washingtontimes--2020-07-10--FBI: Human remains recovered after multi-day search

METHUEN , Mass .
( AP ) - Officials from Massachusetts and New Hampshire have recovered human remains after a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Boston office said Thursday .
The agency said the remains were located late @ @ @ @ @ of a property in Methuen , Massachusetts that includes a storage facility .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for identification and DNA analysis , the @ @ @ @ @ and Lawrence police departments , Massachusetts State Police and the Manchester Police Department in New @ @ @ @ @ the recovery .
The agencies had been investigating the property near the New Hampshire state @ @ @ @ @ .
They were digging in a large lot near wooded area using a backhoe .
@ @ @ @ @ say what officials were looking for , other than to say it was part of @ @ @ @ @ there is no threat to public safety .
Manchester police have said the FBI has @ @ @ @ @ on an active missing persons case .

METHUEN, Mass. (AP) - Officials on Friday identified the human remains recovered in Massachusetts following a multi-day search.
The FBI’s Boston office said the remains belong to Zakhia Charabati, a 52-year-old Manchester, New Hampshire resident reported missing by his family on Mar. 14.
The agency said the buried remains were located after a four-month investigation. The FBI said Charabati’s family has been notified and is requesting privacy.
“Although not the result they were hoping for, we are pleased to have assisted in bringing them some much-needed closure,” Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston office said in a statement. “Investigative efforts to pursue those responsible for Mr. Charabati’s death will continue.”
The agency said the remains were located late Thursday afternoon at the back of a property in Methuen, Massachusetts near the New Hampshire state line that includes a storage facility.
They were turned over to the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which positively identified the remains and conducted DNA analysis.
The Methuen and Lawrence police departments, Massachusetts State Police and the Manchester Police Department in New Hampshire were also involved in the recovery.
The agencies had been searching the property for about three days. They were digging in a large lot near a wooded area using a backhoe.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Virginia's Loudoun County to remove Confederate monument

LEESBURG , Va. ( AP ) - Another Confederate monument has been targeted for removal in Virginia .
WTOP reports @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Loudoun County voted this week to return the statue of a Confederate soldier @ @ @ @ @ the Confederacy .
The statue is slated for removal on Sept. 7 from the government-owned @ @ @ @ @ new law in Virginia allows local governments to decide the fate of war monuments on @ @ @ @ @ Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall , a Democrat , had long argued that the @ @ @ @ @ systemic racism .
Confederate monuments are coming down throughout the American South in the wake @ @ @ @ @ police brutality .
The wave of public sentiment was sparked by the death of George @ @ @ @ @ who died in police custody in Minneapolis .
Many Confederate statues were erected decades after @ @ @ @ @ an era when Southern states were crushing attempts to achieve equality for Black people .

LEESBURG, Va. (AP) - Another Confederate monument has been targeted for removal in Virginia.
WTOP reports that officials in northern Virginia’s Loudoun County voted this week to return the statue of a Confederate soldier to the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
The statue is slated for removal on Sept. 7 from the government-owned property in Leesburg.
A new law in Virginia allows local governments to decide the fate of war monuments on their property.
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, a Democrat, had long argued that the statue was a symbol of systemic racism.
Confederate monuments are coming down throughout the American South in the wake of protests against racism and police brutality. The wave of public sentiment was sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis.
Many Confederate statues were erected decades after the Civil War, during an era when Southern states were crushing attempts to achieve equality for Black people.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--US wholesale prices fell 0.2% in June as food costs plunged

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - U.S. wholesale prices fell 0.2 % in June as food costs dropped sharply , offsetting @ @ @ @ @ prices .
The Labor Department said the drop in its Producer Price Index , which @ @ @ @ @ reach consumers , followed a 0.4 % gain in May .
Wholesale prices have fallen @ @ @ @ @ five months .
The country has been pushed into a deep recession which is expected @ @ @ @ @ in the April-June quarter by a record-shattering amount .
That downturn , triggered by the @ @ @ @ @ to keep inflation under control .
The 0.2 % drop in wholesale prices in June @ @ @ @ @ in food costs which helped to offset a 7.7 % jump in energy prices .
@ @ @ @ @ wholesale prices have fallen 0.8 % .

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. wholesale prices fell 0.2% in June as food costs dropped sharply, offsetting a big increase in energy prices.
The drop in the Producer Price Index, which measures inflation pressures before they reach consumers, followed a 0.4% gain in May, the Labor Department reported Friday. Wholesale prices have fallen in four of the past five months.
The country has been pushed into a deep recession that is expected to lead to an unprecedented contraction of the economy in the April-June quarter. It is likely the downturn, triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, will keep inflation muted.
“The June decline in producer prices underscores that price pressures in the broader economy remain extremely tame,” said Lydia Boussour, senior U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. “The expected gradual recovery in demand, along with a strong dollar and depressed oil prices, will keep a lid on price inflation for months to come.”
The absence of inflation has given the Federal Reserve the leeway to cut interest rates to a record low and make other moves to try to bolster the eonomy during the global pandemic.
The 0.2% drop in wholesale prices in June reflected a 5.2% decline in food costs which helped to offset a 7.7% jump in energy prices. The price of gasoline jumped 26.3%. The price of services fell sharply although hospital inpatient care rose by 0.8%, likely reflecting the added pressures on a hospital system burdened by dealing with a surge in coronavirus cases.
Over the past year, wholesale prices have fallen 0.8%. Core wholesale prices, which exclude food and energy, were down 0.3% in June and up a tiny 0.1% over the past year.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Dutch government to take Russia to European court over MH17

THE HAGUE , Netherlands ( AP ) - The Dutch government is taking Russia to the European Court of Human @ @ @ @ @ in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine six years ago @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The move is intended to support individual cases being brought to the European @ @ @ @ @ of the 298 people who were killed when a Buk surface-to-air missile fired from territory @ @ @ @ @ blew the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur flight out of the sky on July 17 , 2014 .
@ @ @ @ @ victims of the downing of Flight MH17 is and will remain the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Minister Stef Blok said .
“ By taking this step today … we are moving @ @ @ @ @ Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in the downing of the Boeing 777 .
An international @ @ @ @ @ case has , however , charged three Russians and a Ukrainian with involvement in bringing @ @ @ @ @ murder of all on board .

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The Dutch government is taking Russia to the European Court of Human Rights for its alleged role in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine six years ago, the foreign minister announced Friday.
The move is intended to support individual cases being brought to the European court by relatives of some of the 298 people who were killed when a Buk surface-to-air missile fired from territory controlled by pro-Moscow Ukrainian rebels blew the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur flight out of the sky on July 17, 2014.
“Achieving justice for 298 victims of the downing of Flight MH17 is and will remain the government’s highest priority,” Foreign Minister Stef Blok said. “By taking this step today … we are moving closer to this goal.”
By launching the case against Russia, the Dutch authorities can share evidence with the Strasbourg-based European court so it can be considered in individual relatives’ cases.
“As a government, we have information, evidence, that leads us to the conclusion of the involvement of the Russian Federation,” Blok told The Associated Press. “Of course, the relatives themselves do not have all this information so we can help them by starting this procedure.”
Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in the downing of the Boeing 777. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia sees Friday’s announcement “in connection with the disaster of the Malaysian Boeing as another blow to Russian-Dutch relations.”
Throughout the case, the Netherlands has acted “exclusively within the framework of anti-Russian logic, to which both technical and criminal investigations were subordinated,” Zakharova said.
However, an international team of prosecutors investigating the case has, however, charged three Russians and a Ukrainian with involvement in bringing down the plane and the murder of all on board. The men are on trial in a Dutch court, although none have been extradited to the Netherlands to face justice.
Blok said much of the evidence the government will submit to the human rights court also is part of that criminal case.
Prosecutors say they have evidence the missile that blew MH17 out of the sky was trucked into Ukraine from a Russian military base and the mobile launcher was later returned to Russia.
The Russian foreign ministry didn’t immediately react. Konstantin Kosachev, head of the foreign affairs committee in the upper house of Russia’s parliament, called the Dutch move “a strange initiative from every aspect” in remarks carried by the Interfax news agency.
“The investigation isn’t over yet, there have been no court verdicts on the national level yet and, finally, what does the European Court for Human Rights have to do with it?” Kosachev said.
Friday’s move is the latest legal maneuver by the Dutch government, which has long vowed to secure justice for victims and their loved ones. Separately, the government is pursuing Russia for state responsibility in the downing.
“The government attaches importance to continuing the meetings with Russia on the matter of state responsibility,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. “The purpose of these meetings is to find a solution that does justice to the enormous suffering and damage caused by the downing of Flight MH17.”
Blok said the twin legal tracks are headed toward the same goal.
“From the onset, we have made clear that the downing of an airplane, civilian airplane, and 298 innocent casualties is such a severe breach of international law that we will pursue any venue to find the truth and bring justice to the relatives,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Police move out protesters seeking St. Louis mayor ouster

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - Police cleared out a crowd of protesters early Friday that had taken up camp outside the St. Louis City Hall to call for the resignation of Mayor Lyda Krewson .
Officers moved in just before 4 a.m. to remove the protesters , who had painted “ Resign Lyda Resign ” in large , yellow and white block letters on the street in front of City Hall .
The crowd dispersed peacefully and protesters were moved out within two hours , police said .
City crews were seen around 5:30 a.m. trying to remove the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who have gathered outside City Hall on and off since Wednesday , came more than a day after the St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed a measure that would ban police chokeholds and require officers to use de-escalation tactics , among other things .
The bill is currently awaiting Krewson ’ s signature .
Krewson has been the subject of protests since last month , when during a live video on Facebook she read the names and addresses of people who have called for taking away funding of police .
Krewson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resign .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Police cleared out a crowd of protesters early Friday that had taken up camp outside the St. Louis City Hall to call for the resignation of Mayor Lyda Krewson.
Officers moved in just before 4 a.m. to remove the protesters, who had painted “Resign Lyda Resign” in large, yellow and white block letters on the street in front of City Hall. The crowd dispersed peacefully and protesters were moved out within two hours, police said. City crews were seen around 5:30 a.m. trying to remove the street mural.
The move against protesters, who have gathered outside City Hall on and off since Wednesday, came more than a day after the St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed a measure that would ban police chokeholds and require officers to use de-escalation tactics, among other things. The bill is currently awaiting Krewson’s signature.
Krewson has been the subject of protests since last month, when during a live video on Facebook she read the names and addresses of people who have called for taking away funding of police. Krewson’s office has insisted she will not resign.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Delaware State Police gets first woman superintendent

DOVER , Del .
( AP ) - Delaware officials have appointed the first woman to serve as the superintendent @ @ @ @ @ police force .
Delaware State Police Lt. Col. Melissa A. Zebley , 50 , was @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , the state ’ s safety and homeland security department said in a news @ @ @ @ @ Col. Zebley has a tremendous track record of leadership at the Delaware State Police , @ @ @ @ @ to lead our largest police agency ” Gov .
John Carney said in the release @ @ @ @ @ the state police force for 28 years .
She will be replacing Col. Nathaniel McQueen @ @ @ @ @ police force to serve as the secretary for the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland @ @ @ @ @ Journal reported .

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware officials have appointed the first woman to serve as the superintendent of the state’s police force.
Delaware State Police Lt. Col. Melissa A. Zebley, 50, was appointed to the position on Thursday, the state’s safety and homeland security department said in a news release.
“Lt. Col. Zebley has a tremendous track record of leadership at the Delaware State Police, and is the right person to lead our largest police agency” Gov. John Carney said in the release.
Zebley has served with the state police force for 28 years. She will be replacing Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr.
McQueen retired from the police force to serve as the secretary for the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Delaware News Journal reported.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--West Nile virus found in mosquitoes for first time in 2020

BELMONT , Mass .
( AP ) - West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito in Massachusetts for @ @ @ @ @ , health officials said Thursday .
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said two mosquitoes @ @ @ @ @ Belmont tested positive for the virus .
No human or animal cases of the virus @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Symptoms of West Nile virus generally include fever and flu-like illness , @ @ @ @ @ occur in rare cases .
There were five human cases of the virus last year @ @ @ @ @ the highest number of cases the state has ever had .
Eastern equine encephalitis , @ @ @ @ @ from mosquitoes , was detected in mosquitoes for first time this season last week .

BELMONT, Mass. (AP) - West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito in Massachusetts for the first time in 2020, health officials said Thursday.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said two mosquitoes collected on July 7 in Belmont tested positive for the virus.
No human or animal cases of the virus have been detected so far this year. Symptoms of West Nile virus generally include fever and flu-like illness, but more severe illness can occur in rare cases.
There were five human cases of the virus last year and 49 in 2018, the highest number of cases the state has ever had.
Eastern equine encephalitis, another disease transmitted to human from mosquitoes, was detected in mosquitoes for first time this year in Massachusetts last week.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Goya CEO praises Trump at White House, backlash is swift

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Goya Foods is facing a swift backlash after its CEO praised President Donald Trump at White House event .
Goya was founded in Manhattan in 1936 by Don Prudencio Unanue and his wife Carolina , immigrants from Spain .
The company calls itself the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States .
Robert Unanue , a grandson and now Goya CEO , spoke at a Rose Garden event announcing a “ Hispanic Prosperity Initiative ” on Thursday .
“ We all truly blessed , at the same time , to have have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ builder , ” Unanue said standing at a podium beside Trump .
Almost immediately , # BoycottGoya , # GoyaFoods and # Goyaway began trending on social media platforms like Twitter , with scorn coming seemingly from all directions , including some big political names .
Many were angered by the support , citing Trump ’ s history of derogatory comments and harsh policies toward Hispanics , most notably , the administration ’ s policy of separating immigrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border .
Former presidential candidate Julian Castro was among those to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone who villainizes Goya ’ s customer base .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York said she would learn to make from scratch some of the Latin cuisine that Goya makes .
According to the Pew Research Center , 13.3 % of eligible voters in the U.S. this year are Latino , a record high .
Trump has been working hard recently to court Latino voters , who could swing the vote in states such as Arizona .
On Wednesday , he welcomed President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to the White House with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner .
Trump ’ s tone was in stark contrast from when he kicked off his 2016 presidential campaign by referring to Mexicans as “ rapists ” and railed against migrants entering the United States illegally .
Goya recently donated thousands of pounds of food to families in the Bronx and Harlem who have been affected by COVID-19 .
The company also made a big donation to a public school in Queens .

NEW YORK (AP) - The CEO of food company Goya is facing an uproar over his praise for President Donald Trump, with some Latino families purging their pantries of the products and scrambling to find alternatives to the beloved beans, seasoning and other products that have long been fixtures in their cooking.
But the controversy is also drawing attention to the mixed political sentiments of Latinos in the U.S. Many of them oppose Trump because of his derogatory comments about Hispanics and harsh policies toward immigration, most notably the separation of families at the U.S.-Mexico border. Hispanics have also been disproportionately hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and related economic recession, causing them to question Trump’s handling of both.
At the same time, the president has strong support among some people of Cuban and Venezuelan descent because of his tough stance against the authoritarian leaders of those countries. He has been working recently to court Latino voters who could swing the vote in states such as Arizona and Florida. On Wednesday, he welcomed President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to the White House, calling Mexico a cherished partner.
Standing beside Trump in the Rose Garden on Thursday, Goya CEO Robert Unanue declared: “We are truly blessed, at the same time, to have a leader like President Trump who is a builder.”
Almost immediately, #BoycottGoya, #GoyaFoods and #Goyaway began trending on social media platforms. Former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and “Hamilton” writer Lin-Manuel Miranda joined the boycott calls. The United Farm Workers posted a video on Twitter contrasting Trump’s words deriding some Latinos as criminals and rapists against images of them working hard in the fields.
Lorgia Ortega, a retired payroll manager in Los Angeles who regularly puts about 10 Goya products in her shopping cart, said she called her four sisters when she saw Unanue’s comments on Twitter.
“Does he realize who the people are that are buying his products?” said Ortega, who immigrated from El Salvador in 1974. “This president has insulted us so much.”
Ortega said her children, cousin and her daughter’s mother-in-law all plan to stop buying Goya products, even if they don’t know yet how to replace them.
“I’m going to go to the Latino market and whatever is next to them, I’m going to start trying that out,” Ortega said.
Goya was founded in Manhattan in 1936 by Prudencio Unanue and his wife Carolina, immigrants from Spain. The company calls itself the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, listing 2,500 products including seasonings, cooking oils, beans, frozen products and snacks. Their offerings are ubiquitous in grocery stores across the U.S., sometimes taking up their own entire aisle.
Unanue stood by his words during a Friday appearance on “Fox & Friends”: I’m not apologizing for saying - and especially when you’re called by the president of the United States - you’re gonna say, ‘no I’m sorry I’m busy, no thank you?’ I didn’t say that to the Obamas and I didn’t say that to President Trump.”
The grandson of the company’s founder, Unanue has been a longtime donor to Republican political causes, with the exception of contributions to New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat.
Adriana Waterston, senior vice president of Horowitz Research, which specializes in Hispanic consumers, said Goya routinely emerges among the most trusted brands in the studies she conducts for clients. She said that speaks to the potential for a deep sense of betrayal among Goya customers, though the brand’s popularity will also make any boycott effort difficult.
“This Goya thing is going to go down as one of the biggest marketing faux pas of the year,” Waterston said. “This kind of stance is a slap in the face to the community.”
The buying power of the rapidly growing U.S. Latino community is expected to reach $1.9 trillion in 2023, according to a 2019 report on Hispanic consumer trends by the data analytics company Nielsen. While that outlook is likely to be affected by the current recession, Hispanic spending will also be a key engine of economic recovery that many brands will want to tap into, said Stacie de Armas, vice president of strategic initiatives and consumer engagement at Nielsen.
In particular, de Armas said Hispanics spend more on food than other groups - 14% of their income, compared to 11% for non-Hispanic whites. It’s also a family affair, with 79% of Latinos saying they shop for food with someone else, making word-of-mouth a powerful factor in buying choices, de Armas said. She said that could translate into an opening for Goya competitors seeking to capitalize on the controversy.
Jenny Robles, a public relations professional in New Jersey, said she had just finished making a chicken stew with three Goya products on Thursday night when her younger sister read a tweet about Unanue’s praise for Trump. She said her Spanish-speaking mother shook her head in disapproval, and the whole family will no longer buy the products.
“This was the only type of food chain she relied on and used to feed us growing up, and it was now betraying us,” said Robles, whose family immigrated from Ecuador when she was 3.
Still, as a public relations specialist, she acknowledged she did not know how successful the boycott would be against such a powerful brand. In her own family, she said, it would be up to the younger, bilingual generation to research alternatives on the internet.
Companies have long walked a tight-rope when it comes to engaging with Trump’s White House.
In 2017, the top executive at Under Armour walked back comments in which he called Trump “an asset to the country.” Last year, the fitness clubs Equinox and SoulCycle attempted to distance themselves from billionaire Stephen Ross, a real estate developer whose Related Companies owns them, after he held a Trump fundraiser in the Hamptons.
Many of those that came to Goya’s defense Friday pointed to the company’s history of philanthropy.
This spring, Goya donated over 300,000 pounds of food, or about 270,000 meals, to food banks and other organizations as part of its pandemic relief effort. Last month, Goya showed up with thousands of pounds of food for families in the Bronx and Harlem who have been affected by COVID-19.
—
AP reporter Astrid Galvan contributed to this story from Phoenix.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Man gets probation for posts threatening federal agents

BOARDMAN , Ohio ( AP ) - An Ohio man who made an online threat against federal agents and voiced @ @ @ @ @ been sentenced to three years of probation .
Justin Olsen , 19 , of Boardman @ @ @ @ @ mental health evaluation under the sentence imposed Thursday by a federal court judge .
He @ @ @ @ @ to threatening a law enforcement officer .
In online posts using the moniker “ ArmyofChrist @ @ @ @ @ supporting mass shootings , attacks on Planned Parenthood and bombing gay bars , according to @ @ @ @ @ urged followers to avoid complying with gun laws and to stock up on weapons that @ @ @ @ @ apologized for the posts during his sentencing .
He could have faced up to a @ @ @ @ @ his attorney sought leniency , noting Olsen had no prior record .
“ I was @ @ @ @ @ online , ” Olsen told the judge .
“ I would really like to move @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s not who I am .
”

BOARDMAN, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio man who made an online threat against federal agents and voiced support for mass shootings has been sentenced to three years of probation.
Justin Olsen, 19, of Boardman, must also undergo a mental health evaluation under the sentence imposed Thursday by a federal court judge. He had pleaded guilty last December to threatening a law enforcement officer.
In online posts using the moniker “ArmyofChrist,” Olsen wrote about supporting mass shootings, attacks on Planned Parenthood and bombing gay bars, according to court records. He also urged followers to avoid complying with gun laws and to stock up on weapons that could be banned.
Olsen apologized for the posts during his sentencing. He could have faced up to a year in prison, but his attorney sought leniency, noting Olsen had no prior record.
“I was an immature kid messing around online,” Olsen told the judge. “I would really like to move on and show people that that’s not who I am.”


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Sheriff: Deputy shot, wounded while attempting arrest

LAUREL , Miss .
( AP ) - A Mississippi sheriff ’ s deputy was shot and wounded while trying @ @ @ @ @ of stealing a car , authorities said .
Jones County Sheriff ’ s deputy Miguel @ @ @ @ @ Sandersville police officer Thursday when he was shot in the face and arm , news @ @ @ @ @ Chief Curtis Pitts said Grimaldo was recovering from his wounds at home .
Grimaldo works @ @ @ @ @ .
Jones County Sheriff ’ s Sgt .
J.D .
Carter said Grimaldo was responding @ @ @ @ @ vehicle stolen from Bok Homa Casino around 2 a.m. when he spotted a suspect at @ @ @ @ @ identified as 33-year-old William Belk .
Belk shot Grimaldo , fled and was arrested at @ @ @ @ @ charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a weapon @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unclear whether Belk had an attorney who could comment on his behalf .

LAUREL, Miss. (AP) - A Mississippi sheriff’s deputy was shot and wounded while trying to approach a man suspected of stealing a car, authorities said.
Jones County Sheriff’s deputy Miguel Grimaldo was working as a Sandersville police officer Thursday when he was shot in the face and arm, news outlets report.
Sandersville police Chief Curtis Pitts said Grimaldo was recovering from his wounds at home. Grimaldo works part-time with the Sandersville police.
Jones County Sheriff’s Sgt. J.D. Carter said Grimaldo was responding to a call about a vehicle stolen from Bok Homa Casino around 2 a.m. when he spotted a suspect at a gas station, later identified as 33-year-old William Belk.
Belk shot Grimaldo, fled and was arrested at a Walmart in Laurel on charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a weapon, Carter said.
It’s unclear whether Belk had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Number of homeless camped in Minneapolis park swells to 800

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - Public officials and homeless advocates have raised concerns about the growing number of people , @ @ @ @ @ camped out in a Minneapolis park .
They say the encampment at Powderhorn Park is @ @ @ @ @ Neighbors worry about increased crime as police investigate a third sexual assault at the park @ @ @ @ @ .
The Star Tribune reports the number of tents in Powderhorn and around Minneapolis has @ @ @ @ @ Board opened all parks to homeless camps last month .
Homeless people were evicted from @ @ @ @ @ , which became a makeshift shelter during recent civil unrest .
Some neighbors , social @ @ @ @ @ said the encampment is not safe because it includes people with mental illnesses and addictions @ @ @ @ @ called the encampment “ untenable.
” The Park Board recently voted down a plan to @ @ @ @ @ the tent settlements .
Park Board Commissioner Londel French questioned why other government agencies could @ @ @ @ @ house the homeless .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Public officials and homeless advocates have raised concerns about the growing number of people, estimated at several hundred, camped out in a Minneapolis park.
They say the encampment at Powderhorn Park is neither safe nor sustainable. Neighbors worry about increased crime as police investigate a third sexual assault at the park in less than two weeks.
The Star Tribune reports the number of tents in Powderhorn and around Minneapolis has rapidly grown since the Park Board opened all parks to homeless camps last month.
Homeless people were evicted from the former Sheraton Midtown Hotel, which became a makeshift shelter during recent civil unrest.
Some neighbors, social workers and elected officials have said the encampment is not safe because it includes people with mental illnesses and addictions.
Mayor Jacob Frey has called the encampment “untenable.” The Park Board recently voted down a plan to drastically limit the size of the tent settlements.
The Park Board initially estimated 800 people were camped at Powderhorn, but the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency said Friday that number is overstated and that a count by a nonprofit organization recently was at about 280.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Judge deals blow to Kentucky governor's executive orders

FRANKFORT , Ky. ( AP ) - A Kentucky circuit court judge issued a temporary restraining order Thursday against future executive orders related to the COVID-19 crisis , The Courier-Journal reported .
The order came in a lawsuit from Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles and the owner of an orchard and cider mill in Georgetown .
Attorney General Daniel Cameron also intervened in the case in support of the plaintiffs .
Scott County Circuit Judge Brian Privett ’ s restraining order lifts the restrictions Beshear ’ s imposed on 548 agritourism businesses registered with the state Department of Agriculture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders related to the COVID-19 state of emergency , Beshear must “ specifically state the emergency that requires the order , the location of the emergency , and the name of the local emergency management agency that has determined that the emergency is beyond its capabilities.
” Beshear , a Democrat , lashed out at the order and the Republican officials who joined the lawsuit .
He said the order will mean that over 500 business “ don ’ t have to follow any rules whatsoever , ” including distilleries , farmers markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is dangerous and devastating , ” Beshear said .
“ And for a court to say , ‘ I guess I just don ’ t believe that the virus exists and you don ’ t have to do anything … no social distancing , nothing else , ’ is absolutely irresponsible.
” Beshear also said the temporary restraining order against future executive orders was not legally possible and would be immediately appealed .
Cameron issued a statement calling the order “ a clear win for the rule of law ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses across the commonwealth who have suffered and continue to suffer financial losses and economic hardship because of the governor ’ s executive orders.
” The lawsuit filed by the Georgetown orchard is one of several joined by Cameron ’ s office over the past two months , as he has sought to strike down all pandemic-related restrictions on businesses and churches in Kentucky .

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A new requirement for Kentuckians to wear face masks in public has taken effect, despite a county court’s restraining order related to pandemic restrictions, Gov. Andy Beshear said Friday.
Beshear said the mask order went into effect at 5 p.m. Friday, and it is “mandatory, regardless of anything else that’s out there.”
Beshear was speaking of a two-page temporary restraining order issued in Scott County Thursday. The judge who wrote the order said it blocks the governor from issuing future executive orders related to the pandemic, unless Beshear first meets a list of requirements described in the order.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron on Friday asked that judge, Brian Privett, to rule on the governor’s order requiring masks in public. Cameron, a Republican, said his office filed a motion in Scott County that asks Privett if Beshear’s mask order should be blocked by the restraining order.
Beshear called the restraining order “bizarre” and “not legal” during a media briefing Friday afternoon. The governor said the ruling would be appealed and likely end up before the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Newly reported cases of COVID-19 have increased in recent days in Kentucky, prompting Beshear to issue the 30-day order requiring masks in public places. On Friday, the state reported its second-highest mark on new daily cases with 426. Three of Kentucky’s highest daily counts for new coronavirus cases have occurred this week.
Judge Privett’s restraining order stems from a lawsuit that challenged Beshear’s restrictions on agritourism businesses due to the pandemic. Cameron and state agriculture secretary Ryan Quarles were parties in the lawsuit. Privett’s said his order also blocked COVID-19 requirements at those businesses all over the state.
Beshear said Cameron “is the only AG in the country suing their governor over these restrictions.”
On Friday Beshear read a list of ages of children, one as young as three months old, among the newly reported cases.
“This happens to our kids, too,” he said. “Whatever your reason to wear a mask, that’s a pretty good one.”
Cameron is a former top aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been traveling around Kentucky this week advocating the use of face masks. McConnell, who is running for a seventh term in the Senate, called wearing masks “the right thing to do.”
Cameron said in a statement Friday that he believes it is appropriate to wear a mask but he wants to determine if Beshear’s mask order “follows state law.”
Cameron said Beshear has “refused input on his executive orders, despite offers of assistance.”
“This pattern has led to numerous challenges in court, all of which he has lost,” Cameron said.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Search finds zero wolves in South Cascades

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) - A two-year search for wolves in Washington ’ s South Cascades has found none , a scientist said Wednesday .
Researchers tested the DNA of thousands of scat piles sniffed out by dogs .
Many piles looked like wolf droppings , but all turned out to be from dogs , said Samuel Wasser , director of the University of Washington ’ s Center for Conservation Biology .
If wolves are in the South Cascades , they are lone wolves , he said .
“ There ’ s no way there ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We would have picked that up.
” State lawmakers funded the study in part to learn how far west and south wolves have advanced in Washington .
Recovery won ’ t be complete until at least four packs are producing pups in the South Cascades , according to the state ’ s wolf plan .
Researchers collected about 2,400 scat samples from carnivores , such as bobcats , coyotes and black bears , between Interstate 90 and the Columbia River .
The search for wolf scat will resume for a third year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ droppings are found , the study will show the distribution and diet of other carnivores , Wasser said .
Washington had at least 145 wolves at the end of 2019 , according to a combined count by Fish and Wildlife and the Colville Tribes .
Wolves are on the state endangered species list and federally protected in Western and Central Washington .

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A two-year search for wolves in Washington’s South Cascades has found none, a scientist said Wednesday.
Researchers tested the DNA of thousands of scat piles sniffed out by dogs. Many piles looked like wolf droppings, but all turned out to be from dogs, said Samuel Wasser, director of the University of Washington’s Center for Conservation Biology.
If wolves are in the South Cascades, they are lone wolves, he said.
“There’s no way there’s an established pack,” he said. “We would have picked that up.”
State lawmakers funded the study in part to learn how far west and south wolves have advanced in Washington. Recovery won’t be complete until at least four packs are producing pups in the South Cascades, according to the state’s wolf plan.
Researchers collected about 2,400 scat samples from carnivores, such as bobcats, coyotes and black bears, between Interstate 90 and the Columbia River.
The search for wolf scat will resume for a third year this month. Even if no wolf droppings are found, the study will show the distribution and diet of other carnivores, Wasser said.
Washington had at least 145 wolves at the end of 2019, according to a combined count by Fish and Wildlife and the Colville Tribes. Wolves are on the state endangered species list and federally protected in Western and Central Washington.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Police: Baltimore sergeant arrested in dispute over refund

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - A Baltimore city police sergeant is facing accusations of kidnapping and extortion after demanding a refund in connection with a home improvement project .
James Lloyd , 45 , was arrested Thursday after Baltimore County police detectives received information about a dispute between Lloyd and the victim doing the home improvement project , the Baltimore County Police Department said in a news release .
The dispute began when Lloyd became dissatisfied with the victim ’ s work and demanded the refund , the department said .
The department said Lloyd allegedly identified himself as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bank with him to get a certified check for a refund .
The victim told police he complied with Lloyd because he was in fear of being arrested .
Three other detectives in Lloyd ’ s homicide unit have had their police powers suspended in connection with the incident , Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said in a statement .
They have been assigned to administrative duties while an internal investigation is underway .
Harrison did not disclose their identities .
“ I am utterly sickened and appalled by the allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “ Jack ” Young said in a statement .
“ We have a police force full of men and women who take serious their oath to protect and serve .
We will not stand for any members who violate this sacred promise or the public ’ s trust.
” Harrison said Lloyd has been suspended without pay .
It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf .

BALTIMORE (AP) - A Baltimore city police sergeant is facing accusations of kidnapping and extortion after demanding a refund in connection with a home improvement project.
James Lloyd, 45, was arrested Thursday after Baltimore County police detectives received information about a dispute between Lloyd and the victim doing the home improvement project, the Baltimore County Police Department said in a news release.
The dispute began when Lloyd became dissatisfied with the victim’s work and demanded the refund, the department said.
The department said Lloyd allegedly identified himself as an officer and made the victim go to a bank with him to get a certified check for a refund. The victim told police he complied with Lloyd because he was in fear of being arrested.
Three other detectives in Lloyd’s homicide unit have had their police powers suspended in connection with the incident, Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said in a statement. They have been assigned to administrative duties while an internal investigation is underway. Harrison did not disclose their identities.
“I am utterly sickened and appalled by the allegations against members of the Baltimore Police Department,” Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said in a statement. “We have a police force full of men and women who take serious their oath to protect and serve. We will not stand for any members who violate this sacred promise or the public’s trust.”
Harrison said Lloyd has been suspended without pay.
It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Deck collapse at rental beach house in Virginia injures 5

VIRGINIA BEACH , Va. ( AP ) - Five people were injured when the deck of a rental beach house @ @ @ @ @ crews were dispatched to the house along Virginia Beach ’ s Sandbridge Beach when the @ @ @ @ @ , Virginia Beach EMS said on Twitter .
Some people were trapped beneath parts of @ @ @ @ @ , WAVY-TV reported .
Authorities said all five injuries were non life-threatening .
The property @ @ @ @ @ is owned by a family in Maryland , the news outlet reported .
Decks in @ @ @ @ @ inspected before they can be used .
The city also recommends the inspections happen annually @ @ @ @ @ .

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Five people were injured when the deck of a rental beach house collapsed in Virginia.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the house along Virginia Beach’s Sandbridge Beach when the collapse happened on Thursday evening, Virginia Beach EMS said on Twitter. Some people were trapped beneath parts of the deck after the fall, WAVY-TV reported.
Authorities said all five injuries were non life-threatening. The property was built in 2008 and is owned by a family in Maryland, the news outlet reported.
Decks in Virginia Beach need to be inspected before they can be used. The city also recommends the inspections happen annually, the news outlet reported.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Man dies after falling from boat while fishing in Deep Lake

ENUMCLAW , Wash. ( AP ) - A 37-year-old man died Thursday afternoon after he fell from his boat into @ @ @ @ @ according to the King County Sheriff ’ s Office .
The Seattle Times reports sheriff @ @ @ @ @ near the 36900 block of Veazie Cumberland Road Southeast , after receiving reports that someone @ @ @ @ @ , the sheriff ’ s office tweeted around 3 p.m. Deputies pulled the man out @ @ @ @ @ attempted live-saving measures , but he died at the scene , according to the tweet @ @ @ @ @ fishing with his son before he was “ thrown out of the boat , ” @ @ @ @ @ said .
His son was not injured .
No further information was immediately available .

ENUMCLAW, Wash. (AP) - A 37-year-old man died Thursday afternoon after he fell from his boat into Deep Lake in Enumclaw, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
The Seattle Times reports sheriff deputies responded to the lake near the 36900 block of Veazie Cumberland Road Southeast, after receiving reports that someone had fallen off a boat, the sheriff’s office tweeted around 3 p.m.
Deputies pulled the man out of the water and medics attempted live-saving measures, but he died at the scene, according to the tweet.
The man had been fishing with his son before he was “thrown out of the boat,” the sheriff’s office said. His son was not injured.
No further information was immediately available.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Swedish ex-envoy acquitted of planning illegal China meeting

HELSINKI ( AP ) - A court has acquitted Sweden ’ s former ambassador to China of exceeding her authority in negotiations with a foreign country , concluding the first trial of its kind involving a Swedish diplomat in more than 200 years .
The Stockholm District Court ruled Friday that the prosecutor couldn ’ t prove that Anna Lindstedt , Sweden ’ s envoy to Beijing during 2016-2019 , had gone beyond her jurisdiction and “ negotiated in a diplomatic matter with someone who represented the interests of the Chinese state.
” The key issue in the trial was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with persons who could be regarded as China ’ s direct representatives .
The Swedish Prosecution Authority said the ambassador was indicted on a charge of “ arbitrariness during negotiations with a foreign power , ” which carries a maximum punishment of two years in prison .
The charge resulted from a January 2019 meeting in Stockholm that Lindstedt , 60 , brokered between the daughter of a Swedish publisher detained in China and two Chinese businessmen with links to China ’ s Communist Party about the publisher ’ s possible release .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to curtail Sweden ’ s democratic freedoms by trying to influence Angela Gui , the daughter of publisher Gui Minhai , to stop criticizing how China handled the case concerning her father .
Sweden ’ s Foreign Ministry said it had no advance knowledge of the meeting at the Sheraton Hotel Stockholm .
Lindstedt was summoned home for an investigation the next month and replaced with a new Swedish envoy to Beijing .
During her trial , Lindstedt denied breaking the law and said she informed the Foreign Ministry about the meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time since 1794 that a Swedish diplomat had gone on trial for the alleged offense .
Gui Minhai , who was born in China and became a Swedish citizen , is a bookseller and publisher of several books on Chinese politics and politicians .
He went missing in Thailand in 2015 , and sometime later appeared in custody in mainlaind China .
The circumstances surrounding his detention remain unclear .
He is still being held , which has strained Sweden ’ s already icy relations with China .

HELSINKI (AP) - A court has acquitted Sweden’s former ambassador to China of exceeding her authority in negotiations with a foreign country, concluding the first trial of its kind involving a Swedish diplomat in more than 200 years.
The Stockholm District Court ruled Friday that the prosecutor couldn’t prove that Anna Lindstedt, Sweden’s envoy to Beijing during 2016-2019, had gone beyond her jurisdiction and “negotiated in a diplomatic matter with someone who represented the interests of the Chinese state.”
The key issue in the trial was the allegation whether or not Lindstedt negotiated with persons who could be regarded as China’s direct representatives. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said the ambassador was indicted on a charge of “arbitrariness during negotiations with a foreign power,” which carries a maximum punishment of two years in prison.
The charge resulted from a January 2019 meeting in Stockholm that Lindstedt, 60, brokered between the daughter of a Swedish publisher detained in China and two Chinese businessmen with links to China’s Communist Party about the publisher’s possible release.
The prosecution had alleged that China wanted to curtail Sweden’s democratic freedoms by trying to influence Angela Gui, the daughter of publisher Gui Minhai, to stop criticizing how China handled the case concerning her father.
Sweden’s Foreign Ministry said it had no advance knowledge of the meeting at the Sheraton Hotel Stockholm. Lindstedt was summoned home for an investigation the next month and replaced with a new Swedish envoy to Beijing.
During her trial, Lindstedt denied breaking the law and said she informed the Foreign Ministry about the meeting.
Swedish media reported that the case was the first time since 1794 that a Swedish diplomat had gone on trial for the alleged offense.
Gui Minhai, who was born in China and became a Swedish citizen, is a bookseller and publisher of several books on Chinese politics and politicians. He went missing in Thailand in 2015, and sometime later appeared in custody in mainlaind China.
The circumstances surrounding his detention remain unclear. He is still being held, which has strained Sweden’s already icy relations with China.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Police: Dog at center of deadly Florida dispute euthanized

PORT ST. LUCIE , Fla. ( AP ) - The dog at the center of a neighborhood dispute that left three people dead on Monday has been euthanized , police said .
The female mastiff named Roxy was surrendered to authorities in Port St. Lucie and euthanized on Wednesday , the Palm Beach Post reported .
The dog ’ s owner , Ronald Delserro , 82 , is accused of fatally shooting Harper Hansman , 11 , and her father , 55-year-old Guy Hansman , according to police .
The dispute was apparently over tensions involving the dog .
Delserro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hansmans , died Monday after an exchange of gunfire with police and a St. Lucie County Sheriff ’ s deputy .
A police officer was shot in the arm , and a bulletproof vest stopped a bullet to the chest .
On Tuesday , Sandra Delserro , 78 , contacted animal control officials and said she wanted to surrender Roxy “ as she was leaving town , ” the Palm Beach Post reported .
She consented for the dog to be euthanized at a veterinary clinic Wednesday .
Roxy ’ s body was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police report showed that animal control went to the Hansman home March 4 , after Guy Hansman ’ s wife , Monique Hansman , 53 , said she was walking her son ’ s poodle mix attacking her dog .
Monique Hansman said her dog was on a leash , but Roxy was not .
She said when she tried to stop the fight , Roxy bit her .
She was treated at a hospital .
Her dog also had puncture wounds and was treated .
Monique Hansman said Harper witnessed the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ronald Delserro the dog would have to be quarantined until March 14 .
But on March 5 , Monique Hansman told animal control workers Roxy was unsupervised and running around , the report said .
A “ dangerous dog investigation ” began March 8 , and three days later officials told Monique Hansman and Sandra Delserro that Roxy would stay with animal control officials until the investigation finished .
The Delserros requested a hearing contesting the dangerous dog issue , and two days later Roxy was released to them , Animal control was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 27 and March 30 .
The Delserros were issued a dangerous dog citation .
Monique Hansman and Harper testified at a June 24 hearing in which a special magistrate found Roxy was a “ dangerous dog.
” That designation requires several things , including issues relating to fencing , muzzling and sterilization .
Sandra Delserro signed dangerous dog documents on July 1 , the paper reported .
Her husband refused , and the shooting occurred five days later .

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - The dog at the center of a neighborhood dispute that left three people dead on Monday has been euthanized, police said.
The female mastiff named Roxy was surrendered to authorities in Port St. Lucie and euthanized on Wednesday, the Palm Beach Post reported.
The dog’s owner, Ronald Delserro, 82, is accused of fatally shooting Harper Hansman, 11, and her father, 55-year-old Guy Hansman, according to police. The dispute was apparently over tensions involving the dog.
Delserro, who lived next door to the Hansmans, died Monday after an exchange of gunfire with police and a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s deputy. A police officer was shot in the arm, and a bulletproof vest stopped a bullet to the chest.
On Tuesday, Sandra Delserro, 78, contacted animal control officials and said she wanted to surrender Roxy “as she was leaving town,” the Palm Beach Post reported.
She consented for the dog to be euthanized at a veterinary clinic Wednesday. Roxy’s body was taken to a cremation facility.
A police report showed that animal control went to the Hansman home March 4, after Guy Hansman’s wife, Monique Hansman, 53, said she was walking her son’s poodle mix attacking her dog.
Monique Hansman said her dog was on a leash, but Roxy was not. She said when she tried to stop the fight, Roxy bit her. She was treated at a hospital. Her dog also had puncture wounds and was treated.
Monique Hansman said Harper witnessed the incident, the newspaper reported.
Officials told Ronald Delserro the dog would have to be quarantined until March 14. But on March 5, Monique Hansman told animal control workers Roxy was unsupervised and running around, the report said.
A “dangerous dog investigation” began March 8, and three days later officials told Monique Hansman and Sandra Delserro that Roxy would stay with animal control officials until the investigation finished.
The Delserros requested a hearing contesting the dangerous dog issue, and two days later Roxy was released to them,
Animal control was told of additional allegations involving Roxy on March 27 and March 30. The Delserros were issued a dangerous dog citation.
Monique Hansman and Harper testified at a June 24 hearing in which a special magistrate found Roxy was a “dangerous dog.” That designation requires several things, including issues relating to fencing, muzzling and sterilization.
Sandra Delserro signed dangerous dog documents on July 1, the paper reported. Her husband refused, and the shooting occurred five days later.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Multiple protests against French minister accused of rape

PARIS ( AP ) - Women ’ s rights activists are calling for protests Friday in about 50 cities in France and abroad against President Emmanuel Macron ’ s appointment of a new interior minister who is accused of rape and a justice minister who has minimized the # MeToo movement .
The actions started Friday morning in Dijon , where new Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Prime Minister Jean Castex were meeting with police .
A dozen feminists held out banners and signs condemning Darmanin and rape culture .
Feminist group Nous Toutes announced other actions in Paris and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French embassies or consulates in London , Sydney , Montreal , Berlin , Brussels , Barcelona and Tel Aviv .
Nous Toutes national coordinator Pauline Baron called the appointments “ a slap in the face ” to victims of sexual violence .
The French government said it remains committed to gender equality and defended the new ministers , stressing the presumption of innocence .
Darmanin firmly denies the rape accusation , and an investigation is underway .
New Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti is a lawyer who has defended a government member accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ridiculed women speaking out thanks to the # MeToo movement .

PARIS (AP) - Chanting “Impunity is Over!” or dancing against sexual violence, women’s rights activists protested Friday in multiple cities in France and abroad against President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of a new interior minister who is accused of rape and a justice minister who has minimized the #MeToo movement.
The actions started Friday morning in Dijon, where new Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Prime Minister Jean Castex were meeting with police. A dozen feminists held out banners and signs condemning Darmanin and rape culture.
Later Friday, in front of Paris City Hall, women staged a flash mob and performed the song and dance “ A Rapist in Your Path ” started by feminists in Chile, which has become an international rallying cry against sexual violence and victim shaming.
The young, diverse crowd - most in masks - demanded Darmanin’s resignation and exuded anger at Macron, who had promised to make fighting sexual violence a grand cause of his term. Signs read “Darmanin named, Victims disdained” or “Victims, We See You.”
One of the speakers, who identified herself only as Margaux, said: “Without questioning the fundamental right to the presumption of innocence, the nomination of a man accused of rape reminds us how sexual and sexist violence is normalized and minimized, including at the highest levels of the state.”
“The message sent is very clear: Aggressors, don’t be afraid,” she told the crowd of about 1,000 people.
Feminist group Nous Toutes and others announced other actions Friday in other French cities as well as at French embassies or consulates in London, Sydney, Montreal, Berlin, Brussels, Barcelona and Tel Aviv.
The French government said it remains committed to gender equality and defended the new ministers, stressing the presumption of innocence.
Darmanin firmly denies the rape accusation, and an investigation is underway. New Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti is a lawyer who has defended a government member accused of rape and sexual assault, and has ridiculed women speaking out as a result of the #MeToo movement.
Activists also expressed concern about LGBTQ rights with Darmanin in charge of French police, because he opposed gay marriage before France legalized it in 2013.
“We have the impression we’re being treated like idiots,” said Paris protester Alix Joly, a 25-year-old graduate student. When she heard about the latest government nominations, she said, “I laughed, but bitterly.”
The protest came amid a growing investigation into accusations by at least 26 women that a Paris street artist well known in the historic Montmartre neighborhood raped or sexually assaulted them. The artist-photographer says he never raped anyone. Lawyers for the accusers say he systematically preyed upon teen girls or young women, plied them with alcohol or drugs and took compromising photos so they would be too ashamed to report what happened.
___
Angela Charlton contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--2nd pregnant woman in California dies from COVID-19

HESPERIA , Calif. ( AP ) - A 32-year-old pregnant woman from Southern California has died from the coronavirus but her child survived , authorities said Friday .
The Hesperia resident , who died on June 26 , was the second pregnant woman in the state to died from COVID-19 , according to a statement from San Bernardino County .
She had underlying underlying health conditions , the statement said .
“ Her child survived , has tested negative for COVID-19 , and is doing well in the neonatal intensive care unit at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women in the county east of Los Angeles have COVID-19 , the county said .
The first death of a pregnant woman in California was reported in June in Los Angeles County .
She also had underlying health problems .
There have been more than 6,800 deaths in California from the virus .
For most people , COVID-19 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and death .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a study suggests pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and have an increased risk for admission to intensive care units and being placed on ventilators .
Pregnant women are urged to practice social distancing , wear masks , practice frequent hand washing and stay at home as much as possible , health authorities said .

HESPERIA, Calif. (AP) - A 32-year-old pregnant woman from Southern California has died from the coronavirus but her child survived, authorities said Friday.
The Hesperia resident, who died on June 26, was the second pregnant woman in the state to died from COVID-19, according to a statement from San Bernardino County.
She had underlying underlying health conditions, the statement said.
“Her child survived, has tested negative for COVID-19, and is doing well in the neonatal intensive care unit at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center,” the statement said.
More than 70 pregnant women in the county east of Los Angeles have COVID-19, the county said.
The first death of a pregnant woman in California was reported in June in Los Angeles County. She also had underlying health problems.
There have been more than 6,800 deaths in California from the virus.
For most people, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a study suggests pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and have an increased risk for admission to intensive care units and being placed on ventilators.
Pregnant women are urged to practice social distancing, wear masks, practice frequent hand washing and stay at home as much as possible, health authorities said.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Foes of initiative boosting taxes on wealthy file lawsuit

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Opponents of a voter initiative that would boost taxes on high-earning Arizonans to fund education sued Friday to block the proposal from the November ballot .
The proposed initiative backed by many educators and the state teachers union would impose a 3.5 % tax surcharge on income above $ 250,000 for an individual or above $ 500,000 for couples .
It aims to raise about $ 940 million a year for schools .
A group backed by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry filed the lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court .
It alleges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters who signed petitions to get the measure on the ballot by not disclosing the full size and scope of the tax increase in a summary attached to petition sheets .
“ It should have been disclosed to voters that this tax increase wallops small business , ” Jaime Molera , who is leading the newly formed group opposing the initiative , said in a statement .
“ Small businesses pay their taxes on the individual portion of the tax code .
If signers would have known that the backbone of the Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then they might have thought twice before signing.
” The lawsuit also alleges that advertisements seeking paid circulators promised to pay a per-signature fee , which the Legislature made illegal in 2017 .
Joe Thomas , president of the Arizona Education Association union , said backers of the Invest in Education Act i anticipated the Chamber would go to court to keep the measure from the ballot and they are not worried .
“ We knew lawsuits were coming and we have full confidence in what the voters were supporting , ” Thomas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the November ballot.
” The initiative is the latest outgrowth from a teachers strike two years ago that highlighted low wages for educators and a slow rebound from budget cuts enacted during the Great Recession .
The walkout secured higher wages for teachers , but many education interest groups said it fell short .
Half of the new tax that would be levied if voters approve the measure would be devoted to raises for credentialed teachers , 25 % to boosting wages for cafeteria workers , bus drivers and other support staff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vocational education and other initiatives .
Separately Friday , Republican state Sen. Vince Leach and a group called Arizonans for Better Healthcare sued to keep another initiative off the ballot .
The Stop Surprise Billing and Protect Patients Act is backed by labor unions .
It would bar insurers from charging people more if they have a pre-existing condition and ban higher charges if a patient uses an out-of-network provider .
It requires insurers to reimburse providers at specific ranges .
And it sets a new minimum wage for providers at private hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for four years .
It also sets hospital safety standards for infection control overseen by state regulators .
The lawsuit alleges the 100-word summary attached to petitions “ paints a misleading picture of how the initiative will actually impact patients , healthcare workers and hospitals.
” It also alleges initiative backers didn ’ t collect enough qualifying signatures .
The backers turned in more than 430,000 signatures on July 2 , far more than the nearly 238,000 needed to qualify for the ballot .
The secretary of state ’ s office is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiatives on the ballot to ensure they pass legal muster .
County recorders will then review a sample of qualifying signatures to determine if there were enough turned it for the measure to make the ballot .
Court dates for the new lawsuits have yet to be set .

PHOENIX (AP) - Opponents of a voter initiative that would boost taxes on high-earning Arizonans to fund education sued Friday to block the proposal from the November ballot.
The proposed initiative backed by many educators and the state teachers union would impose a 3.5% tax surcharge on income above $250,000 for an individual or above $500,000 for couples. It aims to raise about $940 million a year for schools.
A group backed by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry filed the lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court. It alleges the initiative backers misled the nearly 436,000 voters who signed petitions to get the measure on the ballot by not disclosing the full size and scope of the tax increase in a summary attached to petition sheets.
“It should have been disclosed to voters that this tax increase wallops small business,” Jaime Molera, who is leading the newly formed group opposing the initiative, said in a statement. “Small businesses pay their taxes on the individual portion of the tax code. If signers would have known that the backbone of the Arizona economy gets clobbered by this proposal, then they might have thought twice before signing.”
The lawsuit also alleges that advertisements seeking paid circulators promised to pay a per-signature fee, which the Legislature made illegal in 2017.
Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association union, said backers of the Invest in Education Act i anticipated the Chamber would go to court to keep the measure from the ballot and they are not worried.
“We knew lawsuits were coming and we have full confidence in what the voters were supporting,” Thomas said. “It will be on the November ballot.”
The initiative is the latest outgrowth from a teachers strike two years ago that highlighted low wages for educators and a slow rebound from budget cuts enacted during the Great Recession. The walkout secured higher wages for teachers, but many education interest groups said it fell short.
Half of the new tax that would be levied if voters approve the measure would be devoted to raises for credentialed teachers, 25% to boosting wages for cafeteria workers, bus drivers and other support staff, and the rest for teacher training, vocational education and other initiatives.
Separately Friday, Republican state Sen. Vince Leach and a group called Arizonans for Better Healthcare sued to keep another initiative off the ballot.
The Stop Surprise Billing and Protect Patients Act is backed by labor unions. It would bar insurers from charging people more if they have a pre-existing condition and ban higher charges if a patient uses an out-of-network provider. It requires insurers to reimburse providers at specific ranges. And it sets a new minimum wage for providers at private hospitals by requiring 5% raises a year for four years. It also sets hospital safety standards for infection control overseen by state regulators.
The lawsuit alleges the 100-word summary attached to petitions “paints a misleading picture of how the initiative will actually impact patients, healthcare workers and hospitals.” It also alleges initiative backers didn’t collect enough qualifying signatures.
The backers turned in more than 430,000 signatures on July 2, far more than the nearly 238,000 needed to qualify for the ballot.
The secretary of state’s office is currently reviewing petitions turned in to get both initiatives on the ballot to ensure they pass legal muster. County recorders will then review a sample of qualifying signatures to determine if there were enough turned it for the measure to make the ballot.
Court dates for the new lawsuits have yet to be set.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--California couple agrees to guilty pleas in college scam

BOSTON ( AP ) - A California couple agreed Friday to plead guilty to paying $ 250,000 to get their daughter into the University of Southern California as a fake volleyball recruit .
Diane Blake and Todd Blake will plead guilty in front of a judge at a future date , the U.S. Attorney ’ s office in Boston said in a statement Friday .
The couple from Ross , California , had initially pleaded not guilty , news outlets previously reported .
The couple was accused of tapping William “ Rick ” Singer , who authorities say was mastermind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilitate their daughter ’ s admission into USC .
According to the indictment against the couple posted on the U.S. attorney ’ s website , Todd Blake sent a check for $ 50,000 to USC Women ’ s Athletics and wired $ 200,000 to a sham charity set up by Singer .
USC spokesperson Lauren Bartlett said in an email that the university would not comment the case .
Diane Blake , 55 , will plead guilty to a count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Todd Blake , 54 , will plead guilty to the same charge , as well as one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering , his plea agreement states .
Per their plea agreements , Diane Blake has agreed to serve six weeks in prison , while Todd Blake has agreed to serve four months .
Each also agreed to a $ 125,000 fine and two years ’ supervised release with 100 hours of community service .
Charges of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plea agreements .
An email to the Blakes ’ lawyers wasn ’ t immediately returned .
Singer pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the government ’ s investigation into what authorities have dubbed “ Operation Varsity Blues ” - a series of indictments that have rocked the worlds of higher education , sports and entertainment .
Dozens of wealthy parents , athletic coaches and others were charged last year in the scheme .
Parents paid hefty bribes to get their children into top universities with bogus test scores or fake athletic credentials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27th and 28th parents to plead guilty in connection with the scam , according to the statement from the U.S. Attorney ’ s office .
Others who have pleaded guilty include “ Full House ” actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband , Mossimo Giannulli , who agreed in May to plead guilty to paying half a million dollars to get their two daughters into USC .
A judge has yet to decide whether he ’ ll accept deals they made with prosecutors .
“ Desperate Housewives ” actress Felicity Huffman also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have someone rig her daughter ’ s entrance exam , and was sentenced to two weeks in prison .

BOSTON (AP) - A California couple agreed Friday to plead guilty to paying $250,000 to get their daughter into the University of Southern California as a fake volleyball recruit.
Diane Blake and Todd Blake will plead guilty in front of a judge at a future date, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston said in a statement Friday. The couple from Ross, California, had initially pleaded not guilty, news outlets previously reported.
The couple was accused of tapping William “Rick” Singer, who authorities say was mastermind behind the sweeping nationwide scheme, to facilitate their daughter’s admission into USC. According to the indictment against the couple posted on the U.S. attorney’s website, Todd Blake sent a check for $50,000 to USC Women’s Athletics and wired $200,000 to a sham charity set up by Singer.
USC spokesperson Lauren Bartlett said in an email that the university would not comment the case.
Diane Blake, 55, will plead guilty to a count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud, her plea agreement states. Todd Blake, 54, will plead guilty to the same charge, as well as one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, his plea agreement states. Per their plea agreements, Diane Blake has agreed to serve six weeks in prison, while Todd Blake has agreed to serve four months. Each also agreed to a $125,000 fine and two years’ supervised release with 100 hours of community service.
Charges of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering against both Blakes will be dismissed under the plea agreements.
An email to the Blakes’ lawyers wasn’t immediately returned.
Singer pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the government’s investigation into what authorities have dubbed “Operation Varsity Blues” - a series of indictments that have rocked the worlds of higher education, sports and entertainment.
Dozens of wealthy parents, athletic coaches and others were charged last year in the scheme. Parents paid hefty bribes to get their children into top universities with bogus test scores or fake athletic credentials, authorities say. The Blakes are the 27th and 28th parents to plead guilty in connection with the scam, according to the statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Others who have pleaded guilty include “Full House” actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, who agreed in May to plead guilty to paying half a million dollars to get their two daughters into USC. A judge has yet to decide whether he’ll accept deals they made with prosecutors.
“Desperate Housewives” actress Felicity Huffman also pleaded guilty to paying $15,000 to have someone rig her daughter’s entrance exam, and was sentenced to two weeks in prison.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Report: Protest damage cited by Portland cops skewed by mall

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - The Portland police said earlier this week that ongoing protests had cost businesses in the downtown area $ 23 million in property damage and lost revenue , but those figures are skewed by just one business - a mall already shut down by statewide coronavirus closures , a newspaper reported Friday .
The Oregonian/OregonLive said the statistic came from the Portland Business Alliance , which surveyed its membership last month .
Ninety-three of the 5,300 contacts who received the survey responded .
Almost 90 % in reported damages and lost business came from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in property damage and $ 18 million in lost sales .
The newspaper says the Pioneer Place mall is the only place that could post those numbers because of its size , but it didn ’ t reopen until June 19 - the day after the alliance ’ s survey ended .
The remaining businesses reported a combined $ 2.3 million in damages amid the first three weeks of demonstrations .
Seven businesses reported $ 407,000 in lost revenue , but many respondents noted that they were already closed because of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the demonstrations as $ 0 .
The Portland Business Alliance would not confirm or deny the respondent that reported the largest loss was Pioneer Place .
The lobbying group said the survey was conducted at the request of city officials , including from the mayor ’ s office , to help quantify damages caused to downtown businesses during the demonstrations .
“ This was a voluntary survey , ” said Amy Lewin , a Portland Business Alliance spokeswoman .
“ It is not scientific and not the most fully accurate account of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or first check of estimates .
We know more losses have occurred since.
” Rachel Wille , a spokeswoman from Brookfield Properties , which owns the downtown shopping center , wouldn ’ t say if Pioneer Place participated in the business alliance survey and that the company doesn ’ t publicly disclose its revenue .
Pioneer Place was among the businesses heaviest hit on the first night of protests in downtown Portland amid the national outcry over the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota .
Footage of people breaking into a Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with items on May 29 went viral .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland police said earlier this week that ongoing protests had cost businesses in the downtown area $23 million in property damage and lost revenue, but those figures are skewed by just one business - a mall already shut down by statewide coronavirus closures, a newspaper reported Friday.
The Oregonian/OregonLive said the statistic came from the Portland Business Alliance, which surveyed its membership last month. Ninety-three of the 5,300 contacts who received the survey responded.
Almost 90% in reported damages and lost business came from one respondent, which reported $2.5 million in property damage and $18 million in lost sales. The newspaper says the Pioneer Place mall is the only place that could post those numbers because of its size, but it didn’t reopen until June 19 - the day after the alliance’s survey ended.
The remaining businesses reported a combined $2.3 million in damages amid the first three weeks of demonstrations. Seven businesses reported $407,000 in lost revenue, but many respondents noted that they were already closed because of COVID-19 restrictions and attributed their lost sales due to the demonstrations as $0.
The Portland Business Alliance would not confirm or deny the respondent that reported the largest loss was Pioneer Place. The lobbying group said the survey was conducted at the request of city officials, including from the mayor’s office, to help quantify damages caused to downtown businesses during the demonstrations.
“This was a voluntary survey,” said Amy Lewin, a Portland Business Alliance spokeswoman. “It is not scientific and not the most fully accurate account of losses. It’s the floor or first check of estimates. We know more losses have occurred since.”
Rachel Wille, a spokeswoman from Brookfield Properties, which owns the downtown shopping center, wouldn’t say if Pioneer Place participated in the business alliance survey and that the company doesn’t publicly disclose its revenue.
Pioneer Place was among the businesses heaviest hit on the first night of protests in downtown Portland amid the national outcry over the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Footage of people breaking into a Louis Vuitton store inside the mall and leaving with items on May 29 went viral.


washingtontimes--2020-07-10--Trump says he'll sign order granting 'Dreamers' citizenship; White House says he didn't mean that

The White House played clean-up Friday after President Trump suggested he was working on an executive order that would attempt to grant citizenship rights to illegal immigrant “ Dreamers , ” saying Mr. Trump is actually talking about two different issues .
The president is planning an executive order that would revamp the legal immigration system to add more “ merit-based ” conditions to those coming to the U.S. , said spokesman Judd Deere .
Separately , the president is “ willing to work with Congress on a negotiated legislative solution to DACA [ Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Deere described a piece of legislation Mr. Trump first offered in 2018 .
Mr. Trump sowed confusion earlier in the day in an interview with Telemundo , in which he said he was going to be “ signing a big immigration bill ” in the coming weeks .
No such bill is likely to clear Congress , so the Telemundo host prompted the president whether he meant an executive order .
Mr. Trump then agreed that was what he meant .
“ I ’ m going to do a big executive order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as president , ” he said .
He went on : “ I ’ m going to make DACA a part of it .
But we put it in , and we ’ ll probably going to then be taking it out , we ’ re working out the legal complexities now , but I ’ m going to be signing a very major immigration bill as an executive order.
” “ One of the aspects of the bill is going to be DACA .
We ’ re going to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Texas Republican , said the president doesn ’ t have the power to grant citizenship rights through executive order .
“ There is zero constitutional authority for a president to create a ‘ road to citizenship ’ by executive fiat , ” he said on Twitter .
Mr. Cruz said it was already unconstitutional for President Barack Obama to claim powers to create DACA , which used prosecutorial discretion to declare Dreamers off-limits for deportation , but didn ’ t give them a firm legal status .
During the 2016 campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts an executive “ amnesty.
” Mr. Deere on Friday , though , insisted what Mr. Trump was attempting would somehow be different .
“ That does not include amnesty , ” the spokesman said .
DACA recipients have been in limbo for years .
Last month , the Supreme Court blocked Mr. Trump ’ s attempt to phase out the DACA program , saying he cut too many corners .
But the justices said he does have the power to do it , if he follows the right procedures .
Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters , dating back to his 2016 campaign , when he said he wanted to curtail the H-1B visa program that invites high-skilled workers , then said he wanted to expand it .
In office , Mr. Trump did break ground in 2018 , suggesting a deal to Democrats that would include a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients , coupled with border wall funding , limits to the chain of legal family migration and erasing the visa lottery that doles out immigration passes based on chance .
Democrats rebuffed that offer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trump where Dreamers were concerned .
Many Republicans were not happy about the offer either , objecting to granting illegal immigrants citizenship — a move they consider “ amnesty .
”

The White House played clean-up Friday after President Trump suggested he was working on an executive order that would attempt to grant citizenship rights to illegal immigrant “Dreamers,” saying Mr. Trump is actually talking about two different issues.
The president is planning an executive order that would revamp the legal immigration system to add more “merit-based” conditions to those coming to the U.S., said spokesman Judd Deere.
Separately, the president is “willing to work with Congress on a negotiated legislative solution to DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals], one that could include citizenship.” Mr. Deere described a piece of legislation Mr. Trump first offered in 2018.
Mr. Trump sowed confusion earlier in the day in an interview with Telemundo, in which he said he was going to be “signing a big immigration bill” in the coming weeks.
No such bill is likely to clear Congress, so the Telemundo host prompted the president whether he meant an executive order. Mr. Trump then agreed that was what he meant.
“I’m going to do a big executive order. I have the power to do it as president,” he said.
He went on: “I’m going to make DACA a part of it. But we put it in, and we’ll probably going to then be taking it out, we’re working out the legal complexities now, but I’m going to be signing a very major immigration bill as an executive order.”
“One of the aspects of the bill is going to be DACA. We’re going to have a road to citizenship.”
That stunned his supporters.
Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, said the president doesn’t have the power to grant citizenship rights through executive order.
“There is zero constitutional authority for a president to create a ‘road to citizenship’ by executive fiat,” he said on Twitter.
Mr. Cruz said it was already unconstitutional for President Barack Obama to claim powers to create DACA, which used prosecutorial discretion to declare Dreamers off-limits for deportation, but didn’t give them a firm legal status.
During the 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump labeled Mr. Obama’s efforts an executive “amnesty.”
Mr. Deere on Friday, though, insisted what Mr. Trump was attempting would somehow be different.
“That does not include amnesty,” the spokesman said.
DACA recipients have been in limbo for years.
Last month, the Supreme Court blocked Mr. Trump’s attempt to phase out the DACA program, saying he cut too many corners. But the justices said he does have the power to do it, if he follows the right procedures.
Mr. Trump has flip-flopped on a number of immigration matters, dating back to his 2016 campaign, when he said he wanted to curtail the H-1B visa program that invites high-skilled workers, then said he wanted to expand it.
In office, Mr. Trump did break ground in 2018, suggesting a deal to Democrats that would include a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, coupled with border wall funding, limits to the chain of legal family migration and erasing the visa lottery that doles out immigration passes based on chance.
Democrats rebuffed that offer, saying they wouldn’t bargain with Mr. Trump where Dreamers were concerned.
Many Republicans were not happy about the offer either, objecting to granting illegal immigrants citizenship — a move they consider “amnesty.”
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.