washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Steven Mnuchin to face grilling about small-business lending effort

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government ’ s $ 2 trillion relief package .
Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program , which initially provided $ 349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems .
Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted .
A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be paid back to the government .
Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will testify Tuesday at 10 a.m. before the Senate Banking , Housing and Urban Affairs Committee .
The hearing is the first oversight review of the huge relief legislation approved in early March .
Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far , the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $ 530 billion “ to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.
” The loans do not have to be paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses 75 % of the money to cover workers ’ paychecks .
But many small firms say the terms are too onerous .
To get the loans forgiven they have to rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds , even if they have little business or work for them to do .
These firms argue they may simply have to lay their workers off again at the end of the eight weeks , and have little money left to help them ramp up when business does return .
Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks from the relief package have added up to $ 240 billion in direct payments for millions of Americans , with a typical family of four receiving $ 3,400 .
Late Monday , Treasury said that this week it is sending out nearly four million payments on prepaid debit cards .
The payments were approved in late March , though Treasury warned that it would take time to issue the funds to those without bank accounts .
On Monday , a separate congressional oversight panel said that the Fed and Treasury have spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Congress allocated to support businesses hurt by the coronavirus outbreak .
The oversight panel also asked how the two agencies would evaluate the success of their programs .
For his part , Fed Chair Powell pledged to reveal the names and other details of the entities that borrow from the emergency programs the central bank has set up to offset the economic hit from the viral outbreak .
In his prepared testimony , Powell said the central bank will disclose the amounts borrowed and the interest rates it levies under its programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and local governments , and medium-sized businesses .
“ We are deeply committed to transparency , and recognize that the need for transparency is heightened when we are called upon to use our emergency powers , ” his testimony says .
The Fed had already pledged to publish the names of its borrowers from its Main Street Lending program , and some of its other lending efforts .
The Main Street program , which has not yet been launched , has already attracted scrutiny from environmental groups , which charge that oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indebted , will use it as a lifeline .
In the 2008 financial crisis , the Fed faced widespread criticism for the opaque nature of the lending programs it launched .
It has revived many of those programs to smooth the flow of credit in the current crisis .
Powell said the Fed will also name the companies that benefit from its two facilities that have started to purchase corporate debt , as well as its program to purchase municipal bonds and a facility that will buy securities backed by auto , student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fed chair also reiterated that central bank will use “ our full range of tools to support the economy in this challenging time.
” In a “ 60 Minutes ” interview Sunday night , Powell said the Fed ’ s ability to support the financial markets and economy are essentially unlimited , helping to spark a stock market rally Monday .
In the “ 60 Minutes ” interview , Powell also repeated his view that Congress and the Fed must be prepared to provide additional financial support to prevent long-term damage to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and long-term unemployment .
Congress has already approved roughly $ 3 trillion in rescue aid for individuals and businesses .
But states and localities say they are in need of federal money to avoid having to cut jobs and services , and legislation to provide that money remains at an impasse in Congress .

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government’s $2 trillion relief package.
Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program, which initially provided $349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems. Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted. A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies ended up receiving money that Mnuchin demanded be paid back to the government.
Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will testify Tuesday at 10 a.m. before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. The hearing is the first oversight review of the huge relief legislation approved in early March.
Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far, the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $530 billion “to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.” The loans do not have to be paid back as long as the borrowing business uses 75% of the money to cover workers’ paychecks.
But many small firms say the terms are too onerous. To get the loans forgiven they have to rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds, even if they have little business or work for them to do. These firms argue they may simply have to lay their workers off again at the end of the eight weeks, and have little money left to help them ramp up when business does return.
Mnuchin also said that the $1,200 stimulus checks from the relief package have added up to $240 billion in direct payments for millions of Americans, with a typical family of four receiving $3,400. Late Monday, Treasury said that this week it is sending out nearly four million payments on prepaid debit cards. The payments were approved in late March, though Treasury warned that it would take time to issue the funds to those without bank accounts.
On Monday, a separate congressional oversight panel said that the Fed and Treasury have spent very little of the $500 billion that Congress allocated to support businesses hurt by the coronavirus outbreak. The oversight panel also asked how the two agencies would evaluate the success of their programs.
For his part, Fed Chair Powell pledged to reveal the names and other details of the entities that borrow from the emergency programs the central bank has set up to offset the economic hit from the viral outbreak.
In his prepared testimony, Powell said the central bank will disclose the amounts borrowed and the interest rates it levies under its programs to provide credit for large corporations, state and local governments, and medium-sized businesses.
“We are deeply committed to transparency, and recognize that the need for transparency is heightened when we are called upon to use our emergency powers,” his testimony says.
The Fed had already pledged to publish the names of its borrowers from its Main Street Lending program, and some of its other lending efforts. The Main Street program, which has not yet been launched, has already attracted scrutiny from environmental groups, which charge that oil and gas drillers, most already heavily indebted, will use it as a lifeline.
In the 2008 financial crisis, the Fed faced widespread criticism for the opaque nature of the lending programs it launched. It has revived many of those programs to smooth the flow of credit in the current crisis.
Powell said the Fed will also name the companies that benefit from its two facilities that have started to purchase corporate debt, as well as its program to purchase municipal bonds and a facility that will buy securities backed by auto, student, and credit card loans.
The Fed chair also reiterated that central bank will use “our full range of tools to support the economy in this challenging time.” In a “60 Minutes” interview Sunday night, Powell said the Fed’s ability to support the financial markets and economy are essentially unlimited, helping to spark a stock market rally Monday.
In the “60 Minutes” interview, Powell also repeated his view that Congress and the Fed must be prepared to provide additional financial support to prevent long-term damage to the economy from widespread bankruptcies among small businesses and long-term unemployment. Congress has already approved roughly $3 trillion in rescue aid for individuals and businesses. But states and localities say they are in need of federal money to avoid having to cut jobs and services, and legislation to provide that money remains at an impasse in Congress.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Beaches, nightclubs? Europe mulls how to get tourists back

AYIA NAPA , Cyprus ( AP ) — The Mediterranean resort town of Ayia Napa is known for its boisterous parties .
Each summer , thousands of young foreign tourists pack the dance floors of its nightlife district after a day at the beach .
But the pandemic silenced the exuberant Napa Strip district as the island nation of Cyprus went into a lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus .
Now nightclub owners wonder when social distancing rules will be eased enough for the party to resume — and what those new parties will look like .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go to dance and have a good time .
But then you have to tell them that they have to keep 2 meters ( 6 feet ) apart from each other ?
” asked Charalambos Alexandrou , the spokesman for a group representing local clubs , bars and restaurants .
Across southern Europe , in places where tourism drives much of the economy , officials are weighing how to entice travelers to come back , even while the pandemic remains a threat .
Juggling the sometimes-competing needs of health and business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that taking a holiday is safe again .
Social distancing rules may work in restaurants , but that ’ s not likely to solve the quandary facing Ayia Napa ’ s nightclubs .
Alexandrou said this will be “ a season of trying to survive , ” not seeking a profit .
One idea being considered is asking holidaymakers to take a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival .
Cyprus has officially reported 916 cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths .
The country ’ s deputy minister for tourism , Savvas Perdios , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourists from nearby countries that have managed to contain the virus — Greece , Israel , the United Arab Emirates and some central European and Nordic nations .
Authorities will take more time to assess the course of the pandemic in the United Kingdom and Russia , the island ’ s primary tourism markets , before rolling out the red carpet for those countries .
Tourists in the near future will have to navigate a different set of expectations , routines and rules to counter the virus .
Christos Angelides , president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said new rules being announced soon will mean that from the moment tourists step out of their bus or taxi from the airport , their luggage will be disinfected and taken straight to their rooms .
Reception procedures will be done electronically , with employees behind a plexiglass screen and cleaning staff in full protective gear .
Guests eyeing a vacation in Portugal , another major southern European holiday destination , will probably look beyond a hotel ’ s online reviews to see if it has the “ Clean & Safe ” seal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The seal indicates that the establishment , be it a hotel , restaurant or other venue , has enacted recommended hygiene and safety procedures to protect against the virus .
The idea has been a big success in a desperate sector that accounts for 15 % of Portugal ’ s gross domestic product and 9 % of the country ’ s jobs .
The online classes needed to obtain the seal are being attended by around 4,000 people a week .
“ It ’ s a question of making people feel safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place where they ’ re going , ” said Luís Araújo , president of the government agency Turismo de Portugal Portugal lies at the opposite end of the Mediterranean Sea from Cyprus , but its challenge is the same : how to reconcile social distancing and hygiene rules with fun and relaxation .
The Portuguese government says discotheques will be the last places to open , but many hotels intend to start reopening June 1 .
Among the changes being adopted : Guests will not check into their rooms until 24 hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow time for thorough cleaning and airing of the space .
Waiting for sunbeds may come to an end as some hotel guests will get one for their own exclusive use .
Buffets are unlikely to be offered , but room service is expected to thrive .
Another challenge is how to reopen southern Europe ’ s famous beaches .
Portugal has come up with a plan to get people back on the sand starting on June 6 .
Sunbathers must stay 1.5 meters ( 5 feet ) apart , with umbrellas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) apart .
New signs and an app will use a traffic-light system of red , yellow and green indicating which beaches are full , partly full or have few people .
Paddle boats and water slides will be prohibited .
In an attempt to shore up public confidence , Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa went to his local cafe for morning coffee and had lunch at a Lisbon restaurant with the speaker of parliament on Monday , the first day those businesses reopened after a lockdown .
Even with all the efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the coronavirus are not going away .
U.K. personal trainer Kenny Dyer canceled an Easter vacation in Cyprus and is hopeful of venturing back in October .
But Dyer attached a condition that governments may find hard to guarantee .
“ I wouldn ’ t want to fly somewhere where there ’ s a sudden spike in coronavirus cases , and I would have to be quarantined abroad , ” Dyer said .

AYIA NAPA, Cyprus (AP) — The Mediterranean resort town of Ayia Napa is known for its boisterous parties. Each summer, thousands of young foreign tourists pack the dance floors of its nightlife district after a day at the beach.
But the pandemic silenced the exuberant Napa Strip district as the island nation of Cyprus went into a lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus. Now nightclub owners wonder when social distancing rules will be eased enough for the party to resume — and what those new parties will look like.
“We know at nightclubs, young people will go to dance and have a good time. But then you have to tell them that they have to keep 2 meters (6 feet) apart from each other?” asked Charalambos Alexandrou, the spokesman for a group representing local clubs, bars and restaurants.
Across southern Europe, in places where tourism drives much of the economy, officials are weighing how to entice travelers to come back, even while the pandemic remains a threat. Juggling the sometimes-competing needs of health and business, authorities are introducing measures to reassure visitors that taking a holiday is safe again.
Social distancing rules may work in restaurants, but that’s not likely to solve the quandary facing Ayia Napa’s nightclubs. Alexandrou said this will be “a season of trying to survive,” not seeking a profit.
One idea being considered is asking holidaymakers to take a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival. Cyprus has officially reported 916 cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths.
The country’s deputy minister for tourism, Savvas Perdios, said Cyprus will initially look to bring tourists from nearby countries that have managed to contain the virus — Greece, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and some central European and Nordic nations.
Authorities will take more time to assess the course of the pandemic in the United Kingdom and Russia, the island’s primary tourism markets, before rolling out the red carpet for those countries.
Tourists in the near future will have to navigate a different set of expectations, routines and rules to counter the virus.
Christos Angelides, president of the Cyprus Hotel Managers’ Association, said new rules being announced soon will mean that from the moment tourists step out of their bus or taxi from the airport, their luggage will be disinfected and taken straight to their rooms. Reception procedures will be done electronically, with employees behind a plexiglass screen and cleaning staff in full protective gear.
Guests eyeing a vacation in Portugal, another major southern European holiday destination, will probably look beyond a hotel’s online reviews to see if it has the “Clean&Safe” seal now being awarded by local tourism officials. The seal indicates that the establishment, be it a hotel, restaurant or other venue, has enacted recommended hygiene and safety procedures to protect against the virus.
The idea has been a big success in a desperate sector that accounts for 15% of Portugal’s gross domestic product and 9% of the country’s jobs. The online classes needed to obtain the seal are being attended by around 4,000 people a week.
“It’s a question of making people feel safe to travel and having confidence in the place where they’re going,” said Luís Araújo, president of the government agency Turismo de Portugal
Portugal lies at the opposite end of the Mediterranean Sea from Cyprus, but its challenge is the same: how to reconcile social distancing and hygiene rules with fun and relaxation.
“Restrictions scare away any tourist,” Araújo acknowledged.
The Portuguese government says discotheques will be the last places to open, but many hotels intend to start reopening June 1.
Among the changes being adopted: Guests will not check into their rooms until 24 hours after the last occupant has checked out, to allow time for thorough cleaning and airing of the space. Waiting for sunbeds may come to an end as some hotel guests will get one for their own exclusive use. Buffets are unlikely to be offered, but room service is expected to thrive.
Another challenge is how to reopen southern Europe’s famous beaches.
Portugal has come up with a plan to get people back on the sand starting on June 6. Sunbathers must stay 1.5 meters (5 feet) apart, with umbrellas at least 3 meters (10 feet) apart. New signs and an app will use a traffic-light system of red, yellow and green indicating which beaches are full, partly full or have few people. Paddle boats and water slides will be prohibited.
In an attempt to shore up public confidence, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa went to his local cafe for morning coffee and had lunch at a Lisbon restaurant with the speaker of parliament on Monday, the first day those businesses reopened after a lockdown.
Even with all the efforts to make tourists feel safe, worries about the coronavirus are not going away.
U.K. personal trainer Kenny Dyer canceled an Easter vacation in Cyprus and is hopeful of venturing back in October. But Dyer attached a condition that governments may find hard to guarantee.
“I wouldn’t want to fly somewhere where there’s a sudden spike in coronavirus cases, and I would have to be quarantined abroad,” Dyer said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--An antidote to coronavirus blues? A Picasso on your wall

LE PECQ , France ( AP ) - How ’ s this as an antidote for coronavirus blues : A genuine painting by Pablo Picasso on your wall .
After an eight-week delay caused by France ’ s COVID-19 lockdown , the Christie ’ s auction house in Paris is hosting a raffle draw Wednesday for “ Nature Morte , ” an oil on canvas that Picasso painted in 1921 .
Proceeds will help provide villagers in Cameroon , Madagascar and Morocco with water - a basic need more essential than ever now for people to wash and protect themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they have already raised 5 million euros ( $ 5.4 million ) by selling 50,000 tickets online for 100 euros ( $ 109 ) each .
Their hoped-for sales target was 200,000 tickets , but the coronavirus crisis complicated the task .
Buyers have so far come from more than 100 countries , with the bulk sold in France , the United States , Switzerland and Italy .
The winner of a similar raffle in 2013 was a 25-year-old fire sprinkler worker from Pennsylvania .
“ I hope this time it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is living elsewhere , for example South America or the Middle East .
Just to diversify .
It is good that Picasso has spread all over the world , ” said David Nahmad , the billionaire art dealer who supplied the painting for the raffle at what he says is a knock-down price .
Originally , raffle organizers promised to pay 1 million euros ( $ 1.09 million ) for the work which Nahmad says is worth “ at least two , three times ” that .
But he told The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is now dropping the price to 900,000 euros to support the cause .
“ With the pandemic around the world and viruses , everybody must be clean , and to have clean water is so important , ” Nahmad said .
“ I appreciate all the people who have been generous and because of that I am going to give a deduction from my part , on the Picasso , of 100,000 euros to help in this particular difficult moment.
” Organizers decided to pay Nahmad for the painting , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they hope to encourage other collectors or galleries to also part with Picasso works for future charity raffles .
Nahmad , one of the art world ’ s most influential dealers , says he owns about 300 works by Picasso , the largest collection in private hands .
“ Nature Morte ” is the smallest of his Picassos .
The still life , which is signed “ Picasso , ” shows a newspaper and a glass of absinthe on a wood table .
The Spanish genius was a new father , to Paulo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khokhlova and was months shy of his 40th birthday when he completed the painting in June 1921 .
Nahmad believes the artist , who died in 1973 , would have been thrilled by the prospect of the raffle winner picking up one of his paintings for 100 euros .
“ He always wanted to be reasonably priced , that everybody can afford to buy Picasso , ” Nahmad said .
“ He wanted to be helpful to everybody .
”

LE PECQ, France (AP) - How’s this as an antidote for coronavirus blues: A genuine painting by Pablo Picasso on your wall.
After an eight-week delay caused by France’s COVID-19 lockdown, the Christie’s auction house in Paris is hosting a raffle draw Wednesday for “Nature Morte,” an oil on canvas that Picasso painted in 1921.
Proceeds will help provide villagers in Cameroon, Madagascar and Morocco with water - a basic need more essential than ever now for people to wash and protect themselves against the global pandemic.
Raffle organizers say they have already raised 5 million euros ($5.4 million) by selling 50,000 tickets online for 100 euros ($109) each. Their hoped-for sales target was 200,000 tickets, but the coronavirus crisis complicated the task.
Buyers have so far come from more than 100 countries, with the bulk sold in France, the United States, Switzerland and Italy. The winner of a similar raffle in 2013 was a 25-year-old fire sprinkler worker from Pennsylvania.
“I hope this time it will be won by, maybe, somebody who is living elsewhere, for example South America or the Middle East. Just to diversify. It is good that Picasso has spread all over the world,” said David Nahmad, the billionaire art dealer who supplied the painting for the raffle at what he says is a knock-down price.
Originally, raffle organizers promised to pay 1 million euros ($1.09 million) for the work which Nahmad says is worth “at least two, three times” that. But he told The Associated Press in an interview this week that he is now dropping the price to 900,000 euros to support the cause.
“With the pandemic around the world and viruses, everybody must be clean, and to have clean water is so important,” Nahmad said. “I appreciate all the people who have been generous and because of that I am going to give a deduction from my part, on the Picasso, of 100,000 euros to help in this particular difficult moment.”
Organizers decided to pay Nahmad for the painting, rather than push for a free donation, because they hope to encourage other collectors or galleries to also part with Picasso works for future charity raffles.
Nahmad, one of the art world’s most influential dealers, says he owns about 300 works by Picasso, the largest collection in private hands. “Nature Morte” is the smallest of his Picassos. The still life, which is signed “Picasso,” shows a newspaper and a glass of absinthe on a wood table. The Spanish genius was a new father, to Paulo, with his Russian first wife Olga Khokhlova and was months shy of his 40th birthday when he completed the painting in June 1921.
Nahmad believes the artist, who died in 1973, would have been thrilled by the prospect of the raffle winner picking up one of his paintings for 100 euros.
“He always wanted to be reasonably priced, that everybody can afford to buy Picasso,” Nahmad said. “He wanted to be helpful to everybody.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Joe Biden rips Donald Trump for not wearing mask

Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden denounced President Trump on Tuesday for not wearing a mask in public .
At a Yahoo News virtual town-hall meeting , the former Vice President complained of Mr. Trump not following recommendations and the rules the White House imposes on West Wing staffers .
“ He has refused to acknowledge his responsibility , ” Mr. Biden said before segueing into a sarcastic imitation of Mr. Trump ’ s television appearances .
“ Everything ’ s going fine , man .
We ’ re in great shape .
We have all the tests we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work safely .
Don ’ t worry about it .
I don ’ t need a mask , ” he paraphrased Mr. Trump .
Mr. Biden then held up his own dark-cloth masks and complained about his own isolation .
“ I got my mask , ” Mr. Biden said .
“ I can ’ t walk outside my house [ without wearing one ] because the Secret Service is there .
They ’ re all wearing their masks .
They ’ re all getting tested .
Come on.
” Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his few recent public appearances , including to factories in Arizona and Pennsylvania where most workers were wearing them , though he said his Arizona hosts told him that he didn ’ t have to do so .

Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden denounced President Trump on Tuesday for not wearing a mask in public.
At a Yahoo News virtual town-hall meeting, the former vice president complained of Mr. Trump not following recommendations and the rules the White House imposes on West Wing staffers.
“He has refused to acknowledge his responsibility,” Mr. Biden said before segueing into a sarcastic imitation of Mr. Trump’s television appearances.
“Everything’s going fine, man. We’re in great shape. We have all the tests we need to get people to go back to work safely. Don’t worry about it. I don’t need a mask,” he paraphrased Mr. Trump.
Mr. Biden then held up his own dark-cloth masks and complained about his own isolation.
“I got my mask,” Mr. Biden said. “I can’t walk outside my house [without wearing one] because the Secret Service is there. They’re all wearing their masks. They’re all getting tested. Come on.”
Mr. Trump has not worn a facial covering in his few recent public appearances, including to factories in Arizona and Pennsylvania where most workers were wearing them, though he said his Arizona hosts told him that he didn’t have to do so.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Police shoot, kill man in Seattle

Police shoot, kill man in Seattle

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Seattle police officers shot and killed a man who police said was carrying a knife @ @ @ @ @ waterfront in the Lower Queen Anne area .
Seattle Police Assistant Chief Deanna Nollette told @ @ @ @ @ man had been threatening other people .
Two responding officers at about 3:20 p.m. chased @ @ @ @ @ West and “ were forced to use deadly force ” after initially trying to use @ @ @ @ @ .
A Seattle Fire Department spokesperson said the man died as he was being put @ @ @ @ @ weapons were recovered at the scene , Nollette said .
No other information was released @

SEATTLE (AP) - Seattle police officers shot and killed a man who police said was carrying a knife or knives Tuesday near the waterfront in the Lower Queen Anne area.
Seattle Police Assistant Chief Deanna Nollette told The Seattle Times that the man had been threatening other people.
Two responding officers at about 3:20 p.m. chased the man down Elliott Avenue West and “were forced to use deadly force” after initially trying to use less-lethal measures, Nollette said.
A Seattle Fire Department spokesperson said the man died as he was being put in an ambulance.
Two weapons were recovered at the scene, Nollette said. No other information was released.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Nonprofit plans dam removal to restore herring population

NORWELL , Mass .
( AP ) - A Massachusetts nonprofit plans to move ahead with removing a dam that @ @ @ @ @ the herring population to reach their spawning grounds .
The North and South Rivers Watershed @ @ @ @ @ the Peterson ’ s Pond dam in Third Herring Brook will restore the herring population @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
The nonprofit will use a $ 20,000 grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust @ @ @ @ @ to allow the project to move forward , Samantha Woods , executive director of the @ @ @ @ @ Association , said in a May 13 statement .
The dam is located on the @ @ @ @ @ edge of the former Hanover Mall property , which is being redeveloped as a mixed-use @ @ @ @ @ But Woods said the funding will allow the project to proceed without interfering with the @ @ @ @ @ has already removed two dams on Third Herring Brook .
The project is expected to @ @ @ @

NORWELL, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts nonprofit plans to move ahead with removing a dam that will make it easier for the herring population to reach their spawning grounds.
The North and South Rivers Watershed Association believes the removal of the Peterson’s Pond dam in Third Herring Brook will restore the herring population, The Boston Globe reported Tuesday.
The nonprofit will use a $20,000 grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, combined with other funding to allow the project to move forward, Samantha Woods, executive director of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, said in a May 13 statement.
The dam is located on the Hanover-Norwell line and on the edge of the former Hanover Mall property, which is being redeveloped as a mixed-use development called Hanover Crossing. But Woods said the funding will allow the project to proceed without interfering with the mall reconstruction.
The association has already removed two dams on Third Herring Brook. The project is expected to begin this winter.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--'CBS Evening News' wiped out in half of country by glitch

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A technical glitch in CBS ’ Washington control room wiped out the broadcast of @ @ @ @ @ ” on the East Coast and in the Midwest on Tuesday .
The Norah O @ @ @ @ @ Washington .
It is usually transmitted through a New York control room , but that @ @ @ @ @ weeks due to the coronavirus epidemic .
So for the past two months , it @ @ @ @ @ country through a Washington control room , which had technical difficulties and no backup on @ @ @ @ @ ’ Donnell ’ s newscast , local stations showed a feed of the CBSN streaming @ @ @ @ @ was expected to run at its traditional time in the Mountain and Western time zones @ @ @ @

NEW YORK (AP) - A technical glitch in CBS’ Washington control room wiped out the broadcast of the “CBS Evening News” on the East Coast and in the Midwest on Tuesday.
The Norah O’Donnell-anchored newscast originates from Washington. It is usually transmitted through a New York control room, but that facility has been shut for weeks due to the coronavirus epidemic.
So for the past two months, it has been sent to the country through a Washington control room, which had technical difficulties and no backup on Tuesday.
Instead of O’Donnell’s newscast, local stations showed a feed of the CBSN streaming service.
The evening news was expected to run at its traditional time in the Mountain and Western time zones, CBS said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--$7K reward offered for man accused of murder in S. Carolina

TRAVELERS REST , S.C. ( AP ) - Authorities have offered a $ 7,000 reward for information on a man suspected of fatally shooting an acquaintance in South Carolina .
Ryan Dusha Kedar , 49 , has been on the run since Feb. 26 , after he was accused in the death of Mark Jermon at a soccer field .
The U.S .
Marshals and CrimeStoppers are offering a $ 7,000 reward for information leading to Kedar ’ s arrest , news outlets reported .
Greenville County Sheriff ’ s Lt. Ryan Flood said Kedar and Jermon knew each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still being investigated .
Days after the shooting , authorities found Kedar ’ s SUV near Paris Mountain State Park and conducted a 100-man search but were unsuccessful .
U.S .
Marshals said Kedar was born in Israel , received an undergraduate degree from the University of Tel Aviv and served in the Israeli army .
Authorities said Kedar enjoyed camping , hiking and has visited numerous state and national parks .
Prior to the shooting , Kedar extensively researched locations around Brevard and Asheville , North Carolina , U.S .
Marshals said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and motels in the mountains of South Carolina , North Carolina , Tennessee , Kentucky or Virginia , authorities said .
Kedar may have changed his appearance and should be considered dangerous .
Anyone with information , should contact CrimeStoppers or the sheriff ’ s office .

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (AP) - Authorities have offered a $7,000 reward for information on a man suspected of fatally shooting an acquaintance in South Carolina.
Ryan Dusha Kedar, 49, has been on the run since Feb. 26, after he was accused in the death of Mark Jermon at a soccer field.
The U.S. Marshals and CrimeStoppers are offering a $7,000 reward for information leading to Kedar’s arrest, news outlets reported.
Greenville County Sheriff’s Lt. Ryan Flood said Kedar and Jermon knew each other but a motive for the shooting was still being investigated.
Days after the shooting, authorities found Kedar’s SUV near Paris Mountain State Park and conducted a 100-man search but were unsuccessful.
U.S. Marshals said Kedar was born in Israel, received an undergraduate degree from the University of Tel Aviv and served in the Israeli army.
Authorities said Kedar enjoyed camping, hiking and has visited numerous state and national parks. Prior to the shooting, Kedar extensively researched locations around Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. Marshals said.
Kedar may be staying in hostels and motels in the mountains of South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky or Virginia, authorities said.
Kedar may have changed his appearance and should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information, should contact CrimeStoppers or the sheriff’s office.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Lauer says Ronan Farrow's work on him was shoddy and biased

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Matt Lauer accused author Ronan Farrow on Tuesday of shoddy and biased journalism in his book “ Catch and Kill ” that included what Lauer says is a false accusation that the former “ Today ” show host raped a co-worker .
Farrow , a Pulitzer Prize-winning staff writer at The New Yorker , said Lauer “ is just wrong.
” Lauer penned an article published on the Mediaite website a day after an investigation in The New York Times suggested that Farrow , who won a Pulitzer for his work on the accusations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than thorough in vetting his work .
Lauer , similarly , said Farrow had not corroborated several specific accusations against him in the 2019 book , “ Catch and Kill.
” NBC fired Lauer in 2017 for an inappropriate relationship with a co-worker .
In Farrow ’ s book , that former co-worker , Brooke Nevils , said Lauer raped her in a Sochi hotel room during the 2014 Winter Olympics .
Lauer denies the rape charges , and both he and Nevils said they had a subsequent consensual relationship .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book was frankly shocking , and it should concern anyone who cares about journalism , ” Lauer wrote .
“ This is not just about accusations against the former host of the ‘ Today ’ show.
” Lauer noted the bad feelings between Farrow and NBC News , which declined to air the work he had done while at the network on the Weinstein story .
He subsequently took his material to the New Yorker .
As a result , “ he became a magnet and a willing ear for anyone with negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked for it , ” Lauer said .
Farrow tweeted a brief response to Lauer ’ s lengthy piece : “ All I ’ ll say on this is that Matt Lauer is just wrong .
‘ Catch and Kill ’ was thoroughly reported and fact-checked , including with Matt Lauer himself.
” Farrow ’ s publisher , Little , Brown and Co. , said it fully supported the author .
“ Ronan ’ s dedication to a deep and thorough fact-check of his reporting , his commitment to the rights of victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuance make us proud to be his publisher , ” the company said in a statement .
Mediaite said that its editors checked with four people that Lauer spoke to for his article , and they all independently backed up the conversations they had with him .

NEW YORK (AP) - Matt Lauer accused author Ronan Farrow on Tuesday of shoddy and biased journalism in his book “Catch and Kill” that included what Lauer says is a false accusation that the former “Today” show host raped a co-worker.
Farrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning staff writer at The New Yorker, said Lauer “is just wrong.”
Lauer penned an article published on the Mediaite website a day after an investigation in The New York Times suggested that Farrow, who won a Pulitzer for his work on the accusations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, was less than thorough in vetting his work.
Lauer, similarly, said Farrow had not corroborated several specific accusations against him in the 2019 book, “Catch and Kill.”
NBC fired Lauer in 2017 for an inappropriate relationship with a co-worker. In Farrow’s book, that former co-worker, Brooke Nevils, said Lauer raped her in a Sochi hotel room during the 2014 Winter Olympics. Lauer denies the rape charges, and both he and Nevils said they had a subsequent consensual relationship.
“What I found when I read the book was frankly shocking, and it should concern anyone who cares about journalism,” Lauer wrote. “This is not just about accusations against the former host of the ‘Today’ show.”
Lauer noted the bad feelings between Farrow and NBC News, which declined to air the work he had done while at the network on the Weinstein story. He subsequently took his material to the New Yorker.
As a result, “he became a magnet and a willing ear for anyone with negative stories about the network and people who worked for it,” Lauer said.
Farrow tweeted a brief response to Lauer’s lengthy piece: “All I’ll say on this is that Matt Lauer is just wrong. ‘Catch and Kill’ was thoroughly reported and fact-checked, including with Matt Lauer himself.”
Farrow’s publisher, Little, Brown and Co., said it fully supported the author.
“Ronan’s dedication to a deep and thorough fact-check of his reporting, his commitment to the rights of victims and his impeccable attention to detail and nuance make us proud to be his publisher,” the company said in a statement.
Mediaite said that its editors checked with four people that Lauer spoke to for his article, and they all independently backed up the conversations they had with him.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Pilot who died in Wisconsin crash was flight instructor

BURLINGTON , Wis. ( AP ) - An 80-year-old pilot whose small plane crashed last week in southeastern Wisconsin has @ @ @ @ @ Racine County Medical Examiner Michael Payne confirmed Tuesday that David Lee Schmutzler of Port Washington @ @ @ @ @ piloting a Cessna Centurion that crashed Friday night just east of the Burlington Municipal Airport @ @ @ @ @ Administration database records , Schmutzler was a single-engine flight instructor .
The Journal Times reports @ @ @ @ @ of Jadair International in Port Washington .
The company specializes in water recycling and solids @ @ @ @ @ agricultural industry .
The FAA said the plane was flying from West Bend on its @ @ @ @ @ crashed .
The pilot was transported to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa , where he died @ @ @ @ @ cause of the crash is under investigation .
The FAA has handed over the investigation @ @ @ @ @ Board .

BURLINGTON, Wis. (AP) - An 80-year-old pilot whose small plane crashed last week in southeastern Wisconsin has died of his injuries.
Racine County Medical Examiner Michael Payne confirmed Tuesday that David Lee Schmutzler of Port Washington died Saturday. Schmutzler was piloting a Cessna Centurion that crashed Friday night just east of the Burlington Municipal Airport.
According to Federal Aviation Administration database records, Schmutzler was a single-engine flight instructor.
The Journal Times reports Schmutzler was president and owner of Jadair International in Port Washington. The company specializes in water recycling and solids reclamation for the industrial and agricultural industry.
The FAA said the plane was flying from West Bend on its way to Burlington when it crashed. The pilot was transported to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, where he died the next day.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. The FAA has handed over the investigation to the National Transportation Safety Board.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Boaters rescue 2 adults, 2 kids after kayaks capsize

STAMFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - Two adults and two children were rescued from their capsized kayaks off the Connecticut coast in a spot where a man drowned three weeks prior .
Civilian boaters rescued a group of people Monday night off Wallacks Point in Stamford after hearing a radio distress call , the Stamford Advocate reported Tuesday .
A resident on the point , between Cummings Beach and Cove Island Park , called 911 after seeing people in the water next to their capsized kayaks , Deputy Fire Chief Tom Gloersen said .
Joe Hoyt , 27 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel when the distress call was picked up by one of his passengers , Joey Romaniello , 30 , a volunteer firefighter .
Hoyt found the four people , including a 9-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy , with life preservers on the east side of Wallacks Point .
“ They were holding onto the kayaks to stay afloat , ” said Hoyt , who works for Stamford in the Department of Public Works .
The individuals were brought back to Cove Island Marina where they were met by medics .
Hoyt believes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a rough day to have been out in a kayak , Hoyt said .
The rescue comes just three weeks after officials found Oscar Castillo , 22 , dead when the kayak he was in overturned .
The Danbury resident was not wearing a life preserver at the time .

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) - Two adults and two children were rescued from their capsized kayaks off the Connecticut coast in a spot where a man drowned three weeks prior.
Civilian boaters rescued a group of people Monday night off Wallacks Point in Stamford after hearing a radio distress call, the Stamford Advocate reported Tuesday.
A resident on the point, between Cummings Beach and Cove Island Park, called 911 after seeing people in the water next to their capsized kayaks, Deputy Fire Chief Tom Gloersen said.
Joe Hoyt, 27, was on his way out of the channel when the distress call was picked up by one of his passengers, Joey Romaniello, 30, a volunteer firefighter.
Hoyt found the four people, including a 9-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy, with life preservers on the east side of Wallacks Point.
“They were holding onto the kayaks to stay afloat,” said Hoyt, who works for Stamford in the Department of Public Works.
The individuals were brought back to Cove Island Marina where they were met by medics. Hoyt believes the children walked away with minor injuries.
It was a rough day to have been out in a kayak, Hoyt said.
The rescue comes just three weeks after officials found Oscar Castillo, 22, dead when the kayak he was in overturned. The Danbury resident was not wearing a life preserver at the time.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Parents arrested after 2-year-old found wandering in Minot

MINOT , N.D. ( AP ) - Police arrested a Minot couple after their 2-year-old child was found wandering outside @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers were called around 1:20 p.m. about a young child wandering unsupervised .
A @ @ @ @ @ the child walking on a sidewalk wearing a diaper but no pants or shoes .
@ @ @ @ @ in finding the child ’ s home .
Officers contacted the child ’ s parents @ @ @ @ @ a 24-year-old man .
The two were arrested on suspicion of child neglect and taken @ @ @ @ @ .

MINOT, N.D. (AP) - Police arrested a Minot couple after their 2-year-old child was found wandering outside wearing only a diaper Tuesday.
Officers were called around 1:20 p.m. about a young child wandering unsupervised. A passer-by had stopped after seeing the child walking on a sidewalk wearing a diaper but no pants or shoes.
Police got help from neighbors in finding the child’s home. Officers contacted the child’s parents, a 27-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man. The two were arrested on suspicion of child neglect and taken to the Ward County Jail.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Court throws out major literacy ruling in Detroit schools

DETROIT ( AP ) - A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out a groundbreaking decision that said Detroit students had a constitutional right to education and literacy , just days after Michigan ’ s governor settled the case by agreeing to seek millions from the Legislature to improve education .
The 6th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals set aside an April decision by one of its three-judge panels , a rare step .
The full court has the power to scratch a decision and hear arguments again with multiple judges if a case “ involves a question of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
Detroit students claimed poor conditions in schools had made learning impossible .
In a 2-1 opinion last month , judges Eric Clay and Jane Stranch said there ’ s a constitutional right to “ access to literacy , ” even if the U.S. Supreme Court has never declared it .
“ It ’ s not a legally binding decision anymore , ” said Evan Caminker , co-counsel for students and the former dean at University of Michigan law school .
Last week , Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She agreed to ask the Republican-controlled Legislature to spend at least $ 94.4 million for literacy programs in the Detroit district and take other steps .
The seven plaintiffs would also share $ 280,000 for their own education .
The lawsuit began when Gov .
Rick Snyder , a Republican , was in office .
The 6th Circuit ’ s intervention “ does not affect the settlement , ” Caminker said .
“ The settlement is a binding agreement between the parties.
” Opinions by the 6th Circuit set legal precedent in federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kentucky .
The opinions also can be cited by lawyers and judges in federal courts around the country .
Caminker said the governor agreed to settle the case because there was momentum in favor of the students after the decision by Clay and Stranch .
“ The community was pleased with the decision .
It was the right time for the governor to reaffirm her commitment to literacy , ” he said .

DETROIT (AP) - A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out a groundbreaking decision that said Detroit students had a constitutional right to education and literacy, just days after Michigan’s governor settled the case by agreeing to seek millions from the Legislature to improve education.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals set aside an April decision by one of its panels, a rare step. But the deal reached by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer still will stand, a lawyer for students said.
Detroit students claimed poor conditions in schools had made learning impossible. In a 2-1 opinion last month, judges Eric Clay and Jane Stranch said there’s a constitutional right to “access to literacy,” even if the U.S. Supreme Court has never declared it.
The full 6th Circuit has the power to scratch a decision and hear arguments again with multiple judges if a case “involves a question of exceptional importance,” according to its rules.
“It’s not a legally binding decision anymore,” said Evan Caminker, co-counsel for students and the former dean at University of Michigan law school.
Last week, Whitmer, a Democrat, said she was settling the case. She agreed to ask the Republican-controlled Legislature to spend at least $94.4 million for literacy programs in the Detroit district and take other steps. The seven plaintiffs would also share $280,000 for their own education.
“Students in Detroit faced obstacles to their education that inhibited their ability to read, obstacles they never should have faced,” Whitmer said.
The lawsuit began when Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, was in office.
The 6th Circuit’s intervention “does not affect the settlement,” Caminker said. “The settlement is a binding agreement between the parties.”
There was no immediate response from Whitmer’s office to a request for comment.
Opinions by the 6th Circuit set legal precedent in federal courts in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. The opinions also can be cited by lawyers and judges in federal courts around the country.
Caminker said the governor agreed to settle the case because there was momentum in favor of the students after the decision by Clay and Stranch.
“The community was pleased with the decision. It was the right time for the governor to reaffirm her commitment to literacy,” he said.
___
Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwhiteap


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Tourists, high-end shoppers slowly returning to Rodeo Drive

BEVERLY HILLS , Calif. ( AP ) - The Maseratis , the Rolls-Royces and the Mercedes-Benzes were back on Rodeo Drive on Tuesday - along with a few high-end buyers - as America ’ s most fashionable shopping street slowly got back to business .
Just a few days after Beverly Hills officials announced the high-end boutiques lining its most exclusive street could reopen for curbside pickup , shoppers began tentatively making their way onto its wide sidewalks and narrow roadway .
They came looking for things like Gucci handbags , Salvatore Ferragomo shoes , Louis Vuitton belts and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passersby , “ This is ridiculously expensive.
” One young man pulled up in front of the Fendi store , paid for a pair of shoes and sunglasses that he quickly tossed into the back of his red convertible sports car as he explained they were gifts for his wife , then sped away .
Nearby , Delicia Cordon of Atlanta stood outside the Gucci store looking at purses and backpacks a salesperson inside sent photos of to her phone .
She picked out the perfect ones for her daughter ’ s 11th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did a quick exchange at the door .
The sales associate who handed the items to her declined to talk before pulling the door back shut .
For Cordon , who had to catch a plane home in just a few hours , scoring the purse and backpack was an incredible stroke of good fortune .
There ’ s a Gucci store in her hometown , she said , but it doesn ’ t have a children ’ s department and she feared if she ordered online the gifts wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
“ I was surprised that they were doing the curbside and I was really excited , ” said the Atlanta fashion designer .
The street was only lightly trafficked with both pedestrians and motorists on a beautiful , sun-dappled Southern California afternoon , so Cordon said she never feared getting too close to anybody .
“ I had to wear my mask .
I had my gloves on , ” she added .
Most others on the street also had masks as did everyone inside the stores .
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and surfaces when not handing out purchases .
Among the buyers was Michael Carter of Providence , Rhode Island , who got a belt and sneakers at the Louis Vuitton store .
The owner of a used-car lot noted this is his first trip to California , adding he wasn ’ t going to pass on Rodeo Drive even if some of the stores were still closed and he had to order ahead online and then have his purchases handed to him through the door .
“ Where I ’ m from we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Carter , who was on a brief vacation .
“ When we ’ re down here we ’ ve got to take advantage of it .
”

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - The Maseratis, the Rolls-Royces and the Mercedes-Benzes were back on Rodeo Drive on Tuesday - along with a few high-end buyers - as America’s most fashionable shopping street slowly got back to business.
Just a few days after Beverly Hills officials announced the high-end boutiques lining its most exclusive street could reopen for curbside pickup, shoppers began tentatively making their way onto its wide sidewalks and narrow roadway.
They came looking for things like Gucci handbags, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, Louis Vuitton belts and other items with names that scream out to passersby, “This is ridiculously expensive.”
One young man pulled up in front of the Fendi store, paid for a pair of shoes and sunglasses that he quickly tossed into the back of his red convertible sports car as he explained they were gifts for his wife, then sped away.
Nearby, Delicia Cordon of Atlanta stood outside the Gucci store looking at purses and backpacks a salesperson inside sent photos of to her phone. She picked out the perfect ones for her daughter’s 11th birthday, punched in her credit-card information and did a quick exchange at the door. The sales associate who handed the items to her declined to talk before pulling the door back shut.
For Cordon, who had to catch a plane home in just a few hours, scoring the purse and backpack was an incredible stroke of good fortune. There’s a Gucci store in her hometown, she said, but it doesn’t have a children’s department and she feared if she ordered online the gifts wouldn’t arrive by her daughter’s birthday on Friday.
“I was surprised that they were doing the curbside and I was really excited,” said the Atlanta fashion designer.
The street was only lightly trafficked with both pedestrians and motorists on a beautiful, sun-dappled Southern California afternoon, so Cordon said she never feared getting too close to anybody.
“I had to wear my mask. I had my gloves on,” she added.
Most others on the street also had masks as did everyone inside the stores. Many of the store employees briskly wiped down windows and surfaces when not handing out purchases.
Among the buyers was Michael Carter of Providence, Rhode Island, who got a belt and sneakers at the Louis Vuitton store.
The owner of a used-car lot noted this is his first trip to California, adding he wasn’t going to pass on Rodeo Drive even if some of the stores were still closed and he had to order ahead online and then have his purchases handed to him through the door.
“Where I’m from we don’t have places like this,” said Carter, who was on a brief vacation. “When we’re down here we’ve got to take advantage of it.”
___
This story has been corrected to accurately spell Salvatore Ferragamo.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Debbie Wasserman-Schultz seeks swastikas removed from U.S. veterans cemeteries

It ’ s a startling sight for any visitor to two U.S. cemeteries supposedly reserved for the remains of those who served their country in uniform : Swastikas emblazoned on the tombstones of three World War II-era German POWs who died in captivity , complete with messages honoring Adolf Hitler .
The campaign to remove the Nazi symbols from the Veterans Administration-run graveyards in Texas and Utah — where they sit alongside memorials to fallen American service members — is rapidly gaining momentum , picking up support from a pair of influential lawmakers and prominent anti-hate groups who say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days before the nation honors its war dead on Memorial Day , the federal Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday it has “ no plans ” to disturb the gravesites of Nazi soldiers , sticking by a policy that ’ s stood for nearly 80 years and signaling that the Nazi symbols will remain for the foreseeable future .
Two of the controversial inscriptions are in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas , while another stands at Ft. Douglas Post Cemetery in Utah .
The headstones attracted relatively little attention until recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other advocacy groups launched a public campaign pressuring the federal government to remove them .
That effort gained steam this week when Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz , Florida Democrat who became the state ’ s first Jewish congresswoman , called on the Trump administration to take action .
“ Allowing these gravestones to remain with the swastikas and messages in place — symbols of hatred , racism , intolerance , and genocide — is offensive to veterans who risked , and often lost , their lives defending this country and our way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is also a stain on the hallowed ground where so many veterans and their families are laid to rest .
Families who visit their loved ones who are buried in the same cemeteries with the Nazi soldiers whom they fought against , should never have to confront symbols of hatred that are antithetical to our American values , ” she added .
Sen. Ted Cruz , Texas Republican , also decried the presence of the images in Nazism and fascism in the VA cemeteries .
“ Sen .
Cruz believes hate like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a spokesman for Mr. Cruz told The Washington Times Tuesday .
“ The gravestones need to be replaced and frankly , they should never have been allowed to showcase Nazi symbols and messaging in the first place .
Sen. Cruz is absolutely against glorifying the evil these men fought for.
” VA officials told The Washington Times that the tombstones have stood since the German soldiers were interred at the sites in the 1940s .
“ The cemeteries were under the control of the Army when these interments occurred in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The Ft. Sam Houston and Ft. Douglas cemeteries were subsequently transferred to VA ’ s National Cemetery Administration , in 1973 and 2019 , respectively .
Headstones of enemy combatants stand only in cemeteries where enemy combatants are buried , and we have no plans to disturb those gravesites.
” A spokesperson for the cemetery administration , Les A. Melnyk , told Salon.com this week that the federal government will “ preserve ” the headstones for historical purposes in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the VA and other federal agencies to protect historic sites even if they include “ divisive historical figures or events.
” In addition to the small swastika on the gravestones , each includes a message in German that reportedly translates to “ He died far from home for Fuhrer , people and fatherland.
” The VA operates 142 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers ’ memorial sites across the country , according to the agency ’ s website .
More than 4 million Americans are buried in the properties it oversees .
Other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been no record of swastikas appearing on gravesites at any other VA cemetery .
In all , Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery is home to the graves of 132 German POWs , along with four Italians , three Japanese and one Austrian POW , according to figures compiled by the San Antonio Express-News .
While there may be a historical argument to be made for burying Americans next to the enemy soldiers they battled in World War II , critics say the U.S. simply shouldn ’ t accept the infamous Nazi insignia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Religious Freedom Foundation , Southern Poverty Law Center ( SPLC ) , and other groups in recent weeks have said that the administration must act now and loudly condemn white supremacy , anti-Semitism and other examples of hate .
“ Surely the Veterans Administration does not support Nazis , ” SPLC Senior Fellow Eric K. Ward wrote in a blog post last week .
“ Have they forgotten the nearly half-million of American soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defeat them in World War II ?
… Do they have no awareness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the symbol irrevocably connected to these atrocities ?
” The SPLC , which has faced heat from conservative groups for what critics say is a readiness to brand its opponents as hate groups , has tried to connect the issue to President Trump , saying his administration has “ energized ” white nationalist groups across the country .
But Mr. Trump has explicitly condemned such ideologies .
“ In one voice our nation must condemn racism , bigotry and white supremacy , ” the president said last summer on the heels of mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These sinister ideologies must be defeated.
” It ’ s possible Congress could pursue a resolution denouncing the swastikas or legislation requiring they be removed .
For now , however , lawmakers are simply calling on the federal government to change course .
“ While this may be a long-standing bureaucratic policy , that is no excuse for allowing it to continue .
It is never too late to do the right thing , ” Ms. Wasserman-Schultz said .
“ I call on the VA to eliminate this antiquated policy and immediately replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It’s a startling sight for any visitor to two U.S. cemeteries supposedly reserved for the remains of those who served their country in uniform: Swastikas emblazoned on the tombstones of three World War II-era German POWs who died in captivity, complete with messages honoring Adolf Hitler.
The campaign to remove the Nazi symbols from the Veterans Administration-run graveyards in Texas and Utah — where they sit alongside memorials to fallen American service members — is rapidly gaining momentum, picking up support from a pair of influential lawmakers and prominent anti-hate groups who say the symbols represent a national disgrace.
But days before the nation honors its war dead on Memorial Day, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday it has “no plans” to disturb the gravesites of Nazi soldiers, sticking by a policy that’s stood for nearly 80 years and signaling that the Nazi symbols will remain for the foreseeable future.
Two of the controversial inscriptions are in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas, while another stands at Fort Douglas Post Cemetery in Utah. The headstones attracted relatively little attention until recently, when the Southern Poverty Law Center and other advocacy groups launched a public campaign pressuring the federal government to remove them.
That effort gained steam this week when Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Florida Democrat who became the state’s first Jewish congresswoman, called on the Trump administration to take action.
“Allowing these gravestones to remain with the swastikas and messages in place — symbols of hatred, racism, intolerance and genocide — is offensive to veterans who risked, and often lost, their lives defending this country and our way of life,” she said.
“It is also a stain on the hallowed ground where so many veterans and their families are laid to rest. Families who visit their loved ones who are buried in the same cemeteries with the Nazi soldiers whom they fought against, should never have to confront symbols of hatred that are antithetical to our American values,” she added.
Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, also decried the presence of the images in Nazism and fascism in the VA cemeteries.
“Sen. Cruz believes hate like these swastikas has no place in America,” a spokesman for Mr. Cruz told The Washington Times Tuesday. “The gravestones need to be replaced and frankly, they should never have been allowed to showcase Nazi symbols and messaging in the first place. Sen. Cruz is absolutely against glorifying the evil these men fought for.”
VA officials told The Washington Times that the tombstones have stood since the German soldiers were interred at the sites in the 1940s.
“The cemeteries were under the control of the Army when these interments occurred in the 1940s,” VA spokesperson Timothy Nosal said. “The Fort Sam Houston and Fort Douglas cemeteries were subsequently transferred to VA’s National Cemetery Administration, in 1973 and 2019, respectively. Headstones of enemy combatants stand only in cemeteries where enemy combatants are buried, and we have no plans to disturb those gravesites.”
Bound by law
A spokesperson for the cemetery administration, Les A. Melnyk, told Salon.com this week that the federal government will “preserve” the headstones for historical purposes in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The act, he said, calls on the VA and other federal agencies to protect historic sites even if they include “divisive historical figures or events.”
In addition to the small swastika on the gravestones, each includes a message in German that reportedly translates to “He died far from home for Fuhrer, people and fatherland.”
The VA operates 142 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers’ memorial sites across the country, according to the agency’s website. More than 4 million Americans are buried in the properties it oversees.
Other than the Texas and Utah locations, there’s been no record of swastikas appearing on gravesites at any other VA cemetery. In all, Fort Sam Houston Cemetery is home to the graves of 132 German POWs, along with four Italians, three Japanese and one Austrian POW, according to figures compiled by the San Antonio Express-News.
While there may be a historical argument to be made for burying Americans next to the enemy soldiers they battled in World War II, critics say the U.S. simply shouldn’t accept the infamous Nazi insignia anywhere on the grounds.
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and other groups in recent weeks have said that the administration must act now and loudly condemn white supremacy, anti-Semitism and other examples of hate.
“Surely the Veterans Administration does not support Nazis,” SPLC Senior Fellow Eric K. Ward wrote in a blog post last week. “Have they forgotten the nearly half-million of American soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defeat them in World War II? … Do they have no awareness of the continuing potency of the swastika, the symbol irrevocably connected to these atrocities?”
The SPLC, which has faced heat from conservative groups for what critics say is a readiness to brand its opponents as hate groups, has tried to connect the issue to President Trump, saying his administration has “energized” white nationalist groups across the country.
But Mr. Trump has explicitly condemned such ideologies.
“In one voice our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy,” the president said last summer on the heels of mass shootings in Texas and Ohio. “These sinister ideologies must be defeated.”
It’s possible Congress could pursue a resolution denouncing the swastikas or legislation requiring they be removed. For now, however, lawmakers are simply calling on the federal government to change course.
“While this may be a long-standing bureaucratic policy, that is no excuse for allowing it to continue. It is never too late to do the right thing,” Ms. Wasserman-Schultz said. “I call on the VA to eliminate this antiquated policy and immediately replace these inappropriate and insensitive headstones.”
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Intel chief orders same threat briefings for campaigns

Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell has moved to “ streamline ” briefings to political campaigns on foreign threats to make sure each side receives equal treatment , an official told The Washington Times .
In 2016 , with Russian intelligence hacking Democratic Party computers , U.S. intelligence provided the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign with what is called a “ defensive briefing , ” but it did not give the same to the Trump campaign .
In fact , the FBI decided to use a general threat overview session on Aug. 17 , 2016 , as an opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That year , intelligence threat briefings for political campaigns and officer holders were conducted by three agencies : the Office of the Director of National Intelligence ( ODNI ) , the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security .
Mr. Grenell now has put one official in charge : the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center ( NCSC ) under the DNI .
Right now , that is Bill Evanina , who days ago retired as an FBI agent after winning Senate confirmation .
He has held the job since 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Evanina will lead the presidential briefings and bring in the FBI and the DHS as needed .
“ This insures you have uniformity for both sides , ” the ODNI official told The Times .
“ It puts one person in charge … He could coordinate if he wants.
” An ODNI statement said : “ This change represents an important improvement and simplification to the threat notification process .
The IC [ intelligence community ] will continue to work in partnership with FBI and DHS to identify and integrate threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team will act swiftly to deliver the timely and thorough assessments to those affected by potential malicious influence.
” The threat of Russian interference already is hanging over the 2020 election .
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence received an ODNI briefing in February about election security and Russian intentions .
The briefer reportedly said Moscow wants President Trump reelected .
The briefing was immediately leaked to the news media — an event Republicans blamed on committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff ’ s side of the aisle .
White House officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When ODNI briefed senators the next month behind closed doors , it also released a non-classified assessment which did not say Russia is helping Mr. Trump .
“ Russian social media and state media messaging has taken aim at some of the candidates from both parties , in part to signal Russia ’ s unhappiness with policy statements or choices , ” the assessment said .
“ The IC has not concluded that the Kremlin is directly aiding any candidate ’ s reelection or any other candidates ’ election .
Nor have we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to do so in 2020.
” The assessment also said : “ This is not a Russia-only problem .
China , Iran , other countries like North Korea and Cuba , and non-state actors all have the opportunity , means , and potential motive to interfere in the 2020 elections as a way to achieve their goals .
Some are trying to influence the public debate largely on social media in order to stoke discord in the United States , with the hope of swaying U.S. voters ’ preferences and perspectives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people ’ s confidence in our democratic process.
” In the future , Mr. Evanina will deliver such congressional rundowns or pick the briefers .
In January 2017 , outgoing Obama intelligence officials concluded that Moscow tried to help candidate Trump by hacking Democratic Party computers and going to war against Mrs. Clinton on social media .
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence concurred in a bipartisan report .
House Republicans , led by Rep. Devin Nunes of California , balked .
They say the report ignored evidence that the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One 2016 development is clear : the Clinton camp received a full-throated intelligence briefing on Russia and the Trump team did not .
Then-FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and counterintelligence chief Bill Priestap concluded they should not tell Team Trump what the Russians were up to because they were investigating whether the Republicans were involved , according to a report by Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz .
“ Priestap stated that he considered whether the FBI should conduct defensive briefings for the Trump campaign but ultimately decided that providing such briefings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the campaign was engaged with the Russians , he/she would very likely change his/her tactics and/or otherwise seek to cover-up his/her activities , thereby preventing us from finding the truth , ’ ” the report said .
The report also said : “ McCabe said that he did not consider a defensive briefing as an alternative to opening a counterintelligence case … The FBI did not know if any member of the campaign was coordinating with Russia and that the FBI did not brief people who ‘ could potentially be the subjects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ “ Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded his investigation by saying he didn ’ t establish an election conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia .

Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell has moved to “streamline” briefings to political campaigns on foreign threats to make sure each side receives equal treatment, an official told The Washington Times.
In 2016, with Russian intelligence hacking Democratic Party computers, U.S. intelligence provided the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign with what is called a “defensive briefing,” but it did not give the same to the Trump campaign. In fact, the FBI decided to use a general threat overview session on Aug. 17, 2016, as an opportunity to spy on then-campaign adviser Michael Flynn.
That year, intelligence threat briefings for political campaigns and officer holders were conducted by three agencies: the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
Mr. Grenell now has put one official in charge: the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) under the DNI. Right now, that is Bill Evanina, who days ago retired as an FBI agent after winning Senate confirmation. He has held the job since 2014, before it became a Senate-confirmed post.
Mr. Evanina will lead the presidential briefings and bring in the FBI and the DHS as needed.
“This insures you have uniformity for both sides,” the ODNI official told The Times. “It puts one person in charge … He could coordinate if he wants.”
An ODNI statement said: “This change represents an important improvement and simplification to the threat notification process. The IC [intelligence community] will continue to work in partnership with FBI and DHS to identify and integrate threat information, and Evanina and the elections team will act swiftly to deliver the timely and thorough assessments to those affected by potential malicious influence.”
The threat of Russian interference already is hanging over the 2020 election.
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence received an ODNI briefing in February about election security and Russian intentions. The briefer reportedly said Moscow wants President Trump reelected.
The briefing was immediately leaked to the news media — an event Republicans blamed on committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff’s side of the aisle.
White House officials said they had seen no such intelligence. When ODNI briefed senators the next month behind closed doors, it also released a non-classified assessment which did not say Russia is helping Mr. Trump.
“Russian social media and state media messaging has taken aim at some of the candidates from both parties, in part to signal Russia’s unhappiness with policy statements or choices,” the assessment said. “The IC has not concluded that the Kremlin is directly aiding any candidate’s reelection or any other candidates’ election. Nor have we concluded that the Russians will definitely choose to try to do so in 2020.”
The assessment also said: “This is not a Russia-only problem. China, Iran, other countries like North Korea and Cuba, and non-state actors all have the opportunity, means, and potential motive to interfere in the 2020 elections as a way to achieve their goals. Some are trying to influence the public debate largely on social media in order to stoke discord in the United States, with the hope of swaying U.S. voters’ preferences and perspectives, shift U.S. policies, and undermine the American people’s confidence in our democratic process.”
In the future, Mr. Evanina will deliver such congressional rundowns or pick the briefers.
In January 2017, outgoing Obama intelligence officials concluded that Moscow tried to help candidate Trump by hacking Democratic Party computers and going to war against Mrs. Clinton on social media.
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence concurred in a bipartisan report. House Republicans, led by Rep. Devin Nunes of California, balked. They say the report ignored evidence that the Kremlin wanted to hurt the Trump campaign.
One 2016 development is clear: the Clinton camp received a full-throated intelligence briefing on Russia and the Trump team did not.
Then-FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and counterintelligence chief Bill Priestap concluded they should not tell Team Trump what the Russians were up to because they were investigating whether the Republicans were involved, according to a report by Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz.
“Priestap stated that he considered whether the FBI should conduct defensive briefings for the Trump campaign but ultimately decided that providing such briefings created the risk that ‘if someone on the campaign was engaged with the Russians, he/she would very likely change his/her tactics and/or otherwise seek to cover-up his/her activities, thereby preventing us from finding the truth,’” the report said.
The report also said: “McCabe said that he did not consider a defensive briefing as an alternative to opening a counterintelligence case … The FBI did not know if any member of the campaign was coordinating with Russia and that the FBI did not brief people who ‘could potentially be the subjects that you are investigating or looking for.’ “
Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded his investigation by saying he didn’t establish an election conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia.
• Rowan Scarborough can be reached at rscarborough@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Minnesota man dies in 2-vehicle crash on I-94 in Fargo

FARGO , N.D. ( AP ) - A 75-year-old Minnesota man was killed when his car collided with a semi-truck @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday afternoon , the North Dakota Highway Patrol said .
Authorities said the man @ @ @ @ @ , was westbound when he lost control of his Toyota and swerved , glancing off @ @ @ @ @ the trailer of the westbound semi .
The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ 75-year-old woman from Mahnomen , Minnesota , who was his passenger was treated for non-life-threatening @ @ @ @ @ from Humble , Texas , was not hurt .
Roads were dry and the weather @ @ @ @ @ said .
The crash remains under investigation .

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - A 75-year-old Minnesota man was killed when his car collided with a semi-truck on Interstate 94 in Fargo on Tuesday afternoon, the North Dakota Highway Patrol said.
Authorities said the man from Twin Valley, Minnesota, was westbound when he lost control of his Toyota and swerved, glancing off a bridge guardrail before striking the trailer of the westbound semi.
The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at a hospital. A 75-year-old woman from Mahnomen, Minnesota, who was his passenger was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The semi driver from Humble, Texas, was not hurt.
Roads were dry and the weather was clear, the patrol said. The crash remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-05-19--Doctors' practices face closure after 'nonessential' service cancellations

Dr. Keesha Williams-Elliott had to cut her practice at her comprehensive eye care center in the District by 90 % as part of a citywide shutdown on elective medical procedures during the coronavirus crisis .
Now on the verge of a reopening , the ophthalmologist worries about being able to resume business as usual .
“ Until we get back to operating , my practice is going to suffer because we ’ re mainly a surgical practice , ” Dr. Williams-Elliott said .
“ As things subside , my hope is that we can get elective care back on and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery , cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery … and that we have a whole lot to do in a short period of time.
” Operators of dental offices , eye specialty centers , women ’ s health facilities and other “ nonessential ” medical services have had significant reductions in their workloads since stay-at-home orders were implemented two months ago .
As restrictions are eased , they see huge challenges in providing services and maintaining their businesses while changing how they serve patients .
Since mid-March , Dr. Williams-Elliott has furloughed most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine people to just herself and one other worker .
She said she is waiting on a loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program to get her staff back to work .
Her office went from being open five days a week to two days a week for three hours daily — a total of six hours a week .
The eye care center has been open only for patients with urgent cases , including eye pain , trauma , change in vision and any postoperative treatment .
Routine appointments had to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen four or five patients per week since mid-March compared with 150 before the coronavirus outbreak .
Dr. Larry Bowers , owner of East Capitol Dental in the District , is operating at about 10 % capacity and is seeing patients only for emergencies such as swelling , pain and broken teeth .
He had to cut his staff from eight full-time employees to four part-time workers .
“ I ’ m trying to figure out a way to keep my business intact until we ’ re allowed to reopen and when more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Bowers said .
“ You don ’ t really have any idea what demand is going to be when you open up.
” Data shows the U.S. has about 13,000 dermatologists , 18,000 obstetricians and gynecologists , 24,000 ophthalmologists and 110,000 dentists .
Nearly 1.5 million jobs in the health care sector nationwide , or about 9 % , were cut from February to April , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , and a large proportion of those job losses were at dental offices .
Dentists who have reopened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating at about 25 % volume , said Dr. Bowers , citing the American Dental Association .
What ’ s more , procuring personal protective equipment , which has been prioritized for hospitals , has been almost impossible for Dr. Bowers .
He said he is still waiting for 1,000 N95 masks he ordered earlier this month .
In Northern Virginia , Dr. Damon Hou , a physician at Capital Women ’ s Health , said he has tried to limit in-person appointments for emergencies , even though preventive procedures were allowed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His practice has largely pivoted to telehealth , keeping the business afloat by relying partially on virtual visits and significant pay cuts for partner physicians .
Through virtual visits , Dr. Hou said , staff members have been counseling patients about birth control , infertility and incontinence .
Although wellness exams are allowed in Virginia , some patients have delayed or canceled annual screenings , he said .
“ COVID-19 has impacted so many businesses , medical practices especially , ” Dr. Hou said .
“ It ’ s been tough .
… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run.
” “ We just want to make sure we keep the company healthy because we want to stay in practice for our patients , ” he said .
Dr. Stephen Suah , of FoxHall Dermatology in the District , said he also is dealing with a smaller staff and a reduced workload .
“ Obviously , post COVID-19 world is just a different place .
All of us , whether we like or not , have to change and adapt with the realities that we ’ re given , ” Dr. Suah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see us returning back to pre-COVID-19 until there is a vaccine in place .
… This is now our new normal .
“ To make sure we can still take care of people like we want to and that they deserve , we have to transition .
And that might be more me sitting on FaceTime and spreading out visits when patients come in , ” he said .
His clinic ’ s staff asks patients to fill out intake forms electronically to avoid paper exchange and go directly to a procedure room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their cars instead of the waiting room until the staff is ready for them .
The clinic ’ s entrance opens automatically to avoid contact with door handles .
Plexiglass has been installed at the front desk , and touch-free hand sanitizers are attached to the walls .
During the weeks the clinic has been closed , Dr. Suah said , he has been seeing 90 % of patients via telemedicine .
He has handled a few emergencies in person including patients with infections , melanoma or a recent diagnosis of melanoma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his 39 years at his practice , his dental care clinic has never struggled as much as it has during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ There ’ s always been a risk in dentistry , ” he said , noting that dental work involves close contact with patients .
“ Now as risky as it gets in terms of COVID stuff.
” Dr. Bowers said dentists always have taken sterilization and personal protection seriously and are modifying procedures to provide the safest possible care during the coronavirus outbreak .
He said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to come in for routine exams and estimates it will be at least a year until his clinic is operating as it did before the pandemic .
“ The uncertainty is overwhelming , ” he said .
Dr. Williams-Elliott said she thinks her eye care center will make it under different , but necessary , operating procedures .
“ This has been a very trying time .
It was very abrupt , ” she said .
“ It ’ s a very frightening time .
I have five kids , so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daily basis .
… The potential for me bringing it home , I have to change the way I interact with my own family.
” “ As far as businesswise , we were a thriving practice .
And I ’ m not alone in that , ” she said .
“ We ’ re all trying to figure out what that new normal is going to look like .
And it ’ s uncertain .
… But I hope things will work out the best that they can , making modifications , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients that we need to serve , and that ’ s my main goal.
” ⦁ This article is based in part on wire service reports .

Dr. Keesha Williams-Elliott had to cut her practice at her comprehensive eye care center in the District by 90% as part of a citywide shutdown on elective medical procedures during the coronavirus crisis.
Now on the verge of a reopening, the ophthalmologist worries about being able to resume business as usual.
“Until we get back to operating, my practice is going to suffer because we’re mainly a surgical practice,” Dr. Williams-Elliott said. “As things subside, my hope is that we can get elective care back on and have a backlog of patients that need surgery, cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery … and that we have a whole lot to do in a short period of time.”
Operators of dental offices, eye specialty centers, women’s health facilities and other “nonessential” medical services have had significant reductions in their workloads since stay-at-home orders were implemented two months ago.
As restrictions are eased, they see huge challenges in providing services and maintaining their businesses while changing how they serve patients.
Since mid-March, Dr. Williams-Elliott has furloughed most of her employees, reducing the staff from nine people to just herself and one other worker. She said she is waiting on a loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program to get her staff back to work.
Her office went from being open five days a week to two days a week for three hours daily — a total of six hours a week.
The eye care center has been open only for patients with urgent cases, including eye pain, trauma, change in vision and any postoperative treatment. Routine appointments had to be rescheduled. Dr. Williams-Elliott estimates she has seen four or five patients per week since mid-March compared with 150 before the coronavirus outbreak.
Dr. Larry Bowers, owner of East Capitol Dental in the District, is operating at about 10% capacity and is seeing patients only for emergencies such as swelling, pain and broken teeth. He had to cut his staff from eight full-time employees to four part-time workers.
“I’m trying to figure out a way to keep my business intact until we’re allowed to reopen and when more patients are comfortable coming back,” Dr. Bowers said. “You don’t really have any idea what demand is going to be when you open up.”
Data shows the U.S. has about 13,000 dermatologists, 18,000 obstetricians and gynecologists, 24,000 ophthalmologists and 110,000 dentists.
Nearly 1.5 million jobs in the health care sector nationwide, or about 9%, were cut from February to April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and a large proportion of those job losses were at dental offices.
Dentists who have reopened in other parts of the U.S. are operating at about 25% volume, said Dr. Bowers, citing the American Dental Association.
What’s more, procuring personal protective equipment, which has been prioritized for hospitals, has been almost impossible for Dr. Bowers. He said he is still waiting for 1,000 N95 masks he ordered earlier this month.
In Northern Virginia, Dr. Damon Hou, a physician at Capital Women’s Health, said he has tried to limit in-person appointments for emergencies, even though preventive procedures were allowed, unlike in the District and Maryland.
His practice has largely pivoted to telehealth, keeping the business afloat by relying partially on virtual visits and significant pay cuts for partner physicians.
Through virtual visits, Dr. Hou said, staff members have been counseling patients about birth control, infertility and incontinence. Although wellness exams are allowed in Virginia, some patients have delayed or canceled annual screenings, he said.
“COVID-19 has impacted so many businesses, medical practices especially,” Dr. Hou said. “It’s been tough. … It’s a costly business to run.”
“We just want to make sure we keep the company healthy because we want to stay in practice for our patients,” he said.
Dr. Stephen Suah, of FoxHall Dermatology in the District, said he also is dealing with a smaller staff and a reduced workload.
“Obviously, post COVID-19 world is just a different place. All of us, whether we like or not, have to change and adapt with the realities that we’re given,” Dr. Suah said. “I don’t see us returning back to pre-COVID-19 until there is a vaccine in place. … This is now our new normal.
“To make sure we can still take care of people like we want to and that they deserve, we have to transition. And that might be more me sitting on FaceTime and spreading out visits when patients come in,” he said.
His clinic’s staff asks patients to fill out intake forms electronically to avoid paper exchange and go directly to a procedure room. Patients also are asked to stay in their cars instead of the waiting room until the staff is ready for them.
The clinic’s entrance opens automatically to avoid contact with door handles. Plexiglass has been installed at the front desk, and touch-free hand sanitizers are attached to the walls.
During the weeks the clinic has been closed, Dr. Suah said, he has been seeing 90% of patients via telemedicine. He has handled a few emergencies in person including patients with infections, melanoma or a recent diagnosis of melanoma.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bowers said that in his 39 years at his practice, his dental care clinic has never struggled as much as it has during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There’s always been a risk in dentistry,” he said, noting that dental work involves close contact with patients. “Now as risky as it gets in terms of COVID stuff.”
Dr. Bowers said dentists always have taken sterilization and personal protection seriously and are modifying procedures to provide the safest possible care during the coronavirus outbreak.
He said he is not sure when people will feel ready to come in for routine exams and estimates it will be at least a year until his clinic is operating as it did before the pandemic.
“The uncertainty is overwhelming,” he said.
Dr. Williams-Elliott said she thinks her eye care center will make it under different, but necessary, operating procedures.
“This has been a very trying time. It was very abrupt,” she said. “It’s a very frightening time. I have five kids, so I’m still exposed to patients on a daily basis. … The potential for me bringing it home, I have to change the way I interact with my own family.”
“As far as businesswise, we were a thriving practice. And I’m not alone in that,” she said. “We’re all trying to figure out what that new normal is going to look like. And it’s uncertain. … But I hope things will work out the best that they can, making modifications, because we still have a lot of patients that we need to serve, and that’s my main goal.”
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Shen Wu Tan can be reached at stan@washingtontimes.com.