washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Joe Biden's accuser spoke to neighbor of alleged assault: Report

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — An associate of a former Senate aide to Joe Biden says the woman told her about her allegations of sexual assault against Biden — now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee — in the 1990s .
The account , which was published Monday in Business Insider , comes a little over a month after Tara Reade first accused Biden of sexually assaulting her in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building when she worked in his office in the spring of 1993 .
Biden ’ s campaign has denied the allegations .
In an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Reade said she had told at least four people about the incident , including her deceased mother and her brother , who has spoken publicly about the matter .
The AP spoke with two individuals on the condition of anonymity ; one said Reade told them about the alleged assault when it happened , while the other said Reade told them in 2007 or 2008 about experiencing sexual harassment from Biden while working in his Senate office .
Now Lynda LaCasse , who was Reade ’ s neighbor in the 1990s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault around the time it happened .
LaCasse said that when they were neighbors in 1995 or 1996 , Reade told her “ about the senator that she had worked for and he put his hand up her skirt.
” “ She felt like she was assaulted , and she really didn ’ t feel there was anything she could do , ” LaCasse told Business Insider .
A second woman , Lorraine Sanchez , worked with Reade for California state Sen. Jack O ’ Connell from 1994 to 1996 .
Sanchez told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been sexually harassed by her former boss while she was in DC ” and was fired for voicing her concerns .
The AP was unable to reach Sanchez or LaCasse .
Reade did not respond to questions about why she did not mention the women in earlier interviews as people who could corroborate her story .
She told The AP on Monday that she had been asked not to share the women ’ s contact information with news organizations .
The Biden campaign declined to comment on the new interviews , pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager and communications director Kate Bedingfield .
The statement said that while sexual assault claims should be “ diligently reviewed by an independent press , ” what Reade alleged “ absolutely did not happen.
” Reade said in past interviews that Biden pushed her against a wall in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building , groped her and penetrated her with his fingers .
She said after telling her supervisors in Biden ’ s office that she had been sexually harassed by the then-senator , her concerns weren ’ t taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find another job .
Two of those staffers have said in interviews that they didn ’ t recall Reade or any such incident .
The third issued an on-the-record statement denying Reade ’ s claim .
Late last week , the Intercept unearthed a 1993 video clip that shows a woman Reade says was her mother calling into CNN ’ s “ Larry King Live.
” In the clip , an unnamed woman from San Luis Obispo , Calif. , tells King that her daughter just left Washington , “ after working for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through with her problems at all , and the only thing she could have done was go to the press , and she chose not to do it out of respect for him.
” Last spring , eight women , including Reade , came forward with allegations that Biden made them feel uncomfortable with inappropriate displays of affection .
Biden acknowledged the complaints and promised to be “ more mindful about respecting personal space in the future.
” The AP spoke with Reade about those complaints in April 2019 .
During that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her shoulders and neck and played with her hair , and that she was asked by another aide in Biden ’ s Senate office to dress more conservatively and told “ don ’ t be so sexy.
” The AP declined to publish details of the interview at the time because reporters were unable to corroborate her allegations , and aspects of her story contradicted other reporting .
Reade came forward in March with the additional allegation of assault during a podcast interview with Katie Halper .
The Republican National Committee and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighting Reade ’ s allegations against Biden , though the president has not raised them himself .
Trump has faced numerous allegations of sexual assault , allegations he denies .
He also apologized during the 2016 campaign for comments he made during an interview with Access Hollywood in which he bragged about using his celebrity to assault women .
Reade , a longtime Democrat who supported both Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders in the primary , said she won ’ t be voting for Trump or Biden in November .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are more severe and numerous , Reade said she felt either was a similarly bad option .
“ It ’ s sad statement about our own culture that we are having to choose between two men that have allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment and a history of misogyny , ” Reade said .

WASHINGTON (AP) — An associate of a former Senate aide to Joe Biden says the woman told her about her allegations of sexual assault against Biden — now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee — in the 1990s.
The account, which was published Monday in Business Insider, comes a little over a month after Tara Reade first accused Biden of sexually assaulting her in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building when she worked in his office in the spring of 1993. Biden’s campaign has denied the allegations.
In an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, Reade said she had told at least four people about the incident, including her deceased mother and her brother, who has spoken publicly about the matter. The AP spoke with two individuals on the condition of anonymity; one said Reade told them about the alleged assault when it happened, while the other said Reade told them in 2007 or 2008 about experiencing sexual harassment from Biden while working in his Senate office.
Now Lynda LaCasse, who was Reade’s neighbor in the 1990s, says Reade told her about the alleged assault around the time it happened. LaCasse said that when they were neighbors in 1995 or 1996, Reade told her “about the senator that she had worked for and he put his hand up her skirt.”
“She felt like she was assaulted, and she really didn’t feel there was anything she could do,” LaCasse told Business Insider.
A second woman, Lorraine Sanchez, worked with Reade for California state Sen. Jack O’Connell from 1994 to 1996. Sanchez told Business Insider that Reade said “she had been sexually harassed by her former boss while she was in DC” and was fired for voicing her concerns.
The AP was unable to reach Sanchez or LaCasse. Reade did not respond to questions about why she did not mention the women in earlier interviews as people who could corroborate her story. She told The AP on Monday that she had been asked not to share the women’s contact information with news organizations.
The Biden campaign declined to comment on the new interviews, pointing to an earlier statement from deputy campaign manager and communications director Kate Bedingfield. The statement said that while sexual assault claims should be “diligently reviewed by an independent press,” what Reade alleged “absolutely did not happen.”
Reade said in past interviews that Biden pushed her against a wall in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building, groped her and penetrated her with his fingers. She said after telling her supervisors in Biden’s office that she had been sexually harassed by the then-senator, her concerns weren’t taken seriously and she was eventually told to find another job.
Two of those staffers have said in interviews that they didn’t recall Reade or any such incident. The third issued an on-the-record statement denying Reade’s claim.
Late last week, the Intercept unearthed a 1993 video clip that shows a woman Reade says was her mother calling into CNN’s “Larry King Live.” In the clip, an unnamed woman from San Luis Obispo, Calif., tells King that her daughter just left Washington, “after working for a prominent senator, and could not get through with her problems at all, and the only thing she could have done was go to the press, and she chose not to do it out of respect for him.”
Last spring, eight women, including Reade, came forward with allegations that Biden made them feel uncomfortable with inappropriate displays of affection. Biden acknowledged the complaints and promised to be “more mindful about respecting personal space in the future.”
The AP spoke with Reade about those complaints in April 2019. During that interview, Reade alleged that Biden rubbed her shoulders and neck and played with her hair, and that she was asked by another aide in Biden’s Senate office to dress more conservatively and told “don’t be so sexy.” The AP declined to publish details of the interview at the time because reporters were unable to corroborate her allegations, and aspects of her story contradicted other reporting.
Reade came forward in March with the additional allegation of assault during a podcast interview with Katie Halper.
The Republican National Committee and other allies of President Donald Trump have been highlighting Reade’s allegations against Biden, though the president has not raised them himself. Trump has faced numerous allegations of sexual assault, allegations he denies. He also apologized during the 2016 campaign for comments he made during an interview with Access Hollywood in which he bragged about using his celebrity to assault women.
Reade, a longtime Democrat who supported both Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders in the primary, said she won’t be voting for Trump or Biden in November. While Trump has faced allegations of sexual assault that are more severe and numerous, Reade said she felt either was a similarly bad option.
“It’s sad statement about our own culture that we are having to choose between two men that have allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment and a history of misogyny,” Reade said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Adm. Brett Giroir, coronavirus 'testing czar': Testing 2% per month a 'minimum floor'

Adm. Brett Giroir , the U.S. coronavirus “ testing czar , ” on Tuesday said a new target of getting states to test 2 % of their residents per month is a minimum “ floor ” and that many states will exceed that total .
“ The 2 % really is sort of a minimum floor — there are many states that want to do 4 % , 6 % , 8 % every month .
… We have the supply chains figured out , ” said Adm. Giroir , assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can supply the states , so we really are much more sophisticated.
” The White House on Monday released new testing guidelines with a goal of expanding capacity in concert with the states and getting at least 2 % of residents tested per month .
Some experts have said the U.S. should be testing at least 1 % of the country ’ s population per week — or more — to truly get a handle on the scope of the virus .
It ’ s estimated that there have been more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is a massive amount of tests , and in many states we ’ re going to be doing 4 % , 5 % , 6 % , 8 % , according to the state guidelines , ” Adm. Giroir said on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America.
” “ We know for a fact that we can supply those states with the full supply chain — the swabs , the media , the testing capability — to achieve those goals.
” He also said particularly in the summer , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t everything .
“ So tests are absolutely important — they ’ re critical , they will be expanded dramatically as we reopen , but it ’ s not the only tool we have in the toolbox , ” Adm. Giroir said .

Adm. Brett Giroir, the U.S. coronavirus “testing czar,” on Tuesday said a new target of getting states to test 2% of their residents per month is a minimum “floor” and that many states will exceed that total.
“The 2% really is sort of a minimum floor — there are many states that want to do 4%, 6%, 8% every month. … We have the supply chains figured out,” said Adm. Giroir, assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services. “We know what we can supply the states, so we really are much more sophisticated.”
The White House on Monday released new testing guidelines with a goal of expanding capacity in concert with the states and getting at least 2% of residents tested per month.
Some experts have said the U.S. should be testing at least 1% of the country’s population per week — or more — to truly get a handle on the scope of the virus.
It’s estimated that there have been more than 5.5 million tests conducted in the U.S.
“This is a massive amount of tests, and in many states we’re going to be doing 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, according to the state guidelines,” Adm. Giroir said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “We know for a fact that we can supply those states with the full supply chain — the swabs, the media, the testing capability — to achieve those goals.”
He also said particularly in the summer, which is outside of flu season, testing isn’t everything.
“So tests are absolutely important — they’re critical, they will be expanded dramatically as we reopen, but it’s not the only tool we have in the toolbox,” Adm. Giroir said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Foster mother charged in death of young boy in Clay County

MOORHEAD , Minn. ( AP ) - A foster mother is charged in Minnesota with killing a young boy in @ @ @ @ @ Jo Anderson is facing a charge of second -degree murder .
The Burnsville woman was @ @ @ @ @ Dakota last week for felony neglect .
That charge was amended Monday in Clay County @ @ @ @ @ the child ’ s age or identity .
KFGO reports court documents say the boy @ @ @ @ @ ” and had multiple bruises on his face , head and body when Anderson brought @ @ @ @ @ emergency room last Thursday .
A doctor estimated the child died about 40 minutes before @ @ @ @ @ hospital , according to a complaint .
Anderson and her husband had been caring for @ @ @ @ @ year and discussed adopting the boy , the document said .
Anderson remains in the @ @ @ @ @ .
Court records do not list an attorney for Anderson .

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) - A foster mother is charged in Minnesota with killing a young boy in her care. Thirty-five-year-old Kellie Jo Anderson is facing a charge of second -degree murder.
The Barnesville woman was arrested in Fargo, North Dakota last week for felony neglect. That charge was amended Monday in Clay County.
Authorities have not released the child’s age or identity.
KFGO reports court documents say the boy was “blue and lifeless” and had multiple bruises on his face, head and body when Anderson brought him to the Fargo Sanford emergency room last Thursday.
A doctor estimated the child died about 40 minutes before he was brought to the hospital, according to a complaint.
Anderson and her husband had been caring for the child for about a year and discussed adopting the boy, the document said.
Anderson remains in the Cass County Jail in Fargo.
Court records do not list an attorney for Anderson.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--16-year-old arrested in fatal shooting after argument

SEATTLE ( AP ) - A 16-year-old was arrested after an argument Friday inside a SeaTac convenience store continued outside and ended with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man who was in his car , the King County Sheriff ’ s Office said .
The SeaTac boy was arrested Saturday at his apartment near the 7-Eleven store , where the shooting happened , says a probable-cause statement .
The teen remains in custody at the King County Youth Services Center , The Seattle Times reported .
The King County Medical Examiner ’ s Office identified the victim as Fernando @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wounds .
Someone called 911 at 12:19 a.m. Friday and reported hearing gunshots .
Deputies found Arias dead in his car .
The store ’ s video-surveillance footage showed the man who was killed in an argument with three other males in the store and in the parking lot , the statement says .
Detectives recognized the 16-year-old in the footage and interviewed someone who saw the 16-year-old shoot the man , according to the statement .
The probable-cause statement notes that the 16-year-old was convicted of manslaughter in January 2019 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearm .

SEATTLE (AP) - A 16-year-old was arrested after an argument Friday inside a SeaTac convenience store continued outside and ended with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man who was in his car, the King County Sheriff’s Office said.
The SeaTac boy was arrested Saturday at his apartment near the 7-Eleven store, where the shooting happened, says a probable-cause statement. The teen remains in custody at the King County Youth Services Center, The Seattle Times reported.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Fernando Arias and determined he died from multiple gunshot wounds. Someone called 911 at 12:19 a.m. Friday and reported hearing gunshots. Deputies found Arias dead in his car.
The store’s video-surveillance footage showed the man who was killed in an argument with three other males in the store and in the parking lot, the statement says.
Detectives recognized the 16-year-old in the footage and interviewed someone who saw the 16-year-old shoot the man, according to the statement.
The probable-cause statement notes that the 16-year-old was convicted of manslaughter in January 2019 and is not legally allowed to possess a firearm.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Merck expects brunt of pandemic will strike this quarter

The pandemic increased sales of Merck medicines during the first quarter as households around the world stocked up , but the drugmaker expects a significant hit this quarter as the full force of the outbreak is registered .
The company lowered its outlook for the year despite an 11 % revenue jump and a profit increase of 10 % in the most recent quarter .
Merck & Co. said Tuesday that its 2020 prescription drug sales will likely fall by $ 1.7 billion , because the pandemic now is keeping many patients with chronic conditions away from their doctors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales are for injected drugs administered by a doctor , from Keytruda and its portfolio of vaccines to birth control implant Implanon and an anesthetic used in surgical procedures .
In addition , Merck expects sales of its veterinary medicines to dip by $ 400 million .
Merck now expects full-year earnings per share of $ 5.17 to $ 5.37 , excluding one-time items , down from its January forecast of $ 5.62 to $ 5.77 per share .
The company now expects revenue of $ 46.1 billion to $ 48.1 billion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48.8 billion to $ 50.3 billion .
Merck , based in Kenilworth , New Jersey , said its medicine factories and research labs have been operating normally , and it has six to 12 months of product inventory , so it doesn ’ t foresee shortages of its medicines .
The company also is working alone and in multiple collaborations on finding potential anti-infective drugs and vaccines , both areas where Merck has a long , successful history .
Merck reported net income of $ 3.22 billion , or $ 1.26 per share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or $ 1.12 per share , a year earlier .
Adjusted earnings came to $ 1.50 per share , beating Wall Street expectations for earnings of $ 1.39 per share , according to a survey by Zacks Investment Research .
Revenue totaled $ 12.06 billion , up from $ 10.82 billion in 2019 ’ s first quarter .
Prescription drug sales totaled $ 10.66 billion , with $ 3.28 billion of that coming from Keytruda alone .
Merck has been remaking itself by shedding some parts of the company to focus on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vaccines and hospital medicines .
The company has already pushed back the timing of its planned spinoff of its women ’ s health segment , some older medicines and its business selling biosimilars , or near-copies of complex biologic drugs made inside living cells .
That was originally planned to happen by mid-year but has been postponed until Sept. 30 A portion of this story was generated by Automated Insights ( http : //automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research .
Access a Zacks stock report on DTE at https : @

The pandemic increased sales of Merck medicines during the first quarter as households around the world stocked up, but the drugmaker expects a significant hit this quarter as the full force of the outbreak lands.
Merck & Co. anticipates 2020 prescription drug sales will fall by $1.7 billion versus last year because the pandemic is keeping many patients with chronic conditions away from their doctors. The company expects sales of its veterinary medicines to dip by $400 million.
About two-thirds of Merck’s human medicine sales are for injected drugs administered by a doctor, from its blockbuster Keytruda cancer medicine and its portfolio of vaccines, to birth control implant Implanon and an anesthetic used in surgical procedures. The number of elective surgeries, which typically require anesthesia, is down about 70% recently as hospitals focus on treating COVID-19 patients and other people avoid hospitals, Merck executives noted Tuesday on a conference call to discuss their first-quarter results.
The maker of Januvia diabetes pills lowered its outlook for the year despite an 11% revenue jump and a profit increase of 10% in the most recent quarter.
Merck now expects full-year earnings per share of $5.17 to $5.37, excluding one-time items, down from its January forecast of $5.62 to $5.77 per share. The company now expects revenue of $46.1 billion to $48.1 billion, down from the January forecast for $48.8 billion to $50.3 billion.
That reduction led investors to sell off Merck shares, which were down $3.53, or 4.2 %, to $80.45 in early-morning trading as the broader markets rose.
The Kenilworth, New Jersey, drugmaker said its medicine factories and research labs have been operating normally, and it has six to 12 months of product inventory, so it doesn’t foresee shortages of its medicines.
The company is working alone and in multiple collaborations on finding potential antiviral drugs and vaccines, both areas where Merck has a long, successful history.
“Merck is doing everything in its power … to contribute to fighting the global pandemic today and also to prepare for the next one,” Chief Executive Kenneth Frazier told analysts.
Merck reported net income of $3.22 billion, or $1.26 per share, up from $2.92 billion, or $1.12 per share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings came to $1.50 per share, beating Wall Street expectations for earnings of $1.39 per share.
Revenue totaled $12.06 billion, up from $10.82 billion in 2019’s first quarter. Prescription drug sales totaled $10.66 billion, with $3.28 billion of that coming from Keytruda alone. Januvia and the combo Type 2 diabetes pill Janumet brought in a combined $1.28 billion, and the Gardasil vaccine against a cancer-causing sexually transmitted virus posted $1.1 billion in sales.
Veterinary medicine sales were $1.21 billion, up 18%.
Edward Jones analyst Ashtyn Evans wrote to investors that the first-quarter results were strong, but that sales likely won’t normalize until the fourth quarter, as people delay doctor visits, pet owners postpone veterinarian visits and declining protein consumption amid the global downturn hurt sales of livestock medicines.
“Overall, we believe long-term demand for Merck’s products is strong, and growth will be driven by innovation,” added Evans, who has a “Buy” rating on Merck shares.
Merck has been remaking itself by shedding some parts of the company to focus on its lucrative cancer drug business, veterinary medicines, vaccines and hospital medicines.
The company is spinning off of its women’s health segment, some older medicines and its business selling biosimilars, or near-copies of complex biologic drugs made inside living cells.
Merck said Tuesday it’s on track to complete that spinoff in the first half of 2021, and announced the new company will be called Organon & Co., the name of a business focused on medicines for women and psychiatric conditions that Merck acquired a decade ago.
___
Follow Linda A. Johnson at https://twitter.com/LindaJ_onPharma
___
This story has been corrected to show that the spinoff is on track to be completed in the first half of 2021.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Delaware beachside town removes benches to stop gatherings

REHOBOTH BEACH , Del .
( AP ) - Dozens of public benches were hauled away from a popular beachside @ @ @ @ @ officials said too many people continued to gather and violate social distancing orders .
Crews @ @ @ @ @ benches from the waterfront pedestrian area and surrounding spots on Monday , The Delaware News @ @ @ @ @ Krys Johnson told the newspaper visitors were continuing to congregate near them and were not @ @ @ @ @ a month after Gov .
John Carney ordered beaches to close and announced a statewide @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the coronavirus .
Johnson said the benches won ’ t be replaced @ @ @ @ @ s emergency order is lifted .
That date is set for May 15 , but @ @ @ @ @ extend further .

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) - Dozens of public benches were hauled away from a popular beachside boardwalk in Delaware after town officials said too many people continued to gather and violate social distancing orders.
Crews in Rehoboth Beach removed the benches from the waterfront pedestrian area and surrounding spots on Monday, The Delaware News Journal reported.
City spokesperson Krys Johnson told the newspaper visitors were continuing to congregate near them and were not social distancing, more than a month after Gov. John Carney ordered beaches to close and announced a statewide stay-at-home order to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.
Johnson said the benches won’t be replaced until after the state’s emergency order is lifted. That date is set for May 15, but Johnson said it could likely extend further.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Kentucky opens new hotline for March unemployment claims

FRANKFURT , Ky. ( AP ) - Kentucky will open a new hotline Tuesday for people who have yet to receive a payment from unemployment claims they filed in March amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The state received more than 282,000 claims in March and has paid out 183,000 of those claims , Gov .
Andy Beshear said during a news conference Monday .
An additional 70,000 claims from March were scheduled to be processed Monday night , he said .
The state government has made it a goal to go through all of the March claims by this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state who filed a claim in March and has yet to receive a payment should call the new hotline , he added .
According to Beshear , a few “ bad apples ” including a person who filed an unemployment claim under the name of the late rapper Tupac Shakur are responsible for slowing down the state ’ s unemployment processing .
He blamed people who “ think they ’ re funny ” for making “ thousands of other people wait ” for their unemployment payments .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - It’s no joke - Tupac Shakur lives in Kentucky and needs unemployment benefits to pay his bills.
The Lexington man’s name was brought up by Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday night as he spoke about how the state is trying to process all unemployment claims filed in March amid the coronavirus pandemic by the end of April.
According to Beshear, a few “bad apples” including a person who filed an unemployment claim under the name of rapper Tupac Shakur - who was killed in a 1996 shooting - are responsible for slowing down the state’s unemployment processing. He blamed people who “think they’re funny” for making “thousands of other people wait” for their unemployment payments.
But the Lexington Herald-Leade r reports Tupac Malik Shakur, 46, who goes by Malik, lives in Lexington and worked as a cook before restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus shut down restaurants.
He filed for unemployment March 13 and has been waiting to receive his first check.
“I’ve been struggling for like the last month trying to figure out how to pay the bills,” Shakur said.
He told the newspaper he wondered why his benefits were being held up, but did not think the labor cabinet would declare his claim was a prank.
“I’m hurt, I’m really embarrassed and I’m shocked,” Shakur said.
Beshear’s office originally said the state could not verify the identity on the application but after getting information from the newspaper, the state is working to resolve the claim.
Beshear called Shakur personally on Tuesday to apologize and Shakur said he appreciated the gesture and forgave Beshear.
“I understand, he’s dealing with a lot,” Shakur said. “Mistakes happen.”
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Caterpillar profit tumbles with world economy on lockdown

DEERFIELD , Ill. ( AP ) - Caterpillar ’ s profits are down 46 % with much of the global economy seized by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
The company has already withdrawn all financial guidance and said Tuesday that it expects that the outbreak will skew its performance throughout the year .
The heavy mining and construction equipment builder has been deemed essential by a number of central governments in maintaining infrastructure , and it ’ s implemented new safety protocols to continue operations .
About 75 % of its primary production facilities continue to operate as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.09 billion , or $ 1.98 per share , for the three months ended March 31 .
A year earlier it earned $ 1.88 billion , or $ 3.25 per share .
Stripping out a pension obligation-related item , earnings were $ 1.60 per share .
That ’ s below the $ 1.69 per share analysts surveyed by FactSet predicted .
Caterpillar , based in Deerfield , Illinois , has lowered costs by reducing discretionary expenses and suspending 2020 base salary increases and short-term incentive compensation plans for many employees and all senior @ @

DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Caterpillar’s profits are down 46% with much of the global economy seized by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The company has already withdrawn all financial guidance and said Tuesday that it expects that the outbreak will skew its performance throughout the year.
The heavy mining and construction equipment builder has been deemed essential by a number of central governments in maintaining infrastructure, and it’s implemented new safety protocols to continue operations.
About 75% of its primary production facilities continue to operate as of mid-April.
Caterpillar Inc. earned $1.09 billion, or $1.98 per share, for the three months ended March 31. A year earlier it earned $1.88 billion, or $3.25 per share.
Stripping out a pension obligation-related item, earnings were $1.60 per share.
That’s below the $1.69 per share analysts surveyed by FactSet predicted.
Revenue fell to $10.64 billion from $13.47 billion.
Caterpillar, based in Deerfield, Illinois, has lowered costs by reducing discretionary expenses and suspending 2020 base salary increases and short-term incentive compensation plans for many employees and all senior executives.
Shares rose slightly before the opening bell Tuesday.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Man shot, critically wounded during shootout with police

COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) - A man was shot and critically wounded when he exchanged gunfire with police @ @ @ @ @ city , authorities said .
Officers responded to a Columbus home around 9:45 p.m. Monday @ @ @ @ @ shots had been fired .
When they arrived , the man was in the street @ @ @ @ @ and had a handgun , authorities said .
When officers confronted the man , he @ @ @ @ @ officers also fired shots , authorities said .
No officers were shot or injured , @ @ @ @ @ were struck by bullets .
The wounded man was being treated at a hospital for @ @ @ @ @ has not been released .
Authorities said the man was at the home due to @ @ @ @ @ girlfriend , but further details were not disclosed .

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A man was shot and critically wounded when he exchanged gunfire with police in Ohio’s capital city, authorities said.
Officers responded to a Columbus home around 9:45 p.m. Monday after receiving multiple calls that shots had been fired. When they arrived, the man was in the street in front of a home and had a handgun, authorities said.
When officers confronted the man, he fired multiple rounds and three officers also fired shots, authorities said. No officers were shot or injured, but some homes and vehicles were struck by bullets.
The wounded man was being treated at a hospital for undisclosed injuries. His name has not been released.
Authorities said the man was at the home due to a dispute with a former girlfriend, but further details were not disclosed.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Police: Palestinian stabs Israeli woman, is shot by witness

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - A Palestinian teenager stabbed an Israeli woman on Tuesday before being shot and wounded by @ @ @ @ @ said .
The attack came on Israel ’ s Memorial Day , when the country @ @ @ @ @ and militant attacks .
Israelis usually mark the occasion by visiting the graves of loved @ @ @ @ @ are closed this year and small ceremonies are being held without attendees as part of @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus .
The police said the 62-year-old woman , who was moderately to @ @ @ @ @ 19-year-old assailant , who was seriously wounded , were taken to hospital for treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ attacker .
The attack took place in Kfar Saba , a town near Tel Aviv @ @ @ @ @ series of shootings , stabbings and car-ramming attacks in recent years , mostly carried out @ @ @ @ @ apparent links to armed groups .
Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups have praised the @ @ @ @ @ them .

JERUSALEM (AP) - A Palestinian teenager stabbed an Israeli woman on Tuesday before being shot and wounded by a bystander, Israeli police said.
The attack came on Israel’s Memorial Day, when the country mourns those killed in wars and militant attacks. Israelis usually mark the occasion by visiting the graves of loved ones, but military cemeteries are closed this year and small ceremonies are being held without attendees as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The police said the 62-year-old woman, who was moderately to seriously wounded, and the 19-year-old assailant, who was seriously wounded, were taken to hospital for treatment. They did not identify the attacker.
The attack took place in Kfar Saba, a town near Tel Aviv.
Israel has seen a series of shootings, stabbings and car-ramming attacks in recent years, mostly carried out by lone attackers with no apparent links to armed groups. Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups have praised the attacks but have not claimed them.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Eastern Libyan forces say Turkish drone killed 5 civilians

CAIRO ( AP ) - Eastern Libyan forces laying siege on the country ’ s capital , Tripoli , accused their rivals on Tuesday of staging an attack in which a Turkish drone hit a food truck convoy in the country ’ s west , killing at least five civilians .
The militia groups loosely allied with a U.N.-supported but weak government in Tripoli denied attacking civilians , saying instead that they targeted trucks carrying equipment and ammunition for eastern forces trying to take Tripoli .
The fighting over Tripoli erupted last April , when east-based forces under commander Khalifa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city .
In recent weeks , violence has escalated with both sides accusing each other of shelling civilian neighborhoods .
The U.N. has said the violence and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Libya could amount to war crimes .
Ahmed al-Mosmari , a spokesman for Hifter forces , said the drone strike took place late Monday near the district Mizda , 184 kilometers ( 114 miles ) south of Tripoli .
Hifter ’ s forces control most of eastern and southern Libya while the besieged Tripoli administration rules just a corner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are supported by a network of fractious militias and foreign powers .
On Monday , Hifter in an attempted show of strength , declared a 2015 U.N.-brokered political deal to unite the oil-rich country “ a thing of the past.
” The Tripoli-based government said it wasn ’ t surprised by Hifter ’ s announcement , and urged Libyans to join “ a comprehensive dialogue and continue in the democratic path to reach a comprehensive and permanent solution based on ballot boxes.
” While the 2015 agreement has so far failed to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hifter ’ s announcement threatens to further complicate U.N. efforts to broker a political settlement to the civil war .
In Brussels , European Commission spokesman Peter Stano on Tuesday criticized Hifter ’ s announcement from the previous day , saying that “ any attempt to push forward unilateral solutions , even more so by force , will never provide a sustainable solution for the country , and such attempts can not be accepted.
” Stano said the December 2015 agreement “ remains the viable framework for a political solution in Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or replacements are found ” agreed by all parties and called on all international actors in Libya to “ increase their pressure ” on the warring parties to help end the fighting and bring about a political settlement .
Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 , when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi , who was later killed .
The chaos has worsened in the recent round of fighting as foreign backers increasingly intervene , despite their pledges to the contrary at a high-profile peace summit in Berlin earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , air defenses and more recently , Syrian militants with links to extremist groups to prop up the embattled Tripoli government .
Meanwhile , Russia has deployed hundreds of mercenaries to boost Hifter ’ s assault .
The United Arab Emirates and Egypt also back Hifter .
Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report .

CAIRO (AP) - Eastern Libyan forces laying siege to the country’s capital of Tripoli accused their rivals Tuesday of staging an attack in which a Turkish drone hit a food truck convoy in the country’s west, killing at least five civilians.
The militia groups loosely allied with a U.N.-supported but weak government in Tripoli denied attacking civilians, saying they targeted trucks carrying equipment and ammunition for eastern forces trying to take the capital.
Khalifa Hifter, who declared the start of an operation to root out the militias and unify the country in 2014, is commander of the east-based forces attempting to take control of Tripoli. They control most of eastern and southern Libya. The embattled administration in Tripoli rules just a corner of the country’s west. Both sides are supported by a network of fractious militias and foreign powers.
The Tripoli-based health ministry reported Tuesday that at least six artillery shells launched by Hifter’s forces struck a local field hospital, causing severe damage to the clinic and to several of its ambulances. Patients being treated were evacuated and there were no immediate reports of casualties. It was the third assault on a medical facility in the besieged city in a week.
Hifter launched his Tripoli offensive last April. In recent weeks, violence has escalated, with both sides accusing each other of shelling civilian neighborhoods. The U.N. has said the violence and worsening humanitarian crisis in Libya could amount to war crimes.
Turkey has sent armored drones, air defenses and more recently, Syrian militants with links to extremist groups to prop up the embattled Tripoli government. Meanwhile, Russia has deployed hundreds of mercenaries to boost Hifter’s assault. The United Arab Emirates and Egypt also back Hifter.
There was no immediate comment from Turkish officials on the alleged drone attack.
Ahmed al-Mosmari, a spokesman for Hifter forces, said the drone strike took place late Monday near the district of Mizda, 184 kilometers (114 miles) south of Tripoli.
The attack came after Hifter, in an attempted show of strength, declared Monday that a 2015 U.N.-brokered political deal to unite the oil-rich country was “a thing of the past.”
The Tripoli-based government said it wasn’t surprised by Hifter’s announcement and urged Libyans to join “a comprehensive dialogue and continue on the democratic path to reach a comprehensive and permanent solution based on ballot boxes.”
While the 2015 agreement has failed to bring unity or stability to the divided country, Hifter’s announcement threatens to further complicate U.N. efforts to broker a political settlement to the civil war.
Stephanie Williams, acting U.N. envoy in Libya, said Tuesday the 2015 agreement and the political bodies it created remain the sole governing framework recognized internationally in Libya.
She said any political change should be carried out through democratic means and called for a humanitarian truce during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that could pave the way for a permanent cease-fire.
In Brussels, European Commission spokesman Peter Stano on Tuesday said “any attempt to push forward unilateral solutions, even more so by force, will never provide a sustainable solution for the country.”
Stano said the December 2015 agreement remains the mos viable framework for a political solution in Libya. He called on international stakeholders in Libya to “increase their pressure” on the warring parties to end the fighting and bring about a political settlement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday that Moscow did not approve of either Hifter’s statement or a refusal by the Tripoli-based prime minister, Fayez Sarraj, to hold talks with Hifter, according to state-run media.
Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya expert at The Netherlands Institute of International Relations, said Hifter’s move was “pretty much a coup” that revealed “aspirations that aren’t new.”
The move could also give the military commander an opportunity to take economic measures to address serious economic and financial crises in areas under his control.
Libya has been in turmoil since 2011, when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. The chaos has worsened in the recent round of fighting as foreign backers increasingly intervene, despite their pledges to the contrary at a high-profile peace summit in Berlin earlier this year.
___
Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Mitch McConnell says there 'probably' will be more state, local funding for the coronavirus response

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said there will “ probably ” be another bill to fund state and local governments facing budget woes because of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ But we need to make sure that we achieve something that will go beyond simply sending out money , ” the Kentucky Republican said on Fox News Radio .
He said his “ red line ” for negotiations on the next federal rescue package will be developing liability protections for health care workers and businesses starting to reopen .
“ Before we start sending additional money down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that we protect the people we ’ ve already sent assistance to , who are going to be set up for an avalanche of lawsuits if we don ’ t act , ” he said .
Mr. McConnell also said he wasn ’ t necessarily recommending that states declare bankruptcy — an idea that has gotten bipartisan pushback since he mentioned it last week — but that it should be looked at as an option .
“ I wasn ’ t necessarily recommending it , but I was pointing out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predate the coronavirus , and I was not interested in borrowing money from future generations to fix age-old problems that states have that they created themselves wholly unrelated to this , ” he said .
The U.S. House and Senate are scheduled to be back in session next week , even as Washington , D.C. , Maryland , Virginia , and many states around the country remain under stay-at-home orders .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said there will “probably” be another bill to fund state and local governments facing budget woes because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“But we need to make sure that we achieve something that will go beyond simply sending out money,” the Kentucky Republican said on Fox News Radio.
He said his “red line” for negotiations on the next federal rescue package will be developing liability protections for health care workers and businesses starting to reopen.
“Before we start sending additional money down to states and localities, I want to make sure that we protect the people we’ve already sent assistance to, who are going to be set up for an avalanche of lawsuits if we don’t act,” he said.
Mr. McConnell also said he wasn’t necessarily recommending that states declare bankruptcy — an idea that has gotten bipartisan pushback since he mentioned it last week — but that it should be looked at as an option.
“I wasn’t necessarily recommending it, but I was pointing out that they have their own fiscal problems that predate the coronavirus, and I was not interested in borrowing money from future generations to fix age-old problems that states have that they created themselves wholly unrelated to this,” he said.
The U.S. House and Senate had been scheduled to be back in session next week, even as Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and many states around the country remain under stay-at-home orders.
But House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced Tuesday that the House will not be back next week, pointing to rising cases in D.C. and some surrounding areas.
Before Mr. Hoyer’s announcement, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the District was prepared for Congress to come back.
“The work of the Congress is essential, especially now,” she said on CNN. “We know that they will put the appropriate social distancing restrictions in place.”
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com. • David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Former EU head Tusk appeals for boycott of Poland's election

WARSAW , Poland ( AP ) - Former European Council president Donald Tusk appealed Tuesday for a boycott of the upcoming presidential election in his native Poland , saying the postal vote the government has proposed carries health risks amid the coronavirus pandemic and would not meet democratic standards for free , equal and transparent elections .
Tusk , who served as Poland ’ s prime minister during 2007-2014 , said in a video on Twitter that he would not “ not take part in the voting procedure ” for the May 10 balloting .
He said the vote promoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing to do with an election.
” Poland ’ s governing Law and Justice party is pushing to have the election held as planned , arguing that an all-mail vote could take place safely .
Law and Justice backs the reelection bid of President Andrzej Duda , who currently leads in opinion polls .
The candidate for the centrist Civic Platform founded by Tusk , Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska , said she would not take part in the vote , either .
Despite the ruling party ’ s determination , the election could be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postal balloting is pending in the Senate and may not come to final vote until May 7 .
The opposition and a faction inside the government are in talks about postponing the vote .
The European Union parliament and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have also spoken against holding the election during the pandemic .
Poland ’ s influential Roman Catholic bishops issued a carefully worded appeal to Law and Justice and opposition parties , asking them to “ seek such solutions through dialogue that would raise no legal doubts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ free and honest elections .
”

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Former European Council president Donald Tusk appealed Tuesday for a boycott of the upcoming presidential election in his native Poland, saying the postal vote the government has proposed carries health risks amid the coronavirus pandemic and would not meet democratic standards for free, equal and transparent elections.
Tusk, who served as Poland’s prime minister during 2007-2014, said in a video on Twitter that he would not “not take part in the voting procedure” for the May 10 balloting. He said the vote promoted by the right-wing ruling party “has nothing to do with an election.”
Poland’s governing Law and Justice party is pushing to have the election held as planned, arguing that an all-mail vote could take place safely. Law and Justice backs the reelection bid of President Andrzej Duda, who currently leads in opinion polls.
The candidate for the centrist Civic Platform founded by Tusk, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, said she would not take part in the vote, either.
Despite the ruling party’s determination, the election could be held up. A bill regulating the proposed postal balloting is pending in the Senate and may not come to final vote until May 7. The opposition and a faction inside the government are in talks about postponing the vote.
The European Union parliament and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have also spoken against holding the election during the pandemic.
Poland’s influential Roman Catholic bishops issued a carefully worded appeal to Law and Justice and opposition parties, asking them to “seek such solutions through dialogue that would raise no legal doubts” and would respect the democratic principles of “free and honest elections.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Iraq officials say IS targets intelligence bureau; 3 wounded

BAGHDAD ( AP ) - A militant wearing a suicide vest struck an intelligence bureau in northern Iraq on Tuesday , wounding at least three members of the security personnel , Iraqi officials said , blaming the attack on the Islamic State group .
Iraqi security forces had spotted two men , one wearing an explosive vest and a driver , approaching the gate of the Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Directorate in the Qadisiyah neighborhood in the northern city of Kirkuk , a security official said .
The man hurled a grenade and then detonated his explosives vest before entering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other man , apparently the driver , sped away from the the scene .
There was no claim of responsibility by the Islamic State group , which was largely defeated in Iraq in 2017 but still maintains sleeper cells to target Iraqi forces .
Suicide bombings were a hallmark of the militant group , which at the height of its power in 2014 controlled nearly a third of both Iraq and Syria .
A senior Iraqi intelligence official told The Associated Press that the department “ had knowledge that Daesh would carry out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we did not know on which day.
” Daesh is an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group .
Both the security official and the senior intelligence official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media .
The attack was the first attempted suicide bombing in recent months , coming amid minor IS attacks in the provinces of Kirkuk , Diyala and Salahaddin .
The provinces ’ rugged terrain is difficult to police and a territorial dispute between the federal government in Baghdad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has led to security gaps in the area .
The U.S.-led coalition recently withdrew troops from its bases in the region , including in Kirkuk , in line with a planned drawdown of forces that would reduce the coalition ’ s presence to bases in Baghdad and the western Anbar province .

BAGHDAD (AP) - A militant wearing a suicide vest struck an intelligence bureau in northern Iraq on Tuesday, wounding at least three members of the security personnel, Iraqi officials said, blaming the attack on the Islamic State group.
Iraqi security forces had spotted two men, one wearing an explosive vest and a driver, approaching the gate of the Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Directorate in the Qadisiyah neighborhood in the northern city of Kirkuk, a security official said.
The man hurled a grenade and then detonated his explosives vest before entering the premises, the official said. The other man, apparently the driver, sped away from the the scene.
There was no claim of responsibility by the Islamic State group, which was largely defeated in Iraq in 2017 but still maintains sleeper cells to target Iraqi forces. Suicide bombings were a hallmark of the militant group, which at the height of its power in 2014 controlled nearly a third of both Iraq and Syria.
A senior Iraqi intelligence official told The Associated Press that the department “had knowledge that Daesh would carry out a suicide operation against the Intelligence Directorate, but we did not know on which day.”
Daesh is an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. Both the security official and the senior intelligence official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
The attack was the first attempted suicide bombing in recent months, coming amid minor IS attacks in the provinces of Kirkuk, Diyala and Salahaddin. The provinces’ rugged terrain is difficult to police and a territorial dispute between the federal government in Baghdad and Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region has led to security gaps in the area.
The U.S.-led coalition recently withdrew troops from its bases in the region, including in Kirkuk, in line with a planned drawdown of forces that would reduce the coalition’s presence to bases in Baghdad and the western Anbar province.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Caravan of decorated cars bring joy to high school seniors

Boca Raton , Fla. ( AP ) - Some South Florida high school principals and staff members wanted to bring some cheer to their graduating seniors who ’ ve been stuck at home since March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
So they set up on Saturday in caravans of decorated cars to visit each student .
With schools closed for the remainder of the year , these students will miss out on the traditional cap and gown graduation .
Their proms , awards nights and other end of the year festivities were also canceled .
That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boca Raton , Cardinal Gibbons High in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton Christian School started brainstorming to come up with ways to give the seniors a psychological lift , the South Florida SunSentinel reported .
“ We wanted to make some sort of connection , other than through Zoom , ” said Tom Mahon , Cardinal Gibbons president and also the parent of a senior , Kelly .
Mahon and the staff split up into six teams over the weekend to deliver signs to 290 seniors .
Upon arrival at each home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their car horns , he told the newspaper .
In Fort Lauderdale , Gibbons senior Tyler Greep said he was working a puzzle with him mom when he heard honking horns outside .
“ I saw my principal get out of the car with his mask and a sign , ” Greep said .
“ None of us knew about it .
I thought : Whoa , this is awesome .
”

Boca Raton, Fla. (AP) - Some South Florida high school principals and staff members wanted to bring some cheer to their graduating seniors who’ve been stuck at home since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. So they set up on Saturday in caravans of decorated cars to visit each student.
With schools closed for the remainder of the year, these students will miss out on the traditional cap and gown graduation. Their proms, awards nights and other end of the year festivities were also canceled.
That’s why staff members at Spanish River High in Boca Raton, Cardinal Gibbons High in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton Christian School started brainstorming to come up with ways to give the seniors a psychological lift, the South Florida SunSentinel reported.
“We wanted to make some sort of connection, other than through Zoom,” said Tom Mahon, Cardinal Gibbons president and also the parent of a senior, Kelly.
Mahon and the staff split up into six teams over the weekend to deliver signs to 290 seniors. Upon arrival at each home, they “made a big racket” with their car horns, he told the newspaper.
In Fort Lauderdale, Gibbons senior Tyler Greep said he was working a puzzle with him mom when he heard honking horns outside.
“I saw my principal get out of the car with his mask and a sign,” Greep said. “None of us knew about it. I thought: Whoa, this is awesome.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Maryland teen riding hoverboard fatally struck by dump truck

HAGERSTOWN , Md .
( AP ) - A 16-year-old Maryland girl was fatally struck by a city dump truck @ @ @ @ @ Monday , police said .
Members of a construction crew in Hagerstown reported to authorities @ @ @ @ @ the balance scooter , called a hoverboard , when the vehicle hit her , police @ @ @ @ @ The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene .
Her identity was not immediately released @ @ @ @ @ the city and was assigned to the Department of Public Works , officials said .
@ @ @ @ @ , and police are continuing to investigate .

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - A 16-year-old Maryland girl was fatally struck by a city dump truck while riding a hoverboard on Monday, police said.
Members of a construction crew in Hagerstown reported to authorities that the girl was riding the balance scooter, called a hoverboard, when the vehicle hit her, police said in a statement.
The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity was not immediately released.
The truck belonged to the city and was assigned to the Department of Public Works, officials said.
No additional details were released, and police are continuing to investigate.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Dr. Deborah Birx: Will be interesting to watch southern hemisphere countries moving forward

Dr. Deborah Birx , the U.S. coronavirus response coordinator , on Tuesday said officials will likely be keeping a close eye on countries such as Australia and New Zealand to see how the southern hemisphere deals with the virus in the months ahead .
“ Normally , northern hemisphere respiratory diseases move into the southern hemisphere during the summer because it ’ s their fall , ” Dr. Birx said on “ Fox & Friends.
” “ It will be very interesting to watch Australia , New Zealand , southern Africa , and Chile and Argentina to see what happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s happening to the virus here , ” she said .
“ So really , those two pieces together will really define how we do in the fall.
” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this week that the country has won the current “ battle ” against the virus as New Zealand lifted some of the restrictions it had imposed in response .
Dr. Birx said the White House ’ s job right now is to prepare for anything that might happen in the fall , whether it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilators , or a surveillance system to track for both asymptomatic and symptomatic people .
“ All of those pieces need to accelerate and expand [ to ] be ready for the fall , ” she said .

Dr. Deborah Birx, the U.S. coronavirus response coordinator, on Tuesday said officials will likely be keeping a close eye on countries such as Australia and New Zealand to see how the southern hemisphere deals with the virus in the months ahead.
“Normally, northern hemisphere respiratory diseases move into the southern hemisphere during the summer because it’s their fall,” Dr. Birx said on “Fox & Friends.”
“It will be very interesting to watch Australia, New Zealand, southern Africa, and Chile and Argentina to see what happens with the virus in the summertime and what’s happening to the virus here,” she said. “So really, those two pieces together will really define how we do in the fall.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this week that the country has won the current “battle” against the virus as New Zealand lifted some of the restrictions it had imposed in response.
Dr. Birx said the White House’s job right now is to prepare for anything that might happen in the fall, whether it’s testing, personal protective equipment, ventilators, or a surveillance system to track for both asymptomatic and symptomatic people.
“All of those pieces need to accelerate and expand [to] be ready for the fall,” she said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--4 residents hurt when roof collapses in room at nursing home

CANTON , Pa. ( AP ) - A partial roof collapse at a nursing home in western Pennsylvania injured four @ @ @ @ @ although none of the injuries appeared to be serious .
The collapse was reported shortly @ @ @ @ @ The Grove at Washington in Canton .
The four men were initially trapped inside a @ @ @ @ @ but were soon removed and taken to a hospital for evaluation , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ and further details about them were not disclosed .
One of the men was knocked @ @ @ @ @ floor during the incident , but a fire official said that helped the man because @ @ @ @ @ the bed and a little stand instead of landing on top of him .
It @ @ @ @ @ what caused the double-layered plasterboard ceiling , complete with heating cables , to come crashing @ @ @ @ @ room , authorities said .

CANTON, Pa. (AP) - A partial roof collapse at a nursing home in western Pennsylvania injured four residents, officials said, although none of the injuries appeared to be serious.
The collapse was reported shortly before 9:20 p.m. Monday at The Grove at Washington in Canton. The four men were initially trapped inside a room in the single-story facility but were soon removed and taken to a hospital for evaluation, authorities said.
The names of the patients and further details about them were not disclosed. One of the men was knocked from his bed to the floor during the incident, but a fire official said that helped the man because the ceiling came down across the bed and a little stand instead of landing on top of him.
It’s not yet known what caused the double-layered plasterboard ceiling, complete with heating cables, to come crashing down inside the roughly 15-foot-square room, authorities said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Hurricane-force winds, hail likely in Southern Plains states

NORMAN , Okla. ( AP ) - Massive hail , hurricane-force winds and a few tornadoes were possible Tuesday in @ @ @ @ @ , forecasters said .
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman , Oklahoma , said widespread @ @ @ @ @ parts of eastern Oklahoma , northeast Texas and far western Arkansas .
Along with the @ @ @ @ @ that baseball-sized hail and wind gusts of 65 mph ( 105 kph ) or greater @ @ @ @ @ Oklahoma , and Fort Smith , Arkansas , were among the cities at greatest risk @ @ @ @ @ forecasters said .

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Massive hail, hurricane-force winds and a few tornadoes were possible Tuesday in parts of the Southern Plains, forecasters said.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, said widespread severe thunderstorms were expected in parts of eastern Oklahoma, northern Texas and far western Arkansas.
Along with the tornado risk, forecasters warned that baseball-sized hail and wind gusts of 75 mph (120 kph) or greater were possible.
The storms were expected to hit the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas on Tuesday afternoon and evening and the Dallas-Fort Worth area overnight, forecasters said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Donald Trump executive order: Meat-processing plants must stay open

President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday night requiring an adequate number of meat-processing plants to remain open during the coronavirus crisis to ensure Americans have enough beef , poultry and pork .
Mr. Trump took the action under the Defense Production Act , declared the plants part of the critical U.S. infrastructure and giving Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue the authority to order plants to remain open .
The president ’ s order said outbreaks of COVID-19 among workers at some plants “ have led to the reduction in some of those facilities ’ production capacity.
” He also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants .
“ Such closures threaten the continued functioning of the national meat and poultry supply chain , undermining critical infrastructure during the national emergency , ” the president stated .
“ Given the high volume of meat and poultry processed by many facilities , any unnecessary closures can quickly have a large effect on the food supply chain.
” The virus has spread among workers at some plants , resulting in closures .
The chairman of Tyson ’ s Foods , the country ’ s second-largest meat producer , said he expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s order said the closure of a single large beef-processing plant can result in the loss of more than 10 million individual servings of beef in a single day .
The president said some states ’ actions to close plants “ may differ from or be inconsistent with interim guidance recently issued by ” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration .
Domingo Garcia , National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens ( LULAC ) , criticized the president ’ s order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force essential workers to risk their lives so pork chops can keep coming to the White House is wrong and immoral.
” “ Thousands of essential workers in meat processing plants are sick with COVID-19 , and many have died because of the Trump administration , and the governors and health officials where these plants are located , who failed to protect them despite many calls for help , ” Mr. Garcia said .
“ We ’ ve spoken to CEOs and union leaders to get voluntary testing for all workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” LULAC is calling on Americans to observe “ Meatless May Mondays ” next month to highlight the need to protect workers .

President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday night requiring an adequate number of meat-processing plants to remain open during the coronavirus crisis to ensure Americans have enough beef, poultry and pork.
Mr. Trump took the action under the Defense Production Act, declared the plants part of the critical U.S. infrastructure and giving Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue the authority to order plants to remain open.
The president’s order said outbreaks of COVID-19 among workers at some plants “have led to the reduction in some of those facilities’ production capacity.” He also said some states have completely closed large processing plants.
“Such closures threaten the continued functioning of the national meat and poultry supply chain, undermining critical infrastructure during the national emergency,” the president stated. “Given the high volume of meat and poultry processed by many facilities, any unnecessary closures can quickly have a large effect on the food supply chain.”
The virus has spread among workers at some plants, resulting in closures. The chairman of Tyson’s Foods, the country’s second-largest meat producer, said he expects meat shortages soon.
The president’s order said the closure of a single large beef-processing plant can result in the loss of more than 10 million individual servings of beef in a single day.
The president said some states’ actions to close plants “may differ from or be inconsistent with interim guidance recently issued by” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Domingo Garcia, National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), criticized the president’s order, saying Mr. Trump’s “decision to force essential workers to risk their lives so pork chops can keep coming to the White House is wrong and immoral.”
“Thousands of essential workers in meat processing plants are sick with COVID-19, and many have died because of the Trump administration, and the governors and health officials where these plants are located, who failed to protect them despite many calls for help,” Mr. Garcia said. “We’ve spoken to CEOs and union leaders to get voluntary testing for all workers, but that still hasn’t occurred.”
LULAC is calling on Americans to observe “Meatless May Mondays” next month to highlight the need to protect workers.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Justin Amash eyes presidential run as Libertarian

WASHINGTON – Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan said Tuesday that he is launching an exploratory committee for the 2020 Libertarian @ @ @ @ @ .
The Republican-turned-independent said on Twitter that the U.S. was ready for new leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ to a new campaign website .
“ Americans are ready for practical approaches based in @ @ @ @ @ people , ” Amash said .
“ We ’ re ready for a presidency that @ @ @ @ @ Constitution and bring people together .
Amash announced last July that he was leaving the @ @ @ @ @ had become disenchanted with partisan politics and “ frightened by what I see from it.
@ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans when he said the president had engaged in impeachable @ @ @ @ @ counsel Robert Mueller ’ s report on ties between Trump ’ s 2016 campaign and @ @

Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan announced Tuesday he is forming a committee to explore the possibility of running for the Libertarian presidential nomination, making him a possible wild card in the 2020 race for the White House.
“We’re ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our Constitution and bring people together,” he said. “I’m excited and honored to be taking these first steps toward serving Americans of every background as president.”
Mr. Amash left the GOP last year after growing increasingly concerned with the direction of the party under President Trump — particularly when it came to the small-government principles the Michigan independent holds dear.
He voted for the articles of impeachment against Mr. Trump.
“Today, I launched an exploratory committee to seek the @LPNational’s nomination for president of the United States. Americans are ready for practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people,” Mr. Amash said.
The announcement adds a new wrinkle to a presidential race that has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--D.C. school for special needs faces distance learning challenges

The principal of a school for children and young adults with disabilities says she is unsure how or when in-person learning will resume for her vulnerable students , as the region begins to plan for lifting stay-at-home orders .
“ I know that they say a lot of children are not necessarily a high number of cases [ of the coronavirus ] but we have many students with underlying respiratory issues , ” said Christie Mandeville , principal of St. Coletta of Greater Washington .
“ The main concern is they can ’ t keep a social distance , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart , they aren ’ t going to keep a mask on or keep gloves on.
” Located in Southeast , St. Colletta provides education and therapy services to about 270 students from Maryland , the District and Virginia .
The students possess varying degrees of functionality , which makes social distancing and distance learning a unique challenge .
Ms. Mandeville said some students require intensive one-on-one instruction , a point of concern about reopening the school with its older , more vulnerable staffers .
“ There is no easy solution , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Coletta reopens , she said .
School officials have begun discussing reopening strategies .
One possibility being considered would have some students attend on Mondays and Wednesdays and the others on Tuesdays and Thursdays , Ms. Mandeville said .
Because St. Coletta is a private and a charter school , it doesn ’ t have to adhere to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ’ s education plan , which ends the academic year in May , Ms. Mandeville said .
Typically , St. Coletta offers an 11-month program that most students participate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the principal said .
Distance learning is “ very challenging just because [ the students ] like structure and routine , and being away from all of that can really invoke some behavior challenges and just distractibility , ” Ms. Mandeville said .
While some students can follow lessons online , many lack the fine motor skills to use a computer , or have trouble recognizing numbers and focusing , she added .
St. Coletta devised a distance learning program for students that does not rely on online interactions .
Lesson plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students ’ individualized education goals , with therapy activities and tips for engaging students .
What ’ s more , teachers have uploaded pre-recorded video lessons and students meet virtually with their speech , occupational and physical therapists .
Carla Ware-Easterling and her husband , Sheridan Easterling , have been working from home full-time and “ tag-teaming ” to teach their daughter Victoria,17 , for about five hours a day .
Mrs. Ware-Easterling said all three of them sit at the dining room table with their laptops open , taking turns when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help their daughter , who has autism .
Mr. Easterling said it was difficult at first for Victoria to move away from the school routine and then try to establish a routine at home , but it didn ’ t result in any behavioral issues .
Mr. Easterling said he doesn ’ t think Victoria has a full understanding of what the coronavirus is and the threat it poses .
She is resistant to putting on a mask when leaving the house for a walk , but seeing her two siblings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it a little easier , he said .
The Easterlings said they have been in constant communication with their daughter ’ s special education teacher , who put together the individualized lesson plan and calls them weekly and responds quickly to any question that comes up .
“ That ’ s only our perspective , and she has to replicate that for 15 to 20 other kids , ” Mr. Easterling said of the teacher , adding that he hopes the pandemic starts a conversation for better compensation for educators .
St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Charles Borromeo School in Arlington by the parents of a child with Down syndrome in 1959 .
The school moved to the District in 2006 and launched an adult program in Rockville in 2008 .

The principal of a school for children and young adults with disabilities says she is unsure how or when in-person learning will resume for her vulnerable students, as the region begins to plan for lifting stay-at-home orders.
“I know that they say a lot of children are not necessarily a high number of cases [of the coronavirus] but we have many students with underlying respiratory issues,” said Christie Mandeville, principal of St. Coletta of Greater Washington. “The main concern is they can’t keep a social distance, they are not going to keep six feet apart, they aren’t going to keep a mask on or keep gloves on.”
Located in Southeast, St. Colletta provides education and therapy services to about 270 students from Maryland, the District and Virginia. The students possess varying degrees of functionality, which makes social distancing and distance learning a unique challenge.
Ms. Mandeville said some students require intensive one-on-one instruction, a point of concern about reopening the school with its older, more vulnerable staffers.
“There is no easy solution,” especially if parents return to work before St. Coletta reopens, she said.
School officials have begun discussing reopening strategies. One possibility being considered would have some students attend on Mondays and Wednesdays and the others on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Ms. Mandeville said.
Because St. Coletta is a private and a charter school, it doesn’t have to adhere to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s education plan, which ends the academic year in May, Ms. Mandeville said. Typically, St. Coletta offers an 11-month program that most students participate in because they need the extra class time, the principal said.
Distance learning is “very challenging just because [the students] like structure and routine, and being away from all of that can really invoke some behavior challenges and just distractibility,” Ms. Mandeville said.
While some students can follow lessons online, many lack the fine motor skills to use a computer, or have trouble recognizing numbers and focusing, she added.
St. Coletta devised a distance learning program for students that does not rely on online interactions. Lesson plans that were delivered to parents focus on students’ individualized education goals, with therapy activities and tips for engaging students.
What’s more, teachers have uploaded pre-recorded video lessons and students meet virtually with their speech, occupational and physical therapists.
Carla Ware-Easterling and her husband, Sheridan Easterling, have been working from home full-time and “tag-teaming” to teach their daughter Victoria,17, for about five hours a day.
Mrs. Ware-Easterling said all three of them sit at the dining room table with their laptops open, taking turns when they are not occupied with a Zoom meeting to help their daughter, who has autism.
Mr. Easterling said it was difficult at first for Victoria to move away from the school routine and then try to establish a routine at home, but it didn’t result in any behavioral issues.
Mr. Easterling said he doesn’t think Victoria has a full understanding of what the coronavirus is and the threat it poses. She is resistant to putting on a mask when leaving the house for a walk, but seeing her two siblings, ages 14 and 15, wearing masks makes it a little easier, he said.
The Easterlings said they have been in constant communication with their daughter’s special education teacher, who put together the individualized lesson plan and calls them weekly and responds quickly to any question that comes up.
“That’s only our perspective, and she has to replicate that for 15 to 20 other kids,” Mr. Easterling said of the teacher, adding that he hopes the pandemic starts a conversation for better compensation for educators.
St. Coletta was founded in the basement of St. Charles Borromeo School in Arlington by the parents of a child with Down syndrome in 1959. The school moved to the District in 2006 and launched an adult program in Rockville in 2008.
• Sophie Kaplan can be reached at skaplan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Jair Bolsonaro hit by health, political crises in Brazil

A one-two punch of rising coronavirus infection rates and a political implosion in Brazil are threatening to overwhelm the already overwhelmed health system and create the “ biggest humanitarian tragedy ” ever seen in the nation of nearly 210 million , clinical researchers warned Tuesday .
Populist President Jair Bolsonaro , who has consistently played down the threat posed by COVID-19 and stressed the importance of protecting the economy , is feuding with state governors over proper mitigation measures and has been rocked by high-profile defections in his own Cabinet .
Public health experts fear Latin America ’ s biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot spot for the coronavirus outbreak as the number of cases surpassed 67,000 and deaths totaled around 4,600 Tuesday .
Brazilian clinical researcher Dr. Margareth Dalcolmo told a Washington videoconference organized by the Wilson Center ’ s Brazil Institute Tuesday that it was “ crystal clear ” early on that Brazil did not have the necessary resources to combat a crisis of this magnitude .
In an effort to combat the virus , physicians and researchers are now working together with private enterprises and banks to raise funds for protective equipment and tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our homework properly , ” Dr. Dalcolmo , a professor of respiratory medicine at Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz , said .
“ We didn ’ t do it .
Why ?
Because we knew the response that would be needed…But this mess , created by this ambivalence [ between state and federal governments ] , the outcome is for me is the biggest humanitarian tragedy we have ever seen in Brazil.
” While U.S. states and European countries have instituted strict mitigation measures , Mr. Bolsonaro has said the coronavirus is simply a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions and lockdowns are unnecessary would only hurt Brazil ’ s suffering economy .
State governors and health officials across Brazil have instituted lockdowns and isolation orders , but critics say Mr. Bolsonaro ’ s skepticism has undercut popular support for harsh measures .
Brazil ’ s regional rivals — including Argentina , which this week all commercial flights to the country through September 1 — have far outstripped Brasilia in their containment programs .
“ Brazil has always related and compared itself to the United States and Europe , but it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously than our [ regional ] neighbors , ” Miguel Lago , executive director of the Institute for Health Policy Studies said during the telebriefing Tuesday .
Earlier this month , Mr. Bolsonaro ’ s decision to fire his popular health minister , Luiz Henrique Mandetta , after the two disagreed on the nation ’ s coronavirus response sparked a strong popular backlash .
In an act of protest , residents in major cities leaned out their windows banging pots and pans .
With a presidential election in 2022 , Brazil watchers say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reelection due to the coronavirus disruptions and the instability in Brasilia .
Last week , Justice and Public Security Minister Sergio Moro — who earned a reputation as the country ’ s top corruption fighter — quit after clashing with the president over policy and personnel decisions that Mr. Moro said amounted to an attempt to interfere with the justice system .
On Monday , the Supreme Court of Brazil ordered an investigation into these allegations against the president , a move that experts say could inch the federal government closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday appointed Andre Mendonca , an evangelical pastor who has served as attorney general since 2019 , to replace Mr. Moro , and Alexandre Ramagem to serve as director general of the federal police .
“ Bolsonaro will have to fight on multiple fronts [ in the upcoming election ] , ” Sergio Fausto , executive director of the Fundacao Fernando Henrique Cardoso , said Tuesday .
“ He will have to face the consequences of the pandemic [ in Brazil ] … and he will have to face the consequences of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Researchers say Brazil is still “ weeks behind ” the United States and European countries in dealing with the coronavirus spread , still riding the “ steep side ” of the infection curve .
Mr. Bolsonaro ’ s concern to preserve the economy may also fall victim to his uncertain policies on the coronavirus pandemic , said Monica de Bolle , a fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics .
The IMF is already forecasting a 5.3 % drop in GDP this year , the biggest fall in more than a century @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate the public health problem from the economic problem — they ’ re intertwined , and they should be treated like that , ” she said .

A one-two punch of rising coronavirus infection rates and a political implosion in Brazil are threatening to overwhelm the already overwhelmed health system and create the “biggest humanitarian tragedy” ever seen in the nation of nearly 210 million, clinical researchers warned Tuesday.
Populist President Jair Bolsonaro, who has consistently played down the threat posed by COVID-19 and stressed the importance of protecting the economy, is feuding with state governors over proper mitigation measures and has been rocked by high-profile defections in his own Cabinet.
Public health experts fear Latin America’s biggest country is emerging as the next global hot spot for the coronavirus outbreak as the number of cases surpassed 67,000 and deaths totaled around 4,600 Tuesday.
Brazilian clinical researcher Dr. Margareth Dalcolmo told a Washington videoconference organized by the Wilson Center’s Brazil Institute Tuesday that it was “crystal clear” early on that Brazil did not have the necessary resources to combat a crisis of this magnitude. In an effort to combat the virus, physicians and researchers are now working together with private enterprises and banks to raise funds for protective equipment and tests.
“We didn’t do our homework properly,” Dr. Dalcolmo, a professor of respiratory medicine at Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, said. “We didn’t do it. Why? Because we knew the response that would be needed…But this mess, created by this ambivalence [between state and federal governments], the outcome is for me is the biggest humanitarian tragedy we have ever seen in Brazil.”
While U.S. states and European countries have instituted strict mitigation measures, Mr. Bolsonaro has said the coronavirus is simply a “tiny flu,” and that sharp restrictions and lockdowns are unnecessary would only hurt Brazil’s suffering economy.
State governors and health officials across Brazil have instituted lockdowns and isolation orders, but critics say Mr. Bolsonaro’s skepticism has undercut popular support for harsh measures. Brazil’s regional rivals — including Argentina, which this week all commercial flights to the country through September 1 — have far outstripped Brasilia in their containment programs.
“Brazil has always related and compared itself to the United States and Europe, but it is certainly behaving in this crisis much less seriously than our [regional] neighbors,” Miguel Lago, executive director of the Institute for Health Policy Studies said during the telebriefing Tuesday.
Earlier this month, Mr. Bolsonaro’s decision to fire his popular health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, after the two disagreed on the nation’s coronavirus response sparked a strong popular backlash. In an act of protest, residents in major cities leaned out their windows banging pots and pans.
With a presidential election in 2022, Brazil watchers say Mr. Bolsonaro could face a difficult path to reelection due to the coronavirus disruptions and the instability in Brasilia.
Last week, Justice and Public Security Minister Sergio Moro — who earned a reputation as the country’s top corruption fighter — quit after clashing with the president over policy and personnel decisions that Mr. Moro said amounted to an attempt to interfere with the justice system. On Monday, the Supreme Court of Brazil ordered an investigation into these allegations against the president, a move that experts say could inch the federal government closer to an impeachment clash.
Mr. Bolsonaro on Monday appointed Andre Mendonca, an evangelical pastor who has served as attorney general since 2019, to replace Mr. Moro, and Alexandre Ramagem to serve as director general of the federal police.
“Bolsonaro will have to fight on multiple fronts [in the upcoming election],” Sergio Fausto, executive director of the Fundacao Fernando Henrique Cardoso ,said Tuesday. “He will have to face the consequences of the pandemic [in Brazil] … and he will have to face the consequences of his actions as president of the republic.”
Researchers say Brazil is still “weeks behind” the United States and European countries in dealing with the coronavirus spread, still riding the “steep side” of the infection curve.
Mr. Bolsonaro’s concern to preserve the economy may also fall victim to his uncertain policies on the coronavirus pandemic, said Monica de Bolle, a fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. The IMF is already forecasting a 5.3% drop in GDP this year, the biggest fall in more than a century.
“There is no way to separate the public health problem from the economic problem — they’re intertwined, and they should be treated like that,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Donald Trump: Sanctuary cities may miss out on coronavirus money

President Trump suggested Tuesday that sanctuary cities may be excluded from an upcoming bill designed to pump money into states and localities whose budgets are busting because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Mr. Trump was asked what his demands will be when Congress returns next month to begin work on another phase of bailouts , with Democrats determined to include state and local governments .
Mrs. Pelosi on Tuesday suggested $ 500 billion for states and still more for cities and counties .
The president signaled he was open to the idea , but said the funding will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for expenses related to COVID-19 , not to make up for previous mismanagement .
And he said he ’ ll demand his own provisions , such as a payroll tax cut , and penalties for sanctuary cities .
“ If it ’ s COVID-related , I guess we can talk about it , but we ’ d want certain things also , including sanctuary city adjustments , ” he said .
He added : “ If we ’ re going to do something for the states , I think they ’ d probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with sanctuary cities , something having to do with other different points that we can discuss a little bit later on.
” New York Attorney General Letitia James , who is battling Mr. Trump in court over her state ’ s sanctuary policies , said the president was politicizing the virus .
“ New York is proud of its status as a sanctuary state that welcomes and will fight to protect its immigrant residents — many of whom are fighting on the frontlines to battle the coronavirus , ” she said .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take legal action.
” It ’ s not clear what that action would be .
Federal law already envisions blocking some grant money from going to jurisdictions that refuse to share information with federal immigration authorities , and legal analysts have said similar conditions could be attached to other federal funding .
The bigger hurdle for Mr. Trump is going to be how much of a battle he ’ s willing to have over immigration as he ’ s dealing with the coronavirus crisis .

President Trump suggested Tuesday that sanctuary cities may be excluded from an upcoming bill designed to pump money into states and localities whose budgets are busting because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr. Trump was asked what his demands will be when Congress returns next month to begin work on another phase of bailouts, with Democrats determined to include state and local governments. Mrs. Pelosi on Tuesday suggested $500 billion for states and still more for cities and counties.
The president signaled he was open to the idea, but said the funding will have to be narrowly tailored to only reimburse jurisdictions for expenses related to COVID-19, not to make up for previous mismanagement.
And he said he’ll demand his own provisions, such as a payroll tax cut, and penalties for sanctuary cities.
“If it’s COVID-related, I guess we can talk about it, but we’d want certain things also, including sanctuary city adjustments,” he said.
He added: “If we’re going to do something for the states, I think they’d probably want a — something having to do with sanctuary cities, something having to do with other different points that we can discuss a little bit later on.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is battling Mr. Trump in court over her state’s sanctuary policies, said the president was politicizing the virus.
“New York is proud of its status as a sanctuary state that welcomes and will fight to protect its immigrant residents — many of whom are fighting on the frontlines to battle the coronavirus,” she said.
She said she’ll “be ready to take legal action.”
It’s not clear what that action would be.
Federal law already envisions blocking some grant money from going to jurisdictions that refuse to share information with federal immigration authorities, and legal analysts have said similar conditions could be attached to other federal funding.
The bigger hurdle for Mr. Trump is going to be how much of a battle he’s willing to have over immigration as he’s dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-28--Kweisi Mfume beats Kimberly Klacik in Maryland special election

BALTIMORE — Democrat Kweisi Mfume won a special election Tuesday to finish the term of the late Elijah Cummings , retaking a Maryland congressional seat Mfume held for five terms before leaving to lead the NAACP .
Maryland opened just three polling stations Tuesday and sent ballots weeks in advance to encourage mail voting amid health concerns about the coronavirus pandemic .
Earlier this month , thousands of Wisconsin primary voters waited hours outside overcrowded polling stations , and Maryland ’ s contest could be a test for future races in a key election year .
Democrats outnumber Republicans by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional District , which includes a significant portion of the city of Baltimore , as well as parts of Baltimore and Howard counties .
The diverse district includes parts of Baltimore that have struggled with poverty and violent crime , as well as more affluent areas and landmarks such as Johns Hopkins Hospital .
Mfume supports stronger gun-control measures , such as reauthorizing a federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2005 .
Baltimore had 348 homicides last year – the fifth straight year topping 300 – making it the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mfume also is focusing on the root causes of crime , such as the inability of young adults to find jobs .
He advocates for greater support for apprenticeships to develop skills for young people to find work .
Mfume ’ s victory means he will at least serve the rest of Cummings ’ term until January .
It also means Mfume , 71 , will run as an incumbent in Maryland ’ s June primary to be the nominee for a full term in November .
Mfume held the seat for five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the NAACP from 1996 until 2004 .
The NAACP is based in Baltimore .
The 7th district received national attention last year when President Donald Trump referred to it on Twitter as a “ disgusting , rat and rodent infested mess ” where “ no human being would want to live.
” At the time , Cummings was the powerful House Oversight Committee chairman , leading multiple investigations of the president .
Trump ’ s tweets also followed an appearance by Klacik on the Fox News network ’ s program “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her on the show to discuss her social media posts showing trash in Baltimore .
Klacik , a Baltimore County Republican Central Committee member , had campaigned on economic development and helping struggling parts of Baltimore through a federal “ opportunity zones ” program .
The district includes an area in Baltimore that had the highest number of reported coronavirus cases in the state for weeks .
Democratic lawmakers have been sounding the alarm over the virus killing African Americans at a higher rate .
“ It ’ s almost like being attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your arm behind your back , because you can ’ t fight back the way you should , ” Mfume , who spent several years at the National Institutes of Health Council for Minority Health Disparities , said of health challenges in the black community .
In the June 2 primary , Mfume will face many of the same opponents he defeated in February .
The primary was originally scheduled for April but was postponed by Gov .
Larry Hogan in response to the virus .
Voters will again be urged to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Maryland .
Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Washington and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

BALTIMORE — Democrat Kweisi Mfume won a special election Tuesday to finish the term of the late Elijah Cummings, retaking a Maryland congressional seat Mfume held for five terms before leaving to lead the NAACP.
Mfume defeated Republican Kimberly Klacik in the heavily Democratic district.
Maryland opened just three polling stations Tuesday and sent ballots weeks in advance to encourage mail voting amid health concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, thousands of Wisconsin primary voters waited hours outside overcrowded polling stations, and Maryland’s contest could be a test for future races in a key election year.
Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 4-1 in the majority-black 7th Congressional District, which includes a significant portion of the city of Baltimore, as well as parts of Baltimore and Howard counties. The diverse district includes parts of Baltimore that have struggled with poverty and violent crime, as well as more affluent areas and landmarks such as Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Mfume supports stronger gun-control measures, such as reauthorizing a federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2005. Baltimore had 348 homicides last year – the fifth straight year topping 300 – making it the city’s most violent year ever per capita.
Mfume also is focusing on the root causes of crime, such as the inability of young adults to find jobs. He advocates for greater support for apprenticeships to develop skills for young people to find work.
Mfume’s victory means he will at least serve the rest of Cummings’ term until January. It also means Mfume, 71, will run as an incumbent in Maryland’s June primary to be the nominee for a full term in November.
Mfume held the seat for five terms from 1987 to 1996 and was chairman of the NAACP from 1996 until 2004. The NAACP is based in Baltimore.
The 7th district received national attention last year when President Donald Trump referred to it on Twitter as a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess” where “no human being would want to live.” At the time, Cummings was the powerful House Oversight Committee chairman, leading multiple investigations of the president.
Trump’s tweets also followed an appearance by Klacik on the Fox News network’s program “Fox & Friends,” which invited her on the show to discuss her social media posts showing trash in Baltimore. Klacik, a Baltimore County Republican Central Committee member, had campaigned on economic development and helping struggling parts of Baltimore through a federal “opportunity zones” program.
The district includes an area in Baltimore that had the highest number of reported coronavirus cases in the state for weeks. Democratic lawmakers have been sounding the alarm over the virus killing African Americans at a higher rate.
“It’s almost like being attacked by the virus and having someone tie your arm behind your back, because you can’t fight back the way you should,” Mfume, who spent several years at the National Institutes of Health Council for Minority Health Disparities, said of health challenges in the black community.
In the June 2 primary, Mfume will face many of the same opponents he defeated in February. The primary was originally scheduled for April but was postponed by Gov. Larry Hogan in response to the virus. Voters will again be urged to vote by mail.
Witte reported from Annapolis, Maryland. Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Washington and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report.
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.