washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Businesses sue Seattle over 'occupied' protest zone

SEATTLE ( AP ) - A collection of Seattle businesses , property owners and residents sued the city Wednesday over its tolerance of an “ occupied ” protest zone , saying officials have been complicit in depriving them of their rights to their property .
The plaintiffs - including a tattoo parlor , auto repair shop and property management firm - emphasized in the lawsuit that they were not trying to undermine the anti-police-brutality or Black Lives Matter messaging of the “ Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.
” “ Rather , this lawsuit is about the constitutional and other legal rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and residents in and around CHOP - which have been overrun by the city of Seattle ’ s unprecedented decision to abandon and close off an entire city neighborhood , leaving it unchecked by the police , unserved by fire and emergency health services , and inaccessible to the public at large , ” the lawsuit said .
The Seattle City Attorney ’ s Office said it had not yet seen the lawsuit but would review it .
The “ occupation ” began June 8 when the Seattle Police Department , following days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of George Floyd ’ s killing by Minneapolis police , abandoned its East Precinct building in the densely populated Capitol Hill neighborhood .
Protesters moved police barricades to block traffic , and scores camped in a nearby park .
The protest has drawn the scorn of President Donald Trump , who asserted it was being run by anarchists .
A festive atmosphere has prevailed for much of the time since then , with participants painting a large Black Lives Matter mural on the street and volunteers handing out free food .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept watch , and the atmosphere has sometimes been more menacing at night .
Police said typical response times to emergency calls in the area , which stretched several blocks , had tripled .
Mayor Jenny Durkan has expressed support for the protest , calling it “ a peaceful expression of our community ’ s collective grief and their desire to build a better world , ” and the city has helped it by providing different barricades to better protect participants from vehicles .
But following three shootings in the area on consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week the city would wind down the protest zone , at first by encouraging demonstrators to leave voluntarily , and that police would return to the precinct .
But neither she nor Police Chief Carmen Best gave a specific timeline for when that would happen .
Patty Eakes , an attorney for the plaintiffs , separately told Durkan in a letter Wednesday that she wanted the mayor ’ s office to provide a timeline by Friday for clearing out the protest and returning police , or the plaintiffs would ask the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access be restored .
“ City leadership have been on the ground daily having discussions with demonstrators , residents and businesses and trusted community-based , Black-led organizations to determine a path forward that protects the right to peacefully protest and keeps people safe , ” the mayor ’ s office said in a written statement .
In the class-action lawsuit , filed in U.S. District Court , about a dozen businesses , residents and property owners said they had sometimes been threatened for photographing protesters in public areas or for cleaning graffiti off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auto shop Car Tender said a burglar broke in the night of June 14 , started a fire using hand sanitizer as an accelerant , and then attacked his son with a knife when confronted .
The owner and his son managed to put out the fire and detain the burglar , the complaint said , but police never responded to their 911 calls .
A large crowd of “ CHOP participants ” then came to the scene and forced the owner to release the arsonist , it said .
Other businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Label , said they had been unable to send or receive packages because delivery companies won ’ t go near the protest zone or because access to their loading dock had been blocked by barricades .
Magdalena Sky , the proprietor of Tattoos and Fortune , said in the complaint she is a supporter of Black Lives Matter but that her business was down severely due to the protest .
A physical therapist and wine shop also said clients or customers had been afraid to enter the area .
The complaint said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the blocks and a nearby park to the demonstrators deprived them of their property rights without due process and amounted to an illegal gift of public property to the protesters .
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for lost business , property damage and deprivation of their property rights as well as the restoration of full public access .

SEATTLE (AP) - A collection of Seattle businesses, property owners and residents sued the city Wednesday over its tolerance of an “occupied” protest zone, saying officials have been complicit in depriving them of their rights to their property.
The plaintiffs - including a tattoo parlor, auto repair shop and property management firm - emphasized in the lawsuit that they were not trying to undermine the anti-police-brutality or Black Lives Matter messaging of the “Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.”
“Rather, this lawsuit is about the constitutional and other legal rights of plaintiffs - businesses, employees, and residents in and around CHOP - which have been overrun by the city of Seattle’s unprecedented decision to abandon and close off an entire city neighborhood, leaving it unchecked by the police, unserved by fire and emergency health services, and inaccessible to the public at large,” the lawsuit said.
The Seattle City Attorney’s Office said it had not yet seen the lawsuit but would review it.
The “occupation” began June 8 when the Seattle Police Department, following days of intense clashes with demonstrators in the wake of George Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police, abandoned its East Precinct building in the densely populated Capitol Hill neighborhood. Protesters moved police barricades to block traffic, and scores camped in a nearby park.
The protest has drawn the scorn of President Donald Trump, who asserted it was being run by anarchists.
A festive atmosphere has prevailed for much of the time since then, with participants painting a large Black Lives Matter mural on the street and volunteers handing out free food. But openly armed “sentinels” have also kept watch, and the atmosphere has sometimes been more menacing at night. Police said typical response times to emergency calls in the area, which stretched several blocks, had tripled.
Mayor Jenny Durkan has expressed support for the protest, calling it “a peaceful expression of our community’s collective grief and their desire to build a better world,” and the city has helped it by providing different barricades to better protect participants from vehicles.
But following three shootings in the area on consecutive nights beginning last weekend, Durkan said this week the city would wind down the protest zone, at first by encouraging demonstrators to leave voluntarily, and that police would return to the precinct. But neither she nor Police Chief Carmen Best gave a specific timeline for when that would happen.
Patty Eakes, an attorney for the plaintiffs, separately told Durkan in a letter Wednesday that she wanted the mayor’s office to provide a timeline by Friday for clearing out the protest and returning police, or the plaintiffs would ask the court for an immediate order that full public access be restored.
“City leadership have been on the ground daily having discussions with demonstrators, residents and businesses and trusted community-based, Black-led organizations to determine a path forward that protects the right to peacefully protest and keeps people safe,” the mayor’s office said in a written statement.
In the class-action lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, about a dozen businesses, residents and property owners said they had sometimes been threatened for photographing protesters in public areas or for cleaning graffiti off their storefronts. The owner of the auto shop Car Tender said a burglar broke in the night of June 14, started a fire using hand sanitizer as an accelerant, and then attacked his son with a knife when confronted.
The owner and his son managed to put out the fire and detain the burglar, the complaint said, but police never responded to their 911 calls. A large crowd of “CHOP participants” then came to the scene and forced the owner to release the arsonist, it said.
Other businesses, including the family-run label manufacturing company Richmark Label, said they had been unable to send or receive packages because delivery companies won’t go near the protest zone or because access to their loading dock had been blocked by barricades.
Magdalena Sky, the proprietor of Tattoos and Fortune, said in the complaint she is a supporter of Black Lives Matter but that her business was down severely due to the protest. A physical therapist and wine shop also said clients or customers had been afraid to enter the area.
The complaint said that the city’s decision to turn over the blocks and a nearby park to the demonstrators deprived them of their property rights without due process and amounted to an illegal gift of public property to the protesters.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for lost business, property damage and deprivation of their property rights as well as the restoration of full public access.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Appeals court: Michigan gyms, fitness center remain closed

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - A federal appeals court late Wednesday halted a lower judge ’ s order @ @ @ @ @ fitness centers that Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer closed months ago to curb the spread of @ @ @ @ @ U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 to grant an emergency stay sought by @ @ @ @ @ Judge Paul Maloney in Kalamazoo said last week that gyms could reopen at 12:01 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ to reopen gyms , movie theaters and bowling alleys by July 4 if coronavirus case @ @ @ @ @ less-populous northern Michigan , gyms and fitness centers got the green light on June 10 @ @ @ @ @ and made other changes .

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A federal appeals court late Wednesday halted a lower judge’s ruling and kept closed gyms and fitness centers that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered shut months ago to curb the coronavirus.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 3-0 decision, granted an emergency stay sought by the governor. After a lawsuit was filed by indoor fitness facilities, District Judge Paul Maloney in Kalamazoo said last week that gyms could reopen at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Whitmer’s order, “even if imperfect,” passes muster under a “rational basis” test used to weigh its constitutionality, said Judges Julia Smith Gibbons, Deborah Cook and Chad Readler.
“Shaping the precise contours of public health measures entails some difficult line-drawing. Our Constitution wisely leaves that task to officials directly accountable to the people,” they wrote.
The judges said while the gym owners who sued bear the very real risk of losing their businesses, the governor’s interest in combating the coronavirus “is at least equally significant.”
“To date, the disease has infected thousands of Michiganders, and it has shown the potential to infect many more. That the public interest weighs in favor of a stay is apparent for the same reason,” they wrote.
Whitmer has planned to let gyms, movie theaters and places like bowling alleys - which closed March 16 - reopen in much of Michigan by July 4 if COVID-19 case trends remain favorable. She will not make an announcement this week, though, after citing concerns about some outbreaks. In the less-populous northern part of the state, gyms and fitness centers got the green light on June 10 if they reduced class sizes and made other changes.
“Today three Republican-appointed judges got it right: In the fight against a global pandemic, courts must give governors broad latitude to make quick, difficult decisions,” said Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown. “The governor will continue to take the actions necessary to save lives.”
___
Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--UN chief: Major UN achievement at 75 is no big power war

UNITED NATIONS ( AP ) - Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the biggest accomplishment of the United Nations as it approaches its 75th anniversary is the long period since World War II that the most important powers didn ’ t fight against each other and nuclear war was avoided .
He says its biggest failing has been its inability to avoid the proliferation of medium and small conflicts .
The U.N. chief said in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of Friday ’ s anniversary of the signing of the U.N. Charter in San Francisco in 1945 that even during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former Soviet Union and the United States , and with all the problems in the world today , “ we do not have a major confrontation among the big powers.
” But Guterres said his biggest frustration as secretary-general is the enormous suffering of people caught in medium and small conflicts .
He singled out Syria , Libya , Yemen and Afghanistan as examples of conflicts where peace is overdue .
“ We see a lot of mistrust , ” he lamented .
“ We see spoilers , and we do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act decisively in order to bring those countries into cease-fire , peace negotiations , and peace.
” The U.N. chief has spoken repeatedly about the rise of populism triggering increasing threats to multilateralism .
He has often denounced what he calls a “ groundswell of xenophobia , racism and intolerance , ” including anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred .
Following the global anger after the May 25 death of George Floyd by a white police officer who kept a knee on his neck in Minneapolis , Guterres ordered a year-long study of racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that racism is a global problem .
He said people everywhere must be engaged to understand its legacy “ and to learn from the mistakes of the past and to promote social cohesion in our societies.
” Since over 50 countries signed the U.N. Charter in 1945 , the United Nations has grown to 193 member nations and the world has changed dramatically .
Satellites and instant communications link people and countries thousands of miles apart .
The Soviet Union , once the largest country in the world , broke up in 1991 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power with the world ’ s second largest economy .
In his “ state of the world ” speech last September , Guterres warned of the looming risk of the world splitting in two , with the United States and China creating rival Internets , currency , trade , financial rules “ and their own zero sum geopolitical and military strategies.
” Nine months later , he thinks the “ split is real ” and “ we are witnessing this divide deepening.
” Guterres said he would like to see the major powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ lead the international community in a coherent response to the challenges that we are facing.
” He said there is also a need for more international cooperation and stronger multilateral organizations to address challenges such as terrorism , climate change , the coronavirus pandemic , “ lawlessness ” in cyberspace and the evolution of scientific areas including artificial intelligence to ensure they benefit - not harm - humankind .
He said multilateral institutions need “ more teeth and more capacity to guarantee that international cooperation leads to effective results.
” For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization has very little power to get countries to do what it thinks best for tackling COVID-19 or to make countries cooperate in trying to end the pandemic .
International bodies also have very little power to force governments and societies “ to adopt all the necessary measures to defeat climate change , ” he said .
Guterres said the United Nations “ has a key role to play as a platform where everybody can come together.
” He cited a recent online meeting of governments , companies , scientists and civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the digital world are “ a force for good ” and don ’ t threaten the future of humanity .
“ I think this capacity to be a platform where people can come together , discuss global issues and promote global solutions is the biggest strength of the U.N. , ” he said .
The U.N. has launched a global discussion process for its 75th anniversary and Guterres said it has received 120,000 responses from people in 193 countries about how they see the future .
He said there have also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international cooperation and what the U.N. ’ s priorities should be .
“ I am frustrated , of course , with the lack of international cooperation at the present moment.
” he said .
but “ when I see that movement coming from the rank and file , coming from the communities , I feel confident that there will be hope for a different future of solidarity and unity.
” Looking ahead to the U.N. ’ s 100th anniversary in 2045 , Guterres said one thing is clear : “ We need the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same values that are necessary today to be prevailing at that time.
” He thinks those values of equality , inclusivity , respect for human rights and for the planet , international cooperation and the value “ of recognizing the need for and the richness of diversity in our societies ” will still be there in 25 years .

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the biggest accomplishment of the United Nations as it approaches its 75th anniversary is the long period since World War II that the most important powers didn’t fight against each other and nuclear war was avoided. He says its biggest failing has been its inability to avoid the proliferation of medium and small conflicts.
The U.N. chief said in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of Friday’s anniversary of the signing of the U.N. Charter in San Francisco in 1945 that even during the period of “mega-confrontation” between the former Soviet Union and the United States, and with all the problems in the world today, “we do not have a major confrontation among the big powers.”
But Guterres said his biggest frustration as secretary-general is the enormous suffering of people caught in medium and small conflicts. He singled out Syria, Libya, Yemen and Afghanistan as examples of conflicts where peace is overdue.
“We see a lot of mistrust,” he lamented. “We see spoilers, and we do not see a united Security Council helping us to act decisively in order to bring those countries into cease-fire, peace negotiations, and peace.”
The U.N. chief has spoken repeatedly about the rise of populism triggering increasing threats to multilateralism. He has often denounced what he calls a “groundswell of xenophobia, racism and intolerance,” including anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred.
Following the global anger after the May 25 death of George Floyd by a white police officer who kept a knee on his neck in Minneapolis, Guterres ordered a year-long study of racism within the United Nations and stressed again that racism is a global problem. He said people everywhere must be engaged to understand its legacy “and to learn from the mistakes of the past and to promote social cohesion in our societies.”
Since over 50 countries signed the U.N. Charter in 1945, the United Nations has grown to 193 member nations and the world has changed dramatically. Satellites and instant communications link people and countries thousands of miles apart. The Soviet Union, once the largest country in the world, broke up in 1991, and China has become a global power with the world’s second largest economy.
In his “state of the world” speech last September, Guterres warned of the looming risk of the world splitting in two, with the United States and China creating rival Internets, currency, trade, financial rules “and their own zero sum geopolitical and military strategies.” Nine months later, he thinks the “split is real” and “we are witnessing this divide deepening.”
Guterres said he would like to see the major powers put aside their differences, come together and “lead the international community in a coherent response to the challenges that we are facing.”
He said there is also a need for more international cooperation and stronger multilateral organizations to address challenges such as terrorism, climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, “lawlessness” in cyberspace and the evolution of scientific areas including artificial intelligence to ensure they benefit - not harm - humankind.
He said multilateral institutions need “more teeth and more capacity to guarantee that international cooperation leads to effective results.”
For example, he said, the World Health Organization has very little power to get countries to do what it thinks best for tackling COVID-19 or to make countries cooperate in trying to end the pandemic. International bodies also have very little power to force governments and societies “to adopt all the necessary measures to defeat climate change,” he said.
Guterres said the United Nations “has a key role to play as a platform where everybody can come together.” He cited a recent online meeting of governments, companies, scientists and civil society to talk about ensuring that cyberspace and the digital world are “a force for good” and don’t threaten the future of humanity.
“I think this capacity to be a platform where people can come together, discuss global issues and promote global solutions is the biggest strength of the U.N.,” he said.
The U.N. has launched a global discussion process for its 75th anniversary and Guterres said it has received 120,000 responses from people in 193 countries about how they see the future. He said there have also been more than 1,000 meetings on issues including international cooperation and what the U.N.’s priorities should be.
“I am frustrated, of course, with the lack of international cooperation at the present moment.” he said. but “when I see that movement coming from the rank and file, coming from the communities, I feel confident that there will be hope for a different future of solidarity and unity.”
Looking ahead to the U.N.’s 100th anniversary in 2045, Guterres said one thing is clear: “We need the same values that created the U.N. and the same values that are necessary today to be prevailing at that time.”
He thinks those values of equality, inclusivity, respect for human rights and for the planet, international cooperation and the value “of recognizing the need for and the richness of diversity in our societies” will still be there in 25 years.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Disney delays Southern California theme park reopenings

ANAHEIM , Calif. ( AP ) - Disney is postponing the mid-July reopening of its Southern California theme parks until it receives guidelines from the state , the company announced Wednesday .
Disney had hoped to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim on July 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus .
But the state has indicated it won ’ t issue guidelines until after July 4 , the company said .
“ Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business , we have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials , ” Disney said in a statement .
The company didn ’ t provide a new reopening date .
The parks closed on March 14 and the reopening requires government approval .
The park also said it is still negotiating agreements with employee unions , some of which have raised safety concerns about the reopenings .
Disney said it has signed agreements from 20 union affiliates representing more than 11,000 employees , detailing enhanced safety protocols .
Disney also will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Grand Californian and Paradise Pier hotels .
The Downtown Disney District restaurant and shopping area will reopen on July 9 as previously planned “ with health and safety protocols in place for our cast members and guests , ” Disney said .
Disneyland fans normally can bank on the park being open regardless of what ’ s going on in the world around it .
The park closed only a handful of times in 65 years .
The last time was after the terror attacks on Sept. 11 , 2001 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with reopening Disney World in Florida on July 11 .
Disney resorts in Shanghai and Hong Kong already reopened .
California is seeing a COVID-19 spike , recording a 69 % increase in new cases this week .
The virus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people but for some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause pneumonia and death .

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Disney is postponing the mid-July reopening of its Southern California theme parks until it receives guidelines from the state, the company announced Wednesday.
Disney had hoped to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim on July 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus. But the state has indicated it won’t issue guidelines until after July 4, the company said.
“Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,” Disney said in a statement.
The company didn’t provide a new reopening date. The parks closed on March 14 and the reopening requires government approval.
Gov. Gavin Newsom “appreciates Disney’s responsiveness to his concerns about reopening amid the recent increases in COVID-19 infections across many Southern California counties,” Newsom spokesman Nathan Click said. “The governor, the state and our public health experts continue to be in contact with the company and their workers - as well as other theme parks in the state - as we track and combat the spread of the virus.”
Disney also said it is still negotiating agreements with employee unions, some of which have raised safety concerns about the reopenings. Disney said it has signed agreements from 20 union affiliates representing more than 11,000 employees, detailing enhanced safety protocols.
Disney also will delay the planned July 23 reopening of its Grand Californian and Paradise Pier hotels.
The Downtown Disney District restaurant and shopping area will reopen on July 9 as previously planned “with health and safety protocols in place for our cast members and guests,” Disney said.
Disneyland fans normally can bank on the park being open regardless of what’s going on in the world around it. The park closed only a handful of times in 65 years. The last time was after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
The company indicated it still planned to proceed with reopening Disney World in Florida on July 11. Disney resorts in Shanghai and Hong Kong already reopened.
California is seeing a COVID-19 spike, recording a 69% increase in new cases this week.
The virus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--California cities: Monsanto settlement to fund water cleanup

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Major California cities say they ’ ll use their share of a $ 650 million settlement to clean up the now-banned chemical PCB from bays , lakes and other waterways polluted for decades .
The giant chemical company Monsanto announced a tentative agreement Wednesday with government entities that had filed suit since 2015 over waterways and estuaries they say were polluted .
PCBs or polychlorinated biphenyls , were used in many industrial and commercial applications , including paint , coolants , sealants and hydraulic fluids from the 1930s until 1977 , two years before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was their manufacturer .
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , PCBs have been shown to cause a variety of health problems , including cancer in animals as well as effects on the immune , nervous and reproductive systems .
The tentative pact was announced along with a pledge from Monsanto that it would also pay up to $ 10.9 billion to settle litigation involving its weedkiller Roundup , which has triggered thousands of lawsuits over claims it causes cancer .
“ Monsanto has profited handsomely for decades and will finally be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by manufacturing a product that put the public ’ s health at risk , ” said Mara Elliott , city attorney for San Diego , one of the municipalities that sued over PCB pollution .
The settlement hinges on approval by U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin .
After that it will be determined how the money will be divided .
“ The class is structured in a way that those who are facing the most significant problems get the most money by a longshot , ” said attorney Scott Summy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented the government entities .
“ We think that will go a long way in helping protect the viability of many American waterways.
” Long Beach Deputy City Attorney Dawn McIntosh said her municipality is looking into using its share to fund stormwater-control projects it has had on hold for some time , as well as helping pay for ongoing monitoring projects .
“ There ’ s a lot of things that can be done to further those causes , ” she said .
“ The city will figure out what makes sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other government entities positioned to benefit from the settlement are the Washington cities of Spokane and Tacoma , the city of Portland , Oregon , the Port of Portland , the California cities of Oakland , Berkeley , San Jose , Chula Vista , as well as Los Angeles and Baltimore counties , and the city of Baltimore .
Summy said the settlement is believed to be the first reached between the manufacturer of a chemical and government entities that had waterways polluted when it drained into their lakes , bays , estuaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This settlement is a groundbreaking effort to protect and restore the city ’ s water resources , ” said Long Beach City Attorney Charles Parkin .
He added it will provide his city and others “ with funds for monitoring , mitigation and remediation efforts to manage PCBs in stormwater , stormwater systems , sediments and water bodies .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Major California cities say they’ll use their share of a $650 million settlement to clean up the now-banned chemical PCB from bays, lakes and other waterways polluted for decades.
The giant chemical company Monsanto announced a tentative agreement Wednesday with government entities that had filed suit since 2015 over waterways and estuaries they say were polluted.
PCBs or polychlorinated biphenyls, were used in many industrial and commercial applications, including paint, coolants, sealants and hydraulic fluids from the 1930s until 1977, two years before the United States banned them. Monsanto was their manufacturer.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PCBs have been shown to cause a variety of health problems, including cancer in animals as well as effects on the immune, nervous and reproductive systems.
The tentative pact was announced along with a pledge from Monsanto that it would also pay up to $10.9 billion to settle litigation involving its weedkiller Roundup, which has triggered thousands of lawsuits over claims it causes cancer.
“Monsanto has profited handsomely for decades and will finally be held responsible for the damage it knowingly caused by manufacturing a product that put the public’s health at risk,” said Mara Elliott, city attorney for San Diego, one of the municipalities that sued over PCB pollution.
The settlement hinges on approval by U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin. After that it will be determined how the money will be divided.
“The class is structured in a way that those who are facing the most significant problems get the most money by a longshot,” said attorney Scott Summy, whose firm, Baron & Budd, represented the government entities. “We think that will go a long way in helping protect the viability of many American waterways.”
Long Beach Deputy City Attorney Dawn McIntosh said her municipality is looking into using its share to fund stormwater-control projects it has had on hold for some time, as well as helping pay for ongoing monitoring projects.
“There’s a lot of things that can be done to further those causes,” she said. “The city will figure out what makes sense when we actually get the money.”
Other government entities positioned to benefit from the settlement are the Washington cities of Spokane and Tacoma, the city of Portland, Oregon, the Port of Portland, the California cities of Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Chula Vista, as well as Los Angeles and Baltimore counties, and the city of Baltimore.
Summy said the settlement is believed to be the first reached between the manufacturer of a chemical and government entities that had waterways polluted when it drained into their lakes, bays, estuaries and other waterways in storm runoff.
“This settlement is a groundbreaking effort to protect and restore the city’s water resources,” said Long Beach City Attorney Charles Parkin. He added it will provide his city and others “with funds for monitoring, mitigation and remediation efforts to manage PCBs in stormwater, stormwater systems, sediments and water bodies.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Inside the Beltway: North Korea is 'far more dangerous' 70 years later

Exactly 70 years ago — on June 25 , 1950 — some 75,000 soldiers with the North Korean People ’ s Army advanced across the 38th parallel , the line of demarcation between the Soviet-backed Democratic People ’ s Republic of Korea and the pro-Western Republic of Korea .
Historians often deem this event to be the opening volley of the Cold War — which was to smolder on until Ronald Reagan brought it to an end in 1991 .
The Korean War , however , never officially ended .
It is a teachable moment even now , particularly considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has just issued this statement , according to TASS , Russia ’ s state-owned news agency : “ This year , the U.S. military has been carrying out various kinds of military maneuvers in South Korea and its vicinity with the purpose of striking North Korea quickly .
A new round of the Korean War will add a particularly sensational event to the history of mankind , which will put an end to another empire , whose name is the United States , ” the embassy said , according to TASS .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the ultimate forever war , a low-level conflict with dangerous flareups that have claimed countless lives over the past seven decades .
In fact , many forget this brutal conflict never officially ended through a peace treaty — only an armistice — and there is no sign it will formally be concluded anytime soon , ” says Harry J. Kazianis , senior director of Korean studies for the Center for the National Interest .
“ If such a war were to ever restart , the world would collectively face a North Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its growing nuclear weapons arsenal and potential ability to attack the U.S. homeland with long-range missiles .
It is no exaggeration to say that Pyongyang could kill millions of people within minutes thanks to the weapons of mass destruction the Kim regime has built , ” he notes .
“ For there to be a real breakthrough in inter-Korean as well as U.S.-North Korea relations , an end of war declaration — even if not a formal peace treaty — is essential .
All sides need to have some sort of closure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the first step of a long process of reconciliation and compromise that will lead to an overall lowering of tensions .
If this is not realized , we will forever be condemned to the endless cycle of crisis after crisis that could someday ignite a conflict of historic proportions , ” he warns .
A low-key , powerful media entity has a new leader .
Michael Pack has been named chief of the U.S. Agency for Global Media , a federal entity that includes Voice of America and its 300 million-member audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the Claremont Institute — a California-based conservative think tank — and now will be tasked to “ inform , engage , and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy.
” A filmmaker , Mr.
Pack ’ s most recent project is “ Created Equal ” , a biography of Clarence Thomas that showcases the Supreme Court justice ’ s life story as he tells it .
Mr .
Pack also held leadership roles in the U.S. Information Agency during the George H.W .
Bush administration , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Corporation for Public Broadcasting .
Ryan P. Williams , current president of the Claremont Institute , praises both Mr.
Pack ’ s “ experience and grit.
” Meanwhile , there ’ s already discord afoot within the agency , with an in-house lawsuit percolating and talk that Mr .
Pack may face “ deep state ” resistance , according to an account by National Public Radio .
For now , though , this is just a cordial job announcement .
Much of the news media ignored President Trump ’ s appearance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were delighted to see him .
The event , organized by Turning Point USA , was significant .
“ The media was trying to create a narrative that young people were not in support of the president .
In defiance to the media narrative , it was absolutely incredible to see this — 3,300 students in Phoenix , Arizona , ” Charlie Kirk — who founded the freedom-minded nonprofit in 2012 — tells Fox News .
‘ President Trump talked about core American values like E Pluribus Unum — which means ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly mentioned in God we trust , one nation under God , ” Mr. Kirk continued .
“ I really think there is something special happening with young people in America .
And I think in November we ’ ll see that all play out.
” “ The Washington Post is seeking a managing editor for diversity and inclusion who , working closely with senior editors and our entire staff , will endeavor to ensure that those principles are incorporated into all aspects of news coverage and operations , ” the news organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This individual will join three other managing editors and the executive editor in holding the top positions in The Post ’ s newsroom .
More inclusiveness in our coverage of people with different life experiences and perspectives ; review of stories that involve sensitive subjects of race , ethnicity and identity ; and listening to staff concerns on these issues and sharing them with others in the newsroom ’ s senior leadership , ” The Post said .
The news organization ’ s search follows a trend that emerged in the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey conducted by the American Society of News Editors that revealed that only 16 % of journalists were minorities — and that percentage was actually dropping .
The Philadelphia Media Network was the first to create the position of “ vice president for diversity and inclusion ” in 2018 , according to Editor & Publisher , an industry source .
• 50 % of U.S. adults disapprove of the job the U.S. Congress is doing ; 52 % of Republicans , 50 % of independents and 48 % of Democrats agree .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress is doing ; 25 % of Republicans , 12 % of independents and 20 % of Democrats agree .
• 18 % overall neither approve or disapprove ; 15 % of Republicans , 18 % of independents and 20 % of Democrats agree .
• 14 % overall are not sure ; 9 % of Republicans , 19 % of independents and 12 % of Democrats agree .
Source : An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted June 21-23 .

NEWS AND OPINION:
Exactly 70 years ago — on June 25, 1950 — some 75,000 soldiers with the North Korean People’s Army advanced across the 38th parallel, the line of demarcation between the Soviet-backed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the pro-Western Republic of Korea. Historians often deem this event to be the opening volley of the Cold War — which was to smolder on until Ronald Reagan brought it to an end in 1991.
The Korean War, however, never officially ended. It is a teachable moment even now, particularly considering that the North Korean embassy in Moscow has just issued this statement, according to TASS, Russia’s state-owned news agency:
“This year, the U.S. military has been carrying out various kinds of military maneuvers in South Korea and its vicinity with the purpose of striking North Korea quickly. A new round of the Korean War will add a particularly sensational event to the history of mankind, which will put an end to another empire, whose name is the United States,” the embassy said, according to TASS.
So now what?
“The Korean War is the ultimate forever war, a low-level conflict with dangerous flareups that have claimed countless lives over the past seven decades. In fact, many forget this brutal conflict never officially ended through a peace treaty — only an armistice — and there is no sign it will formally be concluded anytime soon,” says Harry J. Kazianis, senior director of Korean studies for the Center for the National Interest.
“If such a war were to ever restart, the world would collectively face a North Korea that is far more dangerous thanks to its growing nuclear weapons arsenal and potential ability to attack the U.S. homeland with long-range missiles. It is no exaggeration to say that Pyongyang could kill millions of people within minutes thanks to the weapons of mass destruction the Kim regime has built,” he notes.
Mr. Kazianis has some practical advice.
“For there to be a real breakthrough in inter-Korean as well as U.S.-North Korea relations, an end of war declaration — even if not a formal peace treaty — is essential. All sides need to have some sort of closure, embracing the end of the Korean War as the first step of a long process of reconciliation and compromise that will lead to an overall lowering of tensions. If this is not realized, we will forever be condemned to the endless cycle of crisis after crisis that could someday ignite a conflict of historic proportions,” he warns.
MR. PACK’S NEW GIG
A low-key, powerful media entity has a new leader. Michael Pack has been named chief of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, a federal entity that includes Voice of America and its 300 million-member audience. Mr. Pack is the former president of the Claremont Institute — a California-based conservative think tank — and now will be tasked to “inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy.”
A filmmaker, Mr. Pack’s most recent project is “Created Equal”, a biography of Clarence Thomas that showcases the Supreme Court justice’s life story as he tells it. Mr. Pack also held leadership roles in the U.S. Information Agency during the George H.W. Bush administration, and served as a senior vice president with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Ryan P. Williams, current president of the Claremont Institute, praises both Mr. Pack’s “experience and grit.”
Meanwhile, there’s already discord afoot within the agency, with an in-house lawsuit percolating and talk that Mr. Pack may face “deep state” resistance, according to an account by National Public Radio. For now, though, this is just a cordial job announcement.
‘SOMETHING SPECIAL HAPPENING’
Much of the news media ignored President Trump‘s appearance on Tuesday before thousands of students, and they were delighted to see him. The event, organized by Turning Point USA, was significant.
“The media was trying to create a narrative that young people were not in support of the president. In defiance to the media narrative, it was absolutely incredible to see this — 3,300 students in Phoenix, Arizona,” Charlie Kirk — who founded the freedom-minded nonprofit in 2012 — tells Fox News.
‘President Trump talked about core American values like E Pluribus Unum — which means’ Out of many, one.’ He repeatedly mentioned in God we trust, one nation under God,” Mr. Kirk continued. “I really think there is something special happening with young people in America. And I think in November we’ll see that all play out.”
HELP WANTED
“The Washington Post is seeking a managing editor for diversity and inclusion who, working closely with senior editors and our entire staff, will endeavor to ensure that those principles are incorporated into all aspects of news coverage and operations,” the news organization said Wednesday in a public release.
“This individual will join three other managing editors and the executive editor in holding the top positions in The Post’s newsroom. More inclusiveness in our coverage of people with different life experiences and perspectives; review of stories that involve sensitive subjects of race, ethnicity and identity; and listening to staff concerns on these issues and sharing them with others in the newsroom’s senior leadership,” The Post said.
The news organization’s search follows a trend that emerged in the news media in 2017, prompted by a survey conducted by the American Society of News Editors that revealed that only 16% of journalists were minorities — and that percentage was actually dropping. The Philadelphia Media Network was the first to create the position of “vice president for diversity and inclusion” in 2018, according to Editor & Publisher, an industry source.
POLL DU JOUR
• 50% of U.S. adults disapprove of the job the U.S. Congress is doing; 52% of Republicans, 50% of independents and 48% of Democrats agree.
• 19% overall approve of the job Congress is doing; 25% of Republicans, 12% of independents and 20% of Democrats agree.
• 18% overall neither approve or disapprove; 15% of Republicans, 18% of independents and 20% of Democrats agree.
• 14% overall are not sure; 9% of Republicans, 19% of independents and 12% of Democrats agree.
Source: An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted June 21-23.
• Kindly follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Veteran, ex-cop killed in California police shooting

PASADENA , Calif. ( AP ) - A San Diego man who was fatally shot during a gun battle last month with police in California was a former U.S. Marine and ex-police officer , authorities said Wednesday .
Dramatic video released Tuesday shows 47-year-old Lloyd Nelson Jr , firing his gun May 8 at officers after his car crashed head-on into a police vehicle during a pursuit in Pasadena .
He fired through his windshield and continued to shoot as he exited the vehicle .
One officer was shot in the leg by friendly fire , police said .
Nelson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corps in 1996 , according to Pasadena police Lt. William Grisafe .
Nelson previously worked for the Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety until it was absorbed into the sheriff ’ s department in 2010 .
Grisafe said Nelson may also have served in the Army and Air Force reserves .
He did not have a previous criminal record , the lieutenant said .
The incident began when a Pasadena officer saw Nelson make an illegal turn , park in the middle of the street and get out of the car , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak to Nelson but he got back into his car and drove away .
Officers pursued Nelson in vehicles and with a helicopter before a supervisor called off the ground chase and let the helicopter take over .
Nelson drove slowly but did not stop for red lights and stop signs , the video shows .
Police in patrol vehicles began chasing him again and forced a crash using an intervention maneuver designed to stop a car .
The video shows Nelson open fire while still seated after his car struck a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car and continued shooting as officers returned fire .
Nelson was struck multiple times and died at the scene , officials said .
Police said they found two other loaded firearms in his car .

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - A San Diego man who was fatally shot during a gun battle last month with police in California was a former U.S. Marine and ex-police officer, authorities said Wednesday.
Dramatic video released Tuesday shows 47-year-old Lloyd Nelson Jr, firing his gun May 8 at officers after his car crashed head-on into a police vehicle during a pursuit in Pasadena.
He fired through his windshield and continued to shoot as he exited the vehicle. One officer was shot in the leg by friendly fire, police said.
Nelson was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1996, according to Pasadena police Lt. William Grisafe. Nelson previously worked for the Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety until it was absorbed into the sheriff’s department in 2010.
Grisafe said Nelson may also have served in the Army and Air Force reserves. He did not have a previous criminal record, the lieutenant said.
The incident began when a Pasadena officer saw Nelson make an illegal turn, park in the middle of the street and get out of the car, authorities said.
The officer tried to speak to Nelson but he got back into his car and drove away. Officers pursued Nelson in vehicles and with a helicopter before a supervisor called off the ground chase and let the helicopter take over. Nelson drove slowly but did not stop for red lights and stop signs, the video shows.
Police in patrol vehicles began chasing him again and forced a crash using an intervention maneuver designed to stop a car. The video shows Nelson open fire while still seated after his car struck a police vehicle.
Nelson got out of the car and continued shooting as officers returned fire.
Nelson was struck multiple times and died at the scene, officials said. Police said they found two other loaded firearms in his car.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Mexico reports 947 more COVID deaths, 2nd highest daily toll

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Mexico confirmed 947 more COVID-19 deaths Wednesday , the country ’ s second-highest daily toll since the coronavirus pandemic began .
The highest daily toll came June 3 with 1,092 deaths .
The Health Department said the country has seen a total of 24,324 deaths so far .
The number of confirmed cases rose by 5,437 .
The case load has increased by about 5,000 each day in the last two weeks , and the total now stands at 186,847 .
The numbers are clearly an undercount , given Mexico ’ s very low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly predicted the peak of the pandemic had been reached , or would do so soon , only to be proved wrong .
The Health Department ’ s epidemiology director , José Luis Alomía , used almost comically couched language Wednesday , saying the country is on “ a slight tendency that may insinuate a descent ” in infections .
Because the case load continues so high , authorities have had to delay planned re-openings of theaters and concert halls .
One of Mexico City ’ s biggest venues , the Arena Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-in movie screenings starting July 4 .
Mexico City once had drive-ins , but most closed years ago .
One company resumed outdoor screenings in 2011 .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico confirmed 947 more COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, the country’s second-highest daily toll since the coronavirus pandemic began. The highest daily toll came June 3 with 1,092 deaths.
The Health Department said the country has seen a total of 24,324 deaths so far.
The number of confirmed cases rose by 5,437. The case load has increased by about 5,000 each day in the last two weeks, and the total now stands at 186,847.
The numbers are clearly an undercount, given Mexico’s very low rate of testing.
Mexican officials have repeatedly predicted the peak of the pandemic had been reached, or would do so soon, only to be proved wrong.
The Health Department’s epidemiology director, José Luis Alomía, used almost comically couched language Wednesday, saying the country is on “a slight tendency that may insinuate a descent” in infections.
Because the case load continues so high, authorities have had to delay planned re-openings of theaters and concert halls.
One of Mexico City’s biggest venues, the Arena Mexico, announced Wednesday that it will start drive-in movie screenings starting July 4.
Mexico City once had drive-ins, but most closed years ago. One company resumed outdoor screenings in 2011.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Adams Morgan street to be tested as pedestrian only this weekend in D.C.

This weekend , the District Department of Transportation will close part of 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan to vehicular traffic to create more space for social distancing for pedestrians and business patrons as a test run for future street closures .
Beginning 3 p.m. Friday , 18th Street will be a pedestrian-only zone between Columbia and Kalorama roads until midnight Sunday .
“ I can ’ t think of a single issue in recent memory that has such unanimous support , ” said Amir Irani , chairman of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in Adams Morgan .
Neighborhood groups such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District , the Adams Morgan Commercial Development Coalition , the Reede Cook Neighborhood Association and the ANC offered support behind the decision to close the street .
The only neighborhood organization that opposed the decision was the Kalorama Civic Association , even though many of its members emailed Mr. Irani separately and told him they supported the plan , he said .
Though the public input process was shorter than usual because of the urgency to create more space for social distancing , Mr. Irani said community leaders got feedback from about 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people expressed support via email , social media and virtual forums .
Bill Duggan , owner of the blues restaurant Madam ’ s Organ , said he most likely won ’ t put tables on the street this weekend because it would cost him about $ 30,000 in additional insurance coverage .
“ It ’ s an exciting prospect , but the nuts and bolts of it are going to be crippling , ” Mr. Duggan said .
He said it is a good idea , but with all the other restrictions he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t make sense for him to participate .
Adams Morgan resident Frank Hauer , 39 , said he is glad the neighborhood is trying to revive itself , as many of the storefronts were empty before the coronavirus pandemic .
“ If it ’ s because of the coronavirus or not , whatever , I am just really happy they are trying something different and I hope it is not isolated to this weekend , but instead , it ’ s something they are going to do every weekend , because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first place , ” Mr. Hauer said .
He said he prefers that 18th Street is closed only on the weekends when the weather is nice , because he worries that vehicular traffic will be pushed into residential streets .
Before the pandemic , Mr. Irani had advocated for closing 18th Street to cars for almost three years ; he said he hopes city officials will close it permanently , not just on weekends .
“ Eighteenth Street , pre-pandemic , had some of the most dangerous intersections in the District , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intersection at Belmont Street as a hotspot for conflicts with pedestrians , cyclists and cars .
DDOT previously proposed two plans that community groups rejected because neither completely closed the thoroughfare to vehicles .
On Monday , officials came back with this weekend ’ s plan , which diverts all traffic and Metrobus routes 90 and 96 .
Earlier this month , Mr. Irani wrote a letter to Metro requesting that it permanently change the bus routes .
The transit agency denied his request , saying the it would create hardship for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in Adams Morgan , said he is excited about this weekend ’ s closure .
Many of the residents he represents feel like “ it ’ s about time , ” especially as other localities such as Bethesda and Tysons Corner already have closed streets , he added .
However , he said there is still some fear of the coronavirus .
“ They are nervous about this weekend , I am nervous about this weekend , ” Mr. Bowles said .
“ I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no room [ between people on the street ] , and it will be completely packed this weekend .
”

This weekend, the District Department of Transportation will close part of 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan to vehicular traffic to create more space for social distancing for pedestrians and business patrons as a test run for future street closures.
Beginning 3 p.m. Friday, 18th Street will be a pedestrian-only zone between Columbia and Kalorama roads until midnight Sunday.
“I can’t think of a single issue in recent memory that has such unanimous support,” said Amir Irani, chairman of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in Adams Morgan.
Neighborhood groups such as the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District, the Adams Morgan Commercial Development Coalition, the Reede Cook Neighborhood Association and the ANC offered support behind the decision to close the street.
The only neighborhood organization that opposed the decision was the Kalorama Civic Association, even though many of its members emailed Mr. Irani separately and told him they supported the plan, he said.
Though the public input process was shorter than usual because of the urgency to create more space for social distancing, Mr. Irani said community leaders got feedback from about 500 residents via a survey and hundreds of people expressed support via email, social media and virtual forums.
Bill Duggan, owner of the blues restaurant Madam’s Organ, said he most likely won’t put tables on the street this weekend because it would cost him about $30,000 in additional insurance coverage.
“It’s an exciting prospect, but the nuts and bolts of it are going to be crippling,” Mr. Duggan said.
He said it is a good idea, but with all the other restrictions he has to follow, it doesn’t make sense for him to participate.
Adams Morgan resident Frank Hauer, 39, said he is glad the neighborhood is trying to revive itself, as many of the storefronts were empty before the coronavirus pandemic.
“If it’s because of the coronavirus or not, whatever, I am just really happy they are trying something different and I hope it is not isolated to this weekend, but instead, it’s something they are going to do every weekend, because it is something they should have done in the first place,” Mr. Hauer said.
He said he prefers that 18th Street is closed only on the weekends when the weather is nice, because he worries that vehicular traffic will be pushed into residential streets.
Before the pandemic, Mr. Irani had advocated for closing 18th Street to cars for almost three years; he said he hopes city officials will close it permanently, not just on weekends.
“Eighteenth Street, pre-pandemic, had some of the most dangerous intersections in the District,” Mr. Irani said, pointing out the intersection at Belmont Street as a hotspot for conflicts with pedestrians, cyclists and cars.
DDOT previously proposed two plans that community groups rejected because neither completely closed the thoroughfare to vehicles. On Monday, officials came back with this weekend’s plan, which diverts all traffic and Metrobus routes 90 and 96.
Earlier this month, Mr. Irani wrote a letter to Metro requesting that it permanently change the bus routes. The transit agency denied his request, saying the it would create hardship for more than 1,000 daily riders.
Japer Bowles, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in Adams Morgan, said he is excited about this weekend’s closure. Many of the residents he represents feel like “it’s about time,” especially as other localities such as Bethesda and Tysons Corner already have closed streets, he added.
However, he said there is still some fear of the coronavirus.
“They are nervous about this weekend, I am nervous about this weekend,” Mr. Bowles said. “I don’t know how I will feel if I see no room [between people on the street], and it will be completely packed this weekend.”
• Sophie Kaplan can be reached at skaplan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Mongolian People's Party retains strong parliament majority

ULAANBAATAR , Mongolia ( AP ) - The Mongolian People ’ s Party retained a strong parliamentary majority , preliminary election results showed Thursday , as the U.S.-allied nation sandwiched between Russia and China held onto its democratic principles amid economic woes .
The MPP secured 62 of 76 seats , while the main opposition Democratic Party won 11 seats and three others were taken by independents and coalitions , the General Election Commission said Thursday .
People followed strict social distancing measures during Wednesday ’ s vote in a vast , landlocked country that has had considerable success in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 meters ( 6.5 feet ) between them while standing in lines at polling stations in the capital , Ulaanbaatar .
Once inside the polling place , election workers checked their temperature and distributed hand sanitizer .
Mongolia has recorded just 215 cases of COVID-19 , all of them imported , and no one has died .
The election result marks the first time a single party has retained an absolute majority in consecutive elections .
Previously the Mongolian People ’ s Party and the Democratic Party had taken turns wielding a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compelled to form coalition governments .
The landslide victory will allow Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to freely form a new cabinet or maintain his current cabinet without facing any opposition .
He will , however , need to work with President Khaltmaagiin Battulga of the Democratic Party , who was elected in 2017 and was not on the ballot .
Economic malaise , corruption and weak public services dominated concerns among the country ’ s 3.2 million people , about half of whom live in Ulaanbaatar .
Turnout was more than 73 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eligible voters , signifying the continuing strength of Mongolia ’ s democratic system instituted after a new constitution was adopted in 1992 following six decades of communism .
The MPP ’ s majority is down slightly from the 65 seats it won in 2016 ’ s election .
Some scattered rural communities had yet to report their results , but that was not expected to have a significant impact on the final outcome .
The MPP ’ s victory was seen as partly based on its general competence in running government affairs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swiftly to close its borders in January to prevent the virus from spreading into its territory .
Those diagnosed generally have been Mongolians returning from Russia and other nearby nations .
The Ministry of Health says 158 have recovered and 57 remain in treatment and isolation .
Health Minister Sarantuya Davaajantsan was reelected with one of the highest vote counts in her district , in what appeared to be an endorsement of the government ’ s handling of the pandemic .
Pensioner Tungalag Jambal , 68 , said he voted for his local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s success in handling coronavirus and reducing Ulaanbaatar ’ s notoriously bad winter air pollution .
“ I really hope they will keep doing what they are doing and support ordinary people like us , ” Jambal told The Associated Press .
Others were less happy with the party ’ s overwhelming victory .
Ariunzaya Artbazar , a middle-aged volunteer with a Buddhist religious organization , said poverty had prompted many Mongolians to “ vote with their stomachs.
” “ The result clearly shows the need for an overhaul of the education system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who backed independent candidates .
Enkhtur Tsiiregzen , 45 , an internet entrepreneur , likened the election to a television talent contest .
“ The result is important for the winners , but not beneficial to the public .
It has always been like this , ” he said .
The MPP appeared to have benefited from a split vote among the opposition in a race that saw 606 candidates seeking office .
Each of the country ’ s districts elected two to three lawmakers and as many as 28 candidates ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mongolia ’ s main asset is its vast mineral wealth , but it has struggled to attract foreign investment because of plunging commodity prices and disputes with large investors such as mining giant Rio Tinto .
Corruption and a national debt that has bulged to about $ 23 billion , or twice the country ’ s annual economic output , have also been a major drag on the economy .
More than 30 % of Mongolia ’ s people live below the poverty line , and despite its success in holding down infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the pandemic while prices are rising .
Among six candidates who ran their campaign from prison , former Prime Minister Erdenebat Jargaltulga won in his home province of Selenge in northern Mongolia with a large majority .
Jargaltulga was jailed in 2017 after being accused of misuse of power and cronyism .
It ’ s unclear whether the investigation into his alleged misdeeds will continue following his election .
Mongolia has strived to maintain its political and economic independence from both Soviet-era patron Moscow - which supplies virtually all of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , which buys more than 90 % of its mining exports , mainly coal and copper .
Washington has sought to encourage good governance and the growth of civil society in Mongolia , along with holding joint military drills and making Mongolia a NATO partner nation .
Many Mongolia ’ s refer to the U.S. as their country ’ s “ third neighbor ” in recognition of the many varied exchanges between the two that help counter both Russian and Chinese influence .

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) - The Mongolian People’s Party retained a strong parliamentary majority, preliminary election results showed Thursday, as the U.S.-allied nation sandwiched between Russia and China held onto its democratic principles amid economic woes.
The MPP secured 62 of 76 seats, while the main opposition Democratic Party won 11 seats and three others were taken by independents and coalitions, the General Election Commission said Thursday.
People followed strict social distancing measures during Wednesday’s vote in a vast, landlocked country that has had considerable success in fending off the coronavirus. Voters maintained 2 meters (6.5 feet) between them while standing in lines at polling stations in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Once inside the polling place, election workers checked their temperature and distributed hand sanitizer.
Mongolia has recorded just 216 cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday, all of them imported, and no one has died.
The election result marks the first time a single party has retained an absolute majority in consecutive elections. Previously the Mongolian People’s Party and the Democratic Party had taken turns wielding a majority in the State Great Khural or were compelled to form coalition governments.
The landslide victory will allow Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to freely form a new cabinet or maintain his current cabinet without facing any opposition.
He will, however, need to work with President Khaltmaagiin Battulga of the Democratic Party, who was elected in 2017 and was not on the ballot.
Economic malaise, corruption and weak public services dominated concerns among the country’s 3.2 million people, about half of whom live in Ulaanbaatar.
Turnout was more than 73% among the country’s 2 million eligible voters, signifying the continuing strength of Mongolia’s democratic system instituted after a new constitution was adopted in 1992 following six decades of communism.
The MPP’s majority is down slightly from the 65 seats it won in 2016’s election. Some scattered rural communities had yet to report their results, but that was not expected to have a significant impact on the final outcome.
The MPP’s victory was seen as partly based on its general competence in running government affairs and deft handling of COVID-19.
Mongolia moved swiftly to close its borders in January to prevent the virus from spreading into its territory. Those diagnosed generally have been Mongolians returning from Russia and other nearby nations. The Ministry of Health says 158 have recovered and 57 remain in treatment and isolation.
Health Minister Sarantuya Davaajantsan was reelected with one of the highest vote counts in her district, in what appeared to be an endorsement of the government’s handling of the pandemic.
Pensioner Tungalag Jambal, 68, said he voted for his local MPP candidate based on the party’s success in handling coronavirus and reducing Ulaanbaatar’s notoriously awful winter air pollution.
“I really hope they will keep doing what they are doing and support ordinary people like us,” Jambal told The Associated Press.
Others were less happy with the party’s overwhelming victory.
Ariunzaya Artbazar, a middle-aged volunteer with a Buddhist religious organization, said poverty had prompted many Mongolians to “vote with their stomachs.”
“The result clearly shows the need for an overhaul of the education system and traditional thinking,” said Artbazar, who backed independent candidates.
Enkhtur Tsiiregzen, 45, an internet entrepreneur, likened the election to a television talent contest. “The result is important for the winners, but not beneficial to the public. It has always been like this,” he said.
The MPP appeared to have benefited from a split vote among the opposition in a race that saw 606 candidates seeking office. Each of the country’s districts elected two to three lawmakers and as many as 28 candidates ran in one district of Ulaanbaatar alone.
Mongolia’s main asset is its vast mineral wealth, but it has struggled to attract foreign investment because of plunging commodity prices and disputes with large investors such as mining giant Rio Tinto.
Corruption and a national debt that has bulged to about $23 billion, or twice the country’s annual economic output, have also been a major drag on the economy. More than 30% of Mongolia’s people live below the poverty line, and despite its success in holding down infections, the economy is set to shrink because of the pandemic while consumer prices are rising.
Among six candidates who ran their campaign from prison, former Prime Minister Erdenebat Jargaltulga won in his home province of Selenge in northern Mongolia with a large majority.
Jargaltulga was jailed in 2017 after being accused of misuse of power and cronyism. It’s unclear whether the investigation into his alleged misdeeds will continue following his election.
Mongolia has strived to maintain its political and economic independence from both Soviet-era patron Moscow - which supplies virtually all of its energy needs - and rising regional power China, which buys more than 90% of its mining exports, mainly coal and copper.
Washington has sought to encourage good governance and the growth of civil society in Mongolia, along with holding joint military drills and making Mongolia a NATO partner nation. Many Mongolia’s refer to the U.S. as their country’s “third neighbor” in recognition of the many varied exchanges between the two that help counter both Russian and Chinese influence.
The MPP victory “brings some stability” during a turbulent era, but the fact that 27 of the party’s winning lawmakers are new to office also represents a generational change for the party, said Julian Dierkes, an expert on Mongolian politics at Canada’s University of British Columbia.
“Perhaps the opposition, especially some of the new political forces, lost this particular battle but might be fighting a bigger war to change the political culture of Mongolia, away from the personalized patronage politics that are a breeding ground for corruption, toward more substantive policy debates that will give Mongolians a greater say in the future of their country,” Dierkes said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--AP interview: Manfred: `We owe it to our fans to be better'

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Rob Manfred knows many fans were angered by the financial fight between Major League Baseball and the players ’ association during a pandemic .
“ We need to get back on the field , and we need to in a less-charged environment start to have conversations about how we - and the we in that sentence is the commissioner ’ s office , my staff , the clubs and the MLBPA and the players - can be better going forward , ” he said Wednesday during an interview with The Associated Press .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be better than we ’ ve been last three months.
” Spring training was cut short by the novel coronavirus on March 12 .
The sides reached an initial agreement on March 26 , which was to have been opening day .
That deal called for players to receive prorated salaries , get $ 170 million in advances and receive a guarantee of service time in the event no games were played this year .
When it became clear the only way to start the season was to play in empty ballparks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement meant .
Owners said players needed to accept additional cuts and proposed an 82-game schedule starting around the Fourth of July .
Players argued they shouldn ’ t have to accept less than the original deal called for .
But that agreement didn ’ t bind Manfred to start the season with no gate revenue .
Vitriol rose in baseball ’ s worst infighting since the 7 1/2-month strike of 1994-95 wiped out the World Series for the first time in nine decades .
The union rejected the last proposal for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play in the pandemic on Tuesday and promised players will start reporting July 1 for a 60-game season scheduled to start July 23 or 24 , MLB ’ s briefest since 1878 .
“ The focus here was on a day ’ s wage for a day ’ s worth of work , ” union head Tony Clark said during a separate interview with the AP .
“ That ’ s what we believed was fair , and that ’ s why we maintained the position that we did.
” In the view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both sides .
MLB already has experienced four straight seasons of declining average attendance .
“ In my opinion , it ’ s a damn shame that the ramifications of this are going to be felt for a long time , ” said Cincinnati catcher Tucker Barnhart , the Reds ’ player representative .
“ I grew up a baseball fan , I ’ m a baseball fan first , and I think it sucks that it ’ s had to go on the way that it is .
But I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mask some of the bruises that the game as a whole has taken over the last few months.
” MLB intends to start without fans in ballparks , even in places where government and medical officials allow some spectators .
“ I think we need to get on the ground running and get comfortable that we can play games in empty stadiums safely before we move forward fans , ” Manfred said .
“ My patience in that regard is in part based on the fact that there are so many different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s no prospect , other places they ’ re more aggressive .
I think we need to be patient and even where we have the option , we need to make sure that we know exactly what we ’ re doing before we jump into it.
” Owners decided to go ahead with a season despite the threat of a grievance from the union , which has claimed MLB did not adhere to provisions in the March 26 agreement requiring the longest schedule economically feasible .
That deal also included additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 ballparks and no relevant travel restrictions .
“ Every time you make a decision like this , you balance risk and reward , ” Manfred said .
“ I think the clubs felt that the most important objective was to get the game back on the field , and because that was the most important objective , they were prepared to bear whatever risk was associated with a grievance that is - let me be really clear about this : utterly without merit.
” Clark would not directly respond when asked whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think there is an opportunity to move forward , move our game forward , ” he said .
“ And as it relates to the atmosphere in general , the lines of communication remain open , and we ’ ll count that as a positive in the days ahead .
” Because there was no financial agreement , the postseason is slated to remain at 10 teams rather than expand to 16 .
MLB could attempt to make another proposal for a larger postseason .
“ I would simply say that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ll be available to discuss it , ” Clark said .
He maintained the decision by the executive board to reject the last plan Monday was not a choice of a grievance over a deal .
“ The grievance was not the focus , never has been the focus , ” he said .
“ The goal , and that ’ s why we sent across proposals , was to attempt to find common ground on an agreement .
We simply were unable to do so.
” He would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scottsdale , Arizona , which Manfred said produced a framework for a deal and Clark called merely a management proposal .
Manfred has maintained Clark promised to try to persuade players to accept it , then said a few hours later he could not get their support .
“ Rob can focus on his side and I ’ ll focus on mine , ” Clark said .
Clark defended the union ’ s decision not to accept MLB ’ s offer to eliminate free-agent compensation , which could hurt several players ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with significant salary cuts , ” he said .
As baseball prepares to resume , Manfred and his staff have watched European soccer leagues carry on with closed-door matches .
“ We normally think about our product as two products , the live product and the broadcast product , ” he said .
“ Given our current situation , I think that the goal is to make the broadcast product , because it ’ s the only one we have , as entertaining for fans as we possibly can .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our national partners in an effort to give the game a zeal that will be satisfying to our fans without having the normal crowd noise and excitement that ’ s created by that environment.
” “ We ’ re still making decisions about that , ” he said .
“ I like what they ’ ve done in England and Germany because I think it ’ s innovative and I think that the current situation calls for us to try some things that are different .
AP Sports Writer Joe Kay in Cincinnati @ @ @ @ @

NEW YORK (AP) - Rob Manfred knows many fans were angered by the financial fight between Major League Baseball and the players’ association during a pandemic.
“We need to get back on the field, and we need to in a less-charged environment start to have conversations about how we - and the we in that sentence is the commissioner’s office, my staff, the clubs and the MLBPA and the players - can be better going forward,” he said Wednesday during an interview with The Associated Press. “We owe it to our fans to be better than we’ve been the last three months.”
Spring training was cut short by the novel coronavirus on March 12. The sides reached an initial agreement on March 26, which was to have been opening day. That deal called for players to receive prorated salaries, get $170 million in advances and receive a guarantee of service time in the event no games were played this year.
When it became clear the only way to start the season was to play in empty ballparks, the sides battled publicly over what the agreement meant.
Owners said players needed to accept additional cuts and proposed an 82-game schedule starting around the Fourth of July. Players argued they shouldn’t have to accept less than the original deal called for. But that agreement didn’t bind Manfred to start the season with no gate revenue.
Vitriol rose in baseball’s worst infighting since the 7 1/2-month strike of 1994-95 wiped out the World Series for the first time in nine decades. The union rejected the last proposal for a financial agreement, then finished protocols to play in the pandemic on Tuesday and promised players will start reporting July 1 for a 60-game season scheduled to start July 23 or 24, MLB’s briefest since 1878.
“The focus here was on a day’s wage for a day’s worth of work,” union head Tony Clark said during a separate interview with the AP. “That’s what we believed was fair, and that’s why we maintained the position that we did.”
In the view of many, the outcome left losers on both sides. MLB already has experienced four straight seasons of declining average attendance.
“In my opinion, it’s a damn shame that the ramifications of this are going to be felt for a long time,” said Cincinnati catcher Tucker Barnhart, the Reds’ player representative. “I grew up a baseball fan, I’m a baseball fan first, and I think it sucks that it’s had to go on the way that it is. But I hope that getting out and playing will kind of mask some of the bruises that the game as a whole has taken over the last few months.”
MLB intends to start without fans in ballparks, even in places where government and medical officials allow some spectators.
“I think we need to get on the ground running and get comfortable that we can play games in empty stadiums safely before we move forward with fans,” Manfred said. “My patience in that regard is in part based on the fact that there are so many different situations. Some places there looks like there’s no prospect, other places they’re more aggressive. I think we need to be patient and even where we have the option, we need to make sure that we know exactly what we’re doing before we jump into it.”
Owners decided to go ahead with a season despite the threat of a grievance from the union, which has claimed MLB did not adhere to provisions in the March 26 agreement requiring the longest schedule economically feasible. That deal also included additional provisions such as fans being allowed into all 30 ballparks and no relevant travel restrictions.
“Every time you make a decision like this, you balance risk and reward,” Manfred said. “I think the clubs felt that the most important objective was to get the game back on the field, and because that was the most important objective, they were prepared to bear whatever risk was associated with a grievance that is - let me be really clear about this: utterly without merit.”
Clark would not directly respond when asked whether lasting damage had been inflicted.
“I think there is an opportunity to move forward, move our game forward,” he said. “And as it relates to the atmosphere in general, the lines of communication remain open, and we’ll count that as a positive in the days ahead. ”
Because there was no financial agreement, the postseason is slated to remain at 10 teams rather than expand to 16. MLB could attempt to make another proposal for a larger postseason.
“I would simply say that if there’s interest to discuss something, I’ll be available to discuss it,” Clark said.
He maintained the decision by the executive board to reject the last plan Monday was not a choice of a grievance over a deal.
“The grievance was not the focus, never has been the focus,” he said. “The goal, and that’s why we sent across proposals, was to attempt to find common ground on an agreement. We simply were unable to do so.”
He would not address last week’s one-on-one meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, which Manfred said produced a framework for a deal and Clark called merely a management proposal. Manfred has maintained Clark promised to try to persuade players to accept it, then said a few hours later he could not get their support.
“Rob can focus on his side and I’ll focus on mine,” Clark said.
Clark defended the union’s decision not to accept MLB’s offer to eliminate free-agent compensation, which could hurt several players’ value next offseason.
“It was associated with significant salary cuts,” he said.
As baseball prepares to resume, Manfred and his staff have watched European soccer leagues carry on with closed-door matches.
“We normally think about our product as two products, the live product and the broadcast product,” he said. “Given our current situation, I think that the goal is to make the broadcast product, because it’s the only one we have, as entertaining for fans as we possibly can. We’re working closely with the RSNs and our national partners in an effort to give the game a zeal that will be satisfying to our fans without having the normal crowd noise and excitement that’s created by that environment.”
Broadcasts possibly may contain artificial crowd noise.
“We’re still making decisions about that,” he said. “I like what they’ve done in England and Germany because I think it’s innovative and I think that the current situation calls for us to try some things that are different.”
___
AP Sports Writer Joe Kay in Cincinnati contributed to this report.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Tulsa Athletic soccer team will no longer play 'Star-Spangled Banner' before games

A Tulsa soccer team will no longer play “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” before games because it is insufficiently inclusive “ of every race , ethnicity , religion and sexual orientation.
” According to local TV stations in Oklahoma , Tulsa Athletic will instead open games with Woody Guthrie ’ s “ This Land is Your Land.
” Co-owner Sonny Dalesandro said in a statement that the team , which plays in the fourth-tier National Premier Soccer League , is dropping the national anthem in order to create a more inclusive community .
“ From our beginning , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Tulsa Athletic , ” he said .
“ We believe ‘ This Land Is Your Land ’ not only captures a powerful patriotic sentiment , but that it does so in a far more inclusive way .
The song speaks to this country being built and shared by every person of every race , ethnicity , religion and sexual orientation .
It represents a future Tulsa Athletic is committed to striving for.
” According to photos of the press conference posted by Oklahoma City Fox affiliate KOKH , the team held a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall painted with a guitar labeled “ this machine kills fascists.
” In another photo , a rainbow-shirt-clad Mr. Dalesandro displays a card containing the following lyrics from “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” : “ No refuge could save the hireling and slave / From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave.
” The lyrics are from the rarely-sung third verse .
The referents of “ hireling and slave ” are disputed — some historians say it meant sailors impressed into service , others say it was a common metaphor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British king , and others believe it meant the African chattel slaves held legally in the U.S. but freed by the British and serving with them .
Other black and slave units were serving with the U.S. military at the Battle of Baltimore .

A Tulsa soccer team will no longer play “The Star-Spangled Banner” before games because it is insufficiently inclusive “of every race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.”
According to local TV stations in Oklahoma, Tulsa Athletic will instead open games with Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.”
Co-owner Sonny Dalesandro said in a statement that the team, which plays in the fourth-tier National Premier Soccer League, is dropping the national anthem in order to create a more inclusive community.
“From our beginning, we have developed a culture of inclusion and acceptance at Tulsa Athletic,” he said. “We believe ‘This Land Is Your Land’ not only captures a powerful patriotic sentiment, but that it does so in a far more inclusive way. The song speaks to this country being built and shared by every person of every race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. It represents a future Tulsa Athletic is committed to striving for.”
According to photos of the press conference posted by Oklahoma City Fox affiliate KOKH, the team held a press conference announcing the move before a wall painted with a guitar labeled “this machine kills fascists.”
In another photo, a rainbow-shirt-clad Mr. Dalesandro displays a card containing the following lyrics from “The Star-Spangled Banner”: “No refuge could save the hireling and slave / From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave.”
The lyrics are from the rarely-sung third verse. The referents of “hireling and slave” are disputed — some historians say it meant sailors impressed into service, others say it was a common metaphor for anyone serving a tyrant like the British king, and others believe it meant the African chattel slaves held legally in the U.S. but freed by the British and serving with them. Other black and slave units were serving with the U.S. military at the Battle of Baltimore.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--2nd inmate in days dies of coronavirus at California prison

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - A second inmate in four days has died at California ’ s Avenal @ @ @ @ @ to be complications of the coronavirus , officials said Wednesday .
The inmate died Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ though the exact cause of death has not yet been determined .
Another inmate from @ @ @ @ @ County died on Saturday and 112 inmates currently have the virus .
The prison is @ @ @ @ @ ) northwest of Los Angeles .
To date , the state prison system has reported @ @ @ @ @ Sixteen were at the California Institution for Men in Chino in San Bernardino County .
@ @ @ @ @ at the nearby California Institution for Women and at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in Blythe @ @ @ @ @ more than 1,800 active inmate cases .
More than 1,900 inmates have recovered .
For @ @ @ @ @ causes mild or moderate symptoms .
But for some , especially older adults and people @ @ @ @ @ it can cause pneumonia and death .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A second inmate in four days has died at California’s Avenal State Prison from what appear to be complications of the coronavirus, officials said Wednesday.
The inmate died Tuesday at an outside hospital, though the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
Another inmate from the same prison in Kings County died on Saturday and 112 inmates currently have the virus. The prison is 180 miles (290 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
To date, the state prison system has reported 20 COVID-19-related inmate deaths. Sixteen were at the California Institution for Men in Chino in San Bernardino County. One death each was reported at the nearby California Institution for Women and at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in Blythe.
System-wide, there are more than 1,800 active inmate cases. More than 1,900 inmates have recovered.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Judge cites pandemic in rejecting lawsuit over Texas voting

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - Saying that voting is “ wrought with uncertainty ” this year regardless because of the coronavirus pandemic , a federal judge Wednesday allowed Texas to proceed with banning straight-ticket voting this November , dismissing a lawsuit brought by Democrats .
Most states don ’ t offer straight-ticket voting , which allows voters to simply choose a party ’ s entire slate of candidates at a stroke .
Republican Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott signed a law in 2017 to scrap straight-ticket voting starting this fall .
But in March , on the heels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations during the Super Tuesday primaries , Democrats argued that forcing voters to individually select every race would create even longer wait times .
That would disproportionately impact Black and Latino community in big urban counties , the Texas Democratic Party argued , because ballots are already longer in those places .
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ruled that Democrats lacked standing to bring the suit but said that , regardless , “ many Texans will endure longer lines at polling-places indefinitely ” this year because of the pandemic .
“ All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is wrought with uncertainty , ” Garcia Marmolejo wrote .
Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the lawsuit was based on hypotheticals and cheered the decision .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Saying that voting is “wrought with uncertainty” this year regardless because of the coronavirus pandemic, a federal judge Wednesday allowed Texas to proceed with banning straight-ticket voting this November, dismissing a lawsuit brought by Democrats.
Most states don’t offer straight-ticket voting, which allows voters to simply choose a party’s entire slate of candidates at a stroke.
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law in 2017 to scrap straight-ticket voting starting this fall. But in March, on the heels of long lines snaking outside Texas polling stations during the Super Tuesday primaries, Democrats argued that forcing voters to individually select every race would create even longer wait times.
That would disproportionately impact Black and Latino community in big urban counties, the Texas Democratic Party argued, because ballots are already longer in those places.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ruled that Democrats lacked standing to bring the suit but said that, regardless, “many Texans will endure longer lines at polling-places indefinitely” this year because of the pandemic.
“All things considered, in-person voting at polling-places is wrought with uncertainty,” Garcia Marmolejo wrote.
Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the lawsuit was based on hypotheticals and cheered the decision.


washingtontimes--2020-06-25--Belgian, UK police bust migrant smugglers; 12 arrested

BRUSSELS ( AP ) - Belgian police on Thursday arrested 10 people suspected of smuggling migrants into Britain during a @ @ @ @ @ cross-border investigation into human trafficking .
Police officers carried out 12 house searches in the @ @ @ @ @ their efforts to dismantle the trafficking network , Belgium ’ s federal public prosecutor ’ @ @ @ @ @ suspects were presented to an investigating judge who will decide whether they should be kept @ @ @ @ @ British immigration enforcement officers arrested two people during searches carried out simultaneously , the prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ Describing the network ’ s operations , the Belgian prosecutor ’ s office said migrants @ @ @ @ @ being transferred to the Netherlands .
Once there , they were put on rental boats @ @ @ @ @ Breeskens .
In December , British authorities intercepted 14 people during one of the trips @ @ @ @ @ .
The federal prosecutor ’ s office said the investigations would continue in both countries @

BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgian police on Thursday arrested 10 people suspected of smuggling migrants into Britain during a major operation linked to a cross-border investigation into human trafficking.
Police officers carried out 12 house searches in the Liege area as part of their efforts to dismantle the trafficking network, Belgium’s federal public prosecutor’s office said.
The suspects were presented to an investigating judge who will decide whether they should be kept in detention.
Meanwhile, British immigration enforcement officers arrested two people during searches carried out simultaneously, the prosecutor’s office said.
Describing the network’s operations, the Belgian prosecutor’s office said migrants were housed in hotels before being transferred to the Netherlands. Once there, they were put on rental boats from the small port of Breeskens. In December, British authorities intercepted 14 people during one of the trips upon their arrival in Britain.
The federal prosecutor’s office said the investigations would continue in both countries.


washingtontimes--2020-06-25--Pandemic prompts health insurer to returns premiums

PROVIDENCE , R.I. ( AP ) - Rhode Island ’ s largest health insurer is seeking state approval for a @ @ @ @ @ due to a decline in demand for health care services during the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ Shield of Rhode Island ’ s proposal is approved by the Office of the Health @ @ @ @ @ million would be returned to employer groups and individuals in the form of a credit @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on health care delivery this year , ” Blue @ @ @ @ @ Keck said in a statement .
“ Our members have not been able to access @ @ @ @ @ anticipated when setting their monthly premiums .
We believe that returning the premium to our @ @ @ @ @ and will provide critical relief to Rhode Island businesses and individuals at a time when @ @ @ @ @ For customers who purchased coverage directly , the credit is for March and April 2020 @ @ @ @ @ be applied to the September premium bill if approved .

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island’s largest health insurer is seeking state approval for a 10% medical premium credit due to a decline in demand for health care services during the coronavirus pandemic.
If Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s proposal is approved by the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, $13.8 million would be returned to employer groups and individuals in the form of a credit or refund check.
“COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on health care delivery this year,” Blue Cross President and CEO Kim Keck said in a statement. “Our members have not been able to access the volume of care we anticipated when setting their monthly premiums. We believe that returning the premium to our customers is the right response and will provide critical relief to Rhode Island businesses and individuals at a time when they need it most.”
For customers who purchased coverage directly, the credit is for March and April 2020 premiums and is expected to be applied to the September premium bill if approved.


washingtontimes--2020-06-25--Southeast Missouri man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend

OAK RIDGE , Mo .
( AP ) - A southeast Missouri man is charged with first-degree murder , burglary @ @ @ @ @ the shooting death of his former girlfriend .
The Southeast Missourian reports that 26-year-old Victor @ @ @ @ @ of forcing his way into a home in the village of Oak Ridge and killing @ @ @ @ @ Girardeau County Sheriff ’ s Department was called to the home Tuesday afternoon about an @ @ @ @ @ a bed .
She had been shot several times .
Deputy Joshua Erter said a @ @ @ @ @ authorities that Grebing pointed a gun at him and then went downstairs .
The witness @ @ @ @ @ in the basement , a probable cause statement said .
The victim ’ s son @ @ @ @ @ when the shooting occurred .
The age of the child was not given .
Grebing @ @ @ @ @ found in Perry County around 7 a.m. Wednesday .
He is jailed without bond and @ @ @ @ @ listed attorney .

OAK RIDGE, Mo. (AP) - A southeast Missouri man is charged with first-degree murder, burglary and armed criminal action in the shooting death of his former girlfriend.
The Southeast Missourian reports that 26-year-old Victor Grebing of Jackson is accused of forcing his way into a home in the village of Oak Ridge and killing Hailey Wipfler-Crook.
The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Department was called to the home Tuesday afternoon about an altercation and found Wipfler-Crook on a bed. She had been shot several times.
Deputy Joshua Erter said a witness in the home told authorities that Grebing pointed a gun at him and then went downstairs. The witness said he heard four shots in the basement, a probable cause statement said.
The victim’s son also was in the basement when the shooting occurred. The age of the child was not given.
Grebing was arrested after he was found in Perry County around 7 a.m. Wednesday. He is jailed without bond and does not yet have a listed attorney.