washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Trump, Senate Republicans delay action on coronavirus relief spending

The White House and its Senate Republican allies have decided to delay action on another massive round of coronavirus spending until July , hopeful that an improving job market will lessen the need to add more borrowing to what is already the nation ’ s largest deficit in history .
The jobs report for May , showing that employers added nearly 3 million jobs as coronavirus shutdowns ended , has lowered the urgency for the Senate and White House to hold formal negotiations on a proposal to answer the House relief package , which totals $ 3.5 trillion .
White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration won ’ t extend $ 600-a-week federal unemployment benefits , on top of regular unemployment payments , beyond July because they are a disincentive to work .
He said the administration is eyeing instead a smaller “ bonus ” to encourage people to go back to work .
“ We are not going to remove unemployment benefits … there will be some return-to-work benefit , ” Mr. Kudlow said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” “ It won ’ t be quite as substantial .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas , ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee , has proposed a return-to-work bonus that would allow workers to keep up to two weeks of unemployment benefits if they accept a job offer .
Mr. Kudlow said in addition to the encouraging jobs numbers in May , officials are expecting a strong retail sales report Tuesday .
“ Already , department and merchandise sales week to week are above year-ago levels , ” Mr. Kudlow said .
The president has cautioned aides that the economy “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House senior economic adviser Kevin Hassett .
“ The economic models are really missing things by a lot , ” he said on Fox News .
“ What we need to do is watch the data come in and then … as we get closer to the end of July , make a judgement of whether the recovery is faster than we thought slower than we thought.
” Most economists had expected employers to shed about 8 million jobs in May , and the surge in hiring caught them by surprise .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the upside , ” Mr. Hassett said Friday .
“ If we have another massive surprise on the upside in June , we ’ re going to have a much different demand for stimulus than if it goes the other way .
We ’ re preparing a plan for upside surprises and downside surprises that we ’ ll pursue aggressively in July.
” Two other factors are slowing the push for another round of spending .
The budget deficit for the first eight months of the fiscal year has hit a record $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the roughly $ 3.3 trillion emergency aid approved so far this year hasn ’ t been spent , according to the White House ’ s calculations .
“ We want to be careful at this point , seeing how much money is in the economy , ” Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin testified last week to the Senate committee on Small Business .
“ A lot of the money is still not in it .
Before we rush back and spend more money , whether that ’ s a trillion dollars or whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure we ’ re careful in knowing how much more we need to spend.
” Mr. Mnuchin said the president is still considering seriously a second round of the popular direct payments to most Americans , along the lines of what House Democrats approved last month — $ 1,200 per adult and $ 1,200 per child , up to three children .
That would be more generous than the emergency payments approved in March , which included $ 500 per child .
The first round of direct payments has totaled about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus relief spending , the federal deficit is soaring on its record-setting pace for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30 .
The eight-month total of $ 1.88 trillion was more than double the previous year ’ s deficit $ 739 billion for the same period , according to the Congressional Budget Office .
CBO is forecasting the deficit this year at $ 3.7 trillion .
The federal deficit for fiscal 2019 was $ 984 billion .
“ We left ourselves with too little fiscal space entering into this crisis , already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any fiscal relief measures , ” said Maya MacGuineas , president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget .
“ To fight the pandemic and economic downturn , we may have to borrow even more in the coming months .
Now , more than ever , we need to keep close tabs on the nation ’ s fiscal health to spend wisely and also prepare to get our fiscal house in order , so that we can respond to any future crises from a position of fiscal and economic strength.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Obama ’ s budget decisions , the deficit was $ 585 billion .
Mr. Trump , who often criticized Mr. Obama ’ s deficit spending , is now on a pace to add significantly more to the national debt in his first term than Mr. Obama did during his .
From 2010-2013 , the first four fiscal years for which Mr. Obama fully responsible , the national debt rose $ 4.4 trillion .
Mr. Trump is projected to add more than $ 7.6 trillion to the national debt through fiscal 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckoning on the next relief package will be Democrats ‘ proposal to extend into next year the increased federal unemployment benefits , which are due to expire July 31 .
The CARES Act added a $ 600 per week payment to regular state jobless benefits .
Republicans and the White House have expressed concern that it ’ s discouraging workers from returning to their jobs .
“ If we continue enhanced unemployment , we ’ re obviously going to need to fix that , ” Mr. Mnuchin said last week , “ so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a situation where workers are paid more on unemployment than they are to go back to work.
” Mr. Hassett said another challenge in crafting a relief bill is the “ radical difference right now in the data between red states and blue states.
” He said Democratic-run states generally have been slower than Republican-controlled states to reopen from the coronavirus shutdowns .

The White House and its Senate Republican allies have decided to delay action on another massive round of coronavirus spending until July, hopeful that an improving job market will lessen the need to add more borrowing to what is already the nation’s largest deficit in history.
The jobs report for May, showing that employers added nearly 3 million jobs as coronavirus shutdowns ended, has lowered the urgency for the Senate and White House to hold formal negotiations on a proposal to answer the House relief package, which totals $3.5 trillion.
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Sunday the administration won’t extend $600-a-week federal unemployment benefits, on top of regular unemployment payments, beyond July because they are a disincentive to work. He said the administration is eyeing instead a smaller “bonus” to encourage people to go back to work.
“We are not going to remove unemployment benefits … there will be some return-to-work benefit,” Mr. Kudlow said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “It won’t be quite as substantial. This is a turning point in the economy.”
Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, has proposed a return-to-work bonus that would allow workers to keep up to two weeks of unemployment benefits if they accept a job offer.
Mr. Kudlow said in addition to the encouraging jobs numbers in May, officials are expecting a strong retail sales report Tuesday.
“Already, department and merchandise sales week to week are above year-ago levels,” Mr. Kudlow said.
The president has cautioned aides that the economy “is evolving rapidly,” said White House senior economic adviser Kevin Hassett.
“The economic models are really missing things by a lot,” he said on Fox News. “What we need to do is watch the data come in and then … as we get closer to the end of July, make a judgement of whether the recovery is faster than we thought slower than we thought.”
Most economists had expected employers to shed about 8 million jobs in May, and the surge in hiring caught them by surprise.
“We just had a massive surprise on the upside,” Mr. Hassett said Friday. “If we have another massive surprise on the upside in June, we’re going to have a much different demand for stimulus than if it goes the other way. We’re preparing a plan for upside surprises and downside surprises that we’ll pursue aggressively in July.”
Two other factors are slowing the push for another round of spending. The budget deficit for the first eight months of the fiscal year has hit a record $1.88 trillion, and about half of the roughly $3.3 trillion emergency aid approved so far this year hasn’t been spent, according to the White House’s calculations.
“We want to be careful at this point, seeing how much money is in the economy,” Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin testified last week to the Senate committee on Small Business. “A lot of the money is still not in it. Before we rush back and spend more money, whether that’s a trillion dollars or whether that’s more, we want to make sure we’re careful in knowing how much more we need to spend.”
Mr. Mnuchin said the president is still considering seriously a second round of the popular direct payments to most Americans, along the lines of what House Democrats approved last month — $1,200 per adult and $1,200 per child, up to three children. That would be more generous than the emergency payments approved in March, which included $500 per child.
The first round of direct payments has totaled about $267 billion.
Largely due to the coronavirus relief spending, the federal deficit is soaring on its record-setting pace for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30. The eight-month total of $1.88 trillion was more than double the previous year’s deficit $739 billion for the same period, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
CBO is forecasting the deficit this year at $3.7 trillion. The federal deficit for fiscal 2019 was $984 billion.
“We left ourselves with too little fiscal space entering into this crisis, already facing $1 trillion deficits before enacting any fiscal relief measures,” said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “To fight the pandemic and economic downturn, we may have to borrow even more in the coming months. Now, more than ever, we need to keep close tabs on the nation’s fiscal health to spend wisely and also prepare to get our fiscal house in order, so that we can respond to any future crises from a position of fiscal and economic strength.”
In 2016, the last full year under President Obama’s budget decisions, the deficit was $585 billion. Mr. Trump, who often criticized Mr. Obama’s deficit spending, is now on a pace to add significantly more to the national debt in his first term than Mr. Obama did during his.
From 2010-2013, the first four fiscal years for which Mr. Obama fully responsible, the national debt rose $4.4 trillion. Mr. Trump is projected to add more than $7.6 trillion to the national debt through fiscal 2021, according to CRFB.
A moment of reckoning on the next relief package will be Democrats’ proposal to extend into next year the increased federal unemployment benefits, which are due to expire July 31. The CARES Act added a $600 per week payment to regular state jobless benefits. Republicans and the White House have expressed concern that it’s discouraging workers from returning to their jobs.
“If we continue enhanced unemployment, we’re obviously going to need to fix that,” Mr. Mnuchin said last week, “so that we don’t end up in a situation where workers are paid more on unemployment than they are to go back to work.”
Mr. Hassett said another challenge in crafting a relief bill is the “radical difference right now in the data between red states and blue states.” He said Democratic-run states generally have been slower than Republican-controlled states to reopen from the coronavirus shutdowns.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Playing for free, salary drop, 2022 lockout possible for MLB

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Jeremy Jeffress , Jordan Montgomery , Kevin Plawecki could be playing for free this season , earning salaries lower than what they already received as advances .
Mookie Betts , George Springer , J.T .
Realmuto , James Paxton and Marcus Stroman are likely to find fewer bidders , dollars and contract years as the free-agent market lurches into a free fall next offseason .
And all of baseball could be bracing for a spring training lockout and shortened 2022 season after the coronavirus pandemic heightened the likelihood of the sport ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harper , Manny Machado , Christian Yelich , all these guys are lucky that they signed , ” former Miami Marlins president David Samson said Sunday .
“ The biggest people you should watch this offseason are Mookie Betts and J.T .
Realmuto because J.T .
thought that he would surpass Joe Mauer and Buster Posey , and there is likely no chance .
And Mookie Betts thought that he would be above Bryce Harper and I would view that as much less likely now.
” The pathogen highlighted each side ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regular season , when they accrue the entirety of their salaries ; owners worry about the postseason , when $ 787 million in broadcast revenue is due .
Major League Baseball owners are left with the decision of how long a regular season to schedule after players ’ union head Tony Clark said Saturday night that “ unfortunately it appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile.
” Bruce Meyer , the union ’ s chief negotiator , sent Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem a letter that “ we demand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close of business on Monday.
” A March 26 agreement called for players to receive prorated salaries and bound the sides to “ complete the fullest 2020 championship season and postseason that is economically feasible , ” consistent with a series of provisions : no government restrictions on mass gatherings , no travel restrictions and no health or safety risk “ to stage games in front of fans in each of the 30 clubs ’ home ballparks.
” It also called for MLB and the union to “ discuss in good faith the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.
” Commissioner Rob Manfred has threatened a regular-season of about 50 games , which would lead to players receiving about 31 % of their salaries , about $ 1.23 billion .
That is less than the $ 1.27 billion they were guaranteed in the offer they turned down , a deal worth $ 1.45 billion if the postseason is completed .
MLB appears likely to announce a decision after Manfred confers with the 30 controlling owners .
Barring a move toward a deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The union would claim MLB failed to schedule the longest season possible and ask for money damages .
The union would say to make an evaluation it needs documents detailing the equity relationships between baseball owners and regional sports networks , and between owners and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks .
MLB would claim the union did not bargain in good faith .
Players say they have no obligation to help clubs reduce expenses caused by playing in empty ballparks .
Agent Scott Boras says the MLB stance is akin to saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you tell the runners no race until you fix my track.
” Arbitrator Mark Irvings , who ruled against Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant in the service time manipulation grievance filed by the union , would likely spent months ruling on document demands before the sides even start to present the merits of the case .
Players have received $ 170 million in salary advances , up to $ 286,500 each .
That means a player with a salary of about $ 925,000 or less whose contract did not include a lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leagues - Jeffress , Montgomery and Plawecki , among them - already has received more money that he would be owed under the proration formula .
Those players wouldn ’ t have to return any money ; instead , the money would be paid back to MLB by the union from taxes collected from teams for exceeding international signing bonus pool thresholds .
All players will lose chances to accumulate statistics for games lost that are never made up .
While they argue and file briefs , Betts , Realmuto and the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million-and-more deals given to Mike Trout , Harper , Giancarlo Stanton , Gerrit Cole and Machado .
The average salary , stagnated around $ 4.4 million since 2016 , is likely to fall sharply this winter .
And if the coronavirus lingers into 2021 , another season could be impacted .
Unless the sides reach an agreement , the sides would argue whether MLB has the right to suspend the Uniform Player Contract during a national emergency , as Manfred threatened before the March agreement .
Teams also will probably push for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new guaranteed contracts .
Bargaining during a major grievance will be even more difficult than usual heading into the labor contract ’ s expiration on Dec. 1 , 2021 .
Given the experience of 1994 and the union ’ s threat to strike in 2002 , teams would rather have a confrontation during spring training than in summer .
And if Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump in the presidential election and Democrats win control of both houses of Congress , player take-home could go down no matter what .
“ If the Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax rates are going to go through the roof , ” former Commissioner Fay Vincent said .
” $ 40 million is an awful lot of money , but the tax on that is going to be extraordinary .
”

NEW YORK (AP) - Jeremy Jeffress, Jordan Montgomery, Kevin Plawecki could be playing for free this season, earning salaries lower than what they already received as advances.
Mookie Betts, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, James Paxton and Marcus Stroman are likely to find fewer bidders, dollars and contract years as the free-agent market lurches into a free fall next offseason.
And all of baseball could be bracing for a spring training lockout and shortened 2022 season after the coronavirus pandemic heightened the likelihood of the sport’s first work stoppage since 1994-95.
“Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Christian Yelich, all these guys are lucky that they signed,” former Miami Marlins president David Samson said Sunday. “The biggest people you should watch this offseason are Mookie Betts and J.T. Realmuto because J.T. thought that he would surpass Joe Mauer and Buster Posey, and there is likely no chance. And Mookie Betts thought that he would be above Bryce Harper and I would view that as much less likely now.”
The pathogen highlighted each side’s economic interest: players care most about the regular season, when they accrue the entirety of their salaries; owners worry about the postseason, when $787 million in broadcast revenue is due.
Major League Baseball owners are left with the decision of how long a regular season to schedule after players’ union head Tony Clark said Saturday night that “unfortunately it appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile.”
Bruce Meyer, the union’s chief negotiator, sent Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem a letter that “we demand that you inform us of your plans by close of business on Monday.”
A March 26 agreement called for players to receive prorated salaries and bound the sides to “complete the fullest 2020 championship season and postseason that is economically feasible,” consistent with a series of provisions: no government restrictions on mass gatherings, no travel restrictions and no health or safety risk “to stage games in front of fans in each of the 30 clubs’ home ballparks.”
It also called for MLB and the union to “discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.”
Commissioner Rob Manfred has threatened a regular-season of about 50 games, which would lead to players receiving about 31% of their salaries, about $1.23 billion. That is less than the $1.27 billion they were guaranteed in the offer they turned down, a deal worth $1.45 billion if the postseason is completed.
MLB appears likely to announce a decision after Manfred confers with the 30 controlling owners.
Barring a move toward a deal, both sides probably will file grievances. The union would claim MLB failed to schedule the longest season possible and ask for money damages.
The union would say to make an evaluation it needs documents detailing the equity relationships between baseball owners and regional sports networks, and between owners and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks. MLB would claim the union did not bargain in good faith.
Players say they have no obligation to help clubs reduce expenses caused by playing in empty ballparks. Agent Scott Boras says the MLB stance is akin to saying: “When lighting strikes you, you tell the runners no race until you fix my track.”
Arbitrator Mark Irvings, who ruled against Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant in the service time manipulation grievance filed by the union, would likely spent months ruling on document demands before the sides even start to present the merits of the case.
Players have received $170 million in salary advances, up to $286,500 each. That means a player with a salary of about $925,000 or less whose contract did not include a lower rate of pay while in the major leagues - Jeffress, Montgomery and Plawecki, among them - already has received more money that he would be owed under the proration formula.
Those players wouldn’t have to return any money; instead, the money would be paid back to MLB by the union from taxes collected from teams for exceeding international signing bonus pool thresholds.
All players will lose chances to accumulate statistics for games lost that are never made up.
While they argue and file briefs, Betts, Realmuto and the rest are unlikely to reach the $300 million-and-more deals given to Mike Trout, Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, Gerrit Cole and Machado. The average salary, stagnated around $4.4 million since 2016, is likely to fall sharply this winter.
And if the coronavirus lingers into 2021, another season could be impacted. Unless the sides reach an agreement, the sides would argue whether MLB has the right to suspend the Uniform Player Contract during a national emergency, as Manfred threatened before the March agreement. Teams also will probably push for a pandemic provision in the guarantee language of new guaranteed contracts.
Bargaining during a major grievance will be even more difficult than usual heading into the labor contract’s expiration on Dec. 1, 2021. Given the experience of 1994 and the union’s threat to strike in 2002, teams would rather have a confrontation during spring training than in summer.
And if Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump in the presidential election and Democrats win control of both houses of Congress, player take-home could go down no matter what.
“If the Democrats win, I think they recognize that tax rates are going to go through the roof,” former Commissioner Fay Vincent said. ”$40 million is an awful lot of money, but the tax on that is going to be extraordinary.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Beyoncé wants officers charged in black woman's death

LOUISVILLE , Ky. ( AP ) - Beyoncé has joined the call for charges against officers involved in the shooting of Breonna Taylor , a black woman gunned down by officers who burst into her Kentucky home .
The superstar said in a letter Sunday to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron that the three Louisville police officers “ must be held accountable for their actions.
” The officers , Jon Mattingly , Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove , have been placed on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated .
“ Your office has both the power and the responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and demonstrate the value of a Black woman ’ s life , ” said the letter released on the singer ’ s website .
Taylor , 26 , who was studying to become a nurse , was shot eight times by officers conducting a narcotics investigation on March 13 .
No drugs were found at her home .
The city of Louisville last week banned the used of controversial “ no-knock ” warrants .
Taylor ’ s aunt , Bianca Austin , has said the family wants the officers fired and prosecuted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fueled by Taylor ’ s shooting and the death of George Floyd , a black man in police custody in Minneapolis .

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Beyoncé has joined the call for charges against officers involved in the shooting of Breonna Taylor, a black woman gunned down by officers who burst into her Kentucky home.
The superstar said in a letter Sunday to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron that the three Louisville police officers “must be held accountable for their actions.”
The officers, Jon Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove, have been placed on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated.
“Your office has both the power and the responsibility to bring justice to Breonna Taylor, and demonstrate the value of a Black woman’s life,” said the letter released on the singer’s website.
Taylor, 26, who was studying to become a nurse, was shot eight times by officers conducting a narcotics investigation on March 13. No drugs were found at her home. The city of Louisville last week banned the used of controversial “no-knock” warrants.
Taylor’s aunt, Bianca Austin, has said the family wants the officers fired and prosecuted.
Protests over several days in Louisville were fueled by Taylor’s shooting and the death of George Floyd, a black man in police custody in Minneapolis.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Nevada reports 227 additional COVID-19 cases; deaths up by 1

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Nevada health officials reported 227 additional COVID-19 cases and one additional death from the @ @ @ @ @ Figures posted by the Department of Health and Human Services put the total number of @ @ @ @ @ as of Saturday and the death toll at 464 .
The number of people hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 dropped to 332 as the state continues to see a slow decline in @ @ @ @ @ or suspected cases of the virus peaked above 700 in early April .
Nevada topped @ @ @ @ @ 244 additional cases were reported .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Nevada health officials reported 227 additional COVID-19 cases and one additional death from the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday.
Figures posted by the Department of Health and Human Services put the total number of cases statewide at nearly 11,200 as of Saturday and the death toll at 464.
The number of people hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 dropped to 332 as the state continues to see a slow decline in cases. Hospitalizations for confirmed or suspected cases of the virus peaked above 700 in early April.
Nevada topped 10,000 cases on Tuesday when 244 additional cases were reported.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Supreme Court mulls whether to take Black Lives Matter case on liability

The Supreme Court is weighing whether to take a case of a Black Lives Matter activist who doesn ’ t want to be held liable for an attack on a police officer during a protest in Louisiana .
DeRay McKesson , a top activist in the Black Lives Matter movement , is asking the justices to hear his case after the 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruled he was liable for an assault on a police officer at a rally outside a police station in Baton Rouge , Louisiana , in 2016 following the police shooting of Alton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case has been percolating in the courts for years but has taken on a new urgency with the rise of nationwide protest over George Floyd ’ s death last month .
The officer in the case , identified only as “ John Doe ” in court papers , sued Mr. McKesson after being struck in the head by a “ rock-like ” object when he began arresting unruly protesters .
He said the protesters at the rally became aggressive toward law enforcement officers after Black Lives Matter activists whipped the crowd into an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the First Amendment doesn ’ t protect the protesters from “ negligent , illegal , and dangerous activity that poses a risk of serious harm to others.
” Though the individual who threw the object is unidentified , the officer sued Black Lives Matter and Mr. McKesson , hoping to hold someone liable for the assault .
If the justices strike down the 5th Circuit ruling , “ John Doe ” said the court “ would encourage negligent , unpeaceful , and illegal behavior at the expense of others and , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serious harm that tort liability is intended to discourage.
” Mr. McKesson contends that if the 5th Circuit ’ s ruling stays in place and holds organizers liable for other people ’ s conduct , it will curtail First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances .
He said people will be afraid to protest if they could be held liable for the unlawful acts of others .
“ States retain undiminished authority to impose damages on protest participants and leaders who themselves inflict harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest leader personally responsible for illegal acts committed by others unless the leader himself incited or ‘ authorized , directed , or ratified ’ the ‘ specific ’ harm-inflicting acts , ” Mr. McKesson argued in his petition .
The justices likely will decide in the next few weeks whether to hear the challenge .
The case grew increasingly relevant amid a wave of Black Lives Matter protests across the nation following George Floyd ’ s death while being arrested by Minneapolis police May 25 .
Derek Chauvin , a white police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more than eight minutes , has been charged with second-degree murder .
It is unlikely the justices will take up the 2016 case because there are no other circuit court rulings that conflict with the 5th Circuit .
Typically , cases that present conflicting rulings amongst federal appeals courts are granted review by the high court .
“ I ’ m not sure it ’ s a strong candidate .
The justices are much more likely to take one or more of the strong qualified immunity petitions , ” said Ilya Shapiro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cato Institute , referring to a few cases that challenge qualified immunity — a shield from legal liability — that ’ s afforded to government officials and law enforcement when on the job .
In a related issue , the justices also are deciding whether or not to review challenges to the qualified immunity laws that shield police officers from civil lawsuits for misconduct in the line of duty .
The Black Lives Matter movement is involved in a more recent lawsuit sparked by the Floyd protests .
The American Civil Liberties Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for using force to remove protesters from Lafayette Square outside the White House using force earlier this month .
The ACLU has also filed a class action on behalf of journalists against police officers who acted violently against the media , preventing them from covering the protests that took place in major cities across the nation for more than two weeks .
It ’ s too early to say if either of those cases will make it to the Supreme Court .
“ The justices don ’ t want to be seen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr. Shapiro noted .

The Supreme Court is weighing whether to take a case of a Black Lives Matter activist who doesn’t want to be held liable for an attack on a police officer during a protest in Louisiana.
DeRay McKesson, a top activist in the Black Lives Matter movement, is asking the justices to hear his case after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled he was liable for an assault on a police officer at a rally outside a police station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2016 following the police shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man.
The case has been percolating in the courts for years but has taken on a new urgency with the rise of nationwide protest over George Floyd’s death last month.
The officer in the case, identified only as “John Doe” in court papers, sued Mr. McKesson after being struck in the head by a “rock-like” object when he began arresting unruly protesters. He said the protesters at the rally became aggressive toward law enforcement officers after Black Lives Matter activists whipped the crowd into an anti-police frenzy.
The police officer argued that the First Amendment doesn’t protect the protesters from “negligent, illegal, and dangerous activity that poses a risk of serious harm to others.” Though the individual who threw the object is unidentified, the officer sued Black Lives Matter and Mr. McKesson, hoping to hold someone liable for the assault.
If the justices strike down the 5th Circuit ruling, “John Doe” said the court “would encourage negligent, unpeaceful, and illegal behavior at the expense of others and, in particular, would expose law enforcement officers to serious harm that tort liability is intended to discourage.”
Mr. McKesson contends that if the 5th Circuit’s ruling stays in place and holds organizers liable for other people’s conduct, it will curtail First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. He said people will be afraid to protest if they could be held liable for the unlawful acts of others.
“States retain undiminished authority to impose damages on protest participants and leaders who themselves inflict harm. But the Constitution forbids holding a protest leader personally responsible for illegal acts committed by others unless the leader himself incited or ‘authorized, directed, or ratified’ the ‘specific’ harm-inflicting acts,” Mr. McKesson argued in his petition.
The justices likely will decide in the next few weeks whether to hear the challenge.
The case grew increasingly relevant amid a wave of Black Lives Matter protests across the nation following George Floyd’s death while being arrested by Minneapolis police May 25.
Derek Chauvin, a white police officer had his knee Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes, has been charged with second-degree murder.
It is unlikely the justices will take up the 2016 case because there are no other circuit court rulings that conflict with the 5th Circuit. Typically, cases that present conflicting rulings amongst federal appeals courts are granted review by the high court.
“I’m not sure it’s a strong candidate. The justices are much more likely to take one or more of the strong qualified immunity petitions,” said Ilya Shapiro, director of constitutional studies at the Cato Institute, referring to a few cases that challenge qualified immunity — a shield from legal liability — that’s afforded to government officials and law enforcement when on the job.
In a related issue, the justices also are deciding whether or not to review challenges to the qualified immunity laws that shield police officers from civil lawsuits for misconduct in the line of duty.
The Black Lives Matter movement is involved in a more recent lawsuit sparked by the Floyd protests.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for using force to remove protesters from Lafayette Square outside the White House using force earlier this month.
The ACLU has also filed a class action on behalf of journalists against police officers who acted violently against the media, preventing them from covering the protests that took place in major cities across the nation for more than two weeks.
It’s too early to say if either of those cases will make it to the Supreme Court.
“The justices don’t want to be seen as responding directly to current events anyway,” Mr. Shapiro noted.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Michigan confirms 3 new virus deaths

Michigan confirms 3 new virus deaths

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - The Michigan health department on Sunday confirmed three new deaths from COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ confirmed deaths in the state to 5,770 .
Around 60,000 people have tested positive and @ @ @ @ @ be positive by mid-May or earlier have recovered , the state said .
As numbers @ @ @ @ @ .
Gretchen Whitmer has eased many restrictions put in place to try to stem the @ @ @ @ @ as the outbreak began in March .
Barbershops , salons and spas are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ business .

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan health department on Sunday confirmed three new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in the state to 5,770.
Around 60,000 people have tested positive and thousands who were found to be positive by mid-May or earlier have recovered, the state said.
As numbers have trended downward, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has eased many restrictions put in place to try to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus as the outbreak began in March.
Barbershops, salons and spas are allowed to open Monday after months without business.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Intelligence document highlights FBI's faith in anti-Trump dossier

A newly declassified intelligence document underscores the FBI ’ s absolute commitment to the discredited Christopher Steele dossier even to the point of providing the CIA its most damaging allegations against then-President-elect Trump .
The document is Annex A to the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment ( ICA ) on Russia ’ s interference in the 2016 presidential election .
The FBI had obtained Mr. Steele ’ s dossier in September .
Its top officials , including Director James B. Comey and Deputy Director Andrew McCabe , began to press the CIA and other agencies to include the paper in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials agreed to accept a synopsis — Annex A .
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe declassified the document last week .
The dossier was funded by the Democratic Party and the Clinton campaign .
Government investigations have discredited its dozen or so anti-Trump claims .
However , in the fall 2016 the FBI was able to get the unfounded allegations inside the ICA , a historic intelligence report meant to meet the test of time in retelling Russian election meddling .
The FBI had the ICA report repeat allegations that Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developer , maintained a secret relationship with the Kremlin .
Annex A says : “ The most politically sensitive claims by the FBI source [ Mr. Steele ] alleged a close relationship between the President-elect and the Kremlin .
The Source claimed the president-elect and his top campaign advisers knowingly worked with Russian officials to bolster his chances of beating Secretary [ Hillary ] Clinton , were fully knowledgeable of Russia direction of leaked Democratic emails and were offered financial compensation from Moscow.
” Annex A also says : “ The FBI source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the president-elect team were handled by some of president-elect advisers , at least one of whom was allegedly offered remuneration for a policy change lifting sanctions on Russia.
” All of these claims were thoroughly disproven by special counsel Robert Mueller in his report .
He found no election conspiracy .
In fact , Mr. Trump appeared to have no history of Kremlin contacts .
Annex A described Mr. Steele as “ an executive of a private business intelligence firm.
” That would be Orbis Business Intelligence in London .
Annex A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on behalf of private clients.
” It does not divulge their identities — the Democratic Party and the Clinton campaign — even though Mr. Steele later told investigations he told the FBI he was working for their law firm .
The FBI leadership ’ s persistence in persuading intelligence officials to fold-in dossier claims is one of several times the bureau showed complete loyalty to Mr. Steele .
χ At the time same officials were writing the ICA , the FBI used the dossier as the main piece of evidence to obtain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteer Carter Page under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) .
Mr .
Page was cleared by Mr. Mueller .
χ FBI headquarters repeatedly took in more dossier information during the fall from a Steele intermediary .
χ Mr. Comey took dossier material to the White House to brief President Obama ’ s inner circle .
χ Mr. Comey also brought the material to New York on Jan. 6 to brief the salacious parts about Moscow prostitutes directly to President-elect Trump .
Afterwards , Mr. Comey traveled to the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference the FBI team investigating the Trump campaign .
χ A gaggle of FBI agents met with Mr. Steele in October 2016 in Rome and offered him $ 50,000 to continue investigating Mr. Trump .
The deal fell through when Mr. Steele broke protocol and sourced a story in Mother Jones magazine right before the election .
The FBI ’ s dossier back-and-forth with the intelligence community was documented in an April report by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence .
“ FBI officials told the Committee that they ‘ would have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not been included , and that FBI believed they ‘ had to put everything in , ’ ” the Senate report said .
A bureau assistant director urged its inclusion even though agents did not “ stand behind ” the material .
“ A summary of this material was included in Annex A as a compromise to the FBI ’ s insistence that the information was responsive to the presidential tasking , ” the report states .

A newly declassified intelligence document underscores the FBI’s absolute commitment to the discredited Christopher Steele dossier even to the point of providing the CIA its most damaging allegations against then-President-elect Trump.
The document is Annex A to the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) on Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The FBI had obtained Mr. Steele’s dossier in September. Its top officials, including Director James B. Comey and Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, began to press the CIA and other agencies to include the paper in the ICA. As a compromise, CIA officials agreed to accept a synopsis — Annex A.
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe declassified the document last week. The dossier was funded by the Democratic Party and the Clinton campaign. Government investigations have discredited its dozen or so anti-Trump claims.
However, in the fall 2016 the FBI was able to get the unfounded allegations inside the ICA, a historic intelligence report meant to meet the test of time in retelling Russian election meddling.
The FBI had the ICA report repeat allegations that Mr. Trump, as a hotel and golf course developer, maintained a secret relationship with the Kremlin.
Annex A says: “The most politically sensitive claims by the FBI source [Mr. Steele] alleged a close relationship between the President-elect and the Kremlin. The Source claimed the president-elect and his top campaign advisers knowingly worked with Russian officials to bolster his chances of beating Secretary [Hillary] Clinton, were fully knowledgeable of Russia direction of leaked Democratic emails and were offered financial compensation from Moscow.”
Annex A also says: “The FBI source claimed that secret meetings between the Kremlin and the president-elect team were handled by some of president-elect advisers, at least one of whom was allegedly offered remuneration for a policy change lifting sanctions on Russia.”
All of these claims were thoroughly disproven by special counsel Robert Mueller in his report. He found no election conspiracy. In fact, Mr. Trump appeared to have no history of Kremlin contacts.
Annex A described Mr. Steele as “an executive of a private business intelligence firm.” That would be Orbis Business Intelligence in London. Annex A said Mr. Steele assembled the dossier “on behalf of private clients.” It does not divulge their identities — the Democratic Party and the Clinton campaign — even though Mr. Steele later told investigations he told the FBI he was working for their law firm.
The FBI leadership’s persistence in persuading intelligence officials to fold-in dossier claims is one of several times the bureau showed complete loyalty to Mr. Steele.
χ At the time same officials were writing the ICA, the FBI used the dossier as the main piece of evidence to obtain the first of four wiretaps on Trump campaign volunteer Carter Page under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Mr. Page was cleared by Mr. Mueller.
χ FBI headquarters repeatedly took in more dossier information during the fall from a Steele intermediary.
χ Mr. Comey took dossier material to the White House to brief President Obama’s inner circle.
χ Mr. Comey also brought the material to New York on Jan. 6 to brief the salacious parts about Moscow prostitutes directly to President-elect Trump. Afterwards, Mr. Comey traveled to the New York field office to fill in by tele-video conference the FBI team investigating the Trump campaign.
χ A gaggle of FBI agents met with Mr. Steele in October 2016 in Rome and offered him $50,000 to continue investigating Mr. Trump. The deal fell through when Mr. Steele broke protocol and sourced a story in Mother Jones magazine right before the election.
The FBI’s dossier back-and-forth with the intelligence community was documented in an April report by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
“FBI officials told the Committee that they ‘would have had a major problem’ if Annex A had not been included, and that FBI believed they ‘had to put everything in,’” the Senate report said.
A bureau assistant director urged its inclusion even though agents did not “stand behind” the material.
“A summary of this material was included in Annex A as a compromise to the FBI’s insistence that the information was responsive to the presidential tasking,” the report states.
• Rowan Scarborough can be reached at rscarborough@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--2 killed in Alabama crash were Navy pilots in civilian plane

SELMA , Ala. ( AP ) - The Navy has identified two of its pilots who were killed in a civilian plane crash last week in Alabama .
Capt .
Vincent Segars and Cmdr .
Joshua Fuller were flying to Pensacola , Florida , from Jasper , Alabama , aboard a civilian plane .
The single-engine plane went down near Selma on Wednesday afternoon , killing both .
They were the only people on board .
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash .
Segars was commanding officer of the Naval Aviation Schools Command at Naval Air Station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer for the command ’ s naval introductory flight evaluation program , said Cmdr .
James Stockman , public affairs officer for Naval Education and Training Command at NAS Pensacola .
The Pensacola News Journal reported Segars was from South Carolina and was commissioned into the Navy on Sept. 6 , 1990 , through the NROTC Program at Georgia Institute of Technology .
He later attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama and was first assigned as the commander of NAS Pensacola ’ s Naval Aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fuller was a Florida native .
He was commissioned into the Navy on June 23 , 2000 , and became part of the Naval Aviation Schools Command staff on Nov. 15 , 2019 .
Before moving to the Gulf Coast , he was assigned to multiple electronic attack squadrons in Whidbey Island , Washington ,

SELMA, Ala. (AP) - The Navy has identified two of its pilots who were killed in a civilian plane crash last week in Alabama.
Capt. Vincent Segars and Cmdr. Joshua Fuller were flying to Pensacola, Florida, from Jasper, Alabama, aboard a civilian plane. The single-engine plane went down near Selma on Wednesday afternoon, killing both. They were the only people on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
Segars was commanding officer of the Naval Aviation Schools Command at Naval Air Station Pensacola, and Fuller was an integration officer for the command’s naval introductory flight evaluation program, said Cmdr. James Stockman, public affairs officer for Naval Education and Training Command at NAS Pensacola.
The Pensacola News Journal reported Segars was from South Carolina and was commissioned into the Navy on Sept. 6, 1990, through the NROTC Program at Georgia Institute of Technology. He later attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama and was first assigned as the commander of NAS Pensacola’s Naval Aviation Schools Command on April 29, 2009.
Fuller was a Florida native. He was commissioned into the Navy on June 23, 2000, and became part of the Naval Aviation Schools Command staff on Nov. 15, 2019. Before moving to the Gulf Coast, he was assigned to multiple electronic attack squadrons in Whidbey Island, Washington,


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Officials: Uber driver shot by passengers in Georgia

COLLEGE PARK , Ga. ( AP ) - An Uber driver in Georgia has been placed on life support after @ @ @ @ @ passengers she picked up from a Dollar General store .
Clayton County authorities found the @ @ @ @ @ a gunshot wound in her neck and armpit while responding to a report of a @ @ @ @ @ Friday , news outlets reported .
The Clayton County Sheriff ’ s Office did not @ @ @ @ @ victim , but are asking the public ’ s help for information on four men @ @ @ @ @ shooting .

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (AP) - An Uber driver in Georgia has been placed on life support after she was allegedly shot by passengers she picked up from a Dollar General store.
Clayton County authorities found the driver inside her car with a gunshot wound in her neck and armpit while responding to a report of a shooting at an apartment complex Friday, news outlets reported.
The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office did not reveal the identity of the victim, but are asking the public’s help for information on four men wanted in connection to the shooting.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--5 injured in stabbings possibly related to car crash in NYC

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A car crash that injured two men may be related to the stabbings of @ @ @ @ @ same location in Brooklyn on Monday , police said .
The attacks happened shortly after @ @ @ @ @ 32-year-old man was stabbed in the arm , a 37-year-old man was stabbed in the @ @ @ @ @ was stabbed in the arm .
Meanwhile , a 38-year-old man and 29-year-old man were @ @ @ @ @ the same location in the Bushwick section .
All of the victims were taken to @ @ @ @ @ their conditions wasn ’ t immediately available .
Police are investigating whether the same person @ @ @ @ @ and the crash .

NEW YORK (AP) - A car crash that injured two men may be related to the stabbings of three other men at the same location in Brooklyn on Monday, police said.
The attacks happened shortly after 1 a.m. Police said a 32-year-old man was stabbed in the arm, a 37-year-old man was stabbed in the stomach and a 21-year-old man was stabbed in the arm.
Meanwhile, a 38-year-old man and 29-year-old man were hit by a car near the same location in the Bushwick section.
All of the victims were taken to a hospital. Information on their conditions wasn’t immediately available.
Police are investigating whether the same person was responsible for the stabbings and the crash.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Tomika Miller, wife of Rayshard Brooks, calls for jailing of officers involved in Brooks' death

Tomika Miller , the wife of Rayshard Brooks , said the Atlanta police officers involved in her husband ’ s killing deserve to be jailed .
“ If it was my husband who shot them , he would be in jail .
He would be doing a life sentence , ” she said in an interview airing Monday on “ CBS This Morning.
” “ They need to be put away , ” she said .
Mr. Brooks , 27 , was shot and killed after he grabbed an officer ’ s Taser and started running away near a Wendy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
Police had responded to reports that a man had been asleep at a drive-thru .
Ms. Miller said everything happened so fast , but it would have taken the other officer on the scene a “ split second ” to say “ hey — calm down.
” “ He could have told his partner ‘ calm down.
’ So all of them need to be sentenced the same way , ” she said .
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields abruptly resigned as the killing of Mr. Brooks sparked a wave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Wendy ’ s was then set on fire by protesters Friday night .
The officer who shot Mr. Brooks , Garrett Rolfe , was fired .
The other officer on the scene , Devin Brosnan , was placed on administrative leave .
The killing comes several weeks after the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police .
Floyd ’ s death sparked massive protests across the country and calls for changes to U.S. policing laws , including moves in some cities to defund law enforcement departments .

Tomika Miller, the wife of Rayshard Brooks, said the Atlanta police officers involved in her husband’s killing deserve to be jailed.
“If it was my husband who shot them, he would be in jail. He would be doing a life sentence,” she said in an interview airing Monday on “CBS This Morning.”
“They need to be put away,” she said.
Mr. Brooks, 27, was shot and killed after he grabbed an officer’s Taser and started running away near a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta on Friday night. Police had responded to reports that a man had been asleep at a drive-thru.
Mr. Brooks’ death has been ruled a homicide.
Ms. Miller said everything happened so fast, but it would have taken the other officer on the scene a “split second” to say “hey — calm down.”
“He could have told his partner ‘calm down.’ So all of them need to be sentenced the same way,” she said.
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields abruptly resigned as the killing of Mr. Brooks sparked a wave of protests in the city over the weekend. The Wendy’s was then set on fire by protesters Friday night.
The officer who shot Mr. Brooks, Garrett Rolfe, was fired. The other officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, was placed on administrative leave.
The killing comes several weeks after the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police. Floyd’s death sparked massive protests across the country and calls for changes to U.S. policing laws, including moves in some cities to defund law enforcement departments.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--3 hospitalized after weekend shooting at Virginia oceanfront

VIRGINIA BEACH , Va. ( AP ) - Three people were hospitalized after being shot near an oceanfront area in @ @ @ @ @ according to police .
Virginia Beach officers were responding to the sound of gunfire at @ @ @ @ @ Ocean just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday when they found someone suffering from a gunshot wound @ @ @ @ @ later received reports that two other people had also been shot nearby , according to @ @ @ @ @ victims were taken to a hospital with wounds that were not considered life-threatening , police @ @ @ @ @ comment further on the circumstances leading to the shooting or identify the victims .

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Three people were hospitalized after being shot near an oceanfront area in Virginia over the weekend, according to police.
Virginia Beach officers were responding to the sound of gunfire at a street near the Atlantic Ocean just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday when they found someone suffering from a gunshot wound, authorities said.
Police later received reports that two other people had also been shot nearby, according to the department. The three victims were taken to a hospital with wounds that were not considered life-threatening, police said.
Authorities did not comment further on the circumstances leading to the shooting or identify the victims.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Scott Gottlieb and AEI scholar agree: Officials have to stop politicizing mask-wearing

Dr. Scott Gottlieb , a former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under President Trump , said in a new opinion piece that officials from Mr. Trump on down need to stop politicizing coronavirus mitigation efforts like mask-wearing as cases start to increase again in pockets of the U.S. Dr. Gottlieb and Yuval Levin , an expert at the American Enterprise Institute , wrote that an increasing number of cases in about a dozen states isn ’ t a “ second wave , ” but rather “ a series of spikes off the first surge.
” They wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states met the criteria to reopen from various coronavirus-related lockdowns , Americans ultimately got “ fed up ” with isolation , and subsequent mass political protests “ made that process more complex.
” “ Wearing face masks is the simplest and most effective , along with efforts to practice hygiene and distancing when possible , ” they wrote in a Wall Street Journal piece published on Sunday .
“ Officials from the president down must avoid politicizing these measures.
” They wrote that such measures are “ neither conspiracies against your dignity nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather “ sensible ways of reducing infection and fear.
” The piece says the public is unlikely to tolerate broad shutdowns over the summer , and so mayors and governors have to be ready to curtail “ specific activities that are sources of spread ” if new hot spots pop up .
Cases in some southern and western states have ticked up recently , and the stock market ’ s hot streak cooled a bit last week on fears of another COVID-19 wave .
Mr. Trump is also scheduled to return to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tulsa , Oklahoma , this weekend despite warnings from the executive director of the Tulsa Health Department .
“ The spontaneous protests around the country are going to lead to additional spread .
Certainly holding a large political rally will as well , ” Dr. Gottlieb said Sunday on CBS ’ “ Face the Nation.
” There are more than 2 million positive coronavirus cases and more than 115,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. , according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University .
The U.S. is home to more than 300 million @ @

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under President Trump, said in a new opinion piece that officials from Mr. Trump on down need to stop politicizing coronavirus mitigation efforts like mask-wearing as cases start to increase again in pockets of the U.S.
Dr. Gottlieb and Yuval Levin, an expert at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote that an increasing number of cases in about a dozen states isn’t a “second wave,” but rather “a series of spikes off the first surge.”
They wrote that while only a small number of states met the criteria to reopen from various coronavirus-related lockdowns, Americans ultimately got “fed up” with isolation, and subsequent mass political protests “made that process more complex.”
“Wearing face masks is the simplest and most effective, along with efforts to practice hygiene and distancing when possible,” they wrote in a Wall Street Journal piece published on Sunday. “Officials from the president down must avoid politicizing these measures.”
They wrote that such measures are “neither conspiracies against your dignity nor proof of your enlightenment,” but rather “sensible ways of reducing infection and fear.”
The piece says the public is unlikely to tolerate broad shutdowns over the summer, and so mayors and governors have to be ready to curtail “specific activities that are sources of spread” if new hot spots pop up.
Cases in some southern and western states have ticked up recently, and the stock market’s hot streak cooled a bit last week on fears of another COVID-19 wave.
Mr. Trump is also scheduled to return to the campaign trail with a massive rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this weekend despite warnings from the executive director of the Tulsa Health Department.
“The spontaneous protests around the country are going to lead to additional spread. Certainly holding a large political rally will as well,” Dr. Gottlieb said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
There are more than 2 million positive coronavirus cases and more than 115,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S., according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. is home to more than 300 million people.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--St. Cloud officer shot during struggle to arrest teen

ST .
CLOUD , Minn. ( AP ) - St .
Cloud police officer was shot and wounded while struggling @ @ @ @ @ according to authorities .
Officers were trying to detain the 18-year-old man shortly after midnight @ @ @ @ @ , drew a handgun and fired a shot that hit the officer in the hand @ @ @ @ @ Star Tribune reports the officer is hospitalized in stable condition .
No officers returned fire @ @ @ @ @ .
Police have not said what crime the man was suspected of committing .
The @ @ @ @ @ the hospital for treatment of minor injuries .

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) - The shooting of a police officer in Minnesota who was struggling to arrest a young man early Monday led to rumors on social media that drew protesters to police headquarters and prompted officers to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
During a news conference, St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson expressed frustration with the role social media had in spreading a rumor that two black men had been shot by police.
“Things can get blasted all over creation right now and it is very reckless in my opinion and it’s very dangerous, and this is the kind of thing that could have escalated, and I am deeply concerned about that kind of stuff,” Anderson said.
Officers were attempting to stop and detain the 18-year-old for what Anderson later said was a suspicion that he had a gun. He resisted arrest, drew a handgun and fired a shot that hit the officer in the hand, police said.
The Star Tribune reported that the officer was hospitalized in stable condition. No officers returned fire while struggling with the man, officials said. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
As misinformation spread on social media, about 100 people gathered outside the police station in downtown St. Cloud. Anderson said the building was damaged by people throwing rocks. Chemical irritants were used to disperse the crowd, and there were four arrests, he said.
“This place could have been on fire over a lie. Not just some misinformation, not just a few facts here and there, it was flat out untrue,” the chief said.
The shooting comes three weeks after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, some 65 miles (104 kilometers) southeast of St. Cloud. The death of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, has sparked worldwide protests over police brutality and racism. He died after Derek Chauvin, a white officer, used his knee to pin down Floyd’s neck for several minutes as Floyd pleaded for air and eventually stopped moving.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Kayaker drowns in Mecan River in Marquette County

MONTELLO , Wis. ( AP ) - A woman who drowned while kayaking in Marquette County was from Ripon , @ @ @ @ @ officials .
Tammi McCauley , 57 , was kayaking with her sister on the Mecan @ @ @ @ @ Mecan Saturday .
Authorities say bystanders attempted to revive the woman before emergency crews arrived @ @ @ @ @ pronounced dead at the scene .
The accident is under investigation .

MONTELLO, Wis. (AP) - A woman who drowned while kayaking in Marquette County was from Ripon, according to sheriff’s officials.
Tammi McCauley, 57, was kayaking with her sister on the Mecan River in the Town of Mecan Saturday.
Authorities say bystanders attempted to revive the woman before emergency crews arrived. WLUK-TV reports she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident is under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Reports: Chinese billionaire held hostage, rescued by police

BEIJING ( AP ) - The billionaire founder of the world ’ s biggest appliance manufacturer , Midea Group , was held hostage by intruders in his home in southern China but was rescued by police , news reports said Monday .
Police received a call Sunday evening that intruders had broken into a home in Foshan , near Hong Kong , the Foshan police department said on its social media account .
It said five suspects were arrested early Monday .
The police statement identified the victim only by the surname He , but the business news magazine Caixin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets said it was He Xiangjian , Midea ’ s 78-year-old founder .
Midea thanked police in a statement on its social media account but gave no confirmation He Xiangjian was involved .
Phone calls to Midea ’ s press office weren ’ t answered .
A man who answered the phone at the Foshan police headquarters said he couldn ’ t talk about the case .
The police statement said the crime occurred at the Junlan Life Village , which Caixin said is a neighborhood of villas built by Midea .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a net worth of 180 billion yuan ( $ 25 billion ) , according to Hurun Report , which tracks the country ’ s wealthy .
Midea reported 2019 revenue of 280 billion yuan ( $ 32.9 billion ) .
Its 200 subsidiaries include Kuka , a German producer of robotics technology .
Midea grew out of a workshop set up in 1968 by He and other residents of Beijiao , a village that now is part of Foshan .
He stepped down from operations of the company in 2012 but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His son , He Jianfeng , also is a director .

BEIJING (AP) - The billionaire founder of the world’s biggest appliance manufacturer, Midea Group, was held hostage by intruders in his home in southern China but was rescued by police, news reports said Monday.
Police received a call Sunday evening that intruders had broken into a home in Foshan, near Hong Kong, the Foshan police department said on its social media account. It said five suspects were arrested early Monday.
The police statement identified the victim only by the surname He, but the business news magazine Caixin, the newspaper Beijing News and other outlets said it was He Xiangjian, Midea’s 78-year-old founder.
Midea thanked police in a statement on its social media account but gave no confirmation He Xiangjian was involved. Phone calls to Midea’s press office weren’t answered. A man who answered the phone at the Foshan police headquarters said he couldn’t talk about the case.
The police statement said the crime occurred at the Junlan Life Village, which Caixin said is a neighborhood of villas built by Midea.
He is China’s fourth-wealthiest person, with a net worth of 180 billion yuan ($25 billion), according to Hurun Report, which tracks the country’s wealthy.
Midea reported 2019 revenue of 280 billion yuan ($32.9 billion). Its 200 subsidiaries include Kuka, a German producer of robotics technology.
Midea grew out of a workshop set up in 1968 by He and other residents of Beijiao, a village that now is part of Foshan.
He stepped down from operations of the company in 2012 but has a seat on the board of directors. His son, He Jianfeng, also is a director.
___
AP researcher Yu Bing contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--'Black Lives Matter' Charlotte mural repaired after damage

CHARLOTTE , N.C. ( AP ) - Artists in Charlotte repaired the “ Black Lives Matter ” mural in the @ @ @ @ @ by a driver who left tire marks on it .
No arrests have been made @ @ @ @ @ vandalism discovered Friday , but 16 artists who created the pavement art came out Sunday @ @ @ @ @ six days after they were first painted , news outlets reported .
“ If it @ @ @ @ @ s the kind of people we need to inform and educate , ” artist Kiana @ @ @ @ @ .
The artwork , with each letter spelling out Black Lives Matter in a different @ @ @ @ @ a focus of political gatherings in the city .
“ It won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s definitely going to be here and part of history for @ @ @

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Artists in Charlotte repaired the “Black Lives Matter” mural in the city after it was damaged by a driver who left tire marks on it.
No arrests have been made since police began investigating the vandalism discovered Friday, but 16 artists who created the pavement art came out Sunday to restore their works just six days after they were first painted, news outlets reported.
“If it agitated them, that’s the kind of people we need to inform and educate,” artist Kiana Mui told The Charlotte Observer.
The artwork, with each letter spelling out Black Lives Matter in a different theme, has quickly become a focus of political gatherings in the city. “It won’t be ruined,” Mui said. “It’s definitely going to be here and part of history for Charlotte.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Sheriff searching for 3 who fired at deputies from woods

ZEBULON , N.C. ( AP ) - Authorities in North Carolina are searching for three men who fired at officers @ @ @ @ @ night .
News outlets reported that Wake County deputies were responding to reports of shots @ @ @ @ @ p.m. before the men started firing at them from inside a wooded area , Wake @ @ @ @ @ Information Officer Eric Curry said .
The three men were armed with assault weapons and @ @ @ @ @ receiving orders to stop , Curry said .
No deputies were wounded , he said @ @ @ @ @ and partially surrounded the men , but did not fire back out of concern for @ @ @ @ @ the area , and the men managed to flee , Curry told WTVD-TV .
Curry @ @ @ @ @ casings from rifles and handguns at the scene .
The state highway patrol and Zebulon @ @ @ @ @ deputies in searching for the suspects and are asking the public ’ s help for @ @ @

ZEBULON, N.C. (AP) - Authorities in North Carolina are searching for three men who fired at officers from a wooded area Sunday night.
News outlets reported that Wake County deputies were responding to reports of shots fired near Zebulon around 7:30 p.m. before the men started firing at them from inside a wooded area, Wake County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Eric Curry said.
The three men were armed with assault weapons and continued firing at deputies after receiving orders to stop, Curry said. No deputies were wounded, he said.
Deputies called for backup and partially surrounded the men, but did not fire back out of concern for the safety of residents in the area, and the men managed to flee, Curry told WTVD-TV.
Curry said authorities later found shell casings from rifles and handguns at the scene.
The state highway patrol and Zebulon police have joined Wake County deputies in searching for the suspects and are asking the public’s help for any information.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Israeli Supreme Court judge says she got threatening letter

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - An Israeli Supreme Court judge complained to police that she had received a threatening letter , the court said Monday .
Israeli media reported she was given a security team for protection .
The court administration did not disclose further details but noted that the threatening letter sent to Justice Anat Baron contained “ despicable ” content .
Israeli media , however , reported that it included death threats against the liberal-leaning judge and veiled references to a son of hers who was killed in a 2003 suicide bombing attack .
“ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incitement against the judiciary and its judges , ” the court said in a sharply-worded comment .
“ Attempts to intimidate Israeli judges will not deter them and they will continue to do their job fearlessly.
” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the threatening letter , linking it to threats he says his family also receives .
But critics said Netanyahu bore responsibility for creating the violent climate with his verbal attacks against the courts , the police and the prosecution surrounding his corruption case that recently went to trial .
Netanyahu claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to oust him and his followers have taken to the streets in protest and to social media to personally attack judges and law enforcement officials .
Israel ’ s attorney general also recently filed a police complaint following anonymous threats against him , and the prosecutor in Netanyahu ’ s case was assigned a bodyguard following threats against her .
“ The threat to the Supreme Court justice is a direct result of the incitement coming from Netanyahu .
This is on him , ” tweeted opposition leader Yair Lapid .

JERUSALEM (AP) - An Israeli Supreme Court judge complained to police that she had received a threatening letter, the court said Monday. Israeli media reported she was given a security team for protection.
The court administration did not disclose further details but noted that the threatening letter sent to Justice Anat Baron contained “despicable” content.
Israeli media, however, reported that it included death threats against the liberal-leaning judge and veiled references to a son of hers who was killed in a 2003 suicide bombing attack.
“This is a direct result of the continued and reckless incitement against the judiciary and its judges,” the court said in a sharply-worded comment. “Attempts to intimidate Israeli judges will not deter them and they will continue to do their job fearlessly.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the threatening letter, linking it to threats he says his family also receives. But critics said Netanyahu bore responsibility for creating the violent climate with his verbal attacks against the courts, the police and the prosecution surrounding his corruption case that recently went to trial. Netanyahu claims they have colluded in a grand conspiracy to oust him and his followers have taken to the streets in protest and to social media to personally attack judges and law enforcement officials.
Israel’s attorney general also recently filed a police complaint following anonymous threats against him, and the prosecutor in Netanyahu’s case was assigned a bodyguard following threats against her.
“The threat to the Supreme Court justice is a direct result of the incitement coming from Netanyahu. This is on him,” tweeted opposition leader Yair Lapid.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Bomb squad detonates package thrown at justice complex

CINCINNATI ( AP ) - The bomb squad early Monday safely detonated a suspicious package that was thrown at the @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s office said .
Officers evacuated the justice complex and closed surrounding @ @ @ @ @ devices unit examined the package that was tossed over a concrete wall near an entrance @ @ @ @ @ the package and detonated it as a precaution , the sheriff ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ .
The sheriff ’ s office said inmates and staff were not at risk .

CINCINNATI (AP) - The bomb squad safely detonated a suspicious package early Monday that was thrown at the Hamilton County Justice Complex, the sheriff’s office said.
Officers evacuated the justice complex and closed surrounding streets, while they hazardous devices unit examined the package that was tossed over a concrete wall near an entrance.
The bomb squad X-rayed the package and detonated it as a precaution, the sheriff’s office said.
No one was injured.
The sheriff’s office said inmates and staff were not at risk.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--U.S. Air Force plane crashes into North Sea

An American fighter jet went down in the North Sea early Monday morning , U.S. military officials said , and @ @ @ @ @ is unknown .
The Air Force F-15C Eagle , part of the U.S. 48th Fighter @ @ @ @ @ RAF Lakenheath base in the U.K. , crashed at 9:40 a.m. local time .
“ @ @ @ @ @ accident , the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board @ @ @ @ @ Wing said in a statement .
“ The cause of the crash as well as @ @ @ @ @ are unknown at this time , and U.K. Search and Rescue have been called to @ @ @ @ @ located about 80 miles northeast of London and represents the only U.S. Air Force F-35 @ @ @ @ @

Searchers have discovered the body of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who went down early Monday in the North Sea. The pilot was discovered after the wreckage of the F-15C Eagle was located.
It crashed about 9:30 a.m. local time. The wreckage was discovered by the British Coastguard.
The Air Force fighter pilot, who has not been identified, was assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Great Britain.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I confirm the pilot of the downed F-15C Eagle has been located and confirmed deceased,” said Air Force Col. William Marshall, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing.
The identity of the pilot will not be released until family members have been notified, Col. Marshall said.
“This is a tragic loss for the 48th Fighter Wing community and our deepest condolences go out to the pilots family and the 493rd Fighter Squadron,” Col. Marshall said.
Sky News in the U.K. reported that the single-seat fighter went down in the waters near Flamborough Head on the coast of East Yorkshire — about 160 miles north of the air base.
“At the time of the accident, the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board,” the 48th Fighter Wing said in a statement.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, Air Force officials said.
The base is located about 80 miles northeast of London and represents the only U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter wing in Europe.
In a statement later Monday morning, Her Majesty’s Coastguard — part of the U.K.’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency — said it has dispatched crews and equipment to aid in a search-and-rescue operation.
“The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Humberside has been sent along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats,” the U.K. Coastguard said. “Following a Mayday broadcast by HM Coastguard, other vessels nearby are heading to the area.”
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com. • Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--5 things to know today

5 things to know today

Your daily look at late-breaking news , upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today : 1 .
CHINA CAPITAL BRACES FOR VIRUS RESURGENCE 79 new cases were reported in Beijing as the U.S. continues to struggle with an outbreak that appears ready to stretch on for months or even years .
2 .
‘ I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS A JUSTIFIED USE OF FORCE ’ White Atlanta officer who a shot black man , Rayshard Brooks , outside a Wendy ’ s is fired , second officer place on administrative leave .
3 .
ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FRIEND TO FUND DEFENSE Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping an oversight committee approves his request to accept $ 2.9 million from Michigan-based magnate .
4 .
BLOW TO FREEDOM OF PRESS IN ASIA Journalist Maria Ressa has been convicted of libel in a Philippine court decision , sentenced to six years 5 .
WHO ’ S TO BLAME FOR COVID NURSING HOME DEATH The Trump administration has been pointing to facilities with low federal ratings for infection control while Democrats are critical of the administration ’ s response .
___ This story has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus cases in Beijing is 79 , not more than 100 .

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
1. CHINA CAPITAL BRACES FOR VIRUS RESURGENCE 79 new cases were reported in Beijing as the U.S. continues to struggle with an outbreak that appears ready to stretch on for months or even years.
2. ‘I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS A JUSTIFIED USE OF FORCE’ White Atlanta officer who a shot black man, Rayshard Brooks, outside a Wendy’s is fired, second officer place on administrative leave.
3. ON TRIAL FOR CORRUPTION ISRAELI PM WANTS WEALTHY FRIEND TO FUND DEFENSE Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping an oversight committee approves his request to accept $2.9 million from Michigan-based magnate.
4. BLOW TO FREEDOM OF PRESS IN ASIA Journalist Maria Ressa has been convicted of libel in a Philippine court decision, sentenced to six years
5. WHO’S TO BLAME FOR COVID NURSING HOME DEATH The Trump administration has been pointing to facilities with low federal ratings for infection control while Democrats are critical of the administration’s response.
___ This story has been corrected to show that the number of new coronavirus cases in Beijing is 79, not more than 100.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Morocco's king, 56, undergoes successful heart surgery

RABAT , Morocco ( AP ) - King Mohammed VI of Morocco has undergone successful surgery in Rabat for a @ @ @ @ @ news agency MAP reported Monday .
The king , 56 , was treated for a @ @ @ @ @ , a non-life-threatening condition in which the heart beats less efficiently .
The king had @ @ @ @ @ Paris to normalize his heart rhythm .
He had a recurrence of heart frequency problems @ @ @ @ @ surgery , which was carried out Sunday in the Royal Palace Clinic in the Moroccan @ @ @ @ @ Mohammed took power at age 35 from his long-serving father Hassan II , who died @ @ @ @ @ 1999 .
Mohammed has presided over reforms meant to open up politics , though ultimate @ @ @ @ @ king .
Under his watch , Morocco has also been closely allied with the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ .

RABAT, Morocco (AP) - King Mohammed VI of Morocco has undergone successful surgery in Rabat for a heart rhythm disorder, state news agency MAP reported Monday.
The king, 56, was treated for a disorder known as atrial flutter, a non-life-threatening condition in which the heart beats less efficiently.
The king had similar surgery in 2018 in Paris to normalize his heart rhythm. He had a recurrence of heart frequency problems so his doctors recommended new surgery, which was carried out Sunday in the Royal Palace Clinic in the Moroccan capital, MAP reported.
Mohammed took power at age 35 from his long-serving father Hassan II, who died of a heart attack in 1999. Mohammed has presided over reforms meant to open up politics, though ultimate power still rests with the king. Under his watch, Morocco has also been closely allied with the U.S. in its fight against terrorism.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--Paul Whelan, American, sentenced to 16 years in Russia on spying charges

MOSCOW ( AP ) — A Russian court sentenced an American to 16 years in prison on spying charges , @ @ @ @ @ political .
The Moscow City Court on Monday read out the conviction of Paul Whelan @ @ @ @ @ sentenced him to 16 years in a maximum security prison colony .
Whelan has insisted @ @ @ @ @ he was set up .
The U.S. Embassy has denounced Whelan ’ s trial as @ @ @ @ @ evidence has been provided .
Whelan ’ s brother David said lawyers will appeal the @ @ @ @ @ political , adding in a statement that “ the court ’ s decision merely completes @ @ @ @ @ broken judicial process.
” “ We had hoped that the court might show some independence @ @ @ @ @ , Russian judges are political , not legal , entities , ” the statement said @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. government to immediately take steps to bring Paul home .
”

The Trump administration and lawmakers from both parties slammed Russia’s sentencing of American security executive Paul Whelan to 16 years in prison on spying charges Monday, after what Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called an “appalling” and “secret trial” in Moscow.
Mr. Whelan, a 50-year-old former U.S. Marine with American, British, Irish and Canadian citizenship, has denied being a spy and claimed he was set up by Russian authorities who arrested him in December 2018 at Moscow hotel where he was attending a friend’s wedding.
The case has become a flashpoint in Washington-Moscow relations and complicated President Trump’s hopes of forging a more cooperative relationship with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Russian officials claim Mr. Whelan was caught with a USB drive containing classified information. Mr. Whelan has said it was slipped into his pocket moments before his arrest by a Russian security agent.
The defendant stood in the dock in Moscow City Court on Monday holding a sign that read “Sham Trial” as his sentence was being read, the Russian press reported.
U.S. officials tried unsuccessfully over the past 18 months to intervene, while some believe Mr. Whelan is the victim of a Russian intelligence scheme to trigger a swap of Russians convicted by the U.S.
Mr. Whelan has had health problems while in custody — recently undergoing a hernia treatment — and Mr. Pompeo said Russian authorities “put his life at risk by ignoring his long-standing medical condition” and “unconscionably kept him isolated from family and friends.”
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the Whelan sentence “a disgrace.” Lawmakers from both parties and from Mr. Whelan’s home state of Michigan also condemned the Russian move.
The unified American response flew in the face of what one former U.S. intelligence official called a Russian plot to use Mr. Whelan as a pawn to sow division in Washington.
Shortly after Mr. Whelan’s arrest, former CIA Moscow station chief Daniel Hoffman said the charges were likely contrived to ramp up political hype surrounding the separate case of convicted Russian operative Maria Butina, who had pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court to acting as a Kremlin agent infiltrating U.S. conservative groups such as the National Rifle Association.
Ms. Butina was released from U.S. federal prison and deported to Russia in October.
Leonid Slutsky, the head of foreign affairs committee in the Russia’s lower house of parliament, said Monday that Moscow is open to discuss an exchange for “Russian citizens who have remained in the U.S. prisons on unfounded charges and in inhumane conditions.”
“Political will is required for reaching such agreements,” he said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the matter Monday. However, Mr. Whelan’s lawyer and his brother have said they believe his case is political and have expressed hope the U.S. will take action to gain his freedom.
“The Russian Federation wouldn’t talk about releasing Paul until he was convicted,” David Whelan told The Associated Press on Monday. “Now that that has happened, we hope that the U.S. government will speak to the Russian government. We will have to continue to treat it as a political case, which is what it is, and seek a political solution for his freedom.”
Mr. Whelan’s Russian lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov, cited Russian official statements that Mr. Whelan could be exchanged for Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko.
Mr. Bout, a Russian arms trader, is serving a 25-year sentence in the U.S. for a 2011 conviction on charges he helped sell millions of dollars of weapons to Colombian rebels. He insisted he was a legitimate businessman. Mr. Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot, is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. after he was arrested in Liberia in 2010 and extradited to the United States.
Russian officials and lawmakers have called the convictions of the two men politically motivated and pushed for their release.
Mr. Yaroshenko’s wife, Viktoria, also voiced hope on Monday that her husband could be exchanged for Mr. Whelan, the Interfax news agency reported.
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Guy Taylor can be reached at gtaylor@washingtontimes.com. • Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-15--2020 Watch: Will Trump's return to campaign trail backfire?

MONTCLAIR , N.J. ( AP ) - Presidential politics move fast .
What we ’ re watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign : Days to next set of primaries ( New York and Kentucky ) : 8 President Donald Trump makes his official return to the campaign trail this week .
He ’ s looking to improve his political standing after trying to navigate through nationwide civil rights protests , a public health crisis and related economic devastation that has defined the worst period of his turbulent presidency .
Saturday ’ s rally in Oklahoma will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters in a deep-red state , but it remains to be seen how he will address his weakness with independents , suburban women and people of color who will play a critical role come November .
At the same time , health experts worry that Trump ’ s rally could help intensify a second wave of coronavirus infections .
Just as America begins to reopen , the Republican president can not afford to see things slide backwards .
Democrat Joe Biden , meanwhile , has begun to host small public events of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content to let Trump dominate the news cycle when so much of the news is grim .
Will Trump ’ s return to the campaign trail backfire ?
Lest there be any questions about the risks , the invitation to Trump ’ s first rally since the pandemic began - in Oklahoma at the end of the week - includes a waiver absolving the campaign of any responsibility should attendees get sick .
That won ’ t scare away Trump ’ s die-hard loyalists in a state he won by nearly 37 percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about his leadership among swing voters elsewhere as the nation faces the serious possibility of a surge of new coronavirus infections .
By some accounts , the new wave has already begun .
A Washington Post analysis found double-digit percentage increases in confirmed cases across 16 U.S. states that have gradually loosened restrictions since Memorial Day .
When the Dow plunged more than 1,800 points last Thursday , Wall Street gave us a taste of how the market will react if anything gets in the way of America ’ s economic comeback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether voters would respond similarly if Trump can ’ t help the economy improve dramatically by November .
African Americans and their allies forced political leaders in both parties to take them seriously following a period of intense social unrest .
Now , the question becomes whether people of color will stay engaged for the next 141 days .
History suggests that some of the energy may fade , although Trump ’ s renewed defense of symbols of the Confederacy will certainly keep tensions running high .
Smart strategists remind us that voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or someone to vote for - not simply something or someone to vote against .
And as NAACP President Derrick Johnson told us last week , Biden has “ a ton more work to do ” to energize black voters “ enough behind his vision to turn out to vote.
” Biden has embraced a series of public policy reforms , such as banning police choke holds , but he stopped short of endorsing some activists ’ calls to “ defund the police.
” He ’ s also struggled to defend his support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed harsher punishments on people of color .
Biden has significantly narrowed the list of women he ’ s considering to serve as his running mate , we reported late last week .
Democrats with knowledge of the process said Biden ’ s search committee is now considering as few as six serious contenders after the initial round of interviews .
Among those in contention : Sens .
Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Kamala Harris of California , as well as Susan Rice , President Barack Obama ’ s former national security adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has promised to pick a woman , is facing increased calls from Democrats to put a woman of color on the ticket - both because of the outsize role that black voters played in Biden ’ s road to the nomination and because of the reckoning over racism and inequality roiling the nation .
Expect new details to continue trickling out in the coming days .
The clock is ticking .
Biden says he hopes to announce his pick around Aug. 1 .
Are states doing enough to avoid Election Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends emerge across several states that hosted primary elections in recent weeks .
And it ’ s unclear if state officials are willing or able to make the changes election experts say are necessary to ensure fair and free elections facing continued pandemic concerns in November .
In case you missed it , primary voters - particularly voters of color - have been forced to wait three , four and even five hours to cast ballots across battleground states like Wisconsin , Pennsylvania and Georgia .
In Nevada last week , the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ballot until 3 a.m. - eight hours after polls were supposed to close .
Many voters also reported never receiving requested absentee ballots .
And officials in multiple swing states struggled to report results in a timely manner .
Election experts are screaming for states to take major steps to address the concerns while urging the federal government to send badly needed resources .
But with Election Day just 20 weeks away , it ’ s unclear whether there is enough political will - especially among Republicans - to address the issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican National Convention to Jacksonville , Florida , could be read many ways , but it clearly signals that the Republican president ’ s political team knows Biden has a very real chance to win the state .
Trump has almost no path to 270 delegates without winning Florida .
Not long ago , some political observers were asking whether Democrats would invest major dollars in Florida at all this fall given their relatively limited resources and the extraordinary resources required to play there .
There is a new recognition , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among older voters could be a game changer .
That ’ s at least part of the reason why the political world will again descend upon the Sunshine State in the peak of hurricane season .
2020 Watch runs every Monday and provides a look at the week ahead in the 2020 election .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (AP) - Presidential politics move fast. What we’re watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign:
Days to next set of primaries (New York and Kentucky): 8
Days to general election: 141
___
THE NARRATIVE
President Donald Trump makes his official return to the campaign trail this week. He’s looking to improve his political standing after trying to navigate through nationwide civil rights protests, a public health crisis and related economic devastation that has defined the worst period of his turbulent presidency.
Saturday’s rally in Oklahoma will no doubt turn out thousands of adoring supporters in a deep-red state, but it remains to be seen how he will address his weakness with independents, suburban women and people of color who will play a critical role come November.
At the same time, health experts worry that Trump’s rally could help intensify a second wave of coronavirus infections. Just as America begins to reopen, the Republican president cannot afford to see things slide backwards.
Democrat Joe Biden, meanwhile, has begun to host small public events of his own, but for now he seems content to let Trump dominate the news cycle when so much of the news is grim.
___
THE BIG QUESTIONS
Will Trump’s return to the campaign trail backfire?
Lest there be any questions about the risks, the invitation to Trump’s first rally since the pandemic began - in Oklahoma at the end of the week - includes a waiver absolving the campaign of any responsibility should attendees get sick.
That won’t scare away Trump’s die-hard loyalists in a state he won by nearly 37 percentage points, but it may raise new questions about his leadership among swing voters elsewhere as the nation faces the serious possibility of a surge of new coronavirus infections.
By some accounts, the new wave has already begun. A Washington Post analysis found double-digit percentage increases in confirmed cases across 16 U.S. states that have gradually loosened restrictions since Memorial Day.
When the Dow plunged more than 1,800 points last Thursday, Wall Street gave us a taste of how the market will react if anything gets in the way of America’s economic comeback. It’s fair to wonder whether voters would respond similarly if Trump can’t help the economy improve dramatically by November.
Will black voters stay engaged?
African Americans and their allies forced political leaders in both parties to take them seriously following a period of intense social unrest. Now, the question becomes whether people of color will stay engaged for the next 141 days. History suggests that some of the energy may fade, although Trump’s renewed defense of symbols of the Confederacy will certainly keep tensions running high.
Smart strategists remind us that voters are most engaged when they have something or someone to vote for - not simply something or someone to vote against. And as NAACP President Derrick Johnson told us last week, Biden has “a ton more work to do” to energize black voters “enough behind his vision to turn out to vote.”
Biden has embraced a series of public policy reforms, such as banning police choke holds, but he stopped short of endorsing some activists’ calls to “defund the police.” He’s also struggled to defend his support for the 1994 criminal justice law that imposed harsher punishments on people of color.
Who’s winning the veepstakes?
Biden has significantly narrowed the list of women he’s considering to serve as his running mate, we reported late last week.
Democrats with knowledge of the process said Biden’s search committee is now considering as few as six serious contenders after the initial round of interviews. Among those in contention: Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Kamala Harris of California, as well as Susan Rice, President Barack Obama’s former national security adviser.
The situation remains fluid. Biden, who has promised to pick a woman, is facing increased calls from Democrats to put a woman of color on the ticket - both because of the outsize role that black voters played in Biden’s road to the nomination and because of the reckoning over racism and inequality roiling the nation. Expect new details to continue trickling out in the coming days.
The clock is ticking. Biden says he hopes to announce his pick around Aug. 1.
Are states doing enough to avoid Election Day chaos?
We’ve seen disturbing trends emerge across several states that hosted primary elections in recent weeks. And it’s unclear if state officials are willing or able to make the changes election experts say are necessary to ensure fair and free elections facing continued pandemic concerns in November.
In case you missed it, primary voters - particularly voters of color - have been forced to wait three, four and even five hours to cast ballots across battleground states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Georgia. In Nevada last week, the final voter wasn’t able to cast a ballot until 3 a.m. - eight hours after polls were supposed to close. Many voters also reported never receiving requested absentee ballots. And officials in multiple swing states struggled to report results in a timely manner.
Election experts are screaming for states to take major steps to address the concerns while urging the federal government to send badly needed resources. But with Election Day just 20 weeks away, it’s unclear whether there is enough political will - especially among Republicans - to address the issues.
___
THE FINAL THOUGHT
Trump’s decision to move the Republican National Convention to Jacksonville, Florida, could be read many ways, but it clearly signals that the Republican president’s political team knows Biden has a very real chance to win the state.
Trump has almost no path to 270 delegates without winning Florida. Not long ago, some political observers were asking whether Democrats would invest major dollars in Florida at all this fall given their relatively limited resources and the extraordinary resources required to play there.
There is a new recognition, however, that Biden’s apparent strength among older voters could be a game changer. That’s at least part of the reason why the political world will again descend upon the Sunshine State in the peak of hurricane season.
___
2020 Watch runs every Monday and provides a look at the week ahead in the 2020 election.
___
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, “Ground Game.”