washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Southern California woman held in $21.6M real estate scam

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - A Southern California woman was arrested Friday on charges of swindling investors , mainly from China , out of $ 21.6 million in a phony condominium and hotel complex project .
Ruixue “ Serena ” Shi , 36 , of Arcadia , was taken into custody by FBI agents on a criminal complaint charging her with wire fraud , a statement from the U.S. attorney ’ s office said .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear whether she had an attorney to speak on her behalf .
Shi owned Global House Buyer , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was CEO of a Beverly Hills-based development company , according to court documents .
From 2015 to 2018 , Shi solicited investments for what she claimed would be a 207-unit luxury condo and hotel complex in the Coachella Valley , near Palm Springs , prosecutors said .
Instead of building the project , she spent a large chunk of the money on a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars , travel and designer clothing , prosecutors said .
Most of the prospective investors were in China and she reached out to them through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the Chinese-based messaging , social media and mobile payment app WeChat , authorities said .
Victims who wanted to buy condos priced from $ 400,000 to $ 700,000 had to pay 40 % of the price upfront as a down payment , prosecutors said .
Others were told that investing in the project would allow them to obtain U.S. visas , authorities said .
Some investors were sent phony photographs purporting to show construction underway , according to prosecutors .
If convicted , Shi could face up to 20 years in @ @ @

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Southern California woman was arrested Friday on charges of swindling investors, mainly from China, out of $21.6 million in a phony condominium and hotel complex project.
Ruixue “Serena” Shi, 36, of Arcadia, was taken into custody by FBI agents on a criminal complaint charging her with wire fraud, a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office said.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether she had an attorney to speak on her behalf.
Shi owned Global House Buyer, a China-based real estate development company, and was CEO of a Beverly Hills-based development company, according to court documents.
From 2015 to 2018, Shi solicited investments for what she claimed would be a 207-unit luxury condo and hotel complex in the Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs, prosecutors said.
Instead of building the project, she spent a large chunk of the money on a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars, travel and designer clothing, prosecutors said.
Most of the prospective investors were in China and she reached out to them through sales presentations at hotels, radio advertisements, and the Chinese-based messaging, social media and mobile payment app WeChat, authorities said.
Victims who wanted to buy condos priced from $400,000 to $700,000 had to pay 40% of the price upfront as a down payment, prosecutors said.
Others were told that investing in the project would allow them to obtain U.S. visas, authorities said.
Some investors were sent phony photographs purporting to show construction underway, according to prosecutors.
If convicted, Shi could face up to 20 years in federal prison.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Black culture leaders call to end racial injustice in letter

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - John Legend , Gabrielle Union and Ava DuVernay are some of the many black cultural leaders who have signed a letter to fight against racism , promote equal pay and ask industries to disassociate from police .
The letter was released Friday by a new organization called the Black Artists for Freedom , which describes itself as a collective of black workers in the culture industries .
The letter was published to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday that long commemorated the emancipation of enslaved African Americans .
The organization said the letter was inspired by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic racism .
“ They are working in the spirit of the Black Radical Tradition to reclaim our freedoms , ” the letter said .
“ Their courage and imagination have inspired us to build on their necessary demands including chiefly , the abolition of police and the complete dismantling of the racist prison-industrial system.
” The letter included signatures from black workers in film , television , music , publishing , theater , journalism and education .
It had a list of prominent names such as Sterling K. Brown , Lupita Nyong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waithe , Barry Jenkins , Lee Daniels and Tessa Thompson .
“ No more stereotypes , ” the letter read .
“ No more tokenism .
No more superficial diversity .
No longer will we watch Black culture be contorted into a vehicle for self-congratulation , complacency , guilt relief , experiential tourism , fetishism , appropriation and theft .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - John Legend, Gabrielle Union and Ava DuVernay are some of the many black cultural leaders who have signed a letter to fight against racism, promote equal pay and ask industries to disassociate from police.
The letter was released Friday by a new organization called the Black Artists for Freedom, which describes itself as a collective of black workers in the culture industries. The letter was published to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday that long commemorated the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
The organization said the letter was inspired by the recent protests against police brutality and systemic racism.
“They are working in the spirit of the Black Radical Tradition to reclaim our freedoms,” the letter said. “Their courage and imagination have inspired us to build on their necessary demands including chiefly, the abolition of police and the complete dismantling of the racist prison-industrial system.”
The letter included signatures from black workers in film, television, music, publishing, theater, journalism and education. It had a list of prominent names such as Sterling K. Brown, Lupita Nyong’o, Janelle Monae, Lena Waithe, Barry Jenkins, Lee Daniels and Tessa Thompson.
“No more stereotypes,” the letter read. “No more tokenism. No more superficial diversity. No longer will we watch Black culture be contorted into a vehicle for self-congratulation, complacency, guilt relief, experiential tourism, fetishism, appropriation and theft.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--COVID hot spot Yakima County exceeding hospital capacity

YAKIMA , Wash. ( AP ) - Hospitals in Yakima County - which has the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in Washington state - are beyond capacity with sick patients .
Virginia Mason Memorial hospital in Yakima , which holds more than 200 beds , had none available as of Thursday night , intensive care or otherwise , the Yakima Health District said in a statement late Friday .
The Seattle Times reports at least 17 patients had already been transferred out of the county .
That leaves a total of 61 individuals in hospital beds with positive COVID-19 diagnoses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
And “ all hospitals ” are experiencing severe staffing shortages - many due to COVID-19 cases within hospital staff , symptoms of the coronavirus , or proximity to a quarantined patient .
Nearby Benton and Franklin counties are also feeling the strain on their health care systems , but Yakima County remains Washington state ’ s hot spot for the virus .
The county now represents 22 % of all hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Washington ( 61 of 242 cases ) , a higher tally than King County , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - Hospitals in Yakima County - which has the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in Washington state - are beyond capacity with sick patients.
Virginia Mason Memorial hospital in Yakima, which holds more than 200 beds, had none available as of Thursday night, intensive care or otherwise, the Yakima Health District said in a statement late Friday.
The Seattle Times reports at least 17 patients had already been transferred out of the county. That leaves a total of 61 individuals in hospital beds with positive COVID-19 diagnoses, the county’s highest to date.
And “all hospitals” are experiencing severe staffing shortages - many due to COVID-19 cases within hospital staff, symptoms of the coronavirus, or proximity to a quarantined patient.
Nearby Benton and Franklin counties are also feeling the strain on their health care systems, but Yakima County remains Washington state’s hot spot for the virus. The county now represents 22% of all hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Washington (61 of 242 cases), a higher tally than King County, which is nearly 10 times larger than Yakima County.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--No foul play found in hanging death of homeless Black man

VICTORVILLE , Calif. ( AP ) - Video has confirmed there wasn ’ t any foul play in the death of a Black man found hanging from a tree at a Southern California homeless encampment , authorities said Friday .
Malcolm Harsch , 38 , was found May 31 in a dirt field in Victorville , a desert city northeast of Los Angeles .
“ After reviewing the site and actual video footage with detectives , it is with a heavy heart that we now know the cause and manner of death , ” said a statement issued by Harsch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators and added : “ We urge you all to continue your efforts concerning the hanging deaths of African Americans .
If you or someone you know may be suicidal please seek help.
” Harsch ’ s girlfriend called 911 the morning of May 31 to report that he had hanged himself , according to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department .
The woman said they had been together earlier in the morning but separated for a brief time when she returned to her tent .
People in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to revive him failed , and he was pronounced dead at the scene .
An autopsy didn ’ t find any sign of foul play , the Sheriff ’ s Department said .
Detectives also got surveillance video from a nearby vacant building that “ confirmed the absence of foul play , ” the statement said .
“ Although there remains no sign of foul play , the forensic pathologist is waiting for toxicology results before assigning the cause and manner of death , ” the statement added .

VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Video has confirmed there wasn’t any foul play in the death of a black man found hanging from a tree at a Southern California homeless encampment, authorities said Friday.
Malcolm Harsch, 38, was found May 31 in a dirt field in Victorville, a desert city northeast of Los Angeles.
“After reviewing the site and actual video footage with detectives, it is with a heavy heart that we now know the cause and manner of death,” said a statement issued by Harsch’s family.
The statement thanked investigators and added: “We urge you all to continue your efforts concerning the hanging deaths of African Americans. If you or someone you know may be suicidal please seek help.”
Harsch’s girlfriend called 911 the morning of May 31 to report that he had hanged himself, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The woman said they had been together earlier in the morning but separated for a brief time when she returned to her tent.
People in the encampment cut down Harsch. But efforts to revive him failed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy didn’t find any sign of foul play, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Detectives also got surveillance video from a nearby vacant building that “confirmed the absence of foul play,” the statement said.
“Although there remains no sign of foul play, the forensic pathologist is waiting for toxicology results before assigning the cause and manner of death,” the statement added.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Barber offers hope in Peruvian barrios devastated by virus

LIMA , Peru ( AP ) - Once a week , barber Josué Yacahuanca makes his way up the dusty hills of Peru ’ s capital , heading into its poorest neighborhoods carrying a treasured golden briefcase that holds his life ’ s passion - five clipper blades , 20 combs , four scissors and a bottle with alcohol .
Yacahuanca seeks out clients devastated by a coronavirus lockdown that has gone on for nearly 100 days in an attempt to stem the wave of new infections .
He does it for free .
“ I want them to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hope , ” said Yacahuanca , who though just 21 years old is a veteran barber , having started cutting hair at age 13 .
With ease , he moves between clients who want a clean , classic cut to those who ask for modern styles .
Most recently he set up shop at the “ December 24″ neighborhood , where almost everybody has lost their jobs because of the pandemic , forcing many to work as street vendors .
Yacahuanca had a rocky start in life himself .
Abandoned by his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ godmother , Gloria Alvarez .
Despite obstacles , he discovered a business savvy at a young age .
He hustled at odd jobs , selling sweets , cleaning houses , working in outdoor markets and at a bus station .
“ My life was hard , ” he said , working under a shade tree with a bird ’ s eye view of the neighborhood populated by single mothers and their children who wear torn cloths and lack running water at home .
“ I look at them and I see myself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Latin America ’ s hardest hit by recession brought on by the virus outbreak .
Its gross domestic product has already shrunk 12 % this year , a rate outpacing the United States , Brazil , Mexico and Argentina , according to the World Bank .
Every day , the toll mounts in Peru , where officials reported Thursday a total of 7,400 deaths and more than 244,000 people falling ill. Like thousands of businesses across Peru , Yacahuanca ’ s barbershop - called D Barrio Shop - closed its doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , he watched his personal finances be pulverized .
But he brushed it off , deciding to help others with the skills he has .
Greeting each client , Yacahuanca drapes them with a white cape emblazoned with a giant portrait of his favorite salsa singer , Héctor Lavoe , bringing it memories of the music he always had playing in his shop .
“ I ’ m a fan of his music , ” Yacahuanca said .
“ He sings about the realities of life - sadness and joy.
” Peru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a few others are offering their services to those most in need at no charge .
Setting out on foot or hailing a motorcycle taxi once a week , he ventures into neighborhoods in need , including some where hunger has started to take hold among some residents .
On each trip , he follows a routine , setting out an old wooden chair as his makeshift barber chair and offering up his services .
Most people ask twice when they don ’ t believe the cut is free .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It ’ s from my heart .
”

LIMA, Peru (AP) - Once a week, barber Josué Yacahuanca makes his way up the dusty hills of Peru’s capital, heading into its poorest neighborhoods carrying a treasured golden briefcase that holds his life’s passion - five clipper blades, 20 combs, four scissors and a bottle with alcohol.
Yacahuanca seeks out clients devastated by a coronavirus lockdown that has gone on for nearly 100 days in an attempt to stem the wave of new infections. He does it for free.
“I want them to look in the mirror and see a bit of hope,” said Yacahuanca, who though just 21 years old is a veteran barber, having started cutting hair at age 13.
With ease, he moves between clients who want a clean, classic cut to those who ask for modern styles. Most recently he set up shop at the “December 24″ neighborhood, where almost everybody has lost their jobs because of the pandemic, forcing many to work as street vendors.
Yacahuanca had a rocky start in life himself. Abandoned by his mother, he was raised by his godmother, Gloria Alvarez. Despite obstacles, he discovered a business savvy at a young age. He hustled at odd jobs, selling sweets, cleaning houses, working in outdoor markets and at a bus station.
“My life was hard,” he said, working under a shade tree with a bird’s eye view of the neighborhood populated by single mothers and their children who wear torn cloths and lack running water at home.
“I look at them and I see myself,” he said.
Peru has been one of Latin America’s hardest hit by recession brought on by the virus outbreak. Its gross domestic product has already shrunk 12% this year, a rate outpacing the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, according to the World Bank.
Every day, the toll mounts in Peru, where officials reported Thursday a total of 7,400 deaths and more than 244,000 people falling ill.
Like thousands of businesses across Peru, Yacahuanca’s barbershop - called D Barrio Shop - closed its doors March 16 under lockdown orders. Since then, he watched his personal finances be pulverized. But he brushed it off, deciding to help others with the skills he has.
Greeting each client, Yacahuanca drapes them with a white cape emblazoned with a giant portrait of his favorite salsa singer, Héctor Lavoe, bringing it memories of the music he always had playing in his shop.
“I’m a fan of his music,” Yacahuanca said. “He sings about the realities of life - sadness and joy.”
Peru has roughly 150,000 barbers, and Yacahuanca and a few others are offering their services to those most in need at no charge.
Setting out on foot or hailing a motorcycle taxi once a week, he ventures into neighborhoods in need, including some where hunger has started to take hold among some residents.
On each trip, he follows a routine, setting out an old wooden chair as his makeshift barber chair and offering up his services. Most people ask twice when they don’t believe the cut is free.
“I tell them, sure,” he said. “It’s from my heart.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Connecticut still seeing "unprecedented" unemployment claims

HARTFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby said Friday his agency is still seeing an “ unprecedented number ” of unemployment claims because of the coronavirus pandemic , but has managed to reduce processing times to one-to-two weeks from a high of six weeks .
The department is in the process of establishing a new consumer contact center , which Westby said will launch in mid-July .
DOL currently has about 100 customer service representatives and about 40 staff answering phone calls .
The new consumer contact center will add 60 new customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone and email .
The center will also have text , chat , call back , and virtual assistant features .
“ We are still seeing an unprecedented number of claims applications , ” he said in a written statement .
“ The consumer contact center will help us more quickly get benefits out to people while still protecting the system from fraud and criminal activity.
” Of the 635,772 applications received , the department has processed 617,296 of them .
In other coronavirus news in Connecticut : The number of deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grow .
As of June 17 , there were 2,719 confirmed and probable COVID deaths in nursing homes .
A week earlier , as of June 10 , there were 2,648 deaths , according to data released Friday .
At assisted living facilities , there were 361 confirmed and probable COVID deaths as of June 17 .
On June 9 , there were 349 .
In a joint statement , representatives of the state ’ s nursing home and assisted living industry , noted the governor ’ s weekly report does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered from COVID-19 , which they said indicate the nursing home sector is recovering from the pandemic .
“ Through the exemplary work of nursing home employees , the nursing homes are now emerging from the targeted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic , ” wrote Mag Morelli , President of LeadingAge Connecticut and Matt Barrett , President and CEO the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities/Connecticut Center for Assisted Living .
As of Friday , there have been 4,238 total COVID-associated deaths , an increase of 12 since Thursday .
Meanwhile , overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Connecticut , albeit at a much slower rate than the height of the pandemic .
As of Friday , there have been 45,557 confirmed cases in the state , an increase of 117 since Thursday .
Hospitalizations continue to decline .
The number dropped by four people to 172 on Friday .
Fairfield County , with 66 people , had the largest number of patients being treated for COVID-19 .

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby said Friday his agency is still seeing an “unprecedented number” of unemployment claims because of the coronavirus pandemic, but has managed to reduce processing times to one-to-two weeks from a high of six weeks.
The department is in the process of establishing a new consumer contact center, which Westby said will launch in mid-July. DOL currently has about 100 customer service representatives and about 40 staff answering phone calls. The new consumer contact center will add 60 new customer service representatives that will help applicants by phone and email. The center will also have text, chat, call back, and virtual assistant features.
“We are still seeing an unprecedented number of claims applications,” he said in a written statement. “The consumer contact center will help us more quickly get benefits out to people while still protecting the system from fraud and criminal activity.”
Of the 635,772 applications received, the department has processed 617,296 of them.
In other coronavirus news in Connecticut:
___
NURSING HOME DEATHS
The number of deaths in Connecticut’s long-term care facilities continues to grow. As of June 17, there were 2,719 confirmed and probable COVID deaths in nursing homes. A week earlier, as of June 10, there were 2,648 deaths, according to data released Friday.
At assisted living facilities, there were 361 confirmed and probable COVID deaths as of June 17. On June 9, there were 349.
In a joint statement, representatives of the state’s nursing home and assisted living industry, noted the governor’s weekly report does not include the number of residents who have recovered from COVID-19, which they said indicate the nursing home sector is recovering from the pandemic.
“Through the exemplary work of nursing home employees, the nursing homes are now emerging from the targeted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote Mag Morelli, President of LeadingAge Connecticut and Matt Barrett, President and CEO the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities/Connecticut Center for Assisted Living.
As of Friday, there have been 4,238 total COVID-associated deaths, an increase of 12 since Thursday.
Meanwhile, overall positive cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in Connecticut, albeit at a much slower rate than the height of the pandemic. As of Friday, there have been 45,557 confirmed cases in the state, an increase of 117 since Thursday. Hospitalizations continue to decline. The number dropped by four people to 172 on Friday. Fairfield County, with 66 people, had the largest number of patients being treated for COVID-19.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Brazil tops 1 million cases as coronavirus spreads inland

SAO PAULO ( AP ) - Brazil ’ s government confirmed on Friday that the country has risen above 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases , second only to the United States .
The country ’ s health ministry said that the total now stood at 1,032,913 , up more than 50,000 from Thursday .
The ministry said the sharp increase was due to corrections of previous days ’ underreported numbers .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro still downplays the risks of the virus after nearly 50,000 deaths from COVID-19 in three months , saying the impact of social isolation measures on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease itself .
Specialists believe the actual number of cases in Brazil could be up to seven times higher than the official statistic .
Johns Hopkins University says Brazil is performing an average of 14 tests per 100,000 people each day , and health experts say that number is up to 20 times less than needed to track the virus .
Official data show a downward trend of the virus in Brazil ’ s north , including the hard-hit region of the Amazon , a plateau in cases and deaths in the countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a rising curve in the south .
In the Brazilian countryside , which is much less prepared to handle a crisis , the pandemic is clearly growing .
Many smaller cities have weaker health care systems and basic sanitation that ’ s insufficient to prevent contagion .
“ There is a lot of regional inequality in our public health system and a shortage of professionals in the interior , ” said Miguel Lago , executive director of Brazil ’ s Institute for Health Policy Studies , which advises public health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserts , with people going long distances to get attention .
When they leave the hospital , the virus can go with them.
” The cattle-producing state of Mato Grosso was barely touched by the virus when it hit the nation ’ s biggest cities in March .
Sitting far from the coast , between the Bolivian border and Brazil ’ s capital of Brasilia , its 3.3 million residents led a mostly normal life until May .
But now its people live under lockdown and meat producers have dozens of infected workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of 103,000 people in Mato Grosso , the mayor decided Friday to forbid the sale of alcoholic drinks for two weeks as an incentive for people to stay home .
Fábio Junqueira said the measure was needed after a spike in COVID-19 cases that filled 80 % of the city ’ s 54 intensive care beds .
The city has had nearly 300 cases of the disease , plus three fatalities .
In Rondonópolis , only 300 miles away from Tangará da Serra and home to a thriving economy , health authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases were confirmed there .
The city of 144,000 inhabitants counted 21 deaths from the virus and more than 600 cases .
The mayor has also decided to limit sales of alcoholic beverages .
Even regions once considered examples of successful efforts against the virus are now struggling .
Porto Alegre , home to about 1.4 million people , had success in slowing the virus ’ spread over the last three months .
But now its mayor is considering increasing social isolation measures after ICU occupancy in the city jumped to 80 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making projections for schools to come back , ” Mayor Nelson Marchezan Jr. told The Associated Press .
“ Now the trend is to impose more restrictions.
” Outside Sao Paulo city , five regions of the state ’ s countryside will have to close shops starting Monday due to a rise in coronavirus cases .
Gov .
João Doria announced the decision Friday .
Dr. Mike Ryan , the World Health Organization ’ s executive director , said at a news conference that Brazil needs to increase its efforts to stop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still quite severe in Brazil .
I believe health workers are working extremely hard and under pressure to be able to deal with the number of cases that they see on a daily basis , ” Ryan said .
“ Certainly the rise is not as exponential as it was previously , so there are some signs that the situation is stabilizing .
But we ’ ve seen this before in other epidemics in other countries.
” Margareth Dalcolmo , a clinical researcher and professor of respiratory medicine at the state-funded Oswaldo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes the reopening in major cities and the virus traveling by road into Brazil ’ s heartland will keep the pressure on the country ’ s health system .
“ The risk in the interior now is very big , ” she said .
” Our health system just can ’ t solve the most serious cases of COVID in many places of the countryside .
”

SAO PAULO — Brazil’s government confirmed on Friday that the country has risen above 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, second only to the United States.
The country’s health ministry said that the total now stood at 1,032,913, up more than 50,000 from Thursday. The ministry said the sharp increase was due to corrections of previous days’ underreported numbers.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro still downplays the risks of the virus after nearly 50,000 deaths from COVID-19 in three months, saying the impact of social isolation measures on the economy could be worse than the disease itself.
Specialists believe the actual number of cases in Brazil could be up to seven times higher than the official statistic. Johns Hopkins University says Brazil is performing an average of 14 tests per 100,000 people each day, and health experts say that number is up to 20 times less than needed to track the virus.
Official data show a downward trend of the virus in Brazil’s north, including the hard-hit region of the Amazon, a plateau in cases and deaths in the countries’ biggest cities near the Atlantic coast, but a rising curve in the south.
In the Brazilian countryside, which is much less prepared to handle a crisis, the pandemic is clearly growing. Many smaller cities have weaker health care systems and basic sanitation that’s insufficient to prevent contagion.
“There is a lot of regional inequality in our public health system and a shortage of professionals in the interior,” said Miguel Lago, executive director of Brazil’s Institute for Health Policy Studies, which advises public health officials. “That creates many health care deserts, with people going long distances to get attention. When they leave the hospital, the virus can go with them.”
The cattle-producing state of Mato Grosso was barely touched by the virus when it hit the nation’s biggest cities in March. Sitting far from the coast, between the Bolivian border and Brazil’s capital of Brasilia, its 3.3 million residents led a mostly normal life until May. But now its people live under lockdown and meat producers have dozens of infected workers.
In Tangará da Serra, a city of 103,000 people in Mato Grosso, the mayor decided Friday to forbid the sale of alcoholic drinks for two weeks as an incentive for people to stay home. Fábio Junqueira said the measure was needed after a spike in COVID-19 cases that filled 80% of the city’s 54 intensive care beds. The city has had nearly 300 cases of the disease, plus three fatalities.
In Rondonópolis, only 300 miles away from Tangará da Serra and home to a thriving economy, health authorities closed the local meatpacking industry after 92 cases were confirmed there. The city of 144,000 inhabitants counted 21 deaths from the virus and more than 600 cases. The mayor has also decided to limit sales of alcoholic beverages.
Even regions once considered examples of successful efforts against the virus are now struggling.
Porto Alegre, home to about 1.4 million people, had success in slowing the virus’ spread over the last three months. But now its mayor is considering increasing social isolation measures after ICU occupancy in the city jumped to 80% this month.
“We were already making projections for schools to come back,” Mayor Nelson Marchezan Jr. told The Associated Press. “Now the trend is to impose more restrictions.”
Outside Sao Paulo city, five regions of the state’s countryside will have to close shops starting Monday due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Gov. João Doria announced the decision Friday.
Dr. Mike Ryan, the World Health Organization’s executive director, said at a news conference that Brazil needs to increase its efforts to stop the spread of infections.
“The epidemic is still quite severe in Brazil. I believe health workers are working extremely hard and under pressure to be able to deal with the number of cases that they see on a daily basis,” Ryan said. “Certainly the rise is not as exponential as it was previously, so there are some signs that the situation is stabilizing. But we’ve seen this before in other epidemics in other countries.”
Margareth Dalcolmo, a clinical researcher and professor of respiratory medicine at the state-funded Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, believes the reopening in major cities and the virus traveling by road into Brazil’s heartland will keep the pressure on the country’s health system.
“The risk in the interior now is very big,” she said. ”Our health system just can’t solve the most serious cases of COVID in many places of the countryside.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Man dies after being pulled from Fond du Lac River

FOND DU LAC , Wis. ( AP ) - A 37-year-old man has died after being pulled from the Fond @ @ @ @ @ said .
Crews were called to the river just before 6 p.m. Thursday .
Authorities @ @ @ @ @ to swim across when he was swept under .
A bystander jumped in to try @ @ @ @ @ turned around due to the current .
Dive teams were in the water seven minutes @ @ @ @ @ for the man , WLUK-TV reported .
Just before 7 p.m. , the man was @ @ @ @ @ taken to a hospital .
But he was later pronounced dead at the hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ was not immediately released .
Police are investigating .

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) - A 37-year-old man has died after being pulled from the Fond du Lac River, authorities said.
Crews were called to the river just before 6 p.m. Thursday. Authorities said the man was trying to swim across when he was swept under.
A bystander jumped in to try and help the man but turned around due to the current.
Dive teams were in the water seven minutes after the call, searching for the man, WLUK-TV reported. Just before 7 p.m., the man was recovered in critical condition and taken to a hospital. But he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The name of the victim was not immediately released. Police are investigating.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Navajo Nation police force loses first officer to COVID-19

CHINLE , Ariz. ( AP ) - A Navajo Nation police officer has died at a Phoenix hospital , becoming the first officer on the tribal police force to die from COVID-19 in the line of duty , according to tribal officials .
Officer Michael Lee , 50 , died Friday at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix , the Navajo Police Department said in a statement .
Police Chief Phillip Francisco said the department was “ devastated and heartbroken ” by the death of Lee , whom Francisco called “ a husband , a father , a son and a protector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public remember Lee for his commitment to his community and extend prayers to his family .
Tribal President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer said in a statement that Lee “ fought on the front lines to combat coronavirus and we are grateful for his dedication to our community.
” Gov .
Doug Ducey tweeted that flags at all Arizona government buildings would be lowered to half-staff Saturday from sunrise to sunset .
Lee served 29 years with the tribal department , beginning his law enforcement career as a police recruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1990 .
He initially worked in the Window Rock area and later in Chinle .
Survivors include Lee ’ s wife and children , the department said .
His body was taken in a procession Friday from Phoenix to a mortuary in Gallup , New Mexico .
Nez said information on memorial service details will be forthcoming .
The Navajo Nation , which includes parts of Arizona , New Mexico and Utah , has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak .
Tribal officials Thursday night reported 85 additional COVID-19 cases and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases to 6,832 with a death toll of 324 .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
-The Navajo Times newspaper has temporarily closed its office after two employees tested positive for COVID-19 .
CEO/Publisher Tommy Arviso Jr. said in a statement Friday that all staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , office have been tested and are awaiting their results .
Meanwhile , the office will be sanitized by a professional cleaning company and reopen July 6 .
The staff will work remotely and continue putting the newspaper out online .

CHINLE, Ariz. (AP) - A Navajo Nation police officer has died at a Phoenix hospital, becoming the first officer on the tribal police force to die from COVID-19 in the line of duty, according to tribal officials.
Officer Michael Lee, 50, died Friday at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, the Navajo Police Department said in a statement.
Police Chief Phillip Francisco said the department was “devastated and heartbroken” by the death of Lee, whom Francisco called “a husband, a father, a son and a protector of his community.”
Francisco asked that the public remember Lee for his commitment to his community and extend prayers to his family.
Tribal President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer said in a statement that Lee “fought on the front lines to combat coronavirus and we are grateful for his dedication to our community.”
Gov. Doug Ducey tweeted that flags at all Arizona government buildings would be lowered to half-staff Saturday from sunrise to sunset.
Lee served 29 years with the tribal department, beginning his law enforcement career as a police recruit with the Navajo Police Academy in October 1990.
He initially worked in the Window Rock area and later in Chinle.
Survivors include Lee’s wife and children, the department said.
His body was taken in a procession Friday from Phoenix to a mortuary in Gallup, New Mexico.
Nez said information on memorial service details will be forthcoming.
The Navajo Nation, which includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. Tribal officials Friday night reported 62 additional COVID-19 cases and six additional deaths, increasing the total number of cases to 6,894 with a death toll of 330.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
In other developments:
-The Navajo Times newspaper has temporarily closed its office after two employees tested positive for COVID-19. CEO/Publisher Tommy Arviso Jr. said in a statement Friday that all staff members at the Window Rock, Arizona, office have been tested and are awaiting their results. Meanwhile, the office will be sanitized by a professional cleaning company and reopen July 6. The staff will work remotely and continue putting the newspaper out online.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Minnesota health dept. says youth sports can resume

ST. PAUL , Minn. ( AP ) - Youth outdoor sports can return to games and scrimmages on Wednesday after being on pause during the coronavirus pandemic , Minnesota health officials said Friday .
The Minnesota Department of Health also announced that indoor youth sports can resume games and scrimmages on July 1 .
Full team practices for all sports can start Wednesday .
The Health Department recommended a phased-in approach to the reopening of all sports .
“ I think it was a deliberate and intentional rollout , ” said Todd Johnson of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right.
” Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said it ’ s important to look for opportunities for children to “ engage in activities that promote health and well-being.
” “ Learning to live with COVID-19 means finding ways to balance risks and benefits , and that ’ s what we are seeking to do with this guidance , ” Malcolm said in a news release .
But the Star Tribune reports the news comes too late for some youth sports organizations .
Dan Pfeffer , commissioner of USA Softball Minnesota , said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and refunded $ 500,000 in fees .
“ We ’ re planning for our fall season , ” said executive director Matthew Madeira of Minnesota Youth Soccer Association , which also had canceled its summer season .

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Youth outdoor sports can return to games and scrimmages on Wednesday after being on pause during the coronavirus pandemic, Minnesota health officials said Friday.
The Minnesota Department of Health also announced that indoor youth sports can resume games and scrimmages on July 1.
Full team practices for all sports can start Wednesday. The Health Department recommended a phased-in approach to the reopening of all sports.
“I think it was a deliberate and intentional rollout,” said Todd Johnson of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. “They just wanted to get it right.”
Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said it’s important to look for opportunities for children to “engage in activities that promote health and well-being.”
“Learning to live with COVID-19 means finding ways to balance risks and benefits, and that’s what we are seeking to do with this guidance,” Malcolm said in a news release.
But the Star Tribune reports the news comes too late for some youth sports organizations. Dan Pfeffer, commissioner of USA Softball Minnesota, said his organization has already canceled its summer season and refunded $500,000 in fees.
“We’re planning for our fall season,” said executive director Matthew Madeira of Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, which also had canceled its summer season.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Clemson sees 23 football players test positive for COVID-19

CLEMSON , S.C. ( AP ) - Clemson said 23 football players have tested positive for coronavirus since returning to @ @ @ @ @ announced the results Friday .
It did not identify the athletes .
In all , @ @ @ @ @ 28 people were found with COVID-19 since testing began for athletes and other personnel on @ @ @ @ @ at Clemson mirrors one in the state of South Carolina , which reported a single-day @ @ @ @ @ positive on Friday .
Along with the players , two football staffers and three athletes @ @ @ @ @ with the virus .
The school said all were asymptomatic and have begun isolation for @ @ @ @ @ No one has been hospitalized .
Those who ’ ve been in contact with people @ @ @ @ @ to self-quarantine for at least two weeks .
In all , Clemson has administered 315 @ @ @ @ @ athletes came back to athletic facilities .

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) - Clemson said 23 football players have tested positive for coronavirus since returning to campus this month.
Clemson announced the results Friday. It did not identify the athletes.
In all, school spokesman Jeff Kallin said 28 people were found with COVID-19 since testing began for athletes and other personnel on June 8.
The uptick at Clemson mirrors one in the state of South Carolina, which reported a single-day high of 1,081 people testing positive on Friday.
Along with the players, two football staffers and three athletes from other sports were found with the virus.
The school said all were asymptomatic and have begun isolation for at least 10 days. No one has been hospitalized.
Those who’ve been in contact with people testing positive have been asked to self-quarantine for at least two weeks.
In all, Clemson has administered 315 tests for the disease since athletes came back to athletic facilities.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Hollywood evolves during pandemic with drive-in premiere

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Dave Franco says the drive-in premiere for his directorial debut was “ perfect ” but admittedly “ a little weird.
” The 35-year-old actor found himself at the center of Hollywood ’ s evolving response to the coronavirus pandemic Thursday as he premiered his directorial debut “ The Rental ” to more than 1,300 people at the Vineland drive-in theatre in Southern California .
Joined by stars including wife Alison Brie , Dan Stevens and Sheila Vand , he took off his mask to pose for photographers in the center of a massive parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his car after the film ended .
It beat a traditional , more buttoned-up red carpet event , Franco said .
“ It didn ’ t feel like there was a spotlight on me or the cast .
It felt more like this communal experience where everyone was just excited to get out of their homes and , you know , let loose with a group of fellow movie lovers .
It was perfect , ” he said in an interview Friday .
Franco says Brie calmed him down about the shortcomings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the FM radio and ambient light drowning out darker sections of his horror thriller “ The Rental.
” “ Trust me , it is not what I do .
I am a crazy perfectionist .
I annoy everyone around me because I won ’ t stop until it ’ s perfect .
And so it was hard for me to let go , but it was nice having Alison next to me - she forced me to let go , ” he said .
His movie is set to be released via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on July 24 .
But the nation ’ s largest theater chains have been adjusting their reopening plans regularly in response to health officials .
Franco says that like many in Hollywood , he ’ s tracking Christopher Nolan ’ s “ Tenet , ” scheduled for release July 31 .
“ Obviously that ’ s the giant movie that everyone ’ s focused on and that all the theaters are really trying to open in time for that film .
So we ’ ve just been kind of stepping back and monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ‘ Tenet , ’ they ain ’ t opening for us .
… I ’ m happy to creep behind Christopher Nolan all day.
” Franco is hoping to hold another premiere event closer to the film ’ s release - maybe even in a traditional theater .
There ’ s something about the big screen .
“ Just seeing how many people are flocking to drive-ins around the country , it just proves that the movie-going experience is so special , ” Franco said .
“ There ’ s a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being mainly digital .
But I think right now we ’ re really seeing how much people love going to the movies.
” Associated Press videojournalist Marcela Isaza contributed to this report .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Dave Franco says the drive-in premiere for his directorial debut was “perfect” but admittedly “a little weird.”
The 35-year-old actor found himself at the center of Hollywood’s evolving response to the coronavirus pandemic Thursday as he premiered his directorial debut “The Rental” to more than 1,300 people at the Vineland drive-in theatre in Southern California.
Joined by stars including wife Alison Brie, Dan Stevens and Sheila Vand, he took off his mask to pose for photographers in the center of a massive parking lot, then answered questions via Zoom from his car after the film ended.
It beat a traditional, more buttoned-up red carpet event, Franco said.
“It didn’t feel like there was a spotlight on me or the cast. It felt more like this communal experience where everyone was just excited to get out of their homes and, you know, let loose with a group of fellow movie lovers. It was perfect,” he said in an interview Friday.
Franco says Brie calmed him down about the shortcomings of an outdoor screening: patchy audio over the FM radio and ambient light drowning out darker sections of his horror thriller “The Rental.”
“Trust me, it is not what I do. I am a crazy perfectionist. I annoy everyone around me because I won’t stop until it’s perfect. And so it was hard for me to let go, but it was nice having Alison next to me - she forced me to let go,” he said.
His movie is set to be released via video-on-demand and at drive-ins and traditional theaters on July 24. But the nation’s largest theater chains have been adjusting their reopening plans regularly in response to health officials. Franco says that like many in Hollywood, he’s tracking Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” scheduled for release July 31.
“Obviously that’s the giant movie that everyone’s focused on and that all the theaters are really trying to open in time for that film. So we’ve just been kind of stepping back and monitoring … If they’re not opening for ‘Tenet,’ they ain’t opening for us. … I’m happy to creep behind Christopher Nolan all day.”
Franco is hoping to hold another premiere event closer to the film’s release - maybe even in a traditional theater. There’s something about the big screen.
“Just seeing how many people are flocking to drive-ins around the country, it just proves that the movie-going experience is so special,” Franco said. “There’s a lot of talk about the future of film being mainly digital. But I think right now we’re really seeing how much people love going to the movies.”
___
Associated Press videojournalist Marcela Isaza contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Ryan Pearson on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/ryanwrd


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Man fatally shot by San Bernardino police had replica gun

SAN BERNARDINO , Calif. ( AP ) - A man who was shot to death by San Bernardino police over the weekend had a replica handgun , authorities said .
Anthony Angel Armenta , 21 , of San Bernardino , was shot Saturday night outside a gas station convenience store in the city east of Los Angeles .
A report of a man with a gun sent officers to the station , where they saw Armenta and ordered him to drop what appeared to be a black handgun , police said .
Instead , Armenta pointed it at an officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene , police said in a statement Thursday night .
He died at a hospital .
The gun was found to be a replica , police said .
Cellphone video taken from a passing car and posted to YouTube captured officers pointing their weapons at a suspect near a gas pump and shouting for him to “ drop the gun !
” The vehicle rounds a corner and the camera shot is obstructed as a flurry of shots are heard .
The department posted on its Facebook page several frame grabs from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an officer ’ s body-worn camera shows a man with his arms extended pointing an object toward a parked police cruiser .
Delina Miranda , who witnessed the incident , said she saw the man earlier rummaging through garbage cans with a flashlight .
Miranda , a cashier at a convenience store across the street , told the Los Angeles Times the man frequently panhandled in the area .

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) - A man who was shot to death by San Bernardino police over the weekend had a replica handgun, authorities said.
Anthony Angel Armenta, 21, of San Bernardino, was shot Saturday night outside a gas station convenience store in the city east of Los Angeles.
A report of a man with a gun sent officers to the station, where they saw Armenta and ordered him to drop what appeared to be a black handgun, police said.
Instead, Armenta pointed it at an officer and was shot by both officers at the scene, police said in a statement Thursday night. He died at a hospital.
The gun was found to be a replica, police said.
Cellphone video taken from a passing car and posted to YouTube captured officers pointing their weapons at a suspect near a gas pump and shouting for him to “drop the gun!” The vehicle rounds a corner and the camera shot is obstructed as a flurry of shots are heard.
The department posted on its Facebook page several frame grabs from videos at the scene. One from an officer’s body-worn camera shows a man with his arms extended pointing an object toward a parked police cruiser.
Delina Miranda, who witnessed the incident, said she saw the man earlier rummaging through garbage cans with a flashlight.
Miranda, a cashier at a convenience store across the street, told the Los Angeles Times the man frequently panhandled in the area.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Minnesota activists hold Juneteenth rally for reparations

ST. PAUL , Minn. ( AP ) - Minnesota ’ s Black Lives Matter chapter took to the state Capitol on Friday to mark Juneteenth with a demand for reparations and real police reform in a continued push for racial justice following the death of George Floyd .
Juneteenth , the traditional commemoration date of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans , has taken on new resonance this year .
There have been protests around the U.S. and beyond stemming from Floyd ’ s death after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers .
Amid chants of “ Reparations now ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter organizers and several other activist groups called Floyd ’ s death a remnant of slavery ’ s legacy .
Floyd , a Black man in handcuffs , died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for nearly 8 minutes , ignoring Floyd ’ s cries of “ I can ’ t breathe ” .
“ For 400 years , the United States government has had its knee on the neck of the black community socially , politically , economically and spiritually , ” said Trahern Crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapter and organizer of the event .
“ Today we are here to demand full and complete reparations for the American descendants of the slaves who built this country.
” The issue of reparations resurged last Juneteenth , when a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing to examine the legacy of slavery and a possible path toward reparations .
Several 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls expressed support for the idea .
Along with demands for reparations , the hundreds of demonstrators at the Capitol chided lawmakers for not agreeing on police reform legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broad package in this week ’ s special session that went beyond measures approved by the Republican-controlled Senate , and there was no indication the two sides would come together ahead of adjournment .
“ Right now while we ’ re standing on this lawn , their principles across the street at the Senate is to not pass any police accountability measures , ” said John Thompson , a state House candidate and friend of Philando Castile , a Black man who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer in 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ handful of celebrations and demonstrations were planned over the weekend , including multiple cookouts throughout Minneapolis on Friday and a run on Saturday in honor of Floyd that starts and ends at 38th and Chicago , the site of his death .
Mohamed Ibrahim is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota’s Black Lives Matter chapter took to the state Capitol on Friday to mark Juneteenth with a demand for reparations and real police reform in a continued push for racial justice following the death of George Floyd.
Juneteenth, the traditional commemoration date of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, has taken on new resonance this year. There have been protests around the U.S. and beyond stemming from Floyd’s death after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers.
Amid chants of “Reparations now” and “Cut the check,” Black Lives Matter organizers and several other activist groups called Floyd’s death a remnant of slavery’s legacy. Floyd, a Black man in handcuffs, died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for nearly 8 minutes, ignoring Floyd’s cries of “I can’t breathe”.
“For 400 years, the United States government has had its knee on the neck of the black community socially, politically, economically and spiritually,” said Trahern Crews, a leader of the Minnesota BLM chapter and organizer of the event. “Today we are here to demand full and complete reparations for the American descendants of the slaves who built this country.”
The issue of reparations resurged last Juneteenth, when a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing to examine the legacy of slavery and a possible path toward reparations. Several 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls expressed support for the idea.
Along with demands for reparations, the hundreds of demonstrators at the Capitol chided lawmakers for not agreeing on police reform legislation. The Democratic-controlled Minnesota House passed a broad package in this week’s special session that went beyond measures approved by the Republican-controlled Senate, and there was no indication the two sides would come together ahead of adjournment.
“Right now while we’re standing on this lawn, their principles across the street at the Senate is to not pass any police accountability measures,” said John Thompson, a state House candidate and friend of Philando Castile, a Black man who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer in 2016.
In addition to the rally, a handful of celebrations and demonstrations were planned over the weekend, including multiple cookouts throughout Minneapolis on Friday and a run on Saturday in honor of Floyd that starts and ends at 38th and Chicago, the site of his death.
___
Mohamed Ibrahim is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Chicago restaurants given OK for limited June 26 reopening

CHICAGO ( AP ) - Chicago ’ s restaurants will be allowed to serve limited numbers of diners indoors beginning next week , which is earlier than expected , Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Friday .
It ’ s an about-face from Lightfoot ’ s original plan to allow city restaurants to reopen July 1 , and aligns Chicago with the rest of Illinois under phase four of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s reopening plan .
“ Like all Chicagoans , I am personally excited to see them take these new , cautious steps towards safely reopening , and commend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Lightfoot said .
On June 26 , restaurants , bars and breweries all can open , but with restrictions .
Restaurants will be restricted to 25 % capacity , with a maximum of 50 people per room or floor , and tables must be at least 6 feet apart , with 10 people or fewer per table .
The same limits apply to bars .
Illinois Restaurant Association president Sam Toia says Lightfoot ’ s plan doesn ’ t go far enough .
He said he would rather see the city and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing restaurants to open without a capacity limit , as long as tables are spaced 6 feet apart and customers and staff are properly masked .
“ We think 50 % obviously is more economically feasible than 25 % , with a 50 people maximum , ” Toia said .
“ When the coronavirus hit us over 12 weeks ago , no restaurant business model was ever put in place to go 12 weeks with no sales or 20 to 30 % of the sales you ’ re doing a year ago.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday announced 692 new cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , and 44 deaths .
The state has reported 135,470 cases in total .

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago’s restaurants will be allowed to serve limited numbers of diners indoors beginning next week, which is earlier than expected, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Friday.
It’s an about-face from Lightfoot’s original plan to allow city restaurants to reopen July 1, and aligns Chicago with the rest of Illinois under phase four of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan.
“Like all Chicagoans, I am personally excited to see them take these new, cautious steps towards safely reopening, and commend their collaboration throughout this unprecedented crisis,” Lightfoot said.
On June 26, restaurants, bars and breweries all can open, but with restrictions. Restaurants will be restricted to 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people per room or floor, and tables must be at least 6 feet apart, with 10 people or fewer per table. The same limits apply to bars.
Illinois Restaurant Association president Sam Toia says Lightfoot’s plan doesn’t go far enough. He said he would rather see the city and state follow California’s lead in allowing restaurants to open without a capacity limit, as long as tables are spaced 6 feet apart and customers and staff are properly masked.
“We think 50% obviously is more economically feasible than 25%, with a 50 people maximum,” Toia said. “When the coronavirus hit us over 12 weeks ago, no restaurant business model was ever put in place to go 12 weeks with no sales or 20 to 30% of the sales you’re doing a year ago.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday announced 692 new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and 44 deaths. The state has reported 135,470 cases in total.


washingtontimes--2020-06-19--Man convicted of terror ties faces charges in Mumbai attacks

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - A Chicago businessman who spent more than 10 years in prison for aiding terrorist groups has been arrested in Los Angeles to face murder charges in India for attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that killed more than 160 people , U.S. prosecutors said Friday .
Tahawwur Rana , a Pakistani-born Canadian , was convicted of a terrorist charge connected to the group behind the Mumbai killings sometimes called India ’ s 9/11 , though U.S. prosecutors failed to prove he directly supported the three-day rampage .
Rana , 59 , was serving a 14-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a Los Angeles federal prison last week because of poor health and a bout of coronavirus , but he never got out before being arrested to face extradition to India , prosecutors said .
He has been charged with murder and murder conspiracy in India , according to court documents .
A request for comment to Rana ’ s public defender was not immediately returned .
Rana was convicted in Chicago in 2011 of providing material support to the Pakistani terror group , Lashkar-e-Taiba , which planned the India attack , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Danish newspaper that printed cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in 2005 .
The cartoons angered many Muslims because pictures of the prophet are prohibited in Islam .
Jurors cleared Rana of a more serious charge of providing support for the attacks in Mumbai , India ’ s largest city , that killed 166 , injured nearly 240 and caused $ 1.5 billion in damage .
Rana ’ s lawyer said he had been duped by his high school buddy , David Coleman Headley , an admitted terrorist who plotted the Mumbai attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s chief witness who testified to avoid the death penalty , a habitual liar and manipulator .
Rana was accused of allowing Headley to open a branch of his Chicago-based immigration law business in Mumbai as a cover story and travel as a representative of the company in Denmark .
Prosecutors said Rana knew Headley had trained as a terrorist .
Headley shared information of the scouting missions he conducted in Mumbai and of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel , where gunmen later slaughtered dozens of people .
Headley , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pakistani father and American mother , said his hatred of India dated to his childhood when his school in Pakistan was bombed by Indian military planes during a war between the countries in 1971 .
Months after the Mumbai attacks , Headley , who did not take part in the attacks , told Rana he was “ even with the Indians now , ” according to a court document .
Rana said they deserved it .
Headley , who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder , was sentenced to 35 years in prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he can ’ t be extradited to India .
Only one of the 10 Mumbai terrorists survived the attack and went to trial .
He was convicted , sentenced to death in India and hanged .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A former Chicago businessman imprisoned for aiding terrorist groups has been arrested in Los Angeles to face murder charges in India for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed more than 160 people, U.S. prosecutors said Friday.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian, has been charged in India with conspiring to plot and carry out the deadly attacks that are sometimes referred to as India’s 9/11.
Rana, 59, was convicted of a terrorist charge connected to the group behind the Mumbai slayings, though U.S. prosecutors failed to prove he directly supported the four-day rampage.
Rana was serving a 14-year sentence when he was granted early release from a Los Angeles federal prison last week because of poor health and a bout of coronavirus. But he never got out of prison before being arrested to face extradition to India, prosecutors said.
He has been charged with murder and murder conspiracy in India, according to court documents. A request for comment from Rana’s public defender was not immediately returned.
Rana was convicted in Chicago in 2011 of providing material support to the Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which planned the India attack, and for supporting a never-carried-out plot to attack a Danish newspaper that printed cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in 2005. The cartoons angered many Muslims because pictures of the prophet are prohibited in Islam.
Jurors cleared Rana of a more serious charge of providing support for the attacks in Mumbai, India’s largest city, that killed 166, injured nearly 240 and caused $1.5 billion in damage.
Rana’s lawyer said at trial that he had been duped by his high school buddy, David Coleman Headley, an admitted terrorist who plotted the Mumbai attacks. The defense called Headley, the government’s chief witness who testified to avoid the death penalty, a habitual liar and manipulator.
Rana was accused of allowing Headley to open a branch of his Chicago-based immigration law business in Mumbai as a cover story and travel as a representative of the company in Denmark.
Prosecutors said Rana knew Headley had trained as a terrorist. Headley shared information of the scouting missions he conducted in Mumbai and of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, where gunmen later slaughtered dozens of people.
Headley, who was born in the U.S. to a Pakistani father and American mother, said his hatred of India dated to his childhood when his school in Pakistan was bombed by Indian military planes during a war between the countries in 1971.
Months after the Mumbai attacks, Headley, who did not take part in the attacks, told Rana he was “even with the Indians now,” according to a court document. Rana said they deserved it.
Headley, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder, was sentenced to 35 years in prison. As part of his plea deal, he can’t be extradited to India.
Only one of the 10 Mumbai terrorists survived the attack and went on trial. He was convicted, sentenced to death in India and hanged.
___
Associated Press journalist Eric Tucker in Washington, D.C. contributed.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that the terror attacks were over four days, not three.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Miller time: Moths take over Wyoming's Big Horn Basin

CODY , Wyo .
( AP ) - Cody resident Luke Hopkin said it is the most miller moths he has seen on his Sage Creek property in about 25 years .
When he opened his garage the other day , thousands poured out in a black cloud .
“ There was a crazy amount , ” he told the Cody Enterprise .
Even after killing more than 1,000 moths over a three day period , he said he ’ d made no dent in the population .
“ The weather is just right for them to be super happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noticed an uptick in miller moths over the past few weeks , you ’ re not alone .
The moths have been invading homes , cars and even garages in mass clusters .
Scott Schell , a University of Wyoming extension entomology specialist , said certain weather trends over the past year or so paved the way for a massive miller moth population .
He said last year ’ s wet spring and summer helped foster large moth populations .
Those conditions were followed by this year ’ s mild winter and drier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lower elevations – and towns – in search of pollination .
Schell said he has been receiving calls from all around the state reporting an influx of the miller moth .
In Sublette County , the moth ’ s larvae – the army cutthroat worm – decimated a large patch of cheatgrass .
In southeast Wyoming , Schell said they have been gathering in large numbers since mid-May .
Reports of the moths in Colorado follow a similar timeline .
Josh Shorb , a district supervisor for Park County Weed and Pest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls from concerned residents locally who have been finding moths in tiny nooks and crannies in vents and fans , fluttering wildly when lights are turned on .
When crushed , a film-like substance comes off their bodies .
“ It ’ s kind of messy , ” Shorb said .
“ Then , when you break one of their wings you have a hurt moth in your lap.
” Thankfully the moths serve as no more than a nuisance and will not damage crops .
“ Some people are deathly afraid of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them , ” Schell said .
Hopkin said he uses flypaper and water traps to catch the moths that get into his home .
In order to draw the moths away from his garage , he uses high-powered work lights , which the moths are naturally attracted to .
He said pesticides have little effect on them .
The cooler weather seen over the last few days has caused the moths to become more dormant , but warmer weather this weekend could bring a resurgence of activity from the winged creatures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moths should be mostly gone as they make their annual pilgrimage to the high country for the seasonal bloom there .
In the mountains , the moths feed on plants that produce nectar and stay open at night , including blackcurrant and burning bushes , sand cherry , Russian olive , spiraea and rhubarb .
One predator that should benefit from the increase of moths is the grizzly bear .
Schell said the bears can be seen flipping rocks endlessly in August , seeking out the moths that shelter underneath .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of calories for the large carnivores .
“ A bear might eat 30,000 of them , ” Schell said .
“ It would be like us popping sunflower seeds all day.
” A variety of songbirds like sparrows , robins and flycatchers also enjoy the critters and can be seen picking the bugs off vehicle grills .
“ That ’ s a valuable nutrient for their nestlings , ” Schell said .
The moths will come back down to lower elevations in the fall and lay their larvae on plants and crops like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by keeping windows and other openings sealed , people can prevent moths from infiltrating their lives .
He also said the moth ’ s predators will soon catch up to the growth cycles , casting a setting sun on their dynasty .
“ All native species have an up-and-down relationship , ” he said .
“ The millers are at the top of the crest .
The predators , they ’ ll catch up , and the miller population will crash .
”

CODY, Wyo. (AP) - Cody resident Luke Hopkin said it is the most miller moths he has seen on his Sage Creek property in about 25 years. When he opened his garage the other day, thousands poured out in a black cloud.
“There was a crazy amount,” he told the Cody Enterprise.
Even after killing more than 1,000 moths over a three day period, he said he’d made no dent in the population.
“The weather is just right for them to be super happy,” he said.
If you noticed an uptick in miller moths over the past few weeks, you’re not alone. The moths have been invading homes, cars and even garages in mass clusters.
Scott Schell, a University of Wyoming extension entomology specialist, said certain weather trends over the past year or so paved the way for a massive miller moth population. He said last year’s wet spring and summer helped foster large moth populations. Those conditions were followed by this year’s mild winter and drier start to spring, bringing moths into the lower elevations – and towns – in search of pollination.
Schell said he has been receiving calls from all around the state reporting an influx of the miller moth. In Sublette County, the moth’s larvae – the army cutthroat worm – decimated a large patch of cheatgrass. In southeast Wyoming, Schell said they have been gathering in large numbers since mid-May. Reports of the moths in Colorado follow a similar timeline.
Josh Shorb, a district supervisor for Park County Weed and Pest, said he’s been receiving calls from concerned residents locally who have been finding moths in tiny nooks and crannies in vents and fans, fluttering wildly when lights are turned on. When crushed, a film-like substance comes off their bodies.
“It’s kind of messy,” Shorb said. “Then, when you break one of their wings you have a hurt moth in your lap.”
Thankfully the moths serve as no more than a nuisance and will not damage crops.
“Some people are deathly afraid of moths and have a hard time coping with them,” Schell said.
Hopkin said he uses flypaper and water traps to catch the moths that get into his home. In order to draw the moths away from his garage, he uses high-powered work lights, which the moths are naturally attracted to. He said pesticides have little effect on them.
The cooler weather seen over the last few days has caused the moths to become more dormant, but warmer weather this weekend could bring a resurgence of activity from the winged creatures.
Schell said by the end of June the moths should be mostly gone as they make their annual pilgrimage to the high country for the seasonal bloom there.
In the mountains, the moths feed on plants that produce nectar and stay open at night, including blackcurrant and burning bushes, sand cherry, Russian olive, spiraea and rhubarb.
One predator that should benefit from the increase of moths is the grizzly bear. Schell said the bears can be seen flipping rocks endlessly in August, seeking out the moths that shelter underneath. The moths can serve as a valuable source of calories for the large carnivores.
“A bear might eat 30,000 of them,” Schell said. “It would be like us popping sunflower seeds all day.”
A variety of songbirds like sparrows, robins and flycatchers also enjoy the critters and can be seen picking the bugs off vehicle grills.
“That’s a valuable nutrient for their nestlings,” Schell said.
The moths will come back down to lower elevations in the fall and lay their larvae on plants and crops like winter wheat and alfalfa.
Shorb said by keeping windows and other openings sealed, people can prevent moths from infiltrating their lives.
He also said the moth’s predators will soon catch up to the growth cycles, casting a setting sun on their dynasty.
“All native species have an up-and-down relationship,” he said. “The millers are at the top of the crest. The predators, they’ll catch up, and the miller population will crash.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--New Hampshire urges conservation amid dry conditions

CONCORD , N.H. ( AP ) - The state is advising well owners in New Hampshire to conserve water amid @ @ @ @ @ to the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor , all of New Hampshire has been categorized as @ @ @ @ @ past two months has received less than normal amounts of rain .
Some parts of @ @ @ @ @ , Merrimack , Strafford , Rockingham , Hillsborough , and Cheshire counties , have received @ @ @ @ @ less precipitation than normal , the state said .
Thomas O ’ Donovan , the @ @ @ @ @ of Environmental Services water division , blamed the dry conditions in part on the fact @ @ @ @ @ less snowpack this past winter .
As a result , stream flows are low , @ @ @ @ @ , groundwater and wells throughout the state will be impacted , Donovan said .
As @ @ @ @ @ is encouraging well owners to start conserving water now .
To do that , the @ @ @ @ @ outdoor water use and stagger water use more broadly .

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The state is advising well owners in New Hampshire to conserve water amid abnormally dry conditions.
According to the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor, all of New Hampshire has been categorized as abnormally dry and over the past two months has received less than normal amounts of rain. Some parts of the state, including Sullivan, Merrimack, Strafford, Rockingham, Hillsborough, and Cheshire counties, have received 50% to 75% less precipitation than normal, the state said.
Thomas O’Donovan, the director of the state Department of Environmental Services water division, blamed the dry conditions in part on the fact that the state had significantly less snowpack this past winter. As a result, stream flows are low, and if dry conditions continue, groundwater and wells throughout the state will be impacted, Donovan said.
As a result, the state is encouraging well owners to start conserving water now. To do that, the state is recommended people limit outdoor water use and stagger water use more broadly. The Merrimack Village District Water Works announced a ban on outside water use.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Lawmakers: Open Mich. unemployment offices, give $1K loans

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - Michigan lawmakers increasingly frustrated over delayed unemployment benefits for people out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic are urging Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer to reopen offices so the jobless can get in-person assistance .
Legislators from both parties say the dozen offices , closed due to COVID-19 , should open their doors again , by appointment only - similarly to what secretary of state branches offer .
The proposal is under consideration as the state still grapples with processing a backlog of claims while also confronting large-scale impostor fraud that led the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits to hundreds of thousands .
Michigan had the country ’ s third-highest jobless rate in May , at 21.2 % .
A staggering 2.1 million-plus eligible claimants have filed since mid-March .
People continue to report being unable to get through jammed phone lines or , if they seek help online , not getting a return call to resolve mistakes or other issues holding up their payments .
“ It ’ s a major failure if we don ’ t realize that some people … don ’ t have access to internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the savvy to go around and navigate a system .
But also it ’ s the simple fact that some people just prefer to actually talk to someone , ” said Rep. Sara Cambensy , a Marquette Democrat who said constituents have waited more than six weeks for help .
“ We have to accommodate the people that want that interaction or we ’ re setting ourselves up for failure.
” Cambensy , who worries the Unemployment Insurance Agency ’ s “ plate just keeps getting stacked up , ” spearheaded a lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking that offices be reopened .
Jason Moon , a spokesman for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity , said the agency is working with the Office of the State Employer on a plan to potentially open the field offices .
The Democratic governor and Republican-led Legislature this week unanimously agreed to spend $ 29 million of federal coronavirus relief aid to pay up to 500 temporary employees for as many as six months to help reduce processing delays .
But it largely will cover the salaries of people previously hired to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funding is not nearly enough to fix a “ broken ” system in need of long-term structural changes .
They are proposing that the state spend $ 100 million in federal funds to quickly loan $ 1,000 each to claimants stuck in the logjam .
“ We need to take action today to provide immediate relief to people that have waited far too long for relief , ” said Rep. Jon Cherry , a Flint Democrat .
The initiative was not included in an $ 880 million supplemental budget bill but may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exasperated Jennie Minard , whose family breeds and trains hunting dogs in Beulah , told legislators on Thursday that her husband and son applied for benefits in mid-April .
They were able to certify once , she said , but the website has been unresponsive for eight weeks .
“ We have spent all of our savings .
Our loan deferrals expire this month .
We ’ re worried about not getting back pay or running out of funds by the time they get to us , ” Minard said during a legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after stay-at-home restrictions were lifted but has a fifth of its regular customer base .
About 93 % of eligible claimants have received or been approved for benefits , according to the Unemployment Insurance Agency .
Most of the remaining unpaid claims have been flagged for possible impostor fraud , though 37,000 accounts are in limbo for other reasons .
Benefits have or will resume for at least 200,000 of 340,000 accounts that had been sent stop-payment notices until claimants could further verify their identity .
The unemployment agency also has cleared around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had been flagged for identity checks due to fraud concerns .
“ Our focus remains on getting 100 % of eligible Michigan workers 100 % of the benefits they deserve .
We are using every available resource to verify the identity of legitimate claimants whose payments are held due to increased criminal activity , including 850 dedicated employees and newly formed advanced analytics team , ” said director Steve Gray .
He will testify this coming week before a House-Senate committee investigating the Whitmer administration ’ s handling of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Marshall , said the agency “ needs to develop a smarter plan of action to swiftly resolve these issues .
Whitmer - who has faced sharp GOP criticism over unemployment problems - said Michigan has processed more claims than almost every other state but has seen high claims overall after she issued sweeping business and other restrictions to curb the virus and protect lives .
“ We have work to do .
There ’ s no question , ” she said .
“ It ’ s cold comfort to people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan lawmakers increasingly frustrated over delayed unemployment benefits for people out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic are urging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to reopen offices so the jobless can get in-person assistance.
Legislators from both parties say the dozen offices, closed due to COVID-19, should open their doors again, by appointment only - similarly to what secretary of state branches offer. The proposal is under consideration as the state still grapples with processing a backlog of claims while also confronting large-scale impostor fraud that led the Unemployment Insurance Agency to temporarily stop paying benefits to hundreds of thousands.
Michigan had the country’s third-highest jobless rate in May, at 21.2%. A staggering 2.1 million-plus eligible claimants have filed since mid-March.
People continue to report being unable to get through jammed phone lines or, if they seek help online, not getting a return call to resolve mistakes or other issues holding up their payments.
“It’s a major failure if we don’t realize that some people … don’t have access to internet, maybe they don’t have the savvy to go around and navigate a system. But also it’s the simple fact that some people just prefer to actually talk to someone,” said Rep. Sara Cambensy, a Marquette Democrat who said constituents have waited more than six weeks for help. “We have to accommodate the people that want that interaction or we’re setting ourselves up for failure.”
Cambensy, who worries the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s “plate just keeps getting stacked up,” spearheaded a lawmakers’ letter to Whitmer on June 12 asking that offices be reopened. Jason Moon, a spokesman for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said the agency is working with the Office of the State Employer on a plan to potentially open the field offices.
The Democratic governor and Republican-led Legislature this week unanimously agreed to spend $29 million of federal coronavirus relief aid to pay up to 500 temporary employees for as many as six months to help reduce processing delays. But it largely will cover the salaries of people previously hired to help clear backlogs.
Democratic lawmakers said the funding is not nearly enough to fix a “broken” system in need of long-term structural changes. They are proposing that the state spend $100 million in federal funds to quickly loan $1,000 each to claimants stuck in the logjam.
“We need to take action today to provide immediate relief to people that have waited far too long for relief,” said Rep. Jon Cherry, a Flint Democrat. The initiative was not included in an $880 million supplemental budget bill but may come up in future talks.
An exasperated Jennie Minard, whose family breeds and trains hunting dogs in Beulah, told legislators on Thursday that her husband and son applied for benefits in mid-April. They were able to certify once, she said, but the website has been unresponsive for eight weeks.
“We have spent all of our savings. Our loan deferrals expire this month. We’re worried about not getting back pay or running out of funds by the time they get to us,” Minard said during a legislative hearing. She said the business reopened after stay-at-home restrictions were lifted but has a fifth of its regular customer base.
About 93% of eligible claimants have received or been approved for benefits, according to the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Most of the remaining unpaid claims have been flagged for possible impostor fraud, though 37,000 accounts are in limbo for other reasons.
Benefits have or will resume for at least 200,000 of 340,000 accounts that had been sent stop-payment notices until claimants could further verify their identity. The unemployment agency also has cleared around 100,000 of 200,000 new claims for payment that had been flagged for identity checks due to fraud concerns.
“Our focus remains on getting 100% of eligible Michigan workers 100% of the benefits they deserve. We are using every available resource to verify the identity of legitimate claimants whose payments are held due to increased criminal activity, including 850 dedicated employees and newly formed advanced analytics team,” said director Steve Gray. He will testify this coming week before a House-Senate committee investigating the Whitmer administration’s handling of the pandemic.
The chairman, Republican Rep. Matt Hall of Marshall, said the agency “needs to develop a smarter plan of action to swiftly resolve these issues.
Whitmer - who has faced sharp GOP criticism over unemployment problems - said Michigan has processed more claims than almost every other state but has seen high claims overall after she issued sweeping business and other restrictions to curb the virus and protect lives.
“We have work to do. There’s no question,” she said. “It’s cold comfort to people who are still frustrated and getting through the process.”
___
Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Vermont plastic bag ban July 1; some states delay amid virus

Vermont is moving ahead with a ban on single-use plastic bags on July 1 to cut down on plastics in the waste stream , though some other states postponed their bans out of fears of spreading the coronavirus via reusable bags .
Vermont ’ s Agency of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Conservation saw no need to change or postpone the ban on plastic bags , saying reusable bags can be used safely and are not any more of a risk than other surfaces customers and employees touch in retail transactions , said Secretary Julie Moore .
“ Plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , can harm wildlife , clog recycling machinery , and , together with other single-use products , make up an estimated 32 % of Vermont ’ s waste , ” she said by email .
In Massachusetts , Gov .
Charlie Baker has banned shoppers from bringing in their reusable bags and also lifted the ban on plastic bags that stores can offer amid the pandemic .
Maine has postponed to January a plastic bag ban that had been set to take effect in April , and New Hampshire Gov .
Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not ready to return to allowing reusable bags , yet .
“ We ’ re just asking folks to be patient .
We want to make sure that people are safe , ” Sununu said , while encouraging shoppers to save the plastic bags and recycle them at grocery stores .
“ At some point , we obviously hope to get back to going back to the reusable bags .
But I don ’ t think we ’ re there yet , ” he said .
In Vermont next month , customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reusable bags or pay 10 cents apiece for paper bags , under the law .
Some stores and food establishments may still offer plastic bags as they use up their stock , according to the Health Department .
The state worked with the Legislature , retails and other stakeholders on the law , Moore said .
Yet , the Vermont Retail Grocers Association asked early on in the pandemic for the ban to be postponed but was unsuccessful and recently asked for an extension or some leeway or variance on enforcement due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bags , said Erin Sigrist , the association ’ s president .
“ We are learning that retailers and distributors are facing long waiting periods in receiving paper bags , ” she said by email .
“ Providing some leeway on enforcement or just a few extra months to help retailers get customers through this transition would be incredibly helpful , ” Sigrist said .
Moore says the agency has explained to the association that enforcement discretion can be applied on a case-by-case basis if paper bag shortages affect the supply .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reusable bags , Vermont encourages shoppers to bag their own groceries and regularly wash the bags .
Plastic bags can still be used in the stores to contain frozen foods , meat or fish , or to package loose fruit , vegetables , bakery goods or small hardware items .
AP reporters Kathy McCormack in Concord , N.H. , and Steve LeBlanc in Boston contributed to this report .

Vermont is moving ahead with a ban on single-use plastic bags on July 1 to cut down on plastics in the waste stream, though some other states postponed their bans out of fears of spreading the coronavirus via reusable bags.
Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Conservation saw no need to change or postpone the ban on plastic bags, saying reusable bags can be used safely and are not any more of a risk than other surfaces customers and employees touch in retail transactions, said Secretary Julie Moore.
“Plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down, can harm wildlife, clog recycling machinery, and, together with other single-use products, make up an estimated 32% of Vermont’s waste,” she said by email.
In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker has banned shoppers from bringing in their reusable bags and also lifted the ban on plastic bags that stores can offer amid the pandemic. Maine has postponed to January a plastic bag ban that had been set to take effect in April, and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said this week that the state was not ready to return to allowing reusable bags, yet.
“We’re just asking folks to be patient. We want to make sure that people are safe,” Sununu said, while encouraging shoppers to save the plastic bags and recycle them at grocery stores.
“At some point, we obviously hope to get back to going back to the reusable bags. But I don’t think we’re there yet,” he said.
In Vermont next month, customers at stores and food establishments can bring reusable bags or pay 10 cents apiece for paper bags, under the law. Some stores and food establishments may still offer plastic bags as they use up their stock, according to the Health Department.
The state worked with the Legislature, retails and other stakeholders on the law, Moore said.
Yet, the Vermont Retail Grocers Association asked early on in the pandemic for the ban to be postponed but was unsuccessful and recently asked for an extension or some leeway or variance on enforcement due to concerns about the available supply of paper bags, said Erin Sigrist, the association’s president.
“We are learning that retailers and distributors are facing long waiting periods in receiving paper bags,” she said by email.
“Providing some leeway on enforcement or just a few extra months to help retailers get customers through this transition would be incredibly helpful,” Sigrist said.
Moore says the agency has explained to the association that enforcement discretion can be applied on a case-by-case basis if paper bag shortages affect the supply.
To reduce microorganisms including bacteria and viruses on reusable bags, Vermont encourages shoppers to bag their own groceries and regularly wash the bags.
Plastic bags can still be used in the stores to contain frozen foods, meat or fish, or to package loose fruit, vegetables, bakery goods or small hardware items.
____
AP reporters Kathy McCormack in Concord, N.H., and Steve LeBlanc in Boston contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-20--Pope hails Italy virus doctors, nurses as heroes at Vatican

ROME ( AP ) - Pope Francis welcomed doctors and nurses from the coronavirus-ravaged region of Lombardy to the Vatican on Saturday to thank them for their selfless work and “ heroic ” sacrifice .
Francis dedicated one of his first post-lockdown audiences to Italy ’ s front-line medical and civil protection personnel , telling them that their example of professional competence and compassion would help Italy forge a new future of hope and solidarity .
During the audience , Francis also took a dig at some conservative priests who chafed at lockdown measures , calling their complaints over church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lombardy , Italy ’ s financial and industrial capital , was the hardest-hit region in the onetime European epicenter of the pandemic .
Lombardy has counted more than 92,000 of Italy ’ s 232,000 official infections and half of the country ’ s 34,500 dead .
Francis noted that some of those dead were the doctors and nurses themselves , and said Italy would remember them with “ prayer and gratitude.
” More than 40 nurses and 160 doctors died during the outbreak nationwide , and nearly 30,000 health care personnel were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medics and nurses became literal “ angels ” helping the sick recover or accompanying them to their death , given their family members were prevented from visiting them in the hospital .
Speaking off the cuff , Francis praised the “ little gestures of creativity of love ” they provided : a caress or the use of their cell phone “ to bring together the old person who was about to die with his son or daughter to say goodbye , to see them for the last time… ” “ This was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of proximity and tenderness , ” Francis said .
In the audience were the bishops of some of the hardest-hit cities in Lombardy , as well as representatives of Italy ’ s civil protection agency , which coordinated the emergency response and built field hospitals around the region .
They sat well-spaced apart and wore protective masks in the frescoed audience hall in the Apostolic Palace .
The pope said he hoped Italy would emerge morally and spiritually stronger from the emergency and the lesson of interconnection that it taught : that individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s easy to forget that we need one another , someone to take care of us and give us courage , ” he said .
At the end of the audience , Francis made sure that the doctors and nurses kept their distance , telling them he would come to them rather than have them line up to greet him and kiss his ring , as was the Vatican ’ s pre-pandemic practice .
“ We have to be obedient to the dispositions ” of social distancing , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complaints of some priests who bristled at lockdown measures , a reference to conservatives who blasted church closures as a violation of their religious liberty .
Francis praised instead those priests who knew how to “ creatively ” be close to their flocks , even in lockdown .
“ This priestly creativity has won out over some , a few , adolescent expressions against the measures of public authorities , who have the obligation to take care of people ’ s health , ” Francis said .
“ The majority were obedient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second time Francis has welcomed a group into the Vatican for an audience since the Vatican locked down in early March along with the rest of Italy to try to contain the virus .
The first was a small encounter May 20 with a group of athletes who are raising money for hospitals in two hard-hit Lombardy cities , Brescia and Bergamo .
Lombardy ’ s governor , Attilio Fontana , who headed the delegation , invited Francis to visit Lombardy so he could also bring words of hope and consolation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the families who lost loved ones .

ROME (AP) - Pope Francis welcomed doctors and nurses from the coronavirus-ravaged region of Lombardy to the Vatican on Saturday to thank them for their selfless work and “heroic” sacrifice.
Francis dedicated one of his first post-lockdown audiences to Italy’s front-line medical and civil protection personnel, telling them that their example of professional competence and compassion would help Italy forge a new future of hope and solidarity.
During the audience, Francis also took a dig at some conservative priests who chafed at lockdown measures, calling their complaints over church closures “adolescent.”
The northern region of Lombardy, Italy’s financial and industrial capital, was the hardest-hit region in the onetime European epicenter of the pandemic. Lombardy has counted more than 92,000 of Italy’s 232,000 official infections and half of the country’s 34,500 dead.
Francis noted that some of those dead were the doctors and nurses themselves, and said Italy would remember them with “prayer and gratitude.” More than 40 nurses and 160 doctors died during the outbreak nationwide, and nearly 30,000 health care personnel were infected.
Francis said Lombardy’s medics and nurses became literal “angels” helping the sick recover or accompanying them to their death, given their family members were prevented from visiting them in the hospital.
Speaking off the cuff, Francis praised the “little gestures of creativity of love” they provided: a caress or the use of their cell phone “to bring together the old person who was about to die with his son or daughter to say goodbye, to see them for the last time…”
“This was so good for all of us: testimony of proximity and tenderness,” Francis said.
In the audience were the bishops of some of the hardest-hit cities in Lombardy, as well as representatives of Italy’s civil protection agency, which coordinated the emergency response and built field hospitals around the region. They sat well-spaced apart and wore protective masks in the frescoed audience hall in the Apostolic Palace.
The pope said he hoped Italy would emerge morally and spiritually stronger from the emergency and the lesson of interconnection that it taught: that individual and collective interests are intertwined.
“It’s easy to forget that we need one another, someone to take care of us and give us courage,” he said.
At the end of the audience, Francis made sure that the doctors and nurses kept their distance, telling them he would come to them rather than have them line up to greet him and kiss his ring, as was the Vatican’s pre-pandemic practice.
“We have to be obedient to the dispositions” of social distancing, he said.
He also criticized as “adolescent” the complaints of some priests who bristled at lockdown measures, a reference to conservatives who blasted church closures as a violation of their religious liberty.
Francis praised instead those priests who knew how to “creatively” be close to their flocks, even in lockdown.
“This priestly creativity has won out over some, a few, adolescent expressions against the measures of public authorities, who have the obligation to take care of people’s health,” Francis said. “The majority were obedient and creative.”
The encounter was only the second time Francis has welcomed a group into the Vatican for an audience since the Vatican locked down in early March along with the rest of Italy to try to contain the virus. The first was a small encounter May 20 in his private library with a group of athletes who are raising money for hospitals in two hard-hit Lombardy cities, Brescia and Bergamo.
Lombardy’s health chief, Giulio Gallera, said Francis’ words and closeness were “a moment of intense and emotional comfort,” given the pain and suffering of so many people over the past months.
Lombardy’s governor, Attilio Fontana, who headed the delegation, invited Francis to visit Lombardy so he could also bring words of hope and consolation to those who are still sick, and to the families who lost loved ones.