washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Veterans military expertise ignored in civilian job hunt

Millions of U.S. military veterans who have risked their lives while serving their country and often bear the scars of battle confront a frustrating web of red tape as they begin their journey back into civilian life and try to use the job skills they ’ ve perfected in war zones .
For a combat medic , years of experience patching gunshot wounds or treating burns after bombings on the streets of Kabul don ’ t necessarily qualify them to work as an EMT or other first responder on the streets of Chicago .
Soldiers who have logged thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads in Afghanistan often find themselves forced into training programs to learn skills they already know .
Electricians who have helped set up military infrastructure in some of the most desolate corners of the world have to figure out what state certifications and licenses they need to practice at home .
Economists say the nation ’ s patchwork system of licenses , certifications and training requirements has long held back growth and worker mobility and hits veterans especially hard .
How to break through one of the country ’ s most stubborn bureaucratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state capitals , city halls and universities .
“ It ’ s a disconnect between supply and demand .
The demand for these roles — the military seems to be producing a supply of qualified people and yet they ’ re not going into these roles , ” said Dan Goldenberg , a retired Navy captain and executive director of the Call of Duty Endowment , a project aimed at easing veterans ’ transition into the workforce .
The COVID-19 pandemic and the Depression-level jobless rates have brought the problem into even starker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many service members whose enlistment terms are up opt to stay in the military for now given the bleak civilian job outlook .
Mr. Goldenberg said his group ’ s research has found that more than half of veterans want to find civilian jobs that mirror their work in the military .
Making that a reality , however , is far from simple .
“ The most basically trained [ military ] medic … could easily walk right out of that training and be qualified to be an EMT , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview .
“ When they come out into the civilian job market in many , many cases , they ’ re made to start over .
“ They come back and they ’ re told [ they ] can ’ t ride in the back of an ambulance , ” he said .
“ A lot of them just turn away and say it ’ s too expensive or too frustrating — ‘ I ’ m not going to do it.
’ And that ’ s wrong.
” Ironically , the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care workers across the U.S. , and the economic ripple effects could drive crucial demand in coming months for truck drivers and other skilled workers to keep the country moving .
States ’ training requirements in economic sectors can vary wildly .
Specialists say it ’ s not always clear which certifications will transfer , which college programs offer degrees that will be accepted across state lines and exactly what kinds of real-world experience can be counted .
“ It ’ s a hot mess even if you ’ re not dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that layer and it just becomes more so .
It ’ s more like a boiling mess , ” said Jenny Parks , vice president of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact .
An estimated 1 in 4 American jobs require a license , and the Department of Labor says the list has expanded .
Licensing groups say the practice is vital to ensure an architect or dental hygienist is competent , but it has sparked debates in state capitals over whether more occupations — interior designers , cosmetologists , tour guides , musical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The compact , comprising states across the Midwest , operates the Multi-State Collaborative on Military Credit , which seeks to streamline the qualification process for veterans and establish relatively uniform guidance to ease their transition into the civilian workforce .
For a veteran with medical experience seeking to become a nurse , for example , the challenge begins with differing requirements on how their work in the military will translate into a civilian job .
Veterans often have to research which states will accept the degree they are pursuing , which can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Consider a distance education student in an online nursing program .
Ms .
Parks said .
“ You ’ re in Michigan , and you ’ re in an online program that is in Arizona .
And you might eventually want to practice in Maryland .
When you ’ re taking that program at the time … that school needs to be able to say whether or not the program they ’ re offering you qualifies you for licensure in Michigan.
” Many universities offer special consideration to veterans and allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward degrees or certification .
The Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies have worked with state governments and private companies to establish initiatives .
One of them is the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver program , which allows service members with at least two years of experience driving commercial vehicles to test immediately for a private-sector commercial driver ’ s license .
Before the program was implemented , veterans who had mastered many of the skills still had to take training tests .
State governments are taking other actions .
Lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to honor a veteran ’ s occupational license and certificate from another state , provided they have been in good standing for the past year .
Vermont enacted a law allowing veterans with comparable military experience to apply for licenses as vehicle mechanics , plumbers , electricians , nursing assistants and certain other vocations .
The Labor Department last year offered grants of up to $ 2.5 million for cooperative agreements aimed at expediting occupational licenses for veterans .
Although those programs are valuable and a step in the right direction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spouses of service members often have difficulty moving to other states every few years as part of redeployment .
“ You have military spouses with active-duty spouses moving from base to base with an average of being at a base for two years .
How many of these spouses want to have their own career paths ?
What happens if they want their own individuality and career ?
” said Alanna Wilson , vice president of government affairs at the Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation at St. Francis University .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a year and a half … in some states to get that license , ” she said .
“ And then what ?
Practice it for maybe six months after they get a license ?
” The root issue , critics say , boils down to wildly different standards from state to state .
In the medical field , veterans ’ harrowing real-world experience can rival any gruesome scene in one of the nation ’ s emergency rooms .
Mr. Goldenberg said a uniform test for veterans in that case is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it should be that easy , ” he said .
“ You ’ re giving them a fair chance .
Take the test , make it as hard as you want , give them the test .
There ’ s one objective standard .
“ In the medical world , we bring people from other countries on visas to fill critical areas in health care , ” he said .
“ Yet we don ’ t invest the time and effort to convert our own veterans ’ training in the medical field @ @

Millions of U.S. military veterans who have risked their lives while serving their country and often bear the scars of battle confront a frustrating web of red tape as they begin their journey back into civilian life and try to use the job skills they’ve perfected in war zones.
For a combat medic, years of experience patching gunshot wounds or treating burns after bombings on the streets of Kabul don’t necessarily qualify them to work as an EMT or other first responder on the streets of Chicago.
Soldiers who have logged thousands of hours driving heavy-duty vehicles on unpaved mountain roads in Afghanistan often find themselves forced into training programs to learn skills they already know. Electricians who have helped set up military infrastructure in some of the most desolate corners of the world have to figure out what state certifications and licenses they need to practice at home.
Economists say the nation’s patchwork system of licenses, certifications and training requirements has long held back growth and worker mobility and hits veterans especially hard. How to break through one of the country’s most stubborn bureaucratic barriers has spurred conversations in Washington, state capitals, city halls and universities.
“It’s a disconnect between supply and demand. The demand for these roles — the military seems to be producing a supply of qualified people and yet they’re not going into these roles,” said Dan Goldenberg, a retired Navy captain and executive director of the Call of Duty Endowment, a project aimed at easing veterans’ transition into the workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the Depression-level jobless rates have brought the problem into even starker relief. The Pentagon said last week that many service members whose enlistment terms are up opt to stay in the military for now given the bleak civilian job outlook.
Mr. Goldenberg said his group’s research has found that more than half of veterans want to find civilian jobs that mirror their work in the military. Making that a reality, however, is far from simple.
“The most basically trained [military] medic … could easily walk right out of that training and be qualified to be an EMT,” he told The Washington Times in a recent interview. “When they come out into the civilian job market in many, many cases, they’re made to start over.
“They come back and they’re told [they] can’t ride in the back of an ambulance,” he said. “A lot of them just turn away and say it’s too expensive or too frustrating — ‘I’m not going to do it.’ And that’s wrong.”
Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a massive need for health care workers across the U.S., and the economic ripple effects could drive crucial demand in coming months for truck drivers and other skilled workers to keep the country moving.
‘A hot mess’
States’ training requirements in economic sectors can vary wildly. Specialists say it’s not always clear which certifications will transfer, which college programs offer degrees that will be accepted across state lines and exactly what kinds of real-world experience can be counted.
“It’s a hot mess even if you’re not dealing with the military stuff. Then you add that layer and it just becomes more so. It’s more like a boiling mess,” said Jenny Parks, vice president of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.
An estimated 1 in 4 American jobs require a license, and the Department of Labor says the list has expanded. Licensing groups say the practice is vital to ensure an architect or dental hygienist is competent, but it has sparked debates in state capitals over whether more occupations — interior designers, cosmetologists, tour guides, musical therapists — should be monitored and restricted.
The compact, comprising states across the Midwest, operates the Multi-State Collaborative on Military Credit, which seeks to streamline the qualification process for veterans and establish relatively uniform guidance to ease their transition into the civilian workforce.
For a veteran with medical experience seeking to become a nurse, for example, the challenge begins with differing requirements on how their work in the military will translate into a civilian job.
Veterans often have to research which states will accept the degree they are pursuing, which can be a logistical headache at a crucial time.
Consider a distance education student in an online nursing program. Ms. Parks said.
“You’re in Michigan, and you’re in an online program that is in Arizona. And you might eventually want to practice in Maryland. When you’re taking that program at the time … that school needs to be able to say whether or not the program they’re offering you qualifies you for licensure in Michigan.”
Many universities offer special consideration to veterans and allow some military training and experience to count toward degrees or certification. The Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies have worked with state governments and private companies to establish initiatives.
One of them is the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver program, which allows service members with at least two years of experience driving commercial vehicles to test immediately for a private-sector commercial driver’s license. Before the program was implemented, veterans who had mastered many of the skills still had to take training tests.
New reforms
State governments are taking other actions. Lawmakers in Maryland recently pushed legislation requiring the state to honor a veteran’s occupational license and certificate from another state, provided they have been in good standing for the past year.
Vermont enacted a law allowing veterans with comparable military experience to apply for licenses as vehicle mechanics, plumbers, electricians, nursing assistants and certain other vocations.
The Labor Department last year offered grants of up to $2.5 million for cooperative agreements aimed at expediting occupational licenses for veterans.
Although those programs are valuable and a step in the right direction, some say they are not enough. Spouses of service members often have difficulty moving to other states every few years as part of redeployment.
“You have military spouses with active-duty spouses moving from base to base with an average of being at a base for two years. How many of these spouses want to have their own career paths? What happens if they want their own individuality and career?” said Alanna Wilson, vice president of government affairs at the Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation at St. Francis University.
“It takes anywhere from 10 months to a year and a half … in some states to get that license,” she said. “And then what? Practice it for maybe six months after they get a license?”
The root issue, critics say, boils down to wildly different standards from state to state. In the medical field, veterans’ harrowing real-world experience can rival any gruesome scene in one of the nation’s emergency rooms. Mr. Goldenberg said a uniform test for veterans in that case is one potential.
“In the medical environment, it should be that easy,” he said. “You’re giving them a fair chance. Take the test, make it as hard as you want, give them the test. There’s one objective standard.
“In the medical world, we bring people from other countries on visas to fill critical areas in health care,” he said. “Yet we don’t invest the time and effort to convert our own veterans’ training in the medical field.”
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Judge Robert Hinkle overturns Florida felon voting rights law requiring fine repayment

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. — A Florida law requiring felons to pay legal fees as part of their sentences before regaining the vote is unconstitutional for those unable to pay , or unable to find out how much they owe , a federal judge ruled Sunday .
The 125-page ruling was issued by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee .
It involves a state law to implement a 2016 ballot measure approved by voters to automatically restore the right to vote for many felons who have completed their sentence .
The Republican-led Legislature stipulated that fines and legal fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence , in addition to serving any prison time .
Hinkle has acknowledged he is unlikely to have the last word in the case , expecting the administration of Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis to launch an appeal .
The case could have deep ramifications in the crucial electoral battleground given that Florida has an estimated 774,000 disenfranchised felons who are barred because of financial obligations .
Many of those felons are African Americans and presumably Democrats , though it ’ s unclear how that group of Floridians overall would lean politically in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The judge called the Florida rules a “ pay to vote ” system that are unconstitutional when applied to felons “ who are otherwise eligible to vote but are genuinely unable to pay the required amount.
” A further complication is determining the exact amount in fines and other kinds of legal fees owed by felons seeking the vote – by some estimates it would take elections officials several years for those pending now .
Hinkle said it ’ s unconstitutional to bar any voter whose amount owed could not be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to require election officials to allow felons to request an advisory opinion on how much they owe – essentially placing the burden on elections officials to seek that information from court systems .
If there ’ s no response within three weeks , then the applicant should not be barred from registering to vote , the ruling said .
Hinkle said the requirement to pay fines and restitution as ordered in a sentence is constitutional for those “ who are able to pay ” – if the amount can be determined .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeSantis , consolidates five lawsuits filed by advocates of disenfranchised felons .
The 2018 ballot measure , known as Amendment 4 , does not apply to convicted murderers and rapists , who are permanently barred from voting regardless of financial obligations .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida law requiring felons to pay legal fees as part of their sentences before regaining the vote is unconstitutional for those unable to pay, or unable to find out how much they owe, a federal judge ruled Sunday.
The 125-page ruling was issued by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee. It involves a state law to implement a 2016 ballot measure approved by voters to automatically restore the right to vote for many felons who have completed their sentence. The Republican-led Legislature stipulated that fines and legal fees must be paid as part of the sentence, in addition to serving any prison time.
Hinkle has acknowledged he is unlikely to have the last word in the case, expecting the administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to launch an appeal.
The case could have deep ramifications in the crucial electoral battleground given that Florida has an estimated 774,000 disenfranchised felons who are barred because of financial obligations. Many of those felons are African Americans and presumably Democrats, though it’s unclear how that group of Floridians overall would lean politically in an election and how many would vote.
The judge called the Florida rules a “pay to vote” system that are unconstitutional when applied to felons “who are otherwise eligible to vote but are genuinely unable to pay the required amount.”
A further complication is determining the exact amount in fines and other kinds of legal fees owed by felons seeking the vote – by some estimates it would take elections officials several years for those pending now. Hinkle said it’s unconstitutional to bar any voter whose amount owed could not be “determined with diligence.”
Hinkle ordered the state to require election officials to allow felons to request an advisory opinion on how much they owe – essentially placing the burden on elections officials to seek that information from court systems. If there’s no response within three weeks, then the applicant should not be barred from registering to vote, the ruling said.
Hinkle said the requirement to pay fines and restitution as ordered in a sentence is constitutional for those “who are able to pay” – if the amount can be determined.
The case, Kelvin Jones vs Ron DeSantis, consolidates five lawsuits filed by advocates of disenfranchised felons.
The 2018 ballot measure, known as Amendment 4, does not apply to convicted murderers and rapists, who are permanently barred from voting regardless of financial obligations.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Trooper dies of injuries suffered in on-duty death

HAMMOND , La .
( AP ) - A Louisiana state trooper injured last week during a vehicle pursuit died Sunday morning , state police and the governor ’ s office said .
Trooper George Baker , 33 , was assisting the Hammond Police Department with the pursuit around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday .
State police said Baker and another trooper were in a roadway removing a tire deflation device that had flattened the tires of the suspects ’ car when they were struck by a Hammond police car .
One trooper was treated and released but Baker was critically injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police member to die in the line of duty since 2015 .
He was the 30th to die in the line of duty in the agency ’ s history , state police said .
Baker had been with Louisiana State Police Troop L since 2017 .
He had previously served with the Greensburg Police Department and the St. Helena Parish Sheriff ’ s Office .
He was a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve member for eight years , according to state police .
He was married and had one daughter .
“ His selfless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best of us and he continues to serve even after his passing by having his organs donated to help others in need , ” Gov .
John Bel Edwards said in a news release expressing his , and his wife Donna ’ s , sympathy .
“ Please join Donna and me in praying for Trooper Baker , his wife Heather , daughter Harper , family , friends and countless others as they mourn this great loss , ” the statement said .
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the chase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle deemed suspicious sped away after being spotted by a Hammond police officer .

HAMMOND, La. (AP) - A Louisiana state trooper injured last week during a vehicle pursuit died Sunday morning, state police and the governor’s office said.
Trooper George Baker, 33, was assisting the Hammond Police Department with the pursuit around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday.
State police said Baker and another trooper were in a roadway removing a tire deflation device that had flattened the tires of the suspects’ car when they were struck by a Hammond police car.
One trooper was treated and released but Baker was critically injured. Baker was the first Louisiana State Police member to die in the line of duty since 2015. He was the 30th to die in the line of duty in the agency’s history, state police said.
Baker had been with Louisiana State Police Troop L since 2017. He had previously served with the Greensburg Police Department and the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve member for eight years, according to state police.
He was married and had one daughter.
“His selfless commitment to his fellow Louisianans represents the best of us and he continues to serve even after his passing by having his organs donated to help others in need,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a news release expressing his, and his wife Donna’s, sympathy.
“Please join Donna and me in praying for Trooper Baker, his wife Heather, daughter Harper, family, friends and countless others as they mourn this great loss,” the statement said.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the chase, which news outlets said began when a vehicle deemed suspicious sped away after being spotted by a Hammond police officer.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Judge rules against Florida on felons paying fines to vote

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. ( AP ) - A Florida law requiring felons to pay legal fees as part of their sentences before regaining the vote is unconstitutional for those unable to pay , or unable to find out how much they owe , a federal judge ruled Sunday .
The 125-page ruling was issued by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee .
It involves a state law to implement a 2016 ballot measure approved by voters to automatically restore the right to vote for many felons who have completed their sentence .
The Republican-led Legislature stipulated that fines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the sentence , in addition to serving any prison time .
Hinkle has acknowledged he is unlikely to have the last word in the case , expecting the administration of Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis to launch an appeal .
The case could have deep ramifications in the crucial electoral battleground given that Florida has an estimated 774,000 disenfranchised felons who are barred because of financial obligations .
Many of those felons are African Americans and presumably Democrats , though it ’ s unclear how that group of Floridians overall would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many would vote .
The judge called the Florida rules a “ pay to vote ” system that are unconstitutional when applied to felons “ who are otherwise eligible to vote but are genuinely unable to pay the required amount.
” A further complication is determining the exact amount in fines and other kinds of legal fees owed by felons seeking the vote - by some estimates it would take elections officials several years for those pending now .
Hinkle said it ’ s unconstitutional to bar any voter whose amount owed could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hinkle ordered the state to require election officials to allow felons to request an advisory opinion on how much they owe - essentially placing the burden on elections officials to seek that information from court systems .
If there ’ s no response within three weeks , then the applicant should not be barred from registering to vote , the ruling said .
Hinkle said the requirement to pay fines and restitution as ordered in a sentence is constitutional for those “ who are able to pay ” - if the amount can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones vs Ron DeSantis , consolidates five lawsuits filed by advocates of disenfranchised felons , including the American Civil Liberties Union , the Brennan Center and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People .
“ This is a tremendous victory for voting rights , ” Julie Ebenstein , senior staff attorney with ACLU ’ s Voting Rights Project , said in a statement .
“ The court recognized that conditioning a person ’ s right to vote on their ability to pay is unconstitutional .
This ruling means hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the electorate and participate in upcoming elections.
” The 2018 ballot measure , known as Amendment 4 , does not apply to convicted murderers and rapists , who are permanently barred from voting regardless of financial obligations .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida law requiring felons to pay legal fees as part of their sentences before regaining the vote is unconstitutional for those unable to pay, or unable to find out how much they owe, a federal judge ruled Sunday.
The 125-page ruling was issued by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee. It involves a state law to implement a 2016 ballot measure approved by voters to automatically restore the right to vote for many felons who have completed their sentence. The Republican-led Legislature stipulated that fines and legal fees must be paid as part of the sentence, in addition to serving any prison time.
Hinkle has acknowledged he is unlikely to have the last word in the case, expecting the administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to launch an appeal.
The case could have deep ramifications in the crucial electoral battleground given that Florida has an estimated 774,000 disenfranchised felons who are barred because of financial obligations. Many of those felons are African Americans and presumably Democrats, though it’s unclear how that group of Floridians overall would lean politically in an election and how many would vote.
The judge called the Florida rules a “pay to vote” system that are unconstitutional when applied to felons “who are otherwise eligible to vote but are genuinely unable to pay the required amount.”
A further complication is determining the exact amount in fines and other kinds of legal fees owed by felons seeking the vote - by some estimates it would take elections officials several years for those pending now. Hinkle said it’s unconstitutional to bar any voter whose amount owed could not be “determined with diligence.”
Hinkle ordered the state to require election officials to allow felons to request an advisory opinion on how much they owe - essentially placing the burden on elections officials to seek that information from court systems. If there’s no response within three weeks, then the applicant should not be barred from registering to vote, the ruling said.
Hinkle said the requirement to pay fines and restitution as ordered in a sentence is constitutional for those “who are able to pay” - if the amount can be determined.
The case, Kelvin Jones vs Ron DeSantis, consolidates five lawsuits filed by advocates of disenfranchised felons, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Brennan Center and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
“This is a tremendous victory for voting rights,” Julie Ebenstein, senior staff attorney with ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement. “The court recognized that conditioning a person’s right to vote on their ability to pay is unconstitutional. This ruling means hundreds of thousands of Floridians will be able to rejoin the electorate and participate in upcoming elections.”
The 2018 ballot measure, known as Amendment 4, does not apply to convicted murderers and rapists, who are permanently barred from voting regardless of financial obligations.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Curtis Sliwa, in Guardian Angels beret, defies no-swim order

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Curtis Sliwa donned a wetsuit and his trademark Guardian Angels red beret and strode into the water at Coney Island Sunday in defiance of Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s no-swimming order .
A crowd cheered Sliwa on as several city Parks Department officers tried to order the Guardian Angels founder and New York mayoral candidate out of the surf .
Sliwa ignored the orders and swam around for about an hour .
Before he dove in , Sliwa stuck a cardboard cutout of de Blasio ’ s face on the beach and kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concept is , this is our beach , not de Blasio ‘ s , ” Sliwa told the New York Post .
“ Everybody else gets to swim in Long Island , Jersey Shore , Mediterranean .
Not us ?
No , no , no.
” De Blasio last week threatened summonses for violators of his no-swim order aimed at keeping the coronavirus under control .
City Hall spokeswoman Jane Meyer said Sliwa “ should be ashamed of himself.
” “ We all must work together to keep each other safe during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Meyer said .

NEW YORK (AP) - Curtis Sliwa donned a wetsuit and his trademark Guardian Angels red beret and strode into the water at Coney Island Sunday in defiance of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s no-swimming order.
A crowd cheered Sliwa on as several city Parks Department officers tried to order the Guardian Angels founder and New York mayoral candidate out of the surf. Sliwa ignored the orders and swam around for about an hour.
Before he dove in, Sliwa stuck a cardboard cutout of de Blasio’s face on the beach and kicked sand on it. “The whole concept is, this is our beach, not de Blasio’s,” Sliwa told the New York Post. “Everybody else gets to swim in Long Island, Jersey Shore, Mediterranean. Not us? No, no, no.”
De Blasio last week threatened summonses for violators of his no-swim order aimed at keeping the coronavirus under control. City Hall spokeswoman Jane Meyer said Sliwa “should be ashamed of himself.”
“We all must work together to keep each other safe during this pandemic - not make things worse,” Meyer said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Morgan Wallen arrested after ejection from Nashville bar

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - Country music singer Morgan Wallen apologized Sunday following his weekend arrest on public @ @ @ @ @ .
Wallen , 27 , was arrested Saturday night after he was kicked out of @ @ @ @ @ in downtown Nashville , news outlets reported .
Wallen said on Twitter that he and @ @ @ @ @ ” after a few bar stops .
“ We didn ’ t mean any harm @ @ @ @ @ say sorry to any bar staff or anyone that was affected , ” Wallen tweeted @ @ @ @ @ the local authorities for being so professional and doing their job with class .
Love @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hits include “ Whiskey Glasses ” and “ Chasin ’ You.
” He @ @ @ @ @ ” in 2014 and co-wrote songs for Jason Aldean and Kane Brown .

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Country music singer Morgan Wallen apologized Sunday following his weekend arrest on public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges.
Wallen, 27, was arrested Saturday night after he was kicked out of Kid Rock’s bar in downtown Nashville, news outlets reported.
Wallen said on Twitter that he and some friends were “horse-playing” after a few bar stops.
“We didn’t mean any harm, and we want to say sorry to any bar staff or anyone that was affected,” Wallen tweeted. “Thank you to the local authorities for being so professional and doing their job with class. Love y’all.”
Wallen’s hits include “Whiskey Glasses” and “Chasin’ You.” He competed on “The Voice” in 2014 and co-wrote songs for Jason Aldean and Kane Brown.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Police in 3 states seek suspect in 2 Connecticut slayings

WILLINGTON , Conn. ( AP ) - The search for a 23-year-old University of Connecticut senior suspected in two slayings and believed to be armed with several stolen guns had stretched from Connecticut to New Jersey and Pennsylvania on Sunday , state police said .
Connecticut troopers said Peter Manfredonia , suspected in a deadly assault in Willington on Friday and a homicide in Derby on Sunday morning , is believed to be armed with several weapons stolen during a home invasion .
A car Manfredonia is suspected of stealing from the Derby victim was found in New Jersey at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Police said Manfredonia is suspected of killing 62-year-old Ted DeMers and assaulting another man in Willington .
DeMers ’ wife , Cynthia DeMers , tells the Hartford Courant that the two men had been attacked after they found Manfredonia walking along a road and offered him a ride back to his motorcycle .
“ It could have been anybody who offered him a ride , ” she said .
“ It could have been any of my neighbors ’ husbands .
It just happened to be mine.
” DeMers was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other man suffered severe wounds described as sword or machete wounds , state police said .
Connecticut Trooper Christine Jeltema said police were called to a home in Willington early Sunday morning .
A man reported he had been held against his will by Manfredonia , who then left with food , several guns and the man ’ s truck , which was found abandoned at 6:45 a.m. near Osbornedale State Park .
Police investigators then went to the Derby home of an acquaintance of Manfredonia and found him dead .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Manfredonia is a 2015 graduate of Newtown High School and a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in finance and mechanical engineering , the Connecticut Post reported .
Police describe him as a 6-foot-3 white man who should be considered armed and dangerous .

WILLINGTON, Conn. (AP) - The search for a 23-year-old University of Connecticut senior suspected in two slayings and believed to be armed with several stolen guns had stretched from Connecticut to New Jersey and Pennsylvania on Sunday, state police said.
Connecticut troopers said Peter Manfredonia, suspected in a deadly assault in Willington on Friday and a homicide in Derby on Sunday morning, is believed to be armed with several weapons stolen during a home invasion. A car Manfredonia is suspected of stealing from the Derby victim was found in New Jersey at the Pennsylvania border Sunday afternoon, police said.
Police said Manfredonia is suspected of killing 62-year-old Ted DeMers and assaulting another man in Willington. DeMers’ wife, Cynthia DeMers, tells the Hartford Courant that the two men had been attacked after they found Manfredonia walking along a road and offered him a ride back to his motorcycle.
“It could have been anybody who offered him a ride,” she said. “It could have been any of my neighbors’ husbands. It just happened to be mine.”
DeMers was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The other man suffered severe wounds described as sword or machete wounds, state police said.
Connecticut Trooper Christine Jeltema said police were called to a home in Willington early Sunday morning. A man reported he had been held against his will by Manfredonia, who then left with food, several guns and the man’s truck, which was found abandoned at 6:45 a.m. near Osbornedale State Park.
Police investigators then went to the Derby home of an acquaintance of Manfredonia and found him dead. He was identified Sunday afternoon as 23-year-old Nicholas Eisele.
Manfredonia is a 2015 graduate of Newtown High School and a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in finance and mechanical engineering, the Connecticut Post reported. Police describe him as a 6-foot-3 white man who should be considered armed and dangerous.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Inside the Beltway: Trump praises 'incredible dedication' of American military

Take a few seconds on Memorial Day to remember why we mark the day .
In a proclamation , President Trump has asked the nation to pray for “ permanent peace ” at 11 a.m. in whatever time zone you happen to be in .
Then pause again at 3 p.m. and think of those lost in battle in “ The Moment of Remembrance ” — an event that was actually designated by Congress in 1950 .
The president noted that these moments are particularly appropriate this year , which marks the 75th anniversary of Allied victories over Nazi Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will always defend our freedom and our liberty .
When those principles are threatened , we will respond with uncompromising force and unparalleled vigor .
Generation after generation , our country ’ s finest have defended our republic with honor and distinction , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ Our fallen warriors gave their last breath for our country and our freedom .
Today , let us pause in quiet reverence to reflect on the incredible dedication of these valiant men and women and their families , invoking divine providence as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasting peace for the world , ” the president advised in his proclamation .
SOME INSIGHT FROM MAY 31 , 1982 “ In America ’ s cities and towns today , flags will be placed on graves in cemeteries ; public officials will speak of the sacrifice and the valor of those whose memory we honor , ” then-President Ronald Reagan noted during a Memorial Day tribute in 1982 .
“ I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more feeble on this Memorial Day , for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who , in return , loved their countrymen enough to die for them .
Yet , we must try to honor them — not for their sakes alone , but for our own , ” the president said .
“ And if words can not repay the debt we owe these men , surely with our actions we must strive to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led them to battle and to final sacrifice .
Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough : the United States and the freedom for which it stands , the freedom for which they died , must endure and prosper , ” Reagan said .
The coronavirus crisis has challenged the nation .
It has also shed light on its newly emerged heroes .
“ Memorial Day is not a ‘ holiday ’ but a sacred day , particularly for those of us who loved or served with people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devotion.
’ What ’ s the connection between the heartbreak and havoc of the past two months , and Memorial Day ?
The pandemic and its global chaos have shown the value of American freedom , ” writes Army veteran and author James Hasson , in an op-ed for The New York Post .
“ The visible dedication of our medical personnel during this pandemic , who have chosen a profession of healing and caring despite great personal risk , can provide an insight into the sacrifices of America ’ s fallen warriors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spend days unable to communicate with loved ones , fearing for their safety , ” Mr. Hasson continues .
“ Our response to COVID-19 may have been imperfect , but there is still no other country I would rather live in than the United States .
And this Memorial Day , perhaps even more than most , we should all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen , be grateful for the freedoms they preserved , and pray for peace and solace for their families.
” Members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decided upon their nomination for president via a “ historic virtual presidential nominating convention ” conducted Saturday evening .
Their choice is Jo Jorgensen , a South Carolina wife , mother and grandmother in South Carolina who holds a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology from Clemson University — where she also teaches .
“ I am glad that the voters will finally have a real choice because the non-choice between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is still an option between big government and more big government .
The volunteers are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be the most massive volunteer effort that the LP has ever seen .
It is really growing from the grass roots.
” The party itself achieved 50-state ballot access in the 2016 election , and seeks to do the same this time around .
“ Americans will have an opportunity to elect the first female president .
Her ground-breaking run will give voters a chance to elect a candidate committed to freedom and liberty .
Jorgensen ’ s campaign will give Americans relief from the grim options that they will face from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ I am incredibly proud to serve as chair of the only national political party to hold their presidential nominating convention on time and under budget even in the face of a global pandemic , ” says the party ’ s national chairman Nicholas Sarwark .
“ Our delegates from around the country were able to meet virtually to debate the merits of potential nominees .
Real choices were made to come to the strongest candidate and consensus was built to have the party unified around the nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that different approach is exactly what Americans need right now , ” he notes .
For those who are fond of Trump-themed merchandise : President Trump ’ s official campaign store is currently offering 25 % off all its merchandise , much of which is patriotic in theme .
Find the campaign at donaldjtrump.com and check under “ shop.
” Oh , and use the code : USA25 .
• 78 % of U.S. adults on average have typically celebrated Memorial Day in recent years .
• 52 % will celebrate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t plan to connect with anyone on Memorial Day this year .
• 28 % will talk to them on the phone or video chat .
• 24 % will connect with loved ones in person , “ as normal.
” Source : A Civic Science poll of 1,640 U.S. adults conducted May 20-21 , plus analysis of the organization ’ s past data .

NEWS AND OPINION:
Take a few seconds on Memorial Day to remember why we mark the day. In a proclamation, President Trump has asked the nation to pray for “permanent peace” at 11 a.m. in whatever time zone you happen to be in. Then pause again at 3 p.m. and think of those lost in battle in “The Moment of Remembrance” — an event that was actually designated by Congress in 1950.
The president noted that these moments are particularly appropriate this year, which marks the 75th anniversary of Allied victories over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.
“As Americans, we will always defend our freedom and our liberty. When those principles are threatened, we will respond with uncompromising force and unparalleled vigor. Generation after generation, our country’s finest have defended our republic with honor and distinction,” Mr. Trump said.
“Our fallen warriors gave their last breath for our country and our freedom. Today, let us pause in quiet reverence to reflect on the incredible dedication of these valiant men and women and their families, invoking divine providence as we continue pursuing our noble goal of lasting peace for the world,” the president advised in his proclamation.
SOME INSIGHT FROM MAY 31, 1982
“In America’s cities and towns today, flags will be placed on graves in cemeteries; public officials will speak of the sacrifice and the valor of those whose memory we honor,” then-President Ronald Reagan noted during a Memorial Day tribute in 1982.
“I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them. Yet, we must try to honor them — not for their sakes alone, but for our own,” the president said.
“And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice. Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: the United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper,” Reagan said.
HEROES: A REMINDER
The coronavirus crisis has challenged the nation. It has also shed light on its newly emerged heroes.
“Memorial Day is not a ‘holiday’ but a sacred day, particularly for those of us who loved or served with people who ‘gave the last full measure of devotion.’ What’s the connection between the heartbreak and havoc of the past two months, and Memorial Day? The pandemic and its global chaos have shown the value of American freedom,” writes Army veteran and author James Hasson, in an op-ed for The New York Post.
“The visible dedication of our medical personnel during this pandemic, who have chosen a profession of healing and caring despite great personal risk, can provide an insight into the sacrifices of America’s fallen warriors and their families. They, too, spend days unable to communicate with loved ones, fearing for their safety,” Mr. Hasson continues.
“Our response to COVID-19 may have been imperfect, but there is still no other country I would rather live in than the United States. And this Memorial Day, perhaps even more than most, we should all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen, be grateful for the freedoms they preserved, and pray for peace and solace for their families.”
THE LIBERTARIANS HAVE BIG NEWS
Members of the Libertarian Party in all 50 states have decided upon their nomination for president via a “historic virtual presidential nominating convention” conducted Saturday evening.
Their choice is Jo Jorgensen, a South Carolina wife, mother and grandmother in South Carolina who holds a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology from Clemson University — where she also teaches.
“I am glad that the voters will finally have a real choice because the non-choice between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is still an option between big government and more big government. The volunteers are already pouring in and it looks like it will be the most massive volunteer effort that the LP has ever seen. It is really growing from the grass roots.”
The party itself achieved 50-state ballot access in the 2016 election, and seeks to do the same this time around.
“Americans will have an opportunity to elect the first female president. Her ground-breaking run will give voters a chance to elect a candidate committed to freedom and liberty. Jorgensen’s campaign will give Americans relief from the grim options that they will face from the other candidates,” the party said in a statement.
“I am incredibly proud to serve as chair of the only national political party to hold their presidential nominating convention on time and under budget even in the face of a global pandemic,” says the party’s national chairman Nicholas Sarwark.
“Our delegates from around the country were able to meet virtually to debate the merits of potential nominees. Real choices were made to come to the strongest candidate and consensus was built to have the party unified around the nominee. The Libertarian Party does politics differently and that different approach is exactly what Americans need right now,” he notes.
A LITTLE SALE
For those who are fond of Trump-themed merchandise: President Trump’s official campaign store is currently offering 25% off all its merchandise, much of which is patriotic in theme. Find the campaign at donaldjtrump.com and check under “shop.” Oh, and use the code: USA25.
POLL DU JOUR
• 78% of U.S. adults on average have typically celebrated Memorial Day in recent years.
• 52% will celebrate the day this year.
• 32% don’t plan to connect with anyone on Memorial Day this year.
• 28% will talk to them on the phone or video chat.
• 24% will connect with loved ones in person, “as normal.”
• 17% will visit, but maintain a safe distance.
Source: A Civic Science poll of 1,640 U.S. adults conducted May 20-21, plus analysis of the organization’s past data.
• Helpful information to jharper@washingtontimes.com
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--California woman arrested for posting racist notes at homes

SAN LEANDRO , Calif. ( AP ) - A woman in the San Francisco Bay Area has been arrested on suspicion of posting handwritten messages at several homes , targeting Asian Americans and suggesting that those not native to the United States should leave the country immediately .
Police in San Leandro , a suburb of 89,000 just south of Oakland , said officers were called to the Heron Bay neighborhood Friday evening after receiving reports of notes containing “ insensitive messages towards minorities ” taped to five homes .
“ If you are a woman or man and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to your land immediately , fast , with urgency , ” the note said .
It ended with “ One American , white , brave , that serves the Nation or USA is going to live here.
” One resident gave the officers images captured on his doorbell security camera of a woman taping the note , and the officers soon found her in the area , police said in a statement .
Nancy Arechiga , 52 , was carrying a backpack containing copies of the same notes , the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these inappropriate messages that instilled fear and intimidation upon those residents.
” “ We welcome people ’ s rights to express themselves , but not in a manner that infringes upon a community ’ s sense of security and well-being , ” Lt. Isaac Benabou said .
Arechiga was taken to Alameda County jail and booked for investigation of committing a hate crime .
She was issued a citation and released from custody , another police official , Lt. Ted Henderson , said .
California has set bail at $ 0 for low-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep jails empty during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Arechiga was told to appear in court , though the date hasn ’ t been set because of the holiday weekend , he said .
It wasn ’ t known whether she has retained a lawyer .
A phone number listed for Arechiga has been disconnected .
Police were also investigating whether Arechiga was responsible for a similar note found Thursday on a local trail .
The note partially read , “ no Asians allowed , leave immediately.
” An Asian-American woman told KGO-TV her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ note posted on a tree trunk in the neighborhood .
The woman , who asked not to be named for safety concerns , said “ reading this letter sends chills down my spine.
” “ Obviously there ’ s been a spike in attacks against the Asian American community due to this pandemic , ” she said .
“ It ’ s sad to see that .
”

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (AP) - A woman in the San Francisco Bay Area has been arrested on suspicion of posting handwritten messages at several homes, targeting Asian Americans and suggesting that those not native to the United States should leave the country immediately.
Police in San Leandro, a suburb of 89,000 just south of Oakland, said officers were called to the Heron Bay neighborhood Friday evening after receiving reports of notes containing “insensitive messages towards minorities” taped to five homes.
“If you are a woman or man and was born in other country, return, go back to your land immediately, fast, with urgency,” the note said. It ended with “One American, white, brave, that serves the Nation or USA is going to live here.”
One resident gave the officers images captured on his doorbell security camera of a woman taping the note, and the officers soon found her in the area, police said in a statement.
Nancy Arechiga, 52, was carrying a backpack containing copies of the same notes, the statement said. She was arrested “for these inappropriate messages that instilled fear and intimidation upon those residents.”
“We welcome people’s rights to express themselves, but not in a manner that infringes upon a community’s sense of security and well-being,” Lt. Isaac Benabou said.
Arechiga was taken to Alameda County jail and booked for investigation of committing a hate crime. She was issued a citation and released from custody, another police official, Lt. Ted Henderson, said.
California has set bail at $0 for low-level crimes and misdemeanors in an effort to keep jails empty during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arechiga was told to appear in court, though the date hasn’t been set because of the holiday weekend, he said.
It wasn’t known whether she has retained a lawyer. A phone number listed for Arechiga has been disconnected.
Police were also investigating whether Arechiga was responsible for a similar note found Thursday on a local trail. The note partially read, “no Asians allowed, leave immediately.”
An Asian-American woman told KGO-TV her family was shaken after finding a similar note posted on a tree trunk in the neighborhood. The woman, who asked not to be named for safety concerns, said “reading this letter sends chills down my spine.”
“Obviously there’s been a spike in attacks against the Asian American community due to this pandemic,” she said. “It’s sad to see that.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Number of coronavirus cases in New Mexico nearing 7,000

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - Health officials have announced that New Mexico now has nearly 7,000 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ State Department of Health officials reported 149 additional COVID-19 cases and nine more deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ 6,943 coronavirus cases and 317 deaths .
Health officials saidthat of six of the nine @ @ @ @ @ with the other three in San Juan County .
They said eight of the nine @ @ @ @ @ medical conditions .
Of the new cases , 64 were reported in McKinley County which @ @ @ @ @ .
There were 23 news cases in San Juan County and 12 in Bernalillo County @ @ @ @ @ total of 1,337 cases .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate @ @ @ @ @ and cough .
But for some - especially older adults and people with existing health @ @ @ @ @ more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Health officials have announced that New Mexico now has nearly 7,000 coronavirus cases as of Sunday.
State Department of Health officials reported 149 additional COVID-19 cases and nine more deaths.
That pushes the totals to 6,943 coronavirus cases and 317 deaths.
Health officials saidthat of six of the nine deaths were in McKinley County with the other three in San Juan County.
They said eight of the nine people who died had underlying medical conditions.
Of the new cases, 64 were reported in McKinley County which now has 2,192 COVID-19 cases.
There were 23 news cases in San Juan County and 12 in Bernalillo County, which has an overall total of 1,337 cases.
On the Navajo Nation, which sprawls across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, the number of coronavirus cases rose by 56 Sunday to 4,689, the Navajo Department of Health said. The total number of deaths on the reservation is 156 as of Sunday.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.
But for some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Coronavirus transmission maybe reduced in warm humid weather

Memorial Day is ushering in summer and hopes that warm , humid weather will take a bite out of coronavirus transmission , though scientists warn it won ’ t be a panacea as Americans flock to beaches , public pools and parks .
Other viruses exhibit seasonal patterns in which transmission slows in warmer , wetter months before returning in the fall and winter .
Droplets that carry the disease tend to drop to the ground faster in the humidity instead of remaining airborne .
The White House also showcased evidence the new virus fares poorly on surfaces in direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pathogen has been able to spread in warm environments from Brazil to Singapore , prompting experts to preach caution as beach-combers migrate to shorelines and BBQ parties beckon .
One of the glaring problems is that since this coronavirus is new to humans , no one has natural immunity to it .
“ We project that warmer or more humid climates will not slow the virus at the early stage of the pandemic , ” Rachel Baker , a postdoctoral research associate in the Princeton Environmental Institute ( PEI ) , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published May 18 .
“ We do see some influence of climate on the size and timing of the pandemic , but , in general , because there ’ s so much susceptibility in the population , the virus will spread quickly no matter the climate conditions.
” The pandemic is entering a critical phase , with states beginning to reopen as “ social distancing ” flattens the curve of transmission .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised swimming areas to encourage social distancing , such as arranging decks so chairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or introducing pool lanes and using signs and tape to maintain spacing .
Managing beach-goers could be a bit more difficult .
“ They ’ ve never had to manage flows of people this way , ” said Joseph Allen , an assistant professor of exposure-assessment science at Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health .
“ Pretty much , when you get on the beach everyone just finds a spot.
” “ It ’ s very haphazard where people are working past each other , through each other , and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choreographed manner , ” he said , suggesting cordoned off beach lanes for people to come and go .
He said people inside of buildings or offices should open windows and allow fresh outdoor air to flow through when they can this summer , citing the “ unlimited dilution ” of virus particles .
“ We know that the virus doesn ’ t survive long on surfaces in the presence of natural light , so we get some benefits from being outdoors , ” he said .
U.S. coronavirus coordinator Deborah Birx said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to head out and enjoy themselves on Memorial Day , but they should stick to the outdoors and maintain distance from others.There are other precautions they can take , too , such as playing tennis or other sports with marked balls so they only touch their own equipment .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis highlighted the benefits of outdoor activity in a business roundtable with Vice President Mike Pence last week .
He said his state hasn ’ t seen a big outbreak related to outdoor leisure , noting it is unlikely that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flagstick on the course .
“ Honestly if I touch it and I have the virus , and you ’ re in the group behind me , 10 minutes later , the sun ’ s gon na nuke that , ” Mr. DeSantis said .
“ This is a virus that just doesn ’ t transmit as well outdoors , in outdoor open-air environments , ” he added .
“ It likes the enclosed spaces.
” Some scientists say while virus will not disappear completely in warmer weather , it tends to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland , has been tracking weather forecasts to determine the optimal temperature and other factors for transmission of COVID-19 .
They ’ ve found that it does best in temperatures of 41 to 51 degrees Fahrenheit with a specific humidity of 3 grams of vapor per 6 kilograms of air and absolute humidity of 4 grams of water vapor per 7 cubic meters of air .
He said Maryland appeared to reach its tipping point around May 17 , while by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country is set to be warm enough to present less favorable conditions for the virus .
“ Based on calculations , in the mid-Atlantic states by the week of May 24-31 , only Boston will have a small probability of optimal temperature for transmission during that week , ” Dr. Amoroso said .
Scientists are closely monitoring the virus in Southern Hemisphere countries to see how the virus behaves in colder months and sustains itself in the human population .
Federal officials have warned that a second wave of transmission in the fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu season .
“ We all need to heed that very carefully .
If a second wave of COVID comes this fall , along with seasonal flu , it could really complicate the public health landscape even more , ” said Howard Koh , a professor at the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health .
“ That ’ s why a national plan , now , to be much more proactive about all of this is critically important .
”

Memorial Day is ushering in summer and hopes that warm, humid weather will take a bite out of coronavirus transmission, though scientists warn it won’t be a panacea as Americans flock to beaches, public pools and parks.
Other viruses exhibit seasonal patterns in which transmission slows in warmer, wetter months before returning in the fall and winter. Droplets that carry the disease tend to drop to the ground faster in the humidity instead of remaining airborne.
The White House also showcased evidence the new virus fares poorly on surfaces in direct sunlight and hot weather.
Still, the pathogen has been able to spread in warm environments from Brazil to Singapore, prompting experts to preach caution as beach-combers migrate to shorelines and BBQ parties beckon. One of the glaring problems is that since this coronavirus is new to humans, no one has natural immunity to it.
“We project that warmer or more humid climates will not slow the virus at the early stage of the pandemic,” Rachel Baker, a postdoctoral research associate in the Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI), said in a release on a university study published May 18. “We do see some influence of climate on the size and timing of the pandemic, but, in general, because there’s so much susceptibility in the population, the virus will spread quickly no matter the climate conditions.”
The pandemic is entering a critical phase, with states beginning to reopen as “social distancing” flattens the curve of transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised swimming areas to encourage social distancing, such as arranging decks so chairs are at least six feet apart, or introducing pool lanes and using signs and tape to maintain spacing.
Managing beach-goers could be a bit more difficult.
“They’ve never had to manage flows of people this way,” said Joseph Allen, an assistant professor of exposure-assessment science at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Pretty much, when you get on the beach everyone just finds a spot.”
“It’s very haphazard where people are working past each other, through each other, and so it could be done in a more choreographed manner,” he said, suggesting cordoned off beach lanes for people to come and go.
He said people inside of buildings or offices should open windows and allow fresh outdoor air to flow through when they can this summer, citing the “unlimited dilution” of virus particles.
“We know that the virus doesn’t survive long on surfaces in the presence of natural light, so we get some benefits from being outdoors,” he said.
U.S. coronavirus coordinator Deborah Birx said Friday it would be fine for people to head out and enjoy themselves on Memorial Day, but they should stick to the outdoors and maintain distance from others.There are other precautions they can take, too, such as playing tennis or other sports with marked balls so they only touch their own equipment.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the benefits of outdoor activity in a business roundtable with Vice President Mike Pence last week. He said his state hasn’t seen a big outbreak related to outdoor leisure, noting it is unlikely that golfers would get the virus from touching a flagstick on the course.
“Honestly, if I touch it and I have the virus, and you’re in the group behind me, 10 minutes later, the sun’s gonna nuke that,” Mr. DeSantis said.
“This is a virus that just doesn’t transmit as well outdoors, in outdoor open-air environments,” he added. “It likes the enclosed spaces.”
Some scientists say while virus will not disappear completely in warmer weather, it tends to thrive in specific conditions.
Dr. Anthony Amoroso, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland, has been tracking weather forecasts to determine the optimal temperature and other factors for transmission of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
They’ve found that it does best in temperatures of 41 to 51 degrees Fahrenheit with a specific humidity of 3 grams of vapor per 6 kilograms of air and absolute humidity of 4 grams of water vapor per 7 cubic meters of air.
He said Maryland appeared to reach its tipping point around May 17, while by the end of the month, much of the country is set to be warm enough to present less favorable conditions for the virus.
“Based on calculations, in the mid-Atlantic states by the week of May 24-31, only Boston will have a small probability of optimal temperature for transmission during that week,” Dr. Amoroso said.
Scientists are closely monitoring the virus in Southern Hemisphere countries to see how the virus behaves in colder months and sustains itself in the human population.
Federal officials have warned that a second wave of transmission in the fall and winter would coincide with challenges from flu season.
“We all need to heed that very carefully. If a second wave of COVID comes this fall, along with seasonal flu, it could really complicate the public health landscape even more,” said Howard Koh, a professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “That’s why a national plan, now, to be much more proactive about all of this is critically important.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Washington D.C. sees new coronavirus community spread peak

The D.C. Department of Health reports a new peak in community transmission Sunday which would have been its 14th day of sustained decline in community transmission required for reopening .
Because the spike in the data was minor , the District is resetting the count in decreased community transmission to day 11 instead of restarting the count completely , DOH Director LaQuandra Nesbitt said Sunday on a press call .
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last Thursday , when the District was on its ninth day of decline in community transmission , that she would announce Tuesday her decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the reopening on May 29 .
When asked by several reporters if this new spike affected the possibility of a May 29 implementation of phase one , Dr. Nesbitt said she would not confirm anything ahead of the mayor ’ s press conference Tuesday .
To determine community transmission declines , DOH monitors data reflecting date of symptom onset rather than the daily report of new cases .
Dr. Nesbitt said on day 12 of decrease in community transmission , the District counted 68 new cases based on symptom onset ; on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on symptom onset spiked to 118 new cases .
Health officials reset the count to day 11 because the spike was not big enough to warrant resetting the count back to zero , and they picked day 11 because there were about the same amount of new cases transmitted based on symptom onset .

The D.C. Department of Health reports a new peak in community transmission Sunday which would have been its 14th day of sustained decline in community transmission required for reopening.
Because the spike in the data was minor, the District is resetting the count in decreased community transmission to day 11 instead of restarting the count completely, DOH Director LaQuandra Nesbitt said Sunday on a press call.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last Thursday, when the District was on its ninth day of decline in community transmission, that she would announce Tuesday her decision to possibly move the District into phase one of the reopening on May 29.
When asked by several reporters if this new spike affected the possibility of a May 29 implementation of phase one, Dr. Nesbitt said she would not confirm anything ahead of the mayor’s press conference Tuesday.
To determine community transmission declines, DOH monitors data reflecting date of symptom onset rather than the daily report of new cases.
Dr. Nesbitt said on day 12 of decrease in community transmission, the District counted 68 new cases based on symptom onset; on day 13 the number of new cases based on symptom onset spiked to 118 new cases.
Health officials reset the count to day 11 because the spike was not big enough to warrant resetting the count back to zero, and they picked day 11 because there were about the same amount of new cases transmitted based on symptom onset.
• Sophie Kaplan can be reached at skaplan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--After watching son graduate, Kentucky couple killed in wreck

A Kentucky couple was killed in a traffic accident after leaving their son ’ s high school graduation ceremony , police said .
Kentucky State Police said in a statement that the family ’ s car collided with a pickup truck Saturday in Flemingsburg .
The car ’ s driver , Nancy Barnett , 53 , of Ewing , was pronounced dead at the scene .
Her husband , Lyndon Barnett , 56 , later died at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington .
Fleming County High School Principal Stephanie Emmons said Dalton Barnett had attended his graduation ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Lexington Herald-Leader reported .
Dalton Barnett , 18 , and his brother , Michael Barnett , 26 , were passengers in the car and were taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital for treatment of their injuries , state police said .
The driver of the pickup and a passenger were uninjured .
Nancy Barnett wore a shirt to the graduation that read , “ Senior Mom : Some people wait their entire lives to meet their inspiration .
I raised mine .
Class of 2020.
” “ This speaks volumes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to the Barnetts and how proud they were of their family , ” Emmons and Fleming County schools Superintendent Brian Creasman said in a statement .
“ We will be here to support Dalton and his brother as they face the difficult times ahead.
” The statement said Gov .
Andy Beshear and other officials reached out to the school system to offer prayers and assistance .

FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (AP) -
A Kentucky couple was killed in a traffic accident after leaving their son’s high school graduation ceremony, police said.
Kentucky State Police said in a statement that the family’s car collided with a pickup truck Saturday in Flemingsburg.
The car’s driver, Nancy Barnett, 53, of Ewing, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Lyndon Barnett, 56, later died at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.
Fleming County High School Principal Stephanie Emmons said Dalton Barnett had attended his graduation ceremony Saturday and the accident occurred shortly afterward, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
Dalton Barnett, 18, and his brother, Michael Barnett, 26, were passengers in the car and were taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital for treatment of their injuries, state police said. The driver of the pickup and a passenger were uninjured.
Nancy Barnett wore a shirt to the graduation that read, “Senior Mom: Some people wait their entire lives to meet their inspiration. I raised mine. Class of 2020.”
“This speaks volumes to the kind of mother Nancy was and to the Barnetts and how proud they were of their family,” Emmons and Fleming County schools Superintendent Brian Creasman said in a statement. “We will be here to support Dalton and his brother as they face the difficult times ahead.”
The statement said Gov. Andy Beshear and other officials reached out to the school system to offer prayers and assistance.
The accident remains under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Spanish league wants to resume with Seville derby on June 11

MADRID ( AP ) - The president of the Spanish soccer league said Sunday the competition could restart as early as June 11 with the Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis .
Javier Tebas made the announcement a day after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that the league would be allowed to resume from June 8 as long as the country continued to keep the coronavirus outbreak in check .
“ It will depend on how the training progresses , but hopefully it will be possible to restart with our first match on Thursday , June 11 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night interview with league broadcaster Movistar .
Tebas said the popular Seville derby in the top tier would be a good way to mark the return to competition and “ honor those who have lost their lives ” during the pandemic in Spain with more than 28,000 deaths .
Teams will be allowed to train with groups of 14 players beginning on Monday , up from 10 players the past week .
Full squad sessions are scheduled for upcoming weeks .
Tebas said it remains impossible to guarantee the June 11 start date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic progresses .
He said all teams must go through all the phases already established in the league ’ s return-to-training protocol , but there could be different confinement measures in place for different regions of the country .
Tebas made a call for all players to keep complying with the confinement rules still in place in Spain after four Sevilla players broke them this weekend .
Franco Vázquez , Luuk de Jong , Lucas Ocampos and Ever Banega were seen together with several other people in a gathering , with photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players published statements in which they apologized , and the club posted images of their apologies on its Twitter account .
Tebas did not say whether the players would be punished but noted that it was important that they apologized .
He said players have “ to be careful and show responsibility ” because they risked damaging football overall .
Tebas said the schedule for the first four rounds after the league resumes is expected to be announced in early June .
He said kickoff times will take high temperatures into account .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 10 p.m. local time ( 2000 GMT ) .
Spain ’ s top tier has 11 rounds left .
Barcelona is top with a two-point lead over Real Madrid .

MADRID (AP) - The president of the Spanish soccer league said Sunday the competition could restart as early as June 11 with the Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis.
Javier Tebas made the announcement a day after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that the league would be allowed to resume from June 8 as long as the country continued to keep the coronavirus outbreak in check.
“It will depend on how the training progresses, but hopefully it will be possible to restart with our first match on Thursday, June 11,” Tebas said in his weekly Sunday night interview with league broadcaster Movistar.
Tebas said the popular Seville derby in the top tier would be a good way to mark the return to competition and “honor those who have lost their lives” during the pandemic in Spain with more than 28,000 deaths.
Teams will be allowed to train with groups of 14 players beginning on Monday, up from 10 players the past week. Full squad sessions are scheduled for upcoming weeks.
Tebas said it remains impossible to guarantee the June 11 start date because the decision ultimately depends on how the pandemic progresses. He said all teams must go through all the phases already established in the league’s return-to-training protocol, but there could be different confinement measures in place for different regions of the country.
Tebas made a call for all players to keep complying with the confinement rules still in place in Spain after four Sevilla players broke them this weekend. Franco Vázquez, Luuk de Jong, Lucas Ocampos and Ever Banega were seen together with several other people in a gathering, with photos put on social media.
All four players published statements in which they apologized, and the club posted images of their apologies on its Twitter account.
Tebas did not say whether the players would be punished but noted that it was important that they apologized. He said players have “to be careful and show responsibility” because they risked damaging football overall.
Tebas said the schedule for the first four rounds after the league resumes is expected to be announced in early June.
He said kickoff times will take high temperatures into account. The Sevilla-Betis game is expected to start at 10 p.m. local time (2000 GMT).
Spain’s top tier has 11 rounds left. Barcelona is top with a two-point lead over Real Madrid.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
___
Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--White House imposes coronavirus travel ban on Brazil

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - President Donald Trump on Sunday further limited travel from the world ’ s coronavirus hotspots by denying entry to foreigners coming from Brazil , which is second to the U.S. in the number of confirmed cases .
Trump had already banned certain travelers from China , Europe , the United Kingdom and Ireland and , to a lesser extent , Iran .
He has not moved to ban travel from Russia , which has the world ’ s third-highest caseload .
Trump had said last week that he was considering limiting travel from Brazil .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the step announced Sunday as another “ decisive action to protect our country ” by Trump , whose management of the crisis has come under sharp scrutiny .
The U.S. leads the world with more than 1.6 million confirmed coronavirus cases and a death toll that is expected to surpass 100,000 later this week , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Brazil , now Latin America ’ s hardest-hit country , is second , with more than 347,000 cases and more than 22,000 deaths .
Third on the list is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and more than 3,500 deaths .
The White House did not immediately respond to queries about whether a travel ban would be imposed on Russia .
“ Today ’ s action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country , ” McEnany said .
Filipe Martins , who advises Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on international affairs , said the U.S. was treating Brazil as it had other populous countries and suggested the news media were overplaying Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry of Brazilians to the U.S. , the American government is following previously established quantitative parameters that naturally reach a country as populous as ours , ” Martins tweeted .
“ There isn ’ t anything specifically against Brazil .
Ignore the hysteria from the press.
” Bolsonaro has downplayed the coronavirus by repeatedly calling it a “ little flu ” and insisting that closing businesses and issuing stay-at-home recommendations will ultimately cause more hardship by wrecking the economy .
Bolsonaro fired his first health minister for going against him and backing restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors .
His second minister also resigned after openly breaking with Bolsonaro over widespread prescription of the antimalarial drug chloroquine for coronavirus treatment .
Trump said in an interview broadcast in the U.S. on Sunday that he had completed a course of a related drug , hydroxychloroquine , as a line of defense against becoming infected .
Bolsonaro ’ s approach has mirrored that of Trump , who in the early days of the outbreak sought to downplay the severity and suggest the few cases that existed in the U.S. would “ just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to practice social distancing , Trump began to say the “ cure can ’ t be worse than the problem itself.
” He has been aggressively pushing governors to allow businesses to reopen and traveling more himself .
Meanwhile , the number of cases in Brazil has continued to surge , pushing hospitals in multiple states to the brink of collapse and causing the Amazon city of Manaus to bury people in mass graves .
The pace of deaths has been accelerating and , with a peak still approaching , the country has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has more than 360,000 cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , according to health ministry data released Sunday night , meaning it trails only the U.S. in the Johns Hopkins University tally .
Experts consider it a vast undercount due to insufficient testing .
The ministry reported more than 22,600 deaths .
The White House said Sunday it plans to donate 1,000 ventilators to Brazil .
The ban on travel from Brazil takes effect late Thursday .
As with the other bans , it does not apply to legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or child of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident also would be allowed to enter the country .
The restrictions also do not apply to trade between the U.S. and Brazil .
Earlier Sunday , Robert O ’ Brien , the U.S. national security adviser , had said an announcement was likely .
“ We ’ re concerned about the people of the Southern Hemisphere and certainly the people of Brazil .
They ’ re having a rough go of it , ” he said on CBS ’ “ Face the Nation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely be temporary .
“ But because of the situation in Brazil , we ’ re going to take every step necessary to protect the American people.
” O ’ Brien said .
Data from Brazil ’ s civil aviation agency shows there has already been a sharp reduction in U.S.-bound flights from the South American country .
There were more than 700 flights from Brazil to the U.S. in February of this year , with the number dropping to just 140 in April , two months later .
There were more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April 2019 , the data shows .
David Biller and Marcelo de Sousa in Rio de Janeiro contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump on Sunday further limited travel from the world’s coronavirus hotspots by denying entry to foreigners coming from Brazil, which is second to the U.S. in the number of confirmed cases.
Trump had already banned certain travelers from China, Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland and, to a lesser extent, Iran. He has not moved to ban travel from Russia, which has the world’s third-highest caseload.
Trump had said last week that he was considering limiting travel from Brazil.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany cast the step announced Sunday as another “decisive action to protect our country” by Trump, whose management of the crisis has come under sharp scrutiny.
The U.S. leads the world with more than 1.6 million confirmed coronavirus cases and a death toll that is expected to surpass 100,000 later this week, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Brazil, now Latin America’s hardest-hit country, is second, with more than 347,000 cases and more than 22,000 deaths. Third on the list is Russia, with more than 344,000 reported cases and more than 3,500 deaths.
The White House did not immediately respond to queries about whether a travel ban would be imposed on Russia.
“Today’s action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country,” McEnany said.
Filipe Martins, who advises Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on international affairs, said the U.S. was treating Brazil as it had other populous countries and suggested the news media were overplaying Trump’s ban.
“By temporarily banning the entry of Brazilians to the U.S., the American government is following previously established quantitative parameters that naturally reach a country as populous as ours,” Martins tweeted. “There isn’t anything specifically against Brazil. Ignore the hysteria from the press.”
Bolsonaro has downplayed the coronavirus by repeatedly calling it a “little flu” and insisting that closing businesses and issuing stay-at-home recommendations will ultimately cause more hardship by wrecking the economy. Bolsonaro fired his first health minister for going against him and backing restrictions put in place by Brazil’s governors. His second minister also resigned after openly breaking with Bolsonaro over widespread prescription of the antimalarial drug chloroquine for coronavirus treatment.
Trump said in an interview broadcast in the U.S. on Sunday that he had completed a course of a related drug, hydroxychloroquine, as a line of defense against becoming infected.
Bolsonaro’s approach has mirrored that of Trump, who in the early days of the outbreak sought to downplay the severity and suggest the few cases that existed in the U.S. would “just disappear.” After agreeing to encourage Americans to practice social distancing, Trump began to say the “cure can’t be worse than the problem itself.” He has been aggressively pushing governors to allow businesses to reopen and traveling more himself.
Meanwhile, the number of cases in Brazil has continued to surge, pushing hospitals in multiple states to the brink of collapse and causing the Amazon city of Manaus to bury people in mass graves. The pace of deaths has been accelerating and, with a peak still approaching, the country has only an interim health minister.
Brazil has more than 360,000 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to health ministry data released Sunday night, meaning it trails only the U.S. in the Johns Hopkins University tally. Experts consider it a vast undercount due to insufficient testing. The ministry reported more than 22,600 deaths.
The White House said Sunday it plans to donate 1,000 ventilators to Brazil.
The ban on travel from Brazil takes effect late Thursday. As with the other bans, it does not apply to legal permanent residents. A spouse, parent or child of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident also would be allowed to enter the country. The restrictions also do not apply to trade between the U.S. and Brazil.
Earlier Sunday, Robert O’Brien, the U.S. national security adviser, had said an announcement was likely.
“We’re concerned about the people of the Southern Hemisphere and certainly the people of Brazil. They’re having a rough go of it,” he said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” He said the travel ban would likely be temporary.
“But because of the situation in Brazil, we’re going to take every step necessary to protect the American people.” O’Brien said.
Data from Brazil’s civil aviation agency shows there has already been a sharp reduction in U.S.-bound flights from the South American country. There were more than 700 flights from Brazil to the U.S. in February of this year, with the number dropping to just 140 in April, two months later.
There were more than 700 flights to the U.S. from Brazil in April 2019, the data shows.
—
David Biller and Marcelo de Sousa in Rio de Janeiro contributed to this report.
—
Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Coronavirus pandemic does not slow the mission of Rolling Thunder

The roar of motorcycles on a mission continues .
Even the coronavirus has not stopped Rolling Thunder ’ s “ Ride for Freedom , ” an annual demonstration to draw attention to veterans issues and honor prisoners of war and those missing in action .
It ’ s just a little different this year .
For more than three decades , this charitable nonprofit has staged massive patriotic rides through the nation ’ s capital each Memorial Day , drawing as many as a half-million motorcycles .
The group now has opted for a grassroots approach that emphasizes local and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event .
“ Our mission is never going away .
We were there in Washington for 32 years , and we ’ re now continuing our efforts on a nationwide level .
It ’ s actually increased support for us .
But we will not put our membership and supporters at risk because of this virus , ” Artie Muller , an Army veteran who co-founded the first ride in 1988 , told The Washington Times .
In a letter to the group ’ s 90 chapters , Mr. Muller cancelled Memorial Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events in multiple states .
“ We look forward to the future and will continue our memorial ‘ Ride for Freedom ’ nationwide demonstration in 2021 .
We must keep the faith .
Better times are ahead , ” Mr. Muller advised .
AMVETS , which had organized its own commemorative ride titled “ Rolling to Remember ” on D.C. streets this Memorial Day , also was forced to cancel its event because of the pandemic .
The veterans advocacy group has gone virtual , however , asking participants to select their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip online .
Why 22 ?
That is the number of veterans who take their own lives each day , according to numbers from the Department of Veterans Affairs .
Meanwhile , Rolling Thunder members have stepped up to carry on their organization ’ s long-standing traditions .
“ We have enjoyed going to Washington in the past , of course .
The experience has an effect on you which you never forget .
It meant a lot to me , ” Jerry Blake , president of a Rolling Thunder chapter in Evansville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re concentrating on our own local ride to make sure we pay homage to POWs , vets and the missing here in our community , ” said Mr. Blake , a 30-year Army veteran .
He expects there will be some 50 similar Rolling Thunder demonstrations around the country to mark Memorial Day while heeding social distancing .
“ We ’ ll stay with what was normally done in the past , within limits , ” said Tim Centers , president of the Rolling Thunder chapter in Frankfort , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and paratrooper .
“ We plan a low-key event — laying a wreathe at the veterans ’ memorial here , with particular recognition for Col. Charles Shelton.
” Charles Ervin Shelton was an Air Force pilot who was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War in 1965 and was the last man to be listed as missing in action in that conflict .
“ Though our circumstances changed this year , we ’ ll continue the mission to draw attention to issues Rolling Thunder stands for .
And I personally think its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big rides in D.C. , ” Mr. Centers said .
The Rolling Thunder mission has global appeal , drawing riders from Australia , Germany , Britain , France and other countries .
“ All of those people cared .
They also know the U.S. military has risked a lot to help their own nations gain freedom , ” Mr. Muller noted .
“ There ’ s a global side of the Rolling Thunder mission .
Americans are not the only one with service members left behind during times of war , missing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help once they ’ re home , ” Mr. Centers said .

The roar of motorcycles on a mission continues. Even the coronavirus has not stopped Rolling Thunder‘s “Ride for Freedom,” an annual demonstration to draw attention to veterans issues and honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. It’s just a little different this year.
For more than three decades, this charitable nonprofit has staged massive patriotic rides through the nation’s capital each Memorial Day, drawing as many as a half-million motorcycles. The group now has opted for a grassroots approach that emphasizes local and regional rides rather than a single blockbuster event.
“Our mission is never going away. We were there in Washington for 32 years, and we’re now continuing our efforts on a nationwide level. It’s actually increased support for us. But we will not put our membership and supporters at risk because of this virus,” Artie Muller, an Army veteran who co-founded the first ride in 1988, told The Washington Times.
In a letter to the group’s 90 chapters, Mr. Muller cancelled Memorial Day plans, which included sizable rides and events in multiple states.
“We look forward to the future and will continue our memorial ‘Ride for Freedom’ nationwide demonstration in 2021. We must keep the faith. Better times are ahead,” Mr. Muller advised.
AMVETS, which had organized its own commemorative ride titled “Rolling to Remember” on D.C. streets this Memorial Day, also was forced to cancel its event because of the pandemic.
The veterans advocacy group has gone virtual, however, asking participants to select their own symbolic 22-mile route, then register the trip online.
Why 22? That is the number of veterans who take their own lives each day, according to numbers from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Meanwhile, Rolling Thunder members have stepped up to carry on their organization’s long-standing traditions.
“We have enjoyed going to Washington in the past, of course. The experience has an effect on you which you never forget. It meant a lot to me,” Jerry Blake, president of a Rolling Thunder chapter in Evansville, Indiana, told The Washington Times.
“We’re concentrating on our own local ride to make sure we pay homage to POWs, vets and the missing here in our community,” said Mr. Blake, a 30-year Army veteran.
He expects there will be some 50 similar Rolling Thunder demonstrations around the country to mark Memorial Day while heeding social distancing.
“We’ll stay with what was normally done in the past, within limits,” said Tim Centers, president of the Rolling Thunder chapter in Frankfort, Kentucky, and a 25-year Army veteran and paratrooper. “We plan a low-key event — laying a wreathe at the veterans’ memorial here, with particular recognition for Col. Charles Shelton.”
Charles Ervin Shelton was an Air Force pilot who was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War in 1965 and was the last man to be listed as missing in action in that conflict.
“Though our circumstances changed this year, we’ll continue the mission to draw attention to issues Rolling Thunder stands for. And I personally think its not bad idea to remember all those big rides in D.C.,” Mr. Centers said.
The Rolling Thunder mission has global appeal, drawing riders from Australia, Germany, Britain, France and other countries.
“All of those people cared. They also know the U.S. military has risked a lot to help their own nations gain freedom,” Mr. Muller noted.
“There’s a global side of the Rolling Thunder mission. Americans are not the only one with service members left behind during times of war, missing in action, or veterans who need some help once they’re home,” Mr. Centers said.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-24--Missouri woman killed in head-on crash

Missouri woman killed in head-on crash

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - A 75-year-old woman died in a head-on crash Saturday , according to the Missouri @ @ @ @ @ , of De Soto , was driving an SUV northbound on Missouri Highway 47 in @ @ @ @ @ about 60 miles southwest of St. Louis , the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported .
A @ @ @ @ @ control of his vehicle and hit Shaffer .
She was taken to a hospital and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s SUV also ran off the road , flipped and hit a fence .
@ @ @ @ @ hospital for minor injuries .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A 75-year-old woman died in a head-on crash Saturday, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.
Barbara Shaffer, of De Soto, was driving an SUV northbound on Missouri Highway 47 in an area that’s about 60 miles southwest of St. Louis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
A 24-year-old man driving southbound lost control of his vehicle and hit Shaffer. She was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
The man’s SUV also ran off the road, flipped and hit a fence. He was taken to a hospital for minor injuries.


washingtontimes--2020-05-25--Memorial Day is a washout across rainy South Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. ( AP ) - A weather system that dumped rain over much of South Florida on Sunday is expected to bring even more heavy rain to the area on Memorial Day .
While beaches remained closed because of the coronavirus pandemic , the rain will likely wash away any plans for outdoor activities for the holiday .
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Miami issued a flood watch for much of the area due to the heavy rain that fell Sunday and overnight .
The rain brought slightly cooler temperatures as well , with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Forecasters said the rain , which started early Sunday , is expected through Tuesday .
Beaches in Fort Lauderdale , Hollywood and across Broward County are expected to reopen to the public on Tuesday .
Miami-Dade County is looking to reopen the beaches on June 1 .
The Florida Keys will also reopen to visitors beginning June 1 .
The holiday weekend weather wasn ’ t a washout in other parts of the state where beaches have reopened with certain restrictions in place .
Many people flocked to those beaches on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Gulf Coast , the sheriff ’ s office started turning away beachgoers after the crowds reached a capacity .
And , across the state , in Volusia County , law enforcement officials dealt with large gatherings and a shooting that broke out near a convenience store .
Two people taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds and four injured by shrapnel .
“ We got slammed .
Disney is closed , Universal is closed .
Everything is closed so where did everybody come with the first warm day with 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said at a Sunday news conference .

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A weather system that dumped rain over much of South Florida on Sunday is expected to bring even more heavy rain to the area on Memorial Day.
While beaches remained closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the rain will likely wash away any plans for outdoor activities for the holiday. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Miami issued a flood watch for much of the area due to the heavy rain that fell Sunday and overnight.
The rain brought slightly cooler temperatures as well, with an expected high of just 80 degrees on Monday. Forecasters said the rain, which started early Sunday, is expected through Tuesday.
Beaches in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and across Broward County are expected to reopen to the public on Tuesday. Miami-Dade County is looking to reopen the beaches on June 1. The Florida Keys will also reopen to visitors beginning June 1.
The holiday weekend weather wasn’t a washout in other parts of the state where beaches have reopened with certain restrictions in place.
Many people flocked to those beaches on Sunday. In Pinellas County on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the sheriff’s office started turning away beachgoers after the crowds reached a capacity. And, across the state, in Volusia County, law enforcement officials dealt with large gatherings and a shooting that broke out near a convenience store. Two people taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds and four injured by shrapnel.
“We got slammed. Disney is closed, Universal is closed. Everything is closed so where did everybody come with the first warm day with 50% opening? Everybody came to the beach,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said at a Sunday news conference.