a-Lago furloughs

Trump defends Mar-a-Lago furloughs

PALM BEACH , Fla. — President Trump on Tuesday defended his company ’ s decision to furlough hundreds of employees because of the coronavirus pandemic , after his private Mar-a-Lago club in Florida revealed this week it is temporarily laying off 153 workers .
Speaking at the White House , Trump said , “ You can ’ t have many hundreds of employees standing around doing nothing , ” noting that local social distancing prohibitions have closed clubs , hotels and even golf courses .
“ There ’ s no customer .
You ’ re not allowed to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only Trump resort in Florida to furlough workers .
The Trump National Doral Miami resort where the president initially wanted to host this year ’ s Group of Seven summit has temporarily laid off 560 workers .
The federal government ’ s economic relief bill specifically bars Trump ’ s businesses , as well as those with ties to other top government officials and members of Congress and their immediate families , from receiving emergency loans and other benefits meant to help businesses retain workers during the virus crisis .
The club ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gill , wrote in a letter to state and local officials that Mar-a-Lago began halting business last month as a result of mandated closures issued in Palm Beach County in response to the virus ’ s spread in South Florida .
The furloughs are temporary but the club doesn ’ t know when it will resume regular operations , Gill said .
None of the workers are unionized .
The furloughed workers at Mar-a-Lago include bartenders , cooks , dishwashers , drivers , attendants , housekeepers , servers and valet attendants .
Mar-a-Lago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , and the president often spends his time there mixing work , business and pleasure in the company of dues-paying members .

PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Trump on Tuesday defended his company’s decision to furlough hundreds of employees because of the coronavirus pandemic, after his private Mar-a-Lago club in Florida revealed this week it is temporarily laying off 153 workers.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said, “You can’t have many hundreds of employees standing around doing nothing,” noting that local social distancing prohibitions have closed clubs, hotels and even golf courses. “There’s no customer. You’re not allowed to have a customer.”
It isn’t the only Trump resort in Florida to furlough workers. The Trump National Doral Miami resort where the president initially wanted to host this year’s Group of Seven summit has temporarily laid off 560 workers.
The federal government’s economic relief bill specifically bars Trump’s businesses, as well as those with ties to other top government officials and members of Congress and their immediate families, from receiving emergency loans and other benefits meant to help businesses retain workers during the virus crisis.
The club’s director of human resources, Janine Gill, wrote in a letter to state and local officials that Mar-a-Lago began halting business last month as a result of mandated closures issued in Palm Beach County in response to the virus’s spread in South Florida.
The furloughs are temporary but the club doesn’t know when it will resume regular operations, Gill said.
None of the workers are unionized.
The furloughed workers at Mar-a-Lago include bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, drivers, attendants, housekeepers, servers and valet attendants.
Mar-a-Lago serves as Trump’s refuge from Washington, and the president often spends his time there mixing work, business and pleasure in the company of dues-paying members.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--Fall of oil prices threatens green energy gains

Climate warriors led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez chuckling over the collapse of oil prices are receiving a crash course in economics from analysts who point out that cheap gas is actually the enemy of green energy .
Plunging demand driven by the coronavirus pandemic continued to roil the market Tuesday as the price of a barrel of oil to be delivered in June plunged 43 % to $ 11.57 , a day after the May price dropped into negative territory for the first time in history as supply outstripped storage capacity .
Meanwhile , the national price of gasoline fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.77 per gallon , the lowest level since 2016 , “ and prices will continue to go down , ” said GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick de Haan .
“ What ’ s happening with oil markets is a reflection of what ’ s happening with the broader economy , and that ’ s not good for green energy , ” said Alex Gilbert , fellow at the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines .
He cited the travel restrictions that have slowed automobile traffic and tanked the airline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no demand for oil.
” “ In the short term , if we have very low oil prices , that will hurt the transition to electrical vehicles in the United States , but it will also hurt the broader , global clean energy transition , because oil is still used for non-transportation purposes in some countries , and it also influences liquefied natural gas prices , ” Mr. Gilbert said .
“ So that will make the transition slower in some countries as well as in the United States.
” Ms. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now-deleted tweet in which she said “ [ y ] ou absolutely love to see it , ” referring to the oil collapse , but she was hardly alone .
“ Since the oil industry is running out of places to store their unwanted product … perhaps we should just keep it in the ground .
Forever , ” tweeted 350.org founder Bill McKibben , which was retweeted by Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg .
Even before Monday ’ s plunge , predictions were widespread that lower fossil-fuel prices , coupled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shine off ambitious green energy mandates and renewable projects .
“ Goodbye renewable energy .
Hello cheap oil , ” said an April 3 op-ed in the [ U.K. ] Telegraph , arguing that the “ dual crises of oil and Covid-19 have thrown the future of renewables into doubt.
” Economists warned that the oil industry ’ s loss isn ’ t green energy ’ s gain .
For example , automobile sales have been hurt by the pandemic , but electric vehicles dealers have been hit hardest .
IHS Markit released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year in global auto sales , while an April 3 analysis by Wood Mackenzie foresaw a 43 % plunge in worldwide electric-vehicle sales in 2020 .
Bernard Weinstein , associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute at Southern Methodist University , said that plunging gas prices have taken the shine off spending more for a pricey Tesla or other electric vehicle .
“ Most consumers are going to make a calculation of , what ’ s my front-end cost of acquiring a vehicle , and what are the operating expenses ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would seem to me that for the next few years , the good old internal combustion engine is going to be the winner.
” The Competitive Enterprise Institute ’ s Myron Ebell noted that electric-vehicle manufacturers like Tesla and GM have lobbied to increase the number of vehicles that qualify for tax credits , which may be their best hope in the current economic climate .
“ I don ’ t see how anyone ’ s going to sell electric vehicles unless Congress decides to expand the subsidy , ” Mr. Ebell said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a mixed bag .
On the one hand , teetering local economies are less likely to invest in a solar farm or wind turbines , especially given reduced energy demand , especially in oil-producing states such as Texas .
“ A lot of local economies are really going to be suffering in Texas for years now , and they ’ re going to be less likely to buy solar or wind or do other things to adopt clean energy for their system , ” Mr. Gilbert said .
On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects may be more attractive with near-zero interest rates , especially in states with renewable-energy mandates .
Congress and state lawmakers also could drive green-oriented stimulus spending for the coronavirus recovery .
“ The big open question is policy , ” said Mr. Perkins .
“ We ’ ve also seen work at the state level to promote clean energy .
Those initiatives , if they ’ re doubled-down upon , could really help grow things , but the collapse right now of the oil industry and the financial hardship there is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for clean energy.
” The clean energy industry lost 106,000 jobs in March , “ obliterating the job gains the entire sector had seen in 2019 , ” and the number that could swell to 500,000 “ if no action is taken , ” according to PVTech , citing an E2 analysis .
Environmentalists have pushed for the coronavirus stimulus to include billions to expand the green-energy power grid , a case that becomes difficult to justify economically with low natural gas prices driven by the shale revolution .
Natural gas accounts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation .
“ If you look at the sale of solar panels , installation of windmills — everything ’ s hurting right now with the shutdown , ” said Mr. Weinstein .
“ I know AOC is arguing , hey , let ’ s revive the U.S. economy by investing in renewable energy .
On the other hand , natural gas is so cheap — and will remain cheap — that if you ’ re talking about adding additional capacity to the power grid , natural gas makes a lot more economic sense @ @ @ @ @ @

Climate warriors led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez chuckling over the collapse of oil prices are receiving a crash course in economics from analysts who point out that cheap gas is actually the enemy of green energy.
Plunging demand driven by the coronavirus pandemic continued to roil the market Tuesday as the price of a barrel of oil to be delivered in June plunged 43% to $11.57, a day after the May price dropped into negative territory for the first time in history as supply outstripped storage capacity.
Meanwhile, the national price of gasoline fell for the eighth straight week to $1.77 per gallon, the lowest level since 2016, “and prices will continue to go down,” said GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick de Haan.
“What’s happening with oil markets is a reflection of what’s happening with the broader economy, and that’s not good for green energy,” said Alex Gilbert, fellow at the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines.
He cited the travel restrictions that have slowed automobile traffic and tanked the airline and cruise industries, meaning that “there is no demand for oil.”
“In the short term, if we have very low oil prices, that will hurt the transition to electrical vehicles in the United States, but it will also hurt the broader, global clean energy transition, because oil is still used for non-transportation purposes in some countries, and it also influences liquefied natural gas prices,” Mr. Gilbert said. “So that will make the transition slower in some countries as well as in the United States.”
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez came under fire Monday for a now-deleted tweet in which she said “[y]ou absolutely love to see it,” referring to the oil collapse, but she was hardly alone.
“Since the oil industry is running out of places to store their unwanted product … perhaps we should just keep it in the ground. Forever,” tweeted 350.org founder Bill McKibben, which was retweeted by Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Even before Monday’s plunge, predictions were widespread that lower fossil-fuel prices, coupled with the economic downturn, would take the shine off ambitious green energy mandates and renewable projects.
“Goodbye renewable energy. Hello cheap oil,” said an April 3 op-ed in the [U.K.] Telegraph, arguing that the “dual crises of oil and Covid-19 have thrown the future of renewables into doubt.”
Goodbye renewable energy. Hello cheap oil https://t.co/9ZzVCDl8JS— GWPF (@thegwpfcom) April 21, 2020
Economists warned that the oil industry’s loss isn’t green energy’s gain. For example, automobile sales have been hurt by the pandemic, but electric vehicles dealers have been hit hardest.
IHS Markit released projections Tuesday for a 22% decline this year in global auto sales, while an April 3 analysis by Wood Mackenzie foresaw a 43% plunge in worldwide electric-vehicle sales in 2020.
Bernard Weinstein, associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute at Southern Methodist University, said that plunging gas prices have taken the shine off spending more for a pricey Tesla or other electric vehicle.
“Most consumers are going to make a calculation of, what’s my front-end cost of acquiring a vehicle, and what are the operating expenses?” Mr. Weinstein said. “And it would seem to me that for the next few years, the good old internal combustion engine is going to be the winner.”
The Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Myron Ebell noted that electric-vehicle manufacturers like Tesla and GM have lobbied to increase the number of vehicles that qualify for tax credits, which may be their best hope in the current economic climate.
“I don’t see how anyone’s going to sell electric vehicles unless Congress decides to expand the subsidy,” Mr. Ebell said.
As for renewable-energy projects, it’s a mixed bag. On the one hand, teetering local economies are less likely to invest in a solar farm or wind turbines, especially given reduced energy demand, especially in oil-producing states such as Texas.
“A lot of local economies are really going to be suffering in Texas for years now, and they’re going to be less likely to buy solar or wind or do other things to adopt clean energy for their system,” Mr. Gilbert said.
On the other hand, borrowing money for major capital-intensive projects may be more attractive with near-zero interest rates, especially in states with renewable-energy mandates. Congress and state lawmakers also could drive green-oriented stimulus spending for the coronavirus recovery.
“The big open question is policy,” said Mr. Perkins. “We’ve also seen work at the state level to promote clean energy. Those initiatives, if they’re doubled-down upon, could really help grow things, but the collapse right now of the oil industry and the financial hardship there is not necessarily going to be a big boon for clean energy.”
The clean energy industry lost 106,000 jobs in March, “obliterating the job gains the entire sector had seen in 2019,” and the number that could swell to 500,000 “if no action is taken,” according to PVTech, citing an E2 analysis.
Environmentalists have pushed for the coronavirus stimulus to include billions to expand the green-energy power grid, a case that becomes difficult to justify economically with low natural gas prices driven by the shale revolution. Natural gas accounts for the lion’s share of electricity generation.
“If you look at the sale of solar panels, installation of windmills — everything’s hurting right now with the shutdown,” said Mr. Weinstein. “I know AOC is arguing, hey, let’s revive the U.S. economy by investing in renewable energy. On the other hand, natural gas is so cheap — and will remain cheap — that if you’re talking about adding additional capacity to the power grid, natural gas makes a lot more economic sense than wind or solar.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--Albuquerque man arrested; explosive homemade darts in home

ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) - A man has been arrested in connection with an explosion in south Albuquerque @ @ @ @ @ County authorities said Tuesday .
Jess Paul , 63 , was taken into custody on @ @ @ @ @ explosive device or incendiary device .
Sheriff ’ s deputies were dispatched to a home @ @ @ @ @ disturbance caused by a possible explosion .
Neighbors reported hearing an explosion and one neighbor @ @ @ @ @ the incident occurred .
Authorities say it was discovered that Paul had built several incendiary @ @ @ @ @ through a blow dart gun .
A police bomb squad tried to remotely disassemble one @ @ @ @ @ at which time the device detonated , but there were no injuries .
Paul was @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday if he has a lawyer yet .

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A man has been arrested in connection with an explosion in south Albuquerque involving homemade darts, Bernalillo County authorities said Tuesday.
Jess Paul, 63, was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of an explosive device or incendiary device.
Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a home Monday afternoon about a noise disturbance caused by a possible explosion.
Neighbors reported hearing an explosion and one neighbor advised his house shook when the incident occurred.
Authorities say it was discovered that Paul had built several incendiary devices that could be fired through a blow dart gun.
During a search of Paul’s residence, Albuquerque police reported finding 22 explosive darts.
A police bomb squad tried to remotely disassemble one of the homemade explosive darts at which time the device detonated, but there were no injuries.
Paul was arrested and it was unclear Tuesday if he has a lawyer yet.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--China calls for solidarity not `finger-pointing' on virus

NEW YORK ( AP ) - China said Tuesday this is a time for solidarity and cooperation , not “ finger-pointing ” and “ politicization , ” as its top diplomats in New York officially handed over a donation of medical supplies to hard-hit New York City to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
Consul-General Huang Ping recalled at the online ceremony that China ’ s President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump “ called for anti-epidemic cooperation between our two nations and the world ” in their last phone call on March 17 .
“ As the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the United States need to lead the effort to fighting the coronavirus , ” Huang said .
“ This is not the time for finger-pointing .
This is the time for solidarity , collaboration , cooperation and mutual support.
” But after weeks of elaborate praise of president Xi ’ s performance in the pandemic , Trump has turned to blaming China and halting U.S. contributions to the World Health Organization , accusing it of parroting misinformation from Beijing .
China ’ s U.N .
Ambassador Zhang Jun stressed the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one world ” and COVID-19 “ knows no borders.
” “ We need to support the United Nations and the WHO in playing a leading and coordinating role in defeating COVID-19 , the common enemy of all mankind , ” he said .
“ We should stand firm against the politicization of the pandemic and remove all obstacles which hinder our cooperation.
” ’ Huang said the American people helped China “ without hesitation ” when it was in great difficulty , and its consulate and U.N. mission have donated 25,000 N95 masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pairs of medical gloves , which reached New York last weekend .
According to incomplete estimates , Huang said , China has also donated a total of 1,000 ventilators , 6,550,000 masks , 310,000 pairs of surgical gloves , 150,000 goggles and 32,000 protective suits to the United States , much of it to New York .
Penny Abeywardena , New York City ’ s commissioner for international affairs , thanked China for its “ extremely generous donation , ” saying “ it is what our health care workers need and we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight with us.
” She said the latest donation is already going to health care personel .
She also referred to attacks on Chinese-Americans as a result of COVID-19 originating in China , saying New York City “ will not tolerate any harassment or discrimination against your community.
” Both the consul-general and U.N. ambassador expressed hope that the supplies will help New York win the fight against the pandemic .
Zhang said he wanted to stress that living in New York “ we share its joy , we share its pain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EDT he and his wife go out on their balcony and join their neighbors in clapping to support the city ’ s essential workers .
“ I sincerely hope that , with the unity of all New Yorkers , we will defeat the pandemic and bring New York back to a dynamic and colorful life , ” the U.N. ambassador said .

NEW YORK (AP) - China said Tuesday this is a time for solidarity and cooperation, not “finger-pointing” and “politicization,” as its top diplomats in New York officially handed over a donation of medical supplies to hard-hit New York City to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Consul-General Huang Ping recalled at the online ceremony that China’s President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump “called for anti-epidemic cooperation between our two nations and the world” in their last phone call on March 17.
“As the two biggest economies in the world, China and the United States need to lead the effort to fighting the coronavirus,” Huang said. “This is not the time for finger-pointing. This is the time for solidarity, collaboration, cooperation and mutual support.”
But after weeks of elaborate praise of president Xi’s performance in the pandemic, Trump has turned to blaming China and halting U.S. contributions to the World Health Organization, accusing it of parroting misinformation from Beijing.
China’s U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun stressed the importance of multilateralism, saying “we live in one world” and COVID-19 “knows no borders.”
“We need to support the United Nations and the WHO in playing a leading and coordinating role in defeating COVID-19, the common enemy of all mankind,” he said. “We should stand firm against the politicization of the pandemic and remove all obstacles which hinder our cooperation.”’
Huang said the American people helped China “without hesitation” when it was in great difficulty, and its consulate and U.N. mission have donated 25,000 N95 masks, 2,000 protective suits, and 75,000 pairs of medical gloves, which reached New York last weekend.
According to incomplete estimates, Huang said, China has also donated a total of 1,000 ventilators, 6,550,000 masks, 310,000 pairs of surgical gloves, 150,000 goggles and 32,000 protective suits to the United States, much of it to New York.
Penny Abeywardena, New York City’s commissioner for international affairs, thanked China for its “extremely generous donation,” saying “it is what our health care workers need and we are absolutely grateful that you are in this fight with us.” She said the latest donation is already going to health care personel.
She also referred to attacks on Chinese-Americans as a result of COVID-19 originating in China, saying New York City “will not tolerate any harassment or discrimination against your community.”
Both the consul-general and U.N. ambassador expressed hope that the supplies will help New York win the fight against the pandemic.
Zhang said he wanted to stress that living in New York “we share its joy, we share its pain,” and every evening at 7 p.m. EDT he and his wife go out on their balcony and join their neighbors in clapping to support the city’s essential workers.
“I sincerely hope that, with the unity of all New Yorkers, we will defeat the pandemic and bring New York back to a dynamic and colorful life,” the U.N. ambassador said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--Coronavirus shutdowns squeeze state budgets, threaten reopenings

The coronavirus economic shutdown is putting the squeeze on state budgets across the country , threatening to keep public pools , community centers and other services shuttered long after the end of stay-at-home orders .
Governors , who have lobbied for a $ 500 billion federal bailout that so far isn ’ t coming , warily eye tough trade-offs this year and possibly beyond to balance budgets walloped by dwindling sales and income tax revenue , the states ’ two biggest revenue streams .
The crunch is compounded by soaring spending on Medicaid , the biggest expenditure after public schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose their jobs and become eligible for the government health insurance program for low-income individuals .
“ States may not see the full fiscal impact of coronavirus for months , even years , and effects could linger for years to come , ” said Josh Goodman , senior officer for economic development and state fiscal health at the Pew Charitable Trusts .
Unlike the federal government , which runs on debt , 40 of the 50 states operate under statutory or constitutional mandates to balance the budget .
They have to either generate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places such as public schools , state worker pay , law enforcement or recreation centers .
Governors and state lawmakers prefer that Washington fork over $ 500 billion to help them avoid slashing spending to offset plummeting tax receipts .
The deal Congress finalized Tuesday for extra spending includes $ 310 billion for small business grants and $ 160 billion for hospitals , virus testing and disaster loans — but not a dime to replenish state coffers .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , a Democrat wrestling with a $ 15 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states was a “ terrible mistake.
” “ I get small businesses , I get airlines , ” he said of other aid recipients .
“ How about police ?
How about fire ?
How about health care workers ?
How about teachers ?
… I don ’ t get it .
That ’ s why I ’ m not in Washington.
” Earlier this week , Mr. Cuomo said New York could suffer a 50 % cut in education funding because of the shortfall .
President Trump promised that the next economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments .
“ After I sign this Bill , we will begin discussions on the next Legislative Initiative with fiscal relief to State/Local Governments for lost revenues from COVID 19 , much needed Infrastructure Investments for Bridges , Tunnels , Broadband , Tax Incentives for Restaurants , Entertainment , Sports , and Payroll Tax Cuts to increase Economic Growth , ” Mr. Trump said in a series of tweets .
Budget woes from the COVID-19 pandemic are afflicting state capitals across the country : ⦁ Kansas projected an 8.1 % budget shortfall in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with expected tax collections over the next 15 months falling nearly $ 1.37 billion .
Gov .
Laura Kelly , a Democrat , had already ordered state agencies to eliminate discretionary spending and avoid filling vacant posts not essential to dealing with COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus .
The belt-tightening and cash reserves likely won ’ t be enough to plug an estimated $ 653 million budget hole .
“ The unprecedented revenue collapse turned Kansas finances upside down overnight .
It is the rainy day we feared could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ⦁ Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , a Democrat , announced that the state faces a $ 10 billion deficit — $ 2.7 billion this year and $ 7 billion next year — because of the coronavirus crisis .
“ You don ’ t have to be an epidemiologist to see the pandemic is going to have a big impact on our budget , ” Mr. Pritzker said .
“ We will need to make extraordinarily difficult decisions on top of the difficult decisions we ’ ve already made.
” ⦁ Oklahoma Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced an anticipated $ 416 million shortfall in this year ’ s state budget , which was hit with a double whammy of plunging oil prices and the economic quarantine .
⦁ Hawaii Gov .
David Ige , a Democrat , needs to cut $ 1.5 billion from the state budget because of lost revenue from the pandemic .
He is considering a 20 % cut to government employee pay , which drew a sharp rebuke from state workers unions .
“ While we recognize the coronavirus has already started to cripple Hawaii @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sure of its long-term impacts .
We believe cutting salaries for tens of thousands of state workers is rash and will hurt our state even more , ” said Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee .
⦁ California , which boasted a budget surplus of $ 17 billion before the crisis , now confronts a worst-case scenario of a $ 35 billion deficit this year and an $ 85 billion deficit down the road , according to state budget experts .
“ We are now in a pandemic-induced recession here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Gavin Newsom , a Democrat .
The budget pain reaches down to county and local governments .
The National Association of Counties released a report this month projecting that county budgets could take a collective $ 144 billion hit through fiscal 2021 .
With lost revenue and increased expenses , smaller counties may have to cut a quarter of their budgets .
They are looking for federal dollars , too .
“ A strong federal-state-local partnership has become more crucial than ever , ” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration to provide direct funding to support the vital services counties deliver .
”

The coronavirus economic shutdown is putting the squeeze on state budgets across the country, threatening to keep public pools, community centers and other services shuttered long after the end of stay-at-home orders.
Governors, who have lobbied for a $500 billion federal bailout that so far isn’t coming, warily eye tough trade-offs this year and possibly beyond to balance budgets walloped by dwindling sales and income tax revenue, the states’ two biggest revenue streams.
The crunch is compounded by soaring spending on Medicaid, the biggest expenditure after public schools for most states, as more people lose their jobs and become eligible for the government health insurance program for low-income individuals.
“States may not see the full fiscal impact of coronavirus for months, even years, and effects could linger for years to come,” said Josh Goodman, senior officer for economic development and state fiscal health at the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Unlike the federal government, which runs on debt, 40 of the 50 states operate under statutory or constitutional mandates to balance the budget. They have to either generate the revenue or make unpopular cuts in places such as public schools, state worker pay, law enforcement or recreation centers.
Governors and state lawmakers prefer that Washington fork over $500 billion to help them avoid slashing spending to offset plummeting tax receipts.
The deal Congress finalized Tuesday for extra spending includes $310 billion for small business grants and $160 billion for hospitals, virus testing and disaster loans — but not a dime to replenish state coffers.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat wrestling with a $15 billion budget deficit, said that passing over states was a “terrible mistake.”
“I get small businesses, I get airlines,” he said of other aid recipients. “How about police? How about fire? How about health care workers? How about teachers? … I don’t get it. That’s why I’m not in Washington.”
Earlier this week, Mr. Cuomo said New York could suffer a 50% cut in education funding because of the shortfall.
President Trump promised that the next economic rescue package would include money for state governments.
“After I sign this Bill, we will begin discussions on the next Legislative Initiative with fiscal relief to State/Local Governments for lost revenues from COVID 19, much needed Infrastructure Investments for Bridges, Tunnels, Broadband, Tax Incentives for Restaurants, Entertainment, Sports, and Payroll Tax Cuts to increase Economic Growth,” Mr. Trump said in a series of tweets.
Budget woes from the COVID-19 pandemic are afflicting state capitals across the country:
⦁ Kansas projected an 8.1% budget shortfall in the state’s two-year budget, with expected tax collections over the next 15 months falling nearly $1.37 billion.
Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, had already ordered state agencies to eliminate discretionary spending and avoid filling vacant posts not essential to dealing with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The belt-tightening and cash reserves likely won’t be enough to plug an estimated $653 million budget hole.
“The unprecedented revenue collapse turned Kansas finances upside down overnight. It is the rainy day we feared could come,” Ms. Kelly said.
⦁ Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, announced that the state faces a $10 billion deficit — $2.7 billion this year and $7 billion next year — because of the coronavirus crisis.
“You don’t have to be an epidemiologist to see the pandemic is going to have a big impact on our budget,” Mr. Pritzker said. “We will need to make extraordinarily difficult decisions on top of the difficult decisions we’ve already made.”
⦁ Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, announced an anticipated $416 million shortfall in this year’s state budget, which was hit with a double whammy of plunging oil prices and the economic quarantine.
⦁ Hawaii Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, needs to cut $1.5 billion from the state budget because of lost revenue from the pandemic. He is considering a 20% cut to government employee pay, which drew a sharp rebuke from state workers unions.
“While we recognize the coronavirus has already started to cripple Hawaii’s economy, no one can be sure of its long-term impacts. We believe cutting salaries for tens of thousands of state workers is rash and will hurt our state even more,” said Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee.
⦁ California, which boasted a budget surplus of $17 billion before the crisis, now confronts a worst-case scenario of a $35 billion deficit this year and an $85 billion deficit down the road, according to state budget experts.
“We are now in a pandemic-induced recession here in the state of California,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.
The budget pain reaches down to county and local governments.
The National Association of Counties released a report this month projecting that county budgets could take a collective $144 billion hit through fiscal 2021.
With lost revenue and increased expenses, smaller counties may have to cut a quarter of their budgets. They are looking for federal dollars, too.
“A strong federal-state-local partnership has become more crucial than ever,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “We call on Congress and the administration to provide direct funding to support the vital services counties deliver.”
⦁ David Sherfinski contributed to this report.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--Amazon warehouse workers organize sick-out to protest working conditions during pandemic

Amazon warehouse workers across the country started a sick-out Tuesday to protest working conditions they say risks exposing them to the coronavirus .
United for Respect , a workers ’ rights group , organized the protest because Amazon “ unnecessarily put the lives of Amazon employees at increased risk and exposure ” to COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus .
More than 300 of the thousands of Amazon employees working in 50 facilities signed up for the protests , according to CNBC .
“ There are now over 130 warehouses where employees have contracted COVID-19 including some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Amazon ’ s inaction , ” wrote United for Respect on its website encouraging Amazon workers to call out sick .
“ Nationwide , we have been and will continue to call out sick until Amazon makes the necessary changes to put our health and safety first.
” Amazon said the protests paled in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of workers who arrived for work on Tuesday .
The sick-out is part of a nationwide push by labor organizers to secure worker protections and benefits related to the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ labor unions ’ demands for safely returning to work , including a massive deployment of personal protective equipment in workplaces and a big increase in “ rapid and reliable ” testing .
He warned against lifting stay-at-home orders too soon .
“ President Trump made this crisis worse , ” said Mr. Trumka , the head of the nation ’ s largest labor federation .
“ Instead of science , he ’ s chosen politics .
Instead of unity , he ’ s chosen division .
And now he wants us to trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The answer is , we can ’ t .
There ’ s too much at stake.
” The National Nurses United led a protest outside the White House demanding the Trump administration ensure that every health care worker is provided with personal protective equipment .
The 150,000-member nurses union previously led protests outside HCA hospitals in Florida , North Carolina and Texas .
An HCA Healthcare spokesman said at the time that the nurses union was using the coronavirus crisis to organize more members .
Meanwhile , Boeing reopened its aircraft plants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers back on its assembly lines .
The Amazon protesters want the company to adopt measures such as notifying workers when someone tests positive for coronavirus , regularly deep cleaning all facilities , offering additional paid sick leave for workers and drivers , and providing healthcare for everyone working with or contracted by Amazon , among other requests .
Amazon spokeswoman Rachel Lighty said Amazon “ couldn ’ t be more grateful and proud ” of the workers who continued working this week .
“ The union organizers ’ claims are also simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that masks , temperature checks , hand sanitizer , increased time off , increased pay , and more are standard across our network because we care deeply about the health and safety of our employees , ” she said .
“ We encourage anyone to compare the health and safety measures Amazon has taken , and the speed of their implementation , during this crisis with other retailers.
” United for Respect is leading coronavirus-related activism aimed at politicians too , working with People for the American Way , Daily Kos and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid sick leave for every American worker .
The coalition has gathered more than 100,000 signatures urging federal lawmakers to provide such relief in future coronavirus-related legislation .

Amazon warehouse workers across the country started a sick-out Tuesday to protest working conditions they say risks exposing them to the coronavirus.
United for Respect, a workers’ rights group, organized the protest because Amazon “unnecessarily put the lives of Amazon employees at increased risk and exposure” to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. More than 300 of the thousands of Amazon employees working in 50 facilities signed up for the protests, according to CNBC.
“There are now over 130 warehouses where employees have contracted COVID-19 including some warehouses with over 30 confirmed cases because of Amazon’s inaction,” wrote United for Respect on its website encouraging Amazon workers to call out sick. “Nationwide, we have been and will continue to call out sick until Amazon makes the necessary changes to put our health and safety first.”
Amazon said the protests paled in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of workers who arrived for work on Tuesday.
The sick-out is part of a nationwide push by labor organizers to secure worker protections and benefits related to the coronavirus pandemic.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Tuesday outlined labor unions’ demands for safely returning to work, including a massive deployment of personal protective equipment in workplaces and a big increase in “rapid and reliable” testing.
He warned against lifting stay-at-home orders too soon.
“President Trump made this crisis worse,” said Mr. Trumka, the head of the nation’s largest labor federation. “Instead of science, he’s chosen politics. Instead of unity, he’s chosen division. And now he wants us to trust him with our lives and our livelihood. The answer is, we can’t. There’s too much at stake.”
The National Nurses United led a protest outside the White House demanding the Trump administration ensure that every health care worker is provided with personal protective equipment.
The 150,000-member nurses union previously led protests outside HCA hospitals in Florida, North Carolina and Texas. An HCA Healthcare spokesman said at the time that the nurses union was using the coronavirus crisis to organize more members.
Meanwhile, Boeing reopened its aircraft plants Monday, putting tens of thousands of workers back on its assembly lines.
The Amazon protesters want the company to adopt measures such as notifying workers when someone tests positive for coronavirus, regularly deep cleaning all facilities, offering additional paid sick leave for workers and drivers, and providing healthcare for everyone working with or contracted by Amazon, among other requests.
Amazon spokeswoman Rachel Lighty said Amazon “couldn’t be more grateful and proud” of the workers who continued working this week.
“The union organizers’ claims are also simply false — what’s true is that masks, temperature checks, hand sanitizer, increased time off, increased pay, and more are standard across our network because we care deeply about the health and safety of our employees,” she said. “We encourage anyone to compare the health and safety measures Amazon has taken, and the speed of their implementation, during this crisis with other retailers.”
United for Respect is leading coronavirus-related activism aimed at politicians too, working with People for the American Way, Daily Kos and other liberal groups to push Congress to adopt paid sick leave for every American worker. The coalition has gathered more than 100,000 signatures urging federal lawmakers to provide such relief in future coronavirus-related legislation.
• Dave Boyer contributed to this report.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-21--2 workers in Michigan food plant test positive for virus

WEST BLOOMFIELD , Mich. ( AP ) - Some workers at a Kraft Heinz facility in western Michigan are in self-quarantine after two tested positive for COVID-19 and three more are presumed to have the virus , a spokesman said Tuesday .
The food production plant in Holland was closed Sunday for cleaning and reopened Monday , Kraft Heinz Corporate Affairs Senior Vice President Michael Mullen said in a statement .
Holland is in Ottawa County , about 32 miles ( 50 kilometers ) southwest of Grand Rapids .
On Monday , the county reported that 130 residents have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union representing 227 employees at the 240-worker facility said Kraft Heinz has been slow in providing personal protective equipment to workers , and that there have been no “ real negotiations around essential pay and quarantine procedures.
” “ Weeks ago , workers were promised masks , and they ’ re still yet to arrive , despite promises from management day after day that they would , ” the Retail , Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 705 said in an emailed statement .
Protective masks should arrive at the plant this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company is giving workers a $ 100 per week bonus .
But the union said Kraft Heinz , which has headquarters in Chicago and Pittsburgh , has tied that pay bump to worker attendance , meaning if you ’ re out sick or in quarantine you don ’ t qualify .
“ Tying extra pay to attendance encourages workers to come to work when they are sick , ” it said .
The union also said members were initially told to use vacation days if they had to be quarantined after coming into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company is now not requiring employees to take vacation days if they are in self-quarantine or need to stay home for COVID-19-related reasons , ” Mullen said .
Employees who don ’ t feel well have been asked to stay home , and social distancing has been added to production lines and other areas , he added .
Temperature checks of employees were expected to start this week .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that clear up in two to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe life-threatening illness , including pneumonia , or death .
Coronavirus outbreaks have sickened dozens of workers at meatpacking plants in the Midwest , including one in western Michigan ’ s Allegan County .
Sixty people at the plant have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus .

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (AP) - Some workers at a Kraft Heinz facility in western Michigan are in self-quarantine after two tested positive for COVID-19 and three more are presumed to have the virus, a spokesman said Tuesday.
The food production plant in Holland was closed Sunday for cleaning and reopened Monday, Kraft Heinz Corporate Affairs Senior Vice President Michael Mullen said in a statement.
Holland is in Ottawa County, about 32 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Grand Rapids. On Monday, the county reported that 130 residents have tested positive and seven have died.
A union representing 227 employees at the 240-worker facility said Kraft Heinz has been slow in providing personal protective equipment to workers, and that there have been no “real negotiations around essential pay and quarantine procedures.”
“Weeks ago, workers were promised masks, and they’re still yet to arrive, despite promises from management day after day that they would,” the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 705 said in an emailed statement.
Protective masks should arrive at the plant this week, Mullen said, adding that the company is giving workers a $100 per week bonus.
But the union said Kraft Heinz, which has headquarters in Chicago and Pittsburgh, has tied that pay bump to worker attendance, meaning if you’re out sick or in quarantine you don’t qualify.
“Tying extra pay to attendance encourages workers to come to work when they are sick,” it said.
The union also said members were initially told to use vacation days if they had to be quarantined after coming into contact with infected colleagues.
“The company is now not requiring employees to take vacation days if they are in self-quarantine or need to stay home for COVID-19-related reasons,” Mullen said.
Employees who don’t feel well have been asked to stay home, and social distancing has been added to production lines and other areas, he added. Temperature checks of employees were expected to start this week.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe life-threatening illness, including pneumonia, or death.
Coronavirus outbreaks have sickened dozens of workers at meatpacking plants in the Midwest, including one in western Michigan’s Allegan County. Sixty people at the plant have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--The Latest: Voters to receive absentee ballot applications

MILWAUKEE ( AP ) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Wisconsin ( all times local ) : The @ @ @ @ @ to create a program under which all registered voters in the city would receive an @ @ @ @ @ in the mail .
The council ’ s unanimous vote Tuesday is in response to @ @ @ @ @ voters stood in long lines , some for hours , amid the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ was drastically cut because of a poll worker shortage .
The Journal Sentine l reports @ @ @ @ @ also provides the 300,000 registered voters with a postage-paid return envelope so they can participate @ @ @ @ @ The measure was proposed by a new council member , Marina Dimitrijevic , and passed @ @ @ @ @ She hoped the system will be in place by the August primary , as well @ @ @ @ @ Election Commission to create the program within 30 days of the effective date of the @ @

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Wisconsin (all times local):
4 p.m.
Nearly 150 employees and family members of workers at the JBS Packerland meatpacking plant in Green Bay have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Brown County Health Department said Wednesday.
In addition to the 147 cases tied to that plant, county health officials said there were another 39 cases tied to American Foods Group and 19 to sausage maker Salm Partners in nearby Denmark.
All of the plants remain open. Meatpacking facilities in other states that have seen spikes in cases have shut down. .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was helping to investigate the outbreak in Green Bay.
The cluster of cases tied to JBS appears to be the largest of its kind in Wisconsin. More than half of the 402 confirmed coronavirus cases in Brown County are linked to food processing plants. Brown County is the fourth most populated county in the state but it now has the second-highest number of cases, jumping ahead of Dane County but behind Milwaukee County.
___
2:35 p.m.
Nineteen people in Wisconsin have tested positive for the coronavirus after having voted in-person in the April 7 election or after having worked at the polls, the state Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday.
Also, five Wisconsin National Guard members who helped staff polls on election day have reported symptoms of COVID-19 but the one who was tested came back as negative, said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp. The other four were not offered tests by their doctor, he said.
The state health department said it does not know if the 19 positive cases contracted COVID-19 at the polls or elsewhere. Several of those people reported possible other exposures, the health department said.
As of Wednesday, 246 people died from the virus in the state while more than 4,800 had tested positive.
Health officials had said ahead of the April 7 election they were concerned about a spike in cornavirus cases due to in-person voting. Those concerns were heightened after voters had to wait in line for hours in close proximity at polling sites in Milwaukee and Green Bay.
___
2 p.m.
Fifteen people in Wisconsin have tested positive for the coronavirus after having voted in-person in the April 7 election or after having worked at the polls, a state health official said Wednesday.
Also, five Wisconsin National Guard members who helped staff polls on election day have reported symptoms of COVID-19 but the one who was tested came back as negative, said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp. The other four were not offered tests by their doctor, he said.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said despite 15 people who were at the polls on election day testing positive, the state can’t say whether they became infected at the polls.
“We have correlation, they voted and were at the polls, but we don’t have causation,” she said.
Milwaukee health officials have previously said they identified seven people who were at the polls who tested positive for COVID-19, but it was also too early to say whether they contracted the virus there. It wasn’t clear whether the 15 cases mentioned on Wednesday included the seven Milwaukee cases.
Health officials had said ahead of the April 7 election they were concerned about a spike in cornavirus cases due to in-person voting. Those concerns were heightened after voters had to wait in line for hours in close proximity at polling sites in Milwaukee and Green Bay.
___
9 a.m.
The Wisconsin Republican Party is pushing back its state convention to July, even as state GOP leaders are trying to overturn a stay-at-home order that runs until May 26.
Republicans had originally scheduled their state convention for May 15 and May 16 at a water park in Wisconsin Dells. The convention has now been delayed until July 10.
Andrew Hitt, chairman of the state party, said Wednesday that delaying the convention was a timing issue.
“Even if the the current restrictions expired sometime in May, we would not have the desired amount of time for a successful convention,” Hitt said in an email.
Republican legislative leaders on Tuesday asked the state Supreme Court to block an order from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ health secretary to continue the stay-at-home order requiring most nonessential businesses to be closed until May 26. The original order was scheduled to expire on Friday.
Republicans bringing the lawsuit argue that the state health secretary overstepped her authority with the order, which they say will devastate the economy and leave Wisconsin “in shambles.” Evers accused Republicans of putting people’s health at risk.
___
7:10 a.m.
The Milwaukee Common Council has voted to create a program under which all registered voters in the city would receive an application for an absentee ballot in the mail.
The council’s unanimous vote Tuesday is in response to the April 7 election when voters stood in long lines, some for hours, amid the coronavirus pandemic. The number of polling places was drastically cut because of a poll worker shortage.
The Journal Sentine l reports the “SafeVote” program also provides the 300,000 registered voters with a postage-paid return envelope so they can participate in the fall election.
The measure was proposed by a new council member, Marina Dimitrijevic, and passed at her first meeting. She hoped the system will be in place by the August primary, as well.
The measure requires Milwaukee Election Commission to create the program within 30 days of the effective date of the resolution.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--Pickup truck driver killed in rollover crash blamed on ice

HAMPDEN , Maine ( AP ) - A pickup truck driver died after the vehicle slid into a guardrail and @ @ @ @ @ state police said Wednesday .
The truck ended up at the bottom of an embankment @ @ @ @ @ the driver was ejected and killed , troopers said .
The victim ’ s name @ @ @ @ @ .
Troopers blamed black ice for causing the pickup to slide .
The crash happened @ @ @ @ @ .

HAMPDEN, Maine (AP) - A pickup truck driver died after the vehicle slid into a guardrail and flipped several times, Maine state police said Wednesday.
The truck ended up at the bottom of an embankment alongside Interstate 95, and the driver was ejected and killed, troopers said. Stanley Swallow, 57, of Newburgh, died at the crash site, troopers said.
Troopers blamed black ice for causing the pickup to slide. The crash happened at about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--Man charged in woman’s death in Olympic National Forest

TACOMA , Wash. ( AP ) - A Renton man charged with killing a young California woman in the Olympic National Forest in February made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma , authorities said .
The woman - who the Clallam County Sheriff ’ s Office identified as Dioneth Lopez - traveled to the Seattle area to visit Alejandro J. Aguilera Rojas , The Seattle Times reported .
The two were in a relationship that was hidden from Aguilera Rojas ’ wife and family , according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Brian Moran ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and four days later authorities found Lopez ’ s body off a logging road in the Olympic National Forest .
There were signs she had been beaten and stabbed , and a broken tequila bottle and a knife were among items found nearby , the statement said .
The King County Medical Examiner ’ s Office identified Lopez and ruled her manner of death a homicide , while the cause of death was blunt and sharp force injuries .
Aguilera Rojas told authorities the two went into the forest where she threatened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stab him with a knife , according to an FBI complaint .
Aguilera Rojas said he grabbed a tequila bottle and hit her on the head and that when he drove away , he thought Lopez was still breathing , the complaint says .
Because the killing occurred on federal land in the Olympic National Forest , the case is being prosecuted in federal court , the statement said .
He is in federal custody .

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - A Renton man charged with killing a young California woman in the Olympic National Forest in February made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, authorities said.
The woman - who the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office identified as Dioneth Lopez - traveled to the Seattle area to visit Alejandro J. Aguilera Rojas, The Seattle Times reported.
The two were in a relationship that was hidden from Aguilera Rojas’ wife and family, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Brian Moran’s office.
They went to Sequim Feb. 10 and four days later authorities found Lopez’s body off a logging road in the Olympic National Forest.
There were signs she had been beaten and stabbed, and a broken tequila bottle and a knife were among items found nearby, the statement said.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Lopez and ruled her manner of death a homicide, while the cause of death was blunt and sharp force injuries.
Aguilera Rojas told authorities the two went into the forest where she threatened to kill his wife and child and tried to stab him with a knife, according to an FBI complaint. Aguilera Rojas said he grabbed a tequila bottle and hit her on the head and that when he drove away, he thought Lopez was still breathing, the complaint says.
Because the killing occurred on federal land in the Olympic National Forest, the case is being prosecuted in federal court, the statement said. He is in federal custody.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--Protesters against stay-home order to rally in Montpelier

MONTPELIER , Vt. ( AP ) - Protesters against Vermont Gov .
Phil Scott ’ s stay-at-home order are holding @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
The protesters plan to parade through the capital city in their vehicles at @ @ @ @ @ police chief has warned about possible traffic delays due to the demonstration .
The number @ @ @ @ @ reported in Vermont increased by two to a total of 818 cases , the Vermont @ @ @ @ @ its website .
There have been 40 deaths .
Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine @ @ @ @ @ small increase shows the number of cases have plateaued in Vermont .
For most people @ @ @ @ @ or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to @ @ @ @ @ , especially older adults and the infirm , it can cause more severe illness , @ @ @ @ @ .

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - About a dozen people showed up on the Vermont Statehouse lawn on a snowy Wednesday to protest against Vermont Gov. Phil Scott’s stay-at-home order. At the same time, four nurses from Central Vermont Medical Center wearing face masks turned out to speak against the demonstration.
The protesters had planned to parade through the capital city in their vehicles at 11 a.m. The Montpelier police chief had warned about possible traffic delays as a result of the demonstration, but only a handful of protesters came.
“We have essentially crushed our economy and we need to be able to open back up and get back to work as fast as we can,” said protester Sarah Toscano, of Hinesburg, who was wearing a face mask but said the governor seems to be dragging his feet. “We have flattened the curve,” she said.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, speaking during his regular COVID-19 briefing held at about the same time as the protest, said he was also frustrated by the restrictions required to confront the pandemic and he is also eager to reopen the state’s economy.
But Scott said he would listen to the science and make decisions on what he feels is in the best interest of the health of Vermonters and Vermont as a whole. He said he would watch what happens as other states “open too quickly.”
“The pressure can’t be a reason to do the wrong thing,” Scott said. “We will continue to do what we think is right regardless of the political ramifications.”
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
____
NUMBERS AND DEATHS
The number of new coronavirus cases reported in Vermont increased by five to a total of 823, the health department reported Wednesday. The number of deaths held steady at 40.
Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said Wednesday department officials did a study of the first 29 fatalities. Of those 13 were patients in long-term care facilities. The median age of all the patients was 80 and all but two were over age 65.
All of the first 29 people who died had significant underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk, such as heart, lung or kidney diseases. Similar to national trends, males outnumbered females 60% to 40%, Levine said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--Authorities ID 3 people found dead in home north of Omaha

OMAHA , Neb .
( AP ) - Douglas County authorities have identified three people found dead of possible drug @ @ @ @ @ of Omaha earlier this week .
Deputies and medics found the victims dead Monday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ home north of Omaha after a person who went to the home for a child @ @ @ @ @ called 911 , the Douglas County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ as Michael Stewart , 24 ; Michael Hansen , 32 ; and Courtney McGuire , @ @ @ @ @ .
Medics declared them dead at the scene .
Officials are investigating whether the three @ @ @ @ @ as an initial investigation showed no signs of acute illness or foul play .
Law @ @ @ @ @ know the victims ’ revealed that all three were last seen alive at the home @ @ @ @ @ bodies being found , investigators said .

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Douglas County authorities have identified three people found dead of possible drug overdoses in a home north of Omaha earlier this week.
Deputies and medics found the victims dead Monday afternoon in the Ponca Hills neighborhood home north of Omaha after a person who went to the home for a child custody exchange found them and called 911, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
The dead are identified as Michael Stewart, 24; Michael Hansen, 32; and Courtney McGuire, 24, all of Omaha. Medics declared them dead at the scene. Officials are investigating whether the three died of drug overdoses, as an initial investigation showed no signs of acute illness or foul play.
Law enforcement interviews with people who know the victims’ revealed that all three were last seen alive at the home within eight hours of their bodies being found, investigators said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--First coronavirus-related deaths in U.S. happened weeks earlier than believed

Two individuals who died in February tested positive for the new coronavirus , California health officials announced Tuesday , pushing the time frame for the first known virus-related deaths in the U.S. back several weeks .
The Santa Clara County medical examiner-coroner performed autopsies on two people who died at home on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17 and got confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) on Tuesday that they tested positive for the coronavirus , according to the county ’ s public health department .
The first known U.S. death from the coronavirus had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died on Feb. 29 .
The county medical examiner-coroner also confirmed that someone who died in the county on March 6 died of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
A death on March 9 was previously believed to be the first coronavirus-related death in the county .
The virus was first discovered late last year in Wuhan , China , before it spread elsewhere and infecting millions of people around the globe .
There are now more than 800,000 positive cases and more than 45,000 coronavirus-related deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Johns Hopkins University .
The CDC recently started adding “ probable ” COVID-19 cases to its tally of coronavirus-related deaths .

Two individuals who died in February tested positive for the new coronavirus, California health officials announced Tuesday, pushing the time frame for the first known virus-related deaths in the U.S. back several weeks.
The Santa Clara County medical examiner-coroner performed autopsies on two people who died at home on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17 and got confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday that they tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the county’s public health department.
The first known U.S. death from the coronavirus had previously been an individual in Washington state who died on Feb. 29.
The county medical examiner-coroner also confirmed that someone who died in the county on March 6 died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. A death on March 9 was previously believed to be the first coronavirus-related death in the county.
The virus was first discovered late last year in Wuhan, China, before it spread elsewhere and infecting millions of people around the globe.
There are now more than 800,000 positive cases and more than 45,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S., according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University.
The CDC recently started adding “probable” COVID-19 cases to its tally of coronavirus-related deaths.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--Oh, Canada: NWHL confirms plans to expand into Toronto

Professional women ’ s hockey is set to make its return to Canada with the National Women ’ s Hockey League officially announcing it is expanding into Toronto .
The yet to be named franchise has an ownership group headed by former Harvard captain Johanna Boynton , features former Brown University coach Margaret “ Digit ” Murphy as its president , and already has five players under contract , the NWHL said in a three-page release Wednesday .
“ Launching our first team in Canada is a pivotal and proud moment for the NWHL , ” league founder and commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone in the Toronto hockey community can be sure that this first-class team of professionals will make bold strides for the women ’ s game.
” The Toronto team increases the U.S.-based NWHL ’ s number of franchises to six , and comes a year after the Canadian Women ’ s Hockey League folded after 12 seasons because of financial instability .
The NWHL was founded in 2015 , becoming North America ’ s first pro women ’ s league to pay its players a salary .
It currently has teams in Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danbury , Connecticut ; Buffalo , New York ; and Saint Paul , Minnesota .
The move north of the border comes a little over a week after The Associated Press first reported the NWHL ’ s plans .
Murphy has played a lead role for the expansion franchise by having spent the past month establishing contacts and recruiting players .
All five players signed previously played in the CWHL , with the most notable being Shiann Darkangelo , a member of the United States team that won the 2016 world championships .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward Taylor Woods , defensemen Kristen Barbara and Emma Greco , and goalie Elaine Chuli .
“ I ’ m delighted to be part of the first NWHL franchise in Canada because it brings me back to my roots , ” the 58-year-old Murphy told the AP in a phone interview .
“ A year ago , when the CWHL shut down , they had one of the best hockey products on the market , ” she said .
“ So I just see this as a continuation of that , and Toronto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Though U.S.-born , Murphy spent so much time recruiting Canadian players during her 22 seasons at Brown , she once joked about considering the possibility of retiring there .
After leaving Brown , where she won 318 games , she won two CWHL championships during three seasons coaching the Boston Blades .
Murphy then spent the 2017-18 season coaching a CWHL expansion team in China , whose players included Darkangelo and Chuli .
It ’ s unlikely the NWHL will be able to draw from the rosters of current U.S. or Canadian national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professional Women ’ s Hockey Players ’ Association in the wake of the CWHL ’ s demise .
The PWHPA balked at competing professionally in North America last season to instead push for the establishment of a single league capable of paying players a fair wage and with a financially stable long-term economic model .
The PWHPA members spent the past year holding a series of barn-storming weekend events across North America , and are already making plans to do so again next year .
Last week , PWHPA executive member Jayna Hefford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NWHL ’ s expansion bid , even though it doesn ’ t fit her association ’ s long-term objective .
“ We think this is an opportunity that ’ s going to be provided for some women to play hockey at that level , ” Hefford told the AP .
“ But it ’ s not the opportunity that we ’ re looking to provide and the professional league that we want to create.
” The NWHL does not reveal its financial numbers or all player salaries , with some making as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The league also introduced a plan to share 50 percent of revenue generated from sponsorship and media deals on top of player salaries .
The NWHL was unable to complete its season after postponing its championship game due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Boston was scheduled to host Minnesota in the Isobel Cup Final on March 13 .
The game is expected to be played before the league opens its 2020-21 season in mid-November .
Murphy said she has yet to secure a home rink , but doesn ’ t consider that to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saying she will stick to her role as president , Murphy is also in the process of hiring a coach and general manager .
She was brought on board by Boynton , whom she ’ s known for numerous years .
Boynton runs a home-building construction company outside of Boston , and holds an ownership stake in the NWHL ’ s Boston Pride .
The Toronto team ’ s executive includes Tyler Tumminia , who has been named chairman .
She serves as an executive at a firm which oversees numerous minor-league baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further NWHL expansion into Canada , particularly Montreal , but said she is focused solely on building the Toronto franchise .
Murphy said the challenges of establishing a team in Toronto will be what she called “ a layup ” as compared to China , which had little history in the sport .
“ I ’ m going into the beautiful country of Canada that embraces hockey , and the greatest hockey city , and I ’ m like a kid in the candy store .
This is fun , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered to play hockey in Ontario , Murphy is confident she can produce a competitive roster .
“ I hope to not fail Toronto , ” Murphy said .
“ I don ’ t ’ want to get cocky and say , ` We ’ re going to win the Cup , ’ but I want to contend , baby.
” For more AP NHL coverage : https : //apnews.com/NHL and https : //twitter.com/AP_Sports

Three years after helping launch pro women’s hockey in China, Margaret “Digit” Murphy isn’t too concerned about the challenges she and the National Women’s Hockey League face in their bid to expand into Canada.
“This is a layup,” Murphy told The Associated Press in advance of the NWHL formally announcing its plans to establish a team in Toronto on Wednesday.
“Think of the obstacles we had in China. We had to get all these women over to China, in a totally foreign land,” she said referring to spending the 2017-18 season coaching the now defunct-Canadian Women’s Hockey League franchise in Kunlun. “I’m going into the beautiful country of Canada that embraces hockey, and the greatest hockey city. And I’m like a kid in the candy store.”
As the yet-to-be-named expansion team’s president, the 58-year-old Murphy is spearheading the return of women’s professional hockey to Canada. The former Brown coach has already signed five players, and in the process of hiring a general manager and coach, as well as finding a home rink.
The Toronto team will increase the U.S.-based NWHL’s number of franchises to six once the league opens its sixth season in mid-November. And the move north of the border comes a year after the CWHL - which included two teams in the Toronto area - folded after 12 seasons because of financial instability.
The NWHL was founded in 2015, becoming North America’s first pro women’s league to pay its players a salary. It currently has teams in Boston; Monmouth Junction, New Jersey; Danbury, Connecticut; Buffalo, New York; and Saint Paul, Minnesota.
“Launching our first team in Canada is a pivotal and proud moment for the NWHL,” league founder and commissioner Dani Rylan said in the statement.
The Toronto franchise’s ownership group is led by former Harvard captain Johanna Boynton, who has a stake in the NWHL’s Boston Pride. Tyler Tumminia, who has experience overseeing minor league baseball franchises, was named the team’s president.
“We are driven every day to increase the opportunities available to women’s hockey players of all ages, and that’s what this expansion is about,” Boynton said in the league’s release. “There is so much potential, and Toronto is the logical next step.”
The NWHL’s move north of the border isn’t being entirely well received. Former CWHL players remain skeptical of the NWHL’s financial model, and are still smarting over how their former league abruptly folded.
The CWHL’s demise led to more than 200 of the world’s top players - including members of the U.S. and Canadian national teams - forming the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association.
The PWHPA balked at competing professionally in North America last season, to instead push for the establishment of a single league capable of paying players a fair wage and with a financially stable long-term economic model.
Players spent the past year holding a series of barn-storming weekend events - called The Dream Gap Tour - across North America, and are already making plans to do so again next year.
The PWHPA issued a statement stressing it’s not interested in an “us versus them story,” in response to the Toronto expansion plans. And yet, the association continued questioning the NWHL’s long-term vision.
“Simply put, the opportunities that the NWHL will provide may be good for some players,” the PWHPA said. “But it’s not the opportunities that we want for our players or for future generations of young girls, who will play the game at the highest level.”
The NWHL does not reveal its financial numbers or all player salaries, with some making as much as $15,000 last season. The league introduced a plan to share 50% of revenue generated from sponsorship and media deals on top of player salaries.
All five players signed by Toronto previously played in the CWHL, the most notable being Shiann Darkangelo, a member of the 2016 world championship-winning U.S. team. The four other players are Canadians: forward Taylor Woods, defensemen Kristen Barbara and Emma Greco and goalie Elaine Chuli.
Murphy, who won two CWHL championships in three seasons coaching the Boston Blades, downplayed any potential rift between the two sides.
“I don’t want to begrudge The Dream Gap Tour. I think that’s awesome,” she said.
“But I think a competitive league is just an `and’ to the Dream Gap Tour and gives other women opportunities,” Murphy added. “A year ago, when the CWHL shut down, they had one of the best hockey products on the market. So I just see this as a continuation of that, and Toronto deserves a women’s franchise.”
___
For more AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--N.C. hotel attempts to evict residents amid virus

CHARLOTTE , N.C. ( AP ) - Residents at a Charlotte hotel said management told them to leave , and then proceeded to shut off power and water in violation of the state ’ s guidelines against evictions amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Ralayzia Taylor , a resident at the hotel , told WJZY-TV that he got a call Monday from the Days Inn hotel in the city ’ s Woodlawn neighborhood telling him he only had a few hours to move out .
The decision caught residents by surprise since some had paid for their rooms in advance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ security guard telling residents hotel management wanted them to quickly clear out of their rooms despite the state ’ s halt on eviction hearings until June 1 .
The state ’ s Attorney General Josh Stein said in a letter earlier this month that people who live in hotels and motels are included in the eviction measure , and can not be removed from their residences without a court order .
The Legal Aid in Charlotte organization sent a copy of Stein ’ s letter to the hotel , and electricity and water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restored by Tuesday afternoon .
“ This is the first time where we ’ ve seen the hotel just completely shut down the whole hotel , ” Isaac Sturgill , a Legal Aid attorney , told the Charlotte Observer .
Before this , Strugill said he only saw “ piecemeal ” scenarios where hotels tried to remove individual residents .
WJZY-TV reported that the Days Inn corporate office sent a statement saying “ We ’ re troubled by how this situation has unfolded .
Upon addressing with the hotel ’ s owner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel is now working to assist impacted guests .
We continue to monitor the situation closely.
” The statement also noted that the franchise is independently owned and operated , and is required to follow laws and regulations .
A local nonprofit said its organizers fed about 100 of the residents dinner on Monday .
Transitioning of the Carolinas Resource Center , which works with the city ’ s LGBT community , canvassed the city to get them necessities , including water and toilet paper .
“ You do not put poor people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do it in these conditions , ” said Paris LaBelle , the leader of the nonprofit .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Residents at a Charlotte hotel said management told them to leave, and then proceeded to shut off power and water in violation of the state’s guidelines against evictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Ralayzia Taylor, a resident at the hotel, told WJZY-TV that he got a call Monday from the Days Inn hotel in the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood telling him he only had a few hours to move out. The decision caught residents by surprise since some had paid for their rooms in advance.
A video posted on Facebook showed a security guard telling residents hotel management wanted them to quickly clear out of their rooms despite the state’s halt on eviction hearings until June 1.
The state’s Attorney General Josh Stein said in a letter earlier this month that people who live in hotels and motels are included in the eviction measure, and can not be removed from their residences without a court order. The Legal Aid in Charlotte organization sent a copy of Stein’s letter to the hotel, and electricity and water that were shut off Monday night were restored by Tuesday afternoon.
“This is the first time where we’ve seen the hotel just completely shut down the whole hotel,” Isaac Sturgill, a Legal Aid attorney, told the Charlotte Observer. Before this, Strugill said he only saw “piecemeal” scenarios where hotels tried to remove individual residents.
WJZY-TV reported that the Days Inn corporate office sent a statement saying “We’re troubled by how this situation has unfolded. Upon addressing with the hotel’s owner, it’s our understanding that the hotel is now working to assist impacted guests. We continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The statement also noted that the franchise is independently owned and operated, and is required to follow laws and regulations.
A local nonprofit said its organizers fed about 100 of the residents dinner on Monday. Transitioning of the Carolinas Resource Center, which works with the city’s LGBT community, canvassed the city to get them necessities, including water and toilet paper.
“You do not put poor people out regardless, but you definitely don’t do it in these conditions,” said Paris LaBelle, the leader of the nonprofit.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--Florida county offers drive-thru weddings due to COVID-19

GAINESVILLE , Fla. ( AP ) - A county clerk ’ s office in north Florida is giving a second @ @ @ @ @ plans were cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The Alachua County Clerk @ @ @ @ @ drive-thru wedding ceremonies outside the courthouse on the evening of April 30 .
The ceremonies @ @ @ @ @ 5 p.m. and anyone interested in participating is being asked to call for an appointment @ @ @ @ @ .
The couples should arrive at the location about 15 minutes before their scheduled ceremony @ @ @ @ @ 30 , and is payable by cash or credit card .

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A county clerk’s office in north Florida is giving a second chance to couples whose wedding plans were cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Alachua County Clerk of Court office will host drive-thru wedding ceremonies outside the courthouse on the evening of April 30.
The ceremonies are set to begin at 5 p.m. and anyone interested in participating is being asked to call for an appointment, the Gainesville Sun reported. The couples should arrive at the location about 15 minutes before their scheduled ceremony.
The ceremony costs $30, and is payable by cash or credit card.


washingtontimes--2020-04-22--Cameroon's president acknowledges army massacre of civilians

YAOUNDE , Cameroon ( AP ) - Cameroon ’ s President Paul Biya has acknowledged that the military massacred innocent people , including women and children , in a northwestern village in February after the government first denied it .
“ The corpses of the three women and 10 children , whom the military killed and tried to cover up their actions by also torching several houses and blaming separatist fighters , will be exhumed for the state to conduct decent burials , ” a statement from Biya ’ s office said .
The president has asked for legal action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been arrested .
Innocent Laban , a spokesman for the people of the English-speaking northwestern village of Ngarr-buh who escaped fighting between armed separatists and the military , said he was pleased that Biya was for once acknowledging that troops have committed atrocities .
Laban called on Biya to apologize to the rights groups he accused of fabricating the massacre to tarnish the military ’ s image .
“ This declaration comes to confirm the fact that the Cameroonian military is so unprofessional .
A military that is killing the people rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This comes to show us that human rights activists are doing a good job.
” On the night of Feb. 14 , residents said , soldiers raided their village and killed dozens of people .
An international outcry by civil society organizations and rights groups followed , but the government said the military was professional and did not commit atrocities .
Biya later ordered independent investigations , and rights groups said he was bowing to international pressure .
Ilaria Allegrozzi , senior researcher for central Africa at Human Rights Watch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military members involved marks a step in the right direction , although the group disagrees on the number of people killed .
The United Nations has said 22 people were killed in Ngarr-buh , 14 of them children , and at least 600 people fled .
Human Rights Watch said the death toll was 21 .
Allegrozzi said investigations should also be opened into other alleged crimes committed by the military while fighting Boko Haram extremists as well as separatists who seek a state for English-speakers in the majority French-speaking nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ step because there are other abuses and crimes that have been committed in the Anglophone regions and beyond by both the security forces and armed groups , and these crimes deserve the same level of attention , ” Allegrozzi said .
“ We also welcome president Biya ’ s call for increased collaboration with human rights groups , and we wish that this represents a change in the way government views human rights organizations.
” This is not the first time that Cameroon , after international pressure , acknowledged its soldiers committed atrocities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video circulated on social media showing two women , one with an infant , killed by soldiers deployed to the northern border with Nigeria to fight Boko Haram .

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) - Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has acknowledged that the military massacred innocent people, including women and children, in a northwestern village in February after the government first denied it.
“The corpses of the three women and 10 children, whom the military killed and tried to cover up their actions by also torching several houses and blaming separatist fighters, will be exhumed for the state to conduct decent burials,” a statement from Biya’s office said.
The president has asked for legal action, it said. Three soldiers have already been arrested.
Innocent Laban, a spokesman for the people of the English-speaking northwestern village of Ngarr-buh who escaped fighting between armed separatists and the military, said he was pleased that Biya was for once acknowledging that troops have committed atrocities.
Laban called on Biya to apologize to the rights groups he accused of fabricating the massacre to tarnish the military’s image.
“This declaration comes to confirm the fact that the Cameroonian military is so unprofessional. A military that is killing the people rather than protecting them,” he said. “This comes to show us that human rights activists are doing a good job.”
On the night of Feb. 14, residents said, soldiers raided their village and killed dozens of people. An international outcry by civil society organizations and rights groups followed, but the government said the military was professional and did not commit atrocities.
Biya later ordered independent investigations, and rights groups said he was bowing to international pressure.
Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior researcher for central Africa at Human Rights Watch, said Biya’s decision to punish the military members involved marks a step in the right direction, although the group disagrees on the number of people killed.
The United Nations has said 22 people were killed in Ngarr-buh, 14 of them children, and at least 600 people fled. Human Rights Watch said the death toll was 21.
Allegrozzi said investigations should also be opened into other alleged crimes committed by the military while fighting Boko Haram extremists as well as separatists who seek a state for English-speakers in the majority French-speaking nation.
“It is a very good first step because there are other abuses and crimes that have been committed in the Anglophone regions and beyond by both the security forces and armed groups, and these crimes deserve the same level of attention,” Allegrozzi said. “We also welcome president Biya’s call for increased collaboration with human rights groups, and we wish that this represents a change in the way government views human rights organizations.”
This is not the first time that Cameroon, after international pressure, acknowledged its soldiers committed atrocities. Soldiers were arrested in 2018 after a video circulated on social media showing two women, one with an infant, killed by soldiers deployed to the northern border with Nigeria to fight Boko Haram.