washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Social media leads to 3 arrests in Las Vegas police car fire

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Federal agents in Las Vegas say video one of the suspects posted on social media of a burning police car helped investigators track down three local men now accused of setting the patrol vehicle on fire during a weekend protest over George Floyd ’ s death .
Prosecutors said Thursday three suspects have been arrested on federal conspiracy and arson charges in connection with the attack shortly after midnight Sunday in downtown Las Vegas .
Police say one of the men arrested Wednesday allegedly shot the video posted on social media that showed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patrol car through a missing window , lighting an object and dropping the gas inside .
Tyree Walker , 23 , Devarian Haynes , 23 , and Richardo Densmore , 24 , are scheduled to make their initial appearance Friday before a federal magistrate in Las Vegas .
It ’ s not clear if they have lawyers or will be appointed one .
U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich said he intends to prosecute any “ agitators who are using the camouflage of lawful protests to commit violence against law enforcement.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the public , and “ steals focus away from the messages that peaceful protesters are striving to deliver .
”

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Federal agents in Las Vegas say video one of the suspects posted on social media of a burning police car helped investigators track down three local men now accused of setting the patrol vehicle on fire during a weekend protest over George Floyd’s death.
Prosecutors said Thursday three suspects have been arrested on federal conspiracy and arson charges in connection with the attack shortly after midnight Sunday in downtown Las Vegas.
Police say one of the men arrested Wednesday allegedly shot the video posted on social media that showed the other two pouring a flammable liquid into the patrol car through a missing window, lighting an object and dropping the gas inside.
Tyree Walker, 23, Devarian Haynes, 23, and Richardo Densmore, 24, are scheduled to make their initial appearance Friday before a federal magistrate in Las Vegas. It’s not clear if they have lawyers or will be appointed one.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich said he intends to prosecute any “agitators who are using the camouflage of lawful protests to commit violence against law enforcement.” He said such activity poses a danger to bystanders and the public, and “steals focus away from the messages that peaceful protesters are striving to deliver.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Increase in Oklahoma COVID-19 daily case total holds steady

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) - The pace held steady Thursday in the increase of reported Oklahoma coronavirus infections .
@ @ @ @ @ new cases were reported Thursday of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ fewer than those reported Wednesday and brought the state total for the outbreak to 6,907 @ @ @ @ @ had been hospitalized , including at present .
One patient died Thursday , one fewer @ @ @ @ @ bringing the state ’ s coronavirus death toll to 344 for the outbreak .

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The pace held steady Thursday in the increase of reported Oklahoma coronavirus infections.
State health officials say 102 new cases were reported Thursday of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. That is 11 cases fewer than those reported Wednesday and brought the state total for the outbreak to 6,907. Of those, 1,014 had been hospitalized, including at present.
One patient died Thursday, one fewer than the day before, bringing the state’s coronavirus death toll to 344 for the outbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--George Floyd coronavirus, heart disease, drugs in system don't affect homicide ruling, experts say

George Floyd had drugs in his system and severe heart disease when a Minneapolis police officer put a knee to his neck , but independent experts said the medical problems revealed in the full autopsy report don ’ t change the conclusion that the handcuffed man ’ s death was a homicide .
“ He has some underlying conditions ” that made it more likely he would not fare well under stress , said Dr. Gregory Davis , medical examiner for Jefferson County , Alabama , and a pathology professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death are not ignored in Wednesday ’ s report , which said “ restraint and neck compression are part of why he died , ” Davis said .
Dr. Stephen Nelson , chairman of Florida ’ s medical examiners commission , agreed .
Even if someone with severe heart disease died of a heart attack during a purse-snatching , “ we ’ d still call it a homicide , ” he said .
“ Is this stress associated with his interaction with law enforcement enough to put him over the edge ?
Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Floyd ’ s death has sparked international protests about mistreatment of black people by police .
Bystander video showed officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd ’ s neck , ignoring Floyd ’ s “ I can ’ t breathe ” cries and staying on him even after he stopped moving .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday upgraded charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder , and also charged the three other officers on the scene with aiding and abetting .
A lawyer for Floyd ’ s family earlier decried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original complaint against Chauvin - for ruling out asphyxia .
An autopsy commissioned by the Floyd family concluded that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression .
The experts who spoke with The Associated Press read the full government autopsy report but had no involvement with Floyd ’ s case .
Here are some of the key findings .
The report by Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker says Floyd , 46 , died of “ cardiopulmonary arrest , complicating law enforcement subdual , restraint , and neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examiner ’ s office says Floyd had “ a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained ” by police .
Cardiopulmonary arrest simply means his heart and breathing stopped , which happens when anyone dies .
“ It ’ s really a meaningless term , ” Nelson said .
In Florida , directions printed on death certificates tell doctors not to use it and to be more precise and descriptive .
“ I would use the word ‘ traumatic asphyxia ’ due to neck compression and restraint due to law enforcement subdual , ” Nelson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think you can discount the video.
” “ No life-threatening injuries identified , ” the report says , although trauma to the face , elbows and hands , consistent with being handcuffed , are noted .
Finding no major bruising or damage to the muscles , cartilage or bones in the neck “ doesn ’ t in any way mean that asphyxia didn ’ t occur , ” just that there are no signs of that on the body , Davis said .
Several of Floyd ’ s key heart arteries were severely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several were 75 % blocked and one was 90 % blocked , and that was made worse by where the clogs occurred in terms of crimping the supply of blood to his heart , Nelson said .
Blockages of 70 % or more usually cause chest pain , he added .
“ That degree of narrowing is sufficient to cause death , ” Davis said .
Floyd also had an enlarged heart - “ 48 % bigger than it ought to be ” - likely from his high blood pressure and heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart that ’ s enlarged like this is more likely to develop an abnormal heart rhythm , ” Davis added .
The autopsy also found signs of tobacco use .
Smoking is a big risk factor for heart disease and many other health problems .
The autopsy notes signs of fentanyl , methamphetamine and THC - the ingredient that produces marijuana ’ s high - in Floyd ’ s body .
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid with heroin-like effects , said Bruce Goldberger , forensic medicine chief at the University of Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use it regularly or chronically develop tolerance to it , ” and the amount reported in the autopsy could kill someone who has not used the drug in the past , Goldberger said .
However , “ we don ’ t know what Mr. Floyd ’ s use of fentanyl was , ” he stressed .
Methamphetamine , a stimulant often called “ speed , ” was found at a low level , Goldberger said .
“ I believe that the presence of these substances is not relevant , ” Goldberger said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to toxicological means ” because of the video of the circumstances , he said .
“ I don ’ t believe that these drugs played a significant role in causing Mr. Floyd to become unresponsive while being restrained by law enforcement officers.
” The autopsy says Floyd tested positive for the new coronavirus on April 3 and that a nose swab during the autopsy found signs of the virus .
Tests like these look for bits of genetic material and do not mean someone still has whole or viable virus .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handled Floyd ’ s body , Nelson said .
“ Potentially that body ’ s infectious , ” although the autopsy found no signs of disease in Floyd ’ s lungs .
“ He certainly doesn ’ t have pneumonia or any of the other typical signs that go along with COVID-19 , ” Nelson said .
“ The coronavirus had nothing to do with his death , that ’ s the important thing , ” • The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP is solely responsible for all content .

George Floyd had drugs in his system and severe heart disease when a Minneapolis police officer put a knee to his neck, but independent experts said the medical problems revealed in the full autopsy report don’t change the conclusion that the handcuffed man’s death was a homicide.
“He has some underlying conditions” that made it more likely he would not fare well under stress, said Dr. Gregory Davis, medical examiner for Jefferson County, Alabama, and a pathology professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. But the circumstances of Floyd’s May 25 death are not ignored in Wednesday’s report, which said “restraint and neck compression are part of why he died,” Davis said.
Dr. Stephen Nelson, chairman of Florida’s medical examiners commission, agreed. Even if someone with severe heart disease died of a heart attack during a purse-snatching, “we’d still call it a homicide,” he said.
“Is this stress associated with his interaction with law enforcement enough to put him over the edge? Yes, it is,” Nelson said.
Floyd’s death has sparked international protests about mistreatment of black people by police. Bystander video showed officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck, ignoring Floyd’s “I can’t breathe” cries and staying on him even after he stopped moving.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday upgraded charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder, and also charged the three other officers on the scene with aiding and abetting.
A lawyer for Floyd’s family earlier decried the official autopsy - as described in the original complaint against Chauvin - for ruling out asphyxia. An autopsy commissioned by the Floyd family concluded that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression.
The experts who spoke with The Associated Press read the full government autopsy report but had no involvement with Floyd’s case.
Here are some of the key findings.
CAUSE OF DEATH
The report by Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker says Floyd, 46, died of “cardiopulmonary arrest, complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.”
A previous statement by the examiner’s office says Floyd had “a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained” by police.
Cardiopulmonary arrest simply means his heart and breathing stopped, which happens when anyone dies.
“It’s really a meaningless term,” Nelson said. In Florida, directions printed on death certificates tell doctors not to use it and to be more precise and descriptive.
“I would use the word ‘traumatic asphyxia’ due to neck compression and restraint due to law enforcement subdual,” Nelson said. “I don’t think you can discount the video.”
INJURIES
“No life-threatening injuries identified,” the report says, although trauma to the face, elbows and hands, consistent with being handcuffed, are noted.
Finding no major bruising or damage to the muscles, cartilage or bones in the neck “doesn’t in any way mean that asphyxia didn’t occur,” just that there are no signs of that on the body, Davis said.
HEART DISEASE
Several of Floyd’s key heart arteries were severely narrowed – evidence of serious heart disease. Several were 75% blocked and one was 90% blocked, and that was made worse by where the clogs occurred in terms of crimping the supply of blood to his heart, Nelson said. Blockages of 70% or more usually cause chest pain, he added.
“That degree of narrowing is sufficient to cause death,” Davis said.
Floyd also had an enlarged heart - “48% bigger than it ought to be” - likely from his high blood pressure and heart disease, Nelson said.
“A heart that’s enlarged like this is more likely to develop an abnormal heart rhythm,” Davis added.
The autopsy also found signs of tobacco use. Smoking is a big risk factor for heart disease and many other health problems.
DRUGS
The autopsy notes signs of fentanyl, methamphetamine and THC - the ingredient that produces marijuana’s high - in Floyd’s body.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid with heroin-like effects, said Bruce Goldberger, forensic medicine chief at the University of Florida College of Medicine.
“People who use it regularly or chronically develop tolerance to it,” and the amount reported in the autopsy could kill someone who has not used the drug in the past, Goldberger said.
However, “we don’t know what Mr. Floyd’s use of fentanyl was,” he stressed.
Methamphetamine, a stimulant often called “speed,” was found at a low level, Goldberger said.
“I believe that the presence of these substances is not relevant,” Goldberger said. “We know his death is not due to toxicological means” because of the video of the circumstances, he said.
“I don’t believe that these drugs played a significant role in causing Mr. Floyd to become unresponsive while being restrained by law enforcement officers.”
CORONAVIRUS
The autopsy says Floyd tested positive for the new coronavirus on April 3 and that a nose swab during the autopsy found signs of the virus. Tests like these look for bits of genetic material and do not mean someone still has whole or viable virus.
It’s a concern for anyone who handled Floyd’s body, Nelson said.
“Potentially that body’s infectious,” although the autopsy found no signs of disease in Floyd’s lungs.
“He certainly doesn’t have pneumonia or any of the other typical signs that go along with COVID-19,” Nelson said. “The coronavirus had nothing to do with his death, that’s the important thing,”
• The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--PG&E behind on promises to ease effect of power shut-offs

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California ’ s chief utility regulators and a Pacific Gas & Electric executive testified Thursday that the utility is behind on installing devices meant to ease the severity of power shut-offs during potential wildfires and hasn ’ t yet hired and trained emergency response specialists in each county .
The testimony came during a hearing of the California Senate ’ s committee on utilities .
A data portal that shows the locations of critical facilities like hospitals and where medically vulnerable customers live went online recently after technical delays , said Rachel Peterson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Utilities Commission , which regulates utilities .
“ Because of those delays , PG & E ; can not afford to lose any more time , ” Peterson said .
It ’ s the latest setback for the bankrupt utility as it tries to modernize its infrastructure that has been blamed for causing deadly wildfires that killed more than 100 people in 2017 and 2018 .
PG & E ; had committed to installing nearly 600 devices by September to break up transmission lines so fewer people lose power when the utility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it did for the first time last year .
Commission officials said the utility has fallen behind on those installations , although a company representative later said the utility still plans to meet the goal .
That ’ s “ the area where we ’ re furthest behind , ” said PG & E ; Vice President Debbie Powell , who is working on wildfire safety programs .
Those upgrades and wildfire mitigation are expected to cost PG & E ; customers about $ 90 more a year starting next year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 70 annual increase and San Diego Gas & Electric customers $ 24 a year , commission officials said .
Falling revenue estimates in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic may lead to even more increases for all utilities .
Powell said PG & E ; was adding new high-definition cameras and building 400 weather stations this year to monitor conditions at high-risk locations , adding to 600 installed last year that she said has “ significantly improved ” its ability to forecast fires .
Sen. Mike McGuire , a Democrat from Healdsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; CEO Bill Johnson ’ s comments last year that California should expect preventive power outages for the next decade before they are “ really ratcheted down significantly.
” Powell instead said conditions will improve every year .
“ I think we will be continuing to invest in our system for many years .
And that ’ s where I ’ ll leave it , ” she said .
Commission President Marybel Batjer said her “ optimism ” about PG & E ; ’ s recovery was “ informed by some concern ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its management .
“ I do believe that things that are at the top of that company don ’ t always get to the implementation people , ” she said .
Meanwhile , San Diego Gas & Electric ’ s Brian D ’ Agostino testified that it had acquired a new fire-suppression helicopter , though the fire season forecast is “ below normal ” in that region after April rains .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California’s chief utility regulators and a Pacific Gas & Electric executive testified Thursday that the utility is behind on installing devices meant to ease the severity of power shut-offs during potential wildfires and hasn’t yet hired and trained emergency response specialists in each county.
The testimony came during a hearing of the California Senate’s committee on utilities.
A data portal that shows the locations of critical facilities like hospitals and where medically vulnerable customers live went online recently after technical delays, said Rachel Peterson, a deputy director at the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates utilities.
“Because of those delays, PG&E cannot afford to lose any more time,” Peterson said.
It’s the latest setback for the bankrupt utility as it tries to modernize its infrastructure that has been blamed for causing deadly wildfires that killed more than 100 people in 2017 and 2018.
PG&E had committed to installing nearly 600 devices by September to break up distribution lines so fewer people lose power when the utility proactively cuts electricity to prevent wildfires, as it did for the first time last year. Commission officials said the utility has fallen behind on those installations, although a company representative later said the utility still plans to meet the goal.
That’s “the area where we’re furthest behind,” said PG&E Vice President Debbie Powell, who is working on wildfire safety programs.
Those upgrades and wildfire mitigation are expected to cost PG&E customers about $90 more a year starting next year. Southern California Edison customers can expect a $70 annual increase and San Diego Gas & Electric customers $24 a year, commission officials said. Falling revenue estimates in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic may lead to even more increases for all utilities.
Powell said PG&E was adding new high-definition cameras and building 400 weather stations this year to monitor conditions at high-risk locations, adding to 600 installed last year that she said has “significantly improved” its ability to forecast fires.
Sen. Mike McGuire, a Democrat from Healdsburg, needled Powell over PG&E CEO Bill Johnson’s comments last year that California should expect preventive power outages for the next decade before they are “really ratcheted down significantly.”
Powell instead said conditions will improve every year. “I think we will be continuing to invest in our system for many years. And that’s where I’ll leave it,” she said.
Commission President Marybel Batjer said her “optimism” about PG&E’s recovery was “informed by some concern” about the company’s bankruptcy proceedings and its management.
“I do believe that things that are at the top of that company don’t always get to the implementation people,” she said.
Meanwhile, San Diego Gas & Electric’s Brian D’Agostino testified that it had acquired a new fire-suppression helicopter, though the fire season forecast is “below normal” in that region after April rains.
___
This story has been updated to correctly refer to PG&E falling behind on its goal of upgrading “distribution lines,” not “transmission lines.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Deadly shooting under investigation in southwest Missouri

KYTV reports that deputies responded Thursday morning to a home just outside of Branson West after an altercation was reported @ @ @ @ @ says the deputies found one man shot .
The victim later died .
Deputies arrested @ @ @ @ @ of interest .
No other details were immediately released , including the identity of the @ @ @ @ @ investigation as ongoing .

BRANSON WEST, Mo. (AP) - Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in southwest Missouri.
KYTV reports that deputies responded Thursday morning to a home just outside of Branson West after an altercation was reported.
Stone County Sheriff Rader says the deputies found one man shot. The victim later died.
Deputies arrested one man as a person of interest. No other details were immediately released, including the identity of the victim. Rader described the investigation as ongoing.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Atlanta mayor walks with protesters, urges solutions

ATLANTA ( AP ) - Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Thursday walked with protesters downtown and told the crowd through a megaphone that “ there is something better on the other side of this.
” “ We are in the midst of a movement in this country , ” she said .
“ But it ’ s going to be incumbent upon all of us to be able to get together and articulate more than our anger .
We got to be able to articulate what we want as our solutions.
” The mayor ’ s appearance came on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota .
Police Chief Erika Shields also attended the protest .
When the first night of protests on Friday turned violent , an impassioned Bottoms held a news conference and urged the protesters to go home , saying those who were looting and vandalizing businesses were disgracing the city and Floyd ’ s life .
She told the crowd on Thursday that they “ matter ” to her , and before she left , she encouraged them to get tested for COVID-19 .
Bottoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s running mate , and the protests have become a leadership test for her .
Her remarks on Friday were widely praised .
She announced this week that she would establish a commission to look at the city ’ s use of force policies .

ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Thursday walked with protesters downtown and told the crowd through a megaphone that “there is something better on the other side of this.”
“We are in the midst of a movement in this country,” she said. “But it’s going to be incumbent upon all of us to be able to get together and articulate more than our anger. We got to be able to articulate what we want as our solutions.”
The mayor’s appearance came on the seventh straight night of protests in the city following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Police Chief Erika Shields also attended the protest.
When the first night of protests on Friday turned violent, an impassioned Bottoms held a news conference and urged the protesters to go home, saying those who were looting and vandalizing businesses were disgracing the city and Floyd’s life.
She told the crowd on Thursday that they “matter” to her, and before she left, she encouraged them to get tested for COVID-19.
Bottoms is under consideration to be the running mate of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, and the protests have become a leadership test for her. Her remarks on Friday were widely praised.
She announced this week that she would establish a commission to look at the city’s use of force policies.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--MLB players reaffirm pay stance, no deal with teams in sight

NEW YORK ( AP ) - Baseball players reaffirmed their stance for full prorated pay , leaving a huge gap with teams that could scuttle plans to start the coronavirus-delayed season around the Fourth of July and may leave owners focusing on a schedule as short as 50 games .
More than 100 players , including the union ’ s executive board , held a two-hour digital meeting with officials of the Major League Baseball Players Association on Thursday , a day after their offer was rejected by Major League Baseball .
“ Earlier this week , Major League Baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortened 2020 season unless players negotiate salary concessions , ” union head Tony Clark said in a statement .
“ The concessions being sought are in addition to billions in Player salary reductions that have already been agreed upon .
This threat came in response to an association proposal aimed at charting a path forward.
” “ Rather than engage , the league replied it will shorten the season unless players agree to further salary reductions , ” Clark added .
MLB last week proposed an 82-game season with an additional sliding scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player at the $ 563,500 minimum with 47 % of his original salary and top stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at less than 22 % of the $ 36 million they had been set to earn .
Players countered Sunday with a plan for a 114-game regular season with no pay cuts beyond the prorated salaries they agreed to on March 26 .
That would leave each player with about 70 % of his original pay .
MLB rejected that Wednesday , when Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote in a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we do not have any reason to believe that a negotiated solution for an 82-game season is possible.
” “ Nonetheless , the commissioner is committed to playing baseball in 2020 , ” Halem said in the letter , which was obtained by The Associated Press .
“ He has started discussions with ownership about staging a shorter season without fans.
” Management officials have threatened proposing a shortened slate of perhaps 50 games or fewer .
There has not been a schedule averaging fewer than 82 games per team since 1879 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board is that players are ready to report , ready to get back on the field , and they are willing to do so under unprecedented conditions that could affect the health and safety of not just themselves , but their families as well , ” Clark said in a statement .
“ The league ’ s demand for additional concessions was resoundingly rejected.
” While baseball has reverted to the economic bickering that led to eight work stoppages from 1972-95 , the NBA , NHL and MLS have moved ahead with plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time of unprecedented suffering at home and abroad , players want nothing more than to get back to work , ” Clark said .
“ But we can not do this alone .
”

NEW YORK — Baseball players reaffirmed their stance for full prorated pay, leaving a huge gap with teams that could scuttle plans to start the coronavirus-delayed season around the Fourth of July and may leave owners focusing on a schedule as short as 50 games.
More than 100 players, including the union’s executive board, held a two-hour digital meeting with officials of the Major League Baseball Players Association on Thursday, a day after the union’s offer was rejected by Major League Baseball.
“Earlier this week, Major League Baseball communicated its intention to schedule a dramatically shortened 2020 season unless players negotiate salary concessions,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement. “The concessions being sought are in addition to billions in player salary reductions that have already been agreed upon. This threat came in response to an association proposal aimed at charting a path forward.”
“Rather than engage, the league replied it will shorten the season unless players agree to further salary reductions,” Clark added.
Players originally were set to earn about $4 billion in 2020 salaries, exclusive of guaranteed money such as signing bonuses, termination pay and option buyouts. The union’s plan would cut that to around $2.8 billion and management to approximately $1.2 billion plus a $200 million bonus pool if the postseason is completed.
MLB last week proposed an 82-game season with an additional sliding scale of pay cuts that would leave a player at the $563,500 minimum with 47% of his original salary and top stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at less than 22% of the $36 million they had been set to earn.
Players countered Sunday with a plan for a 114-game regular season with no pay cuts beyond the prorated salaries they agreed to on March 26. That would leave each player with about 70% of his original pay.
MLB rejected that Wednesday, when Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote in a letter to union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer informing him “we do not have any reason to believe that a negotiated solution for an 82-game season is possible.”
“Nonetheless, the commissioner is committed to playing baseball in 2020,” Halem said in the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “He has started discussions with ownership about staging a shorter season without fans.”
Management officials have said they are considering a slate of perhaps 50 games or fewer. There has not been a schedule averaging fewer than 82 games per team since 1879.
“The overwhelming consensus of the board is that players are ready to report, ready to get back on the field, and they are willing to do so under unprecedented conditions that could affect the health and safety of not just themselves, but their families as well,” Clark said in a statement. “The league’s demand for additional concessions was resoundingly rejected.”
Baseball’s March 26 deal allows games if there are no government restrictions on playing in front of fans and no relevant travel limitations. The sides agreed to “discuss in good faith” the economic feasibility of playing in empty ballparks, which appears to be the likely option.
MLB says that without fans it would average a loss of $640,000 for each additional game played. The union disputes the teams’ financial figures.
Teams also worry about a second wave of the new coronavirus this fall and don’t want to play past October, fearing $787 million in broadcast revenue for the postseason could be lost. MLB proposed expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to 14, which would generate additional broadcast rights to sell, and players have offered to guarantee the larger playoffs for both 2020 and 2021.
While baseball has reverted to the economic bickering that led to eight work stoppages from 1972-95, the NBA announced plans Thursday to resume its regular season with 22 teams on July 31, the NHL is moving ahead with plans for an expanded Stanley Cup playoffs this summer and MLS is planning to have teams return with a tournament in July.
“In this time of unprecedented suffering at home and abroad, players want nothing more than to get back to work,” Clark said. “But we cannot do this alone.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--1 dead, 1 arrested after pursuit, crash in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE ( AP ) - One person was killed after an SUV police were trying to stop struck another car @ @ @ @ @ Authorities said the sport utility vehicle was driving recklessly and had people hanging out the @ @ @ @ @ not stop and struck another car , ejecting a person from the SUV .
That @ @ @ @ @ Two other people - one from each vehicle - were taken to a hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ in the SUV and one in the car that was struck .
The driver who @ @ @ @ @ was arrested .

MILWAUKEE (AP) - One person was killed after an SUV police were trying to stop struck another car in Milwaukee on Thursday.
Authorities said the sport utility vehicle was driving recklessly and had people hanging out the windows. The SUV did not stop and struck another car, ejecting a person from the SUV. That person was pronounced dead. Two other people - one from each vehicle - were taken to a hospital.
WITI-TV reports seven people were in the SUV and one in the car that was struck. The driver who police say failed to stop was arrested.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--AP PHOTOS: AP Week in Pictures, Asia

AP PHOTOS: AP Week in Pictures, Asia

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and @ @ @ @ @ was curated by AP photo editors Wally Santana in Bangkok and Masayo Yoshida in Tokyo @

MAY 29-JUNE 4, 2020
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and the Pacific.
The gallery was curated by AP photo editors Wally Santana in Bangkok and Masayo Yoshida in Tokyo.
Follow AP visual journalism:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews
AP Images on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Images
AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Jay Banks Texas Ranger statue removed from Dallas, Texas Love Field airport

Add the Texas Rangers to the list of iconic figures now being cast into the forbidden zone for past sins of racism .
A statue of the famous lawman that had stood in the lobby of the Love Field airport in Dallas since 1963 was removed Thursday by a Dallas municipal work crew as some onlookers applauded .
The Rangers are the subject of an upcoming book , “ Cult of Glory : The Bold and Brutal History of the Texas Rangers , ” slated to be published on June 9 .
The author , Doug J. Swanson , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News before joining the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh , the newspaper said .
An excerpt from the book ran recently in D magazine and caught the attention of several city officials , including the , according to an airport spokesman .
The Rangers have been an icon of law enforcement in the Lone State State and elsewhere for decades .
The spokesman , Chris Perry , said officials were troubled by many anecdotes of racism and brutality in Mr. Swanson ’ s account , and he told the Morning News the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very rich and problematic backstory.
” The Ranger memorialized is Capt .
Jay Banks , who supervised the Rangers that blocked integration of a Texas high school and community college under orders from then Gov .
Allan Shivers in 1957 , Mr. Swanson said .
In a photo taken outside the high school , Mr. Banks is seen standing in front of a black figure hanging in effigy that the lawman made no attempt to remove .
The statue was titled , “ One Riot .
One Ranger.
” The Rangers trace their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1823 , although the force was officially recognized in August 1835 .
The Rangers have long been a subject of literature and film , and last year the onetime Rangers who hunted down and killed Bonnie and Clyde were the subject of a Hollywood movie , “ The Highwaymen.
” Still , the removal of the statue marks a new level in the ongoing revision of America ’ s public monument landscape that has accelerated since George Floyd , an unarmed African-American man , died after Minneapolis police kneed on his neck and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arresting him for allegedly passing a counterfeit bill .
Most of the removed statues to date have a more explicitly racist pedigree , such as those of Confederate figures or anonymous Confederate soldiers whose marble figures have long dotted public spaces south of the Mason-Dixon line .
That process began long before Mr. Floyd ’ s death , which prompted the immediate firing and arrest of the Minneapolis cops involved , with second degree murder now filed against the main officer , Derek Chauvin .
Since that horrifying incident was captured on video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in some cases morphed into riots .
Monuments to often dubious figures became a target of protestors , and on May 31 a professor of Egyptian studies at the University of Alabama Birmingham , Sarah Parcak , tweeted a sketch of how protestors could topple obelisks .
Ms. Parcak singled out a 52-foot high obelisk dedicated to Confederate soldiers and sailors that had long stood in Birmingham ’ s Linn Park before officials took it down this week .
Neither that statue nor the bronze Ranger are slated for destruction , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be put into storage , and Dallas ‘ director of the Office of Arts and Culture said the city would re-evaluate all the memorials and monuments that comprise its public collection .

Add the Texas Rangers to the list of iconic figures now being cast into the forbidden zone for past sins of racism.
A statue of the famous lawman that had stood in the lobby of the Love Field airport in Dallas since 1963 was removed Thursday by a Dallas municipal work crew as some onlookers applauded.
The Rangers are the subject of an upcoming book, “Cult of Glory: The Bold and Brutal History of the Texas Rangers,” slated to be published on June 9. The author, Doug J. Swanson, was a longtime reporter at The Dallas Morning News before joining the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh, the newspaper said.
An excerpt from the book ran recently in D magazine and caught the attention of several city officials, including the, according to an airport spokesman.
The Rangers have been an icon of law enforcement in the Lone State State and elsewhere for decades. The spokesman, Chris Perry, said officials were troubled by many anecdotes of racism and brutality in Mr. Swanson’s account, and he told the Morning News the 12-foot tall bronze statue had a “very rich and problematic backstory.”
The Ranger memorialized is Capt. Jay Banks, who supervised the Rangers that blocked integration of a Texas high school and community college under orders from then Gov. Allan Shivers in 1957, Mr. Swanson said. In a photo taken outside the high school, Mr. Banks is seen standing in front of a black figure hanging in effigy that the lawman made no attempt to remove.
The statue was titled, “One Riot. One Ranger.” The Rangers trace their history back to Stephen F. Austin in 1823, although the force was officially recognized in August 1835. The Rangers have long been a subject of literature and film, and last year the onetime Rangers who hunted down and killed Bonnie and Clyde were the subject of a Hollywood movie, “The Highwaymen.”
Still, the removal of the statue marks a new level in the ongoing revision of America’s public monument landscape that has accelerated since George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man, died after Minneapolis police kneed on his neck and back for more than 8 minutes while arresting him for allegedly passing a counterfeit bill.
Most of the removed statues to date have a more explicitly racist pedigree, such as those of Confederate figures or anonymous Confederate soldiers whose marble figures have long dotted public spaces south of the Mason-Dixon line.
That process began long before Mr. Floyd’s death, which prompted the immediate firing and arrest of the Minneapolis cops involved, with second degree murder now filed against the main officer, Derek Chauvin. Since that horrifying incident was captured on video, cities have been rocked by protests that in some cases morphed into riots.
Monuments to often dubious figures became a target of protestors, and on May 31 a professor of Egyptian studies at the University of Alabama Birmingham, Sarah Parcak, tweeted a sketch of how protestors could topple obelisks.
Ms. Parcak singled out a 52-foot high obelisk dedicated to Confederate soldiers and sailors that had long stood in Birmingham’s Linn Park before officials took it down this week.
Neither that statue nor the bronze Ranger are slated for destruction, officials said. Mr. Perry said the Ranger would be put into storage, and Dallas’ director of the Office of Arts and Culture said the city would re-evaluate all the memorials and monuments that comprise its public collection.
• James Varney can be reached at jvarney@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Twitter removes Trump campaign George Floyd tribute

President Trump ’ s re-election campaign tweeted a 4-minute tribute video to George Floyd , narrated by the president .
@ @ @ @ @ .
The video , in which Mr. Trump said “ we hear their pleas ” @ @ @ @ @ killing of the Minneapolis black man , received more than a million views and also @ @ @ @ @ Jr. before being pulled down .
Now the video is replaced by a message that @ @ @ @ @ has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.
” Later in @ @ @ @ @ The Hill , the president warns about “ violence and anarchy ” from “ radical @ @ @ @ @ images show looting and violent mayhem .
Mr. Trump ’ s voiceover also calls police @ @ @ @ @ to images of officers hugging civilians and people cleaning up graffiti and garbage , the @ @ @

President Trump’s reelection campaign tweeted a four-minute tribute video to George Floyd, narrated by the president.
Twitter took it down Thursday.
The video, in which Mr. Trump said “we hear their pleas” of protesters in the notorious killing of the Minneapolis black man, received more than a million views and also was retweeted by Donald Trump Jr. before being pulled down.
“This X 1000!!!,” the younger Mr. Trump said.
Now the video is replaced by a message that reads, “this media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.”
Later in the video, according to The Hill, the president warns about “violence and anarchy” from “radical leftwing groups” and the images show looting and violent mayhem.
Mr. Trump’s voiceover also calls police “devoted public servants” to images of officers hugging civilians and people cleaning up graffiti and garbage, the Hill reported.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--San Jose cites 'coordinated' violence against police

SAN JOSE ( AP ) - San Jose ’ s police chief , backed up by the city ’ s mayor , said Thursday that officers have been targeted by coordinated , violent attacks from agitators who hid inside crowds of peaceful protesters and then turned the streets of downtown San Jose into a “ war zone.
” Mayor Sam Liccardo stood beside Police Chief Eddie Garcia at a news conference Thursday in a show of support for the police department , which has come under criticism for heavy handedness at ongoing protests against police violence sparked by the killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department has used tear gas and fired rubber bullets at the crowd , and an officer was suspended after being caught on video in an expletive-laden outburst at a female protester .
Garcia played a 5-minute video of footage collected from several days of chaotic street violence in San Jose , the heart of Silicon Valley .
Video included rioters bashing windows of civilian and police vehicles , wheeling flaming dumpsters through the streets and hurling objects at police lines .
It showed an injured officer being dragged to safety by his colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground .
“ When my boots hit the ground , I stepped into a war zone .
It is not hyperbole , ” said Capt .
Jason Dwyer of the department ’ s special operations division .
He recounted rocks , bottles and chunks of asphalt being thrown at officers last Friday and in the days that followed .
“ I have never seen anything like it.
” Garcia said he wanted to address public criticism that officers have been too severe in their use of force against protesters .
“ What started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against injustice saw an insurrection of pre-planned violence in complete determination to destroy property , ” Garcia said .
He described “ agitators hiding in the crowd ” of peaceful protesters and officers getting hit with metal rebar , chunks of asphalt and “ rocks and bottles in massive numbers ” both from the ground and at times from rooftops .
Last Friday night , an officer was punched , knocked unconscious and treated at a hospital , he said .
At a Saturday afternoon protest outside City Hall , there was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying projectiles thrown by about 30 people ” who struck at the same time from various spots in a crowd of about 300 , Garcia said .
In several cases , police intelligence identified suspects planning to attack police , he said .
At a Monday evening demonstration at City Hall , “ we identified agitators who brought in heavy black duffel bags ” filled with rocks and some people were armed with knives and handheld radios to communicate with others in the crowd , Garcia said .
Garcia did not specify whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be affiliated with any group or whether any of the “ agitators ” were among more than 150 related arrests in San Jose in the last week .
“ You ’ ve got sporadic agitators in the crowd .
But we have intelligence showing some have hand-held radios , ” he said .
“ There are levels of sophistication and coordination.
” An 8:30 p.m. curfew imposed Sunday helped thin crowds by nightfall and decreased the violence , he said .
Garcia again apologized Thursday for the behavior of the officer who shouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saying it won ’ t be tolerated .
He said the department will investigate its conduct during the protests and “ will hold ourselves accountable ” for any mistakes .
Liccardo , who knelt with protesters outside City Hall over the weekend , said the police response helped “ to protect the safety of people in the crowds as well as the officers.
” “ It was chaos .
A lot was being thrown at officers , they showed admirable restraint , ” Liccardo said .

SAN JOSE (AP) - San Jose’s police chief, backed up by the city’s mayor, said Thursday that officers have been targeted by coordinated, violent attacks from agitators who hid inside crowds of peaceful protesters and then turned the streets of downtown San Jose into a “war zone.”
Mayor Sam Liccardo stood beside Police Chief Eddie Garcia at a news conference Thursday in a show of support for the police department, which has come under criticism for heavy handedness at ongoing protests against police violence sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The department has used tear gas and fired rubber bullets at the crowd, and an officer was suspended after being caught on video in an expletive-laden outburst at a female protester.
Garcia played a 5-minute video of footage collected from several days of chaotic street violence in San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley. Video included rioters bashing windows of civilian and police vehicles, wheeling flaming dumpsters through the streets and hurling objects at police lines. It showed an injured officer being dragged to safety by his colleagues and another injured officer lying on the ground.
“When my boots hit the ground, I stepped into a war zone. It is not hyperbole,” said Capt. Jason Dwyer of the department’s special operations division. He recounted rocks, bottles and chunks of asphalt being thrown at officers last Friday and in the days that followed. “I have never seen anything like it.”
Garcia said he wanted to address public criticism that officers have been too severe in their use of force against protesters.
“What started out Friday as peaceful, righteous demonstrations against injustice saw an insurrection of pre-planned violence in complete determination to destroy property,” Garcia said.
He described “agitators hiding in the crowd” of peaceful protesters and officers getting hit with metal rebar, chunks of asphalt and “rocks and bottles in massive numbers” both from the ground and at times from rooftops. Last Friday night, an officer was punched, knocked unconscious and treated at a hospital, he said.
At a Saturday afternoon protest outside City Hall, there was “a large coordinated attack on officers with flying projectiles thrown by about 30 people” who struck at the same time from various spots in a crowd of about 300, Garcia said.
In several cases, police intelligence identified suspects planning to attack police, he said.
At a Monday evening demonstration at City Hall, “we identified agitators who brought in heavy black duffel bags” filled with rocks and some people were armed with knives and handheld radios to communicate with others in the crowd, Garcia said.
Garcia did not specify whether any of the protesters are believed to be affiliated with any group or whether any of the “agitators” were among more than 150 related arrests in San Jose in the last week.
“You’ve got sporadic agitators in the crowd. But we have intelligence showing some have hand-held radios,” he said. “There are levels of sophistication and coordination.”
An 8:30 p.m. curfew imposed Sunday helped thin crowds by nightfall and decreased the violence, he said.
Garcia again apologized Thursday for the behavior of the officer who shouted aggressively at demonstrators, calling it unprofessional and saying it won’t be tolerated. He said the department will investigate its conduct during the protests and “will hold ourselves accountable” for any mistakes.
Liccardo, who knelt with protesters outside City Hall over the weekend, said the police response helped “to protect the safety of people in the crowds as well as the officers.”
“It was chaos. A lot was being thrown at officers, they showed admirable restraint,” Liccardo said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Quotes: Leaguewide reaction to NBA's return-to-play vote

A sampling of reaction from around the NBA on Thursday , after the league ’ s Board of Governors voted to approve a 22-team format for the resumption of the season next month at the Disney complex near Orlando , Florida : “ We can now focus our efforts on preparing for the 2020-21 season and , ideally , putting ourselves in position to be a very successful team .
In many respects , despite our won-loss record , we had a productive season this year .
Our rookies gained valuable experience , several of our young veterans showed marked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rehab , and our culture remained strong.
” - Bob Myers , general manager of the Golden State Warriors .
“ To all the fans in Minnesota , I appreciate you all !
!
Trust me when I say this , the best is yet to come !
!
” - Josh Okogie of the Minnesota Timberwolves .
“ From a fan perspective , I ’ m curious to see what it plays like .
This is going to be new for everyone , obviously .
So it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits from it , who doesn ’ t .
But I think until we get out there and see how it goes , it ’ s going to be hard to assess .
But , you know , our guys are young and adaptable and talented .
So we feel good about how they ’ ll take the situation.
” - Memphis Grizzlies President Jason Wexler .
“ While we are disappointed that the announced return to play proposal excludes the Cleveland Cavaliers , we understand all of the unprecedented factors that contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard decisions Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA ’ s Board of Governors had to make .
We also respect the exhaustive and life-altering measures that were considered as a result of COVID-19 , but as a team , we greatly desired to be a part of the season ’ s resumption.
” - Joint statement from Cleveland general manager Koby Altman and coach J.B. Bickerstaff .
“ We play for an ownership group that actually listens to its players and has a backbone .
We voiced what we felt was the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I commend our front office and Jody Allen.
” - CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers , the lone team that voted against the 22-team proposal .
“ It is disappointing that we will not return to play for the 2019-20 season , but ultimately this decision is about more than just one team.
” - Michael Reinsdorf , Chicago Bulls President and Chief Operating Officer .
“ The decision was made in the best interest of all involved.
” - The Detroit Pistons .
“ Our guys have worked extremely hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready .
We have played our way into playoff position and are certainly looking forward to the opportunity ahead .
We can ’ t wait to get back in the gym and get to work.
” - Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford .

A sampling of reaction from around the NBA on Thursday, after the league’s Board of Governors voted to approve a 22-team format for the resumption of the season next month at the Disney complex near Orlando, Florida:
“We can now focus our efforts on preparing for the 2020-21 season and, ideally, putting ourselves in position to be a very successful team. In many respects, despite our won-loss record, we had a productive season this year. Our rookies gained valuable experience, several of our young veterans showed marked improvement, our injured players progressed in their rehab, and our culture remained strong.” - Bob Myers, general manager of the Golden State Warriors.
“To all the fans in Minnesota, I appreciate you all!! Trust me when I say this, the best is yet to come!!” - Josh Okogie of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“From a fan perspective, I’m curious to see what it plays like. This is going to be new for everyone, obviously. So it’s going to be really hard to tell for who benefits from it, who doesn’t. But I think until we get out there and see how it goes, it’s going to be hard to assess. But, you know, our guys are young and adaptable and talented. So we feel good about how they’ll take the situation.” - Memphis Grizzlies President Jason Wexler.
“While we are disappointed that the announced return to play proposal excludes the Cleveland Cavaliers, we understand all of the unprecedented factors that contributed to this outcome and we accept the hard decisions Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA’s Board of Governors had to make. We also respect the exhaustive and life-altering measures that were considered as a result of COVID-19, but as a team, we greatly desired to be a part of the season’s resumption.” - Joint statement from Cleveland general manager Koby Altman and coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
“We play for an ownership group that actually listens to its players and has a backbone. We voiced what we felt was the best option and they followed our lead. I commend our front office and Jody Allen.” - CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers, the lone team that voted against the 22-team proposal.
“It is disappointing that we will not return to play for the 2019-20 season, but ultimately this decision is about more than just one team.” - Michael Reinsdorf, Chicago Bulls President and Chief Operating Officer.
“The decision was made in the best interest of all involved.” - The Detroit Pistons.
“Our guys have worked extremely hard and made a great commitment to stay ready. We have played our way into playoff position and are certainly looking forward to the opportunity ahead. We can’t wait to get back in the gym and get to work.” - Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Federal court rejects EPA approval of widely used herbicide

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - The federal government must revoke its approval of a widely used weed killer that has damaged other crops and turned neighbor against neighbor in some farm communities , a federal appeals court in California ruled .
Dicamba is used on tens of millions of acres of soybeans and cotton nationwide “ but its toxicity is not limited to weeds , ” the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday , the San Francisco Chronicle reported .
Companies that make dicamba were licensed in 2016 and the Environmental Protection Agency renewed the license @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval involved a newer version designed to be sprayed on genetically modified soybeans and cotton .
Environmental and food safety groups had sued to block approval .
The EPA approval came with restrictions on when dicamba could be sprayed to avoid it being carried by wind or other conditions onto neighboring fields where crops couldn ’ t survive it .
In the appellate ruling , Judge William Fletcher wrote that the EPA overstated the protections and understated or ignored the environmental and economic risks .
Indiscrimate , crop-killing use of the herbicide has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many farming communities , ” the ruling said , noting that an Arkansas farmer was shot and killed in an argument over the weed killer in 2016 .
The nonprofit Center for Food Safety , one party in the lawsuit , praised the verdict .
It is “ a massive victory for farmers , the environment , and the rule of law .
And a day of reckoning for Monsanto and the Trump administration , ” said George Kimbrell , an attorney with the group .
The ruling was criticized by Bayer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which makes the herbicide .
“ The EPA ’ s informed science-based decision reaffirms that this tool is vital for growers and does not pose any unreasonable risks of off-target movement when used according to label directions , ” the company said .
In February , Bayer and another dicamba manufacturer , BASF , were ordered to pay $ 265 million to a Missiouri peach farmer who said the herbicide drifted from nearby cotton fields and damaged thousands of his trees .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The federal government must revoke its approval of a widely used weed killer that has damaged other crops and turned neighbor against neighbor in some farm communities, a federal appeals court in California ruled.
Dicamba is used on tens of millions of acres of soybeans and cotton nationwide “but its toxicity is not limited to weeds,” the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Companies that make dicamba were licensed in 2016 and the Environmental Protection Agency renewed the license for two years in 2018. The approval involved a newer version designed to be sprayed on genetically modified soybeans and cotton.
Environmental and food safety groups had sued to block approval.
The EPA approval came with restrictions on when dicamba could be sprayed to avoid it being carried by wind or other conditions onto neighboring fields where crops couldn’t survive it.
In the appellate ruling, Judge William Fletcher wrote that the EPA overstated the protections and understated or ignored the environmental and economic risks.
Indiscrimate, crop-killing use of the herbicide has “torn apart the social fabric of many farming communities,” the ruling said, noting that an Arkansas farmer was shot and killed in an argument over the weed killer in 2016.
The nonprofit Center for Food Safety, one party in the lawsuit, praised the verdict.
It is “a massive victory for farmers, the environment, and the rule of law. And a day of reckoning for Monsanto and the Trump administration,” said George Kimbrell, an attorney with the group.
The ruling was criticized by Bayer, the German parent company of Monsanto Co., which makes the herbicide.
“The EPA’s informed science-based decision reaffirms that this tool is vital for growers and does not pose any unreasonable risks of off-target movement when used according to label directions,” the company said.
In February, Bayer and another dicamba manufacturer, BASF, were ordered to pay $265 million to a Missiouri peach farmer who said the herbicide drifted from nearby cotton fields and damaged thousands of his trees.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Austin police chief says no more beanbag rounds in crowds

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - Austin ’ s police chief said Thursday his department will no longer fire beanbag rounds into crowds after a teenage boy was critically hurt during a weekend protest when he was shot in the head when an officer fired the ammunition that is considered a less-lethal use of force .
Police Chief Brian Manley announced the amended policy during a special meeting of the Austin City Council , where hundreds of people spoke out against police brutality following nationwide unrest over the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Floyd ’ s neck .
Edwin Ayala , the brother of 16-year-old Brad Levi Ayala , who is hospitalized after being hit by the beanbag round during a Saturday demonstration , pleaded for witnesses and police to contact the family with video of the moment his brother was shot so they can understand how it happened .
“ We just want to know the truth .
We just want as much transparency from the police to know what happened , ” Edwin Alaya said via phone during the council meeting .
Edwin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep puncture , a brain contusion and a skull fracture that required a seven-hour surgery .
“ We thought he was going to die , ” Edwin Ayala said in tears .
Manley made only a brief statement about the department ’ s change in practice .
“ It is still an appropriate tool in other circumstances so it is still approved for use , however not in crowd situations , ” Manley said .
He did not elaborate .
But Austin City Councilman Gregorio Casar , who was among council members who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protesters , pushed back .
He said he had seen a video of Levi Ayala being shot by the beanbag round and that the teen was not in a crowd , but standing alone .
“ This is not enough , ” Casar said .
Levi Ayala is expected to make a slow recovery , according to his family , but he has damage to the pre-frontal cortex , which causes problems processing and balancing emotions .
A GoFundMe page for the family set up by Edwin Ayala has raised over $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 360 people signed up to speak to the council during the online meeting , many calling for Manley and the officers responsible to be fired .
Many government meetings have moved online to allow social distancing to fight the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
Dozens of University of Texas football players marched Thursday with Austin police officers from campus to the state Capitol to honor the Floyd ’ s memory in just one of the latest demonstrations to take place across Texas and the U.S .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Renee Hall announced her department would not file charges against more than 600 protesters arrested Monday night during a largely peaceful demonstration that police ended after the group marched onto a bridge .
A police spokeswoman previously said the protesters who were arrested and not sent to jail would face charges of obstructing a roadway .
Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Austin’s police chief said Thursday his department will no longer fire beanbag rounds into crowds after a teenage boy was critically hurt during a weekend protest when he was shot in the head when an officer fired the ammunition that is considered a less-lethal use of force.
Police Chief Brian Manley announced the amended policy during a special meeting of the Austin City Council, where hundreds of people spoke out against police brutality following nationwide unrest over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck.
Edwin Ayala, the brother of 16-year-old Brad Levi Ayala, who is hospitalized after being hit by the beanbag round during a Saturday demonstration, pleaded for witnesses and police to contact the family with video of the moment his brother was shot so they can understand how it happened.
“We just want to know the truth. We just want as much transparency from the police to know what happened,” Edwin Alaya said via phone during the council meeting.
Edwin Alaya said his younger brother has a deep puncture, a brain contusion and a skull fracture that required a seven-hour surgery.
“We thought he was going to die,” Edwin Ayala said in tears.
Manley made only a brief statement about the department’s change in practice.
“It is still an appropriate tool in other circumstances so it is still approved for use, however not in crowd situations,” Manley said. He did not elaborate.
But Austin City Councilman Gregorio Casar, who was among council members who expressed disappointment in how Austin police responded to protesters, pushed back. He said he had seen a video of Levi Ayala being shot by the beanbag round and that the teen was not in a crowd, but standing alone.
“This is not enough,” Casar said.
Levi Ayala is expected to make a slow recovery, according to his family, but he has damage to the pre-frontal cortex, which causes problems processing and balancing emotions. A GoFundMe page for the family set up by Edwin Ayala has raised over $140,000 as of Thursday.
More than 360 people signed up to speak to the council during the online meeting, many calling for Manley and the officers responsible to be fired. Many government meetings have moved online to allow social distancing to fight the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Dozens of University of Texas football players marched Thursday with Austin police officers from campus to the state Capitol to honor the Floyd’s memory in just one of the latest demonstrations to take place across Texas and the U.S.
In Dallas on Thursday, Police Chief Renee Hall announced her department would not file charges against more than 600 protesters arrested Monday night during a largely peaceful demonstration that police ended after the group marched onto a bridge. A police spokeswoman previously said the protesters who were arrested and not sent to jail would face charges of obstructing a roadway.
___
Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Second California prison employee dies after catching virus

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - A second California state prison employee has died after testing positive for the @ @ @ @ @ .
The plant operations employee at Ironwood State Prison in eastern Riverside County died Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ .
She released no additional information , citing the family ’ s privacy .
The @ @ @ @ @ who tested positive for the virus was California Rehabilitation Center Correctional Officer Danny Mendoza , @ @ @ @ @ in the same county .
Nearly 400 department employees have tested positive , but nearly @ @ @ @ @ to work , the department said .
There are more than 2,200 inmates with active @ @ @ @ @ died , all at the California Institution for Men in San Bernardino County .
For @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up @ @ @ @ @ .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it @ @ @ @ @ , including pneumonia , and death .
The vast majority of people recover .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A second California state prison employee has died after testing positive for the coronavirus, officials said Thursday.
The plant operations employee at Ironwood State Prison in eastern Riverside County died Wednesday, spokeswoman Dana Simas said. She released no additional information, citing the family’s privacy.
The first death of an employee who tested positive for the virus was California Rehabilitation Center Correctional Officer Danny Mendoza, 53, who died Saturday in the same county.
Nearly 400 department employees have tested positive, but nearly half of those have returned to work, the department said.
There are more than 2,200 inmates with active cases. Twelve inmates have died, all at the California Institution for Men in San Bernardino County.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--Confederate memorials removal campaign resonates in Belgium

A longtime campaign to take down statues memorializing the Confederacy , many of which were erected decades after the Civil War , is gaining newfound momentum amid protests over the death of George Floyd .
Anti-racism sentiments driving the campaign have pushed U.S. elected leaders in several cities and states to remove Confederate monuments and apparently have inspired Belgians to reconsider their country ’ s colonial past .
Citizens in Belgium are calling for the removal of statues honoring King Leopold II , whose military missions resulted in the deaths of millions of people in the African Congo in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters reported Thursday .
Belgians are expressing solidarity with U.S. protesters demonstrating against the death of Mr. Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes on Memorial Day , according to Reuters .
In the U.S. , the protests have prompted swift action against Confederate memorials : ⦁ In Richmond , the erstwhile capital of the Confederacy , Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam announced plans Thursday to remove the bronze statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee from the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
“ You see , in Virginia , we no longer preach a false version of history — one that pretends the Civil War was about ‘ state rights ’ and not the evils of slavery .
No one believes that any longer , ” Mr. Northam , a Democrat , said at a news conference .
On Wednesday , Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said he would seek to uproot the statues of other Confederate leaders from Monument Avenue , a National Historic Landmark district .
⦁ In Indianapolis , Mayor Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garfield Park a monument dedicated to Confederate soldiers who died at a Union prison camp in the city .
He said contractors will dismantle the grave memorial , which was relocated to the park about 100 years ago from its original position in a cemetery .
“ Our streets are filled with voices of anger and anguish , testament to centuries of racism directed at Black Americans , ” Mr. Hogsett , a Democrat , said in a press release .
“ We must name these instances of discrimination and never forget our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them.
” ⦁ In Northern Virginia , the United Daughters of the Confederacy on Tuesday removed “ Appomattox , ” a statue of a forlorn soldier looking southward with his head down and arms crossed from the middle of an intersection in Old Town Alexandria , where it had stood for more than 130 years .
⦁ In Birmingham , Alabama , Mayor Randall Woodfin ordered a crane to pull down the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monday .
The monument , which had stood in Linn Park for 115 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters .
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a lawsuit against the city Tuesday for violating a 2017 law that bars removal of a monument without state approval and fined Mr. Woodfin $ 25,000 .
Protesters toppled a statue of Robert E. Lee in Montgomery , Alabama , on Saturday , and officials voted to remove a Confederate monument at Battle Park in Rocky Mount , North Carolina .
Controversy has long roiled efforts to take down Confederate symbols .
The statues have survived with support from statehouses , town councils and proponents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the South and embrace an esprit de corps for anti-governmental attitudes .
In 2018 , Alabama Gov .
Kay Ivey , a Republican , said that “ folks in Washington ” and “ out-of-state liberals ” should not lead the conversation on the monuments ’ fate .
“ We can ’ t and shouldn ’ t even try to change or erase or tear down our history , ” Ms. Ivey said .
“ We must learn from our history.
” A spokesperson for Ms. Ivey declined a request for an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham .
Proponents for removing the monuments note that many were erected in the post-Reconstruction era and the Jim Crow and the civil rights eras of the 1950s and ‘ 60s , when the statues symbolized continued oppression of blacks .
Mr. Northam said Thursday that the statues coincided with large-scale efforts to disenfranchise black voters .
He said more than 100,000 black men were registered to vote in Virginia in the early years after the Civil War , but that plummeted 90 % after the Lee statue was erected in 1890 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
And laws can be changed .
And this year … we changed them , ” Mr. Northam said .
⦁ This article is based in part on wire service reports .

A longtime campaign to take down statues memorializing the Confederacy, many of which were erected decades after the Civil War, is gaining newfound momentum amid protests over the death of George Floyd.
Anti-racism sentiments driving the campaign have pushed U.S. elected leaders in several cities and states to remove Confederate monuments and apparently have inspired Belgians to reconsider their country’s colonial past.
Citizens in Belgium are calling for the removal of statues honoring King Leopold II, whose military missions resulted in the deaths of millions of people in the African Congo in the late 1800s to extract its resources, Reuters reported Thursday.
Belgians are expressing solidarity with U.S. protesters demonstrating against the death of Mr. Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes on Memorial Day, according to Reuters.
In the U.S., the protests have prompted swift action against Confederate memorials:
⦁ In Richmond, the erstwhile capital of the Confederacy, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced plans Thursday to remove the bronze statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee from the city’s prestigious Monument Avenue as soon as possible.
“You see, in Virginia, we no longer preach a false version of history — one that pretends the Civil War was about ‘state rights’ and not the evils of slavery. No one believes that any longer,” Mr. Northam, a Democrat, said at a news conference.
On Wednesday, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said he would seek to uproot the statues of other Confederate leaders from Monument Avenue, a National Historic Landmark district.
⦁ In Indianapolis, Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city will remove from Garfield Park a monument dedicated to Confederate soldiers who died at a Union prison camp in the city. He said contractors will dismantle the grave memorial, which was relocated to the park about 100 years ago from its original position in a cemetery.
“Our streets are filled with voices of anger and anguish, testament to centuries of racism directed at Black Americans,” Mr. Hogsett, a Democrat, said in a press release. “We must name these instances of discrimination and never forget our past — but we should not honor them.”
⦁ In Northern Virginia, the United Daughters of the Confederacy on Tuesday removed “Appomattox,” a statue of a forlorn soldier looking southward with his head down and arms crossed from the middle of an intersection in Old Town Alexandria, where it had stood for more than 130 years.
⦁ In Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Randall Woodfin ordered a crane to pull down the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monday. The monument, which had stood in Linn Park for 115 years, already had been damaged by George Floyd protesters.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a lawsuit against the city Tuesday for violating a 2017 law that bars removal of a monument without state approval and fined Mr. Woodfin $25,000.
Protesters toppled a statue of Robert E. Lee in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday, and officials voted to remove a Confederate monument at Battle Park in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Controversy has long roiled efforts to take down Confederate symbols. The statues have survived with support from statehouses, town councils and proponents who say the monuments celebrate the heritage of the South and embrace an esprit de corps for anti-governmental attitudes.
In 2018, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, said that “folks in Washington” and “out-of-state liberals” should not lead the conversation on the monuments’ fate.
“We can’t and shouldn’t even try to change or erase or tear down our history,” Ms. Ivey said. “We must learn from our history.”
A spokesperson for Ms. Ivey declined a request for an interview on the removal of the statue in Birmingham.
Proponents for removing the monuments note that many were erected in the post-Reconstruction era and the Jim Crow and the civil rights eras of the 1950s and ‘60s, when the statues symbolized continued oppression of blacks.
Mr. Northam said Thursday that the statues coincided with large-scale efforts to disenfranchise black voters. He said more than 100,000 black men were registered to vote in Virginia in the early years after the Civil War, but that plummeted 90% after the Lee statue was erected in 1890.
“But voting matters. And elections matter. And laws can be changed. And this year … we changed them,” Mr. Northam said.
⦁ This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Christopher Vondracek can be reached at cvondracek@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-04--AP journalist punched while walking with police commissioner

PHILADELPHIA ( AP ) - An Associated Press photographer on assignment was attacked Thursday afternoon by a passerby while the @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and Mayor Jim Kenney .
Matt Rourke was making photos @ @ @ @ @ North Philadelphia while the two city officials spent time with community members .
As Kenney @ @ @ @ @ police officers and members of the media were crossing Broad Street , a man sucker-punched @ @ @ @ @ Outlaw was one of the first people to tend to Rourke as he lay on @ @ @ @ @ took down the man and arrested him .
It ’ s unknown if he ’ @ @ @ @ @ was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK. An email to the @ @ @ @ @ spokesman seeking comment was sent .

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - An Associated Press photographer on assignment was attacked Thursday afternoon by a passerby while the journalist crossed the street with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and Mayor Jim Kenney.
Matt Rourke was making photos of Outlaw and Kenney in North Philadelphia while the two city officials spent time with community members.
As Kenney, Outlaw and several more police officers and members of the media were crossing Broad Street, a man sucker-punched Rourke in his face.
Outlaw was one of the first people to tend to Rourke as he lay on the street bloodied.
It’s unclear what prompted the attack.
Police took down the man and arrested him. A Philadelphia Police Department spokeswoman said he remained in police custody Thursday night. An investigation into possible charges is underway.
Rourke was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK.


washingtontimes--2020-06-05--Police: Motorcyclist killed after crashing into building

KANSAS CITY , Kan. ( AP ) - A man has died after crashing his motorcycle into a building in @ @ @ @ @ police there said .
The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. Thursday night , police said @ @ @ @ @ Police said the initial investigation showed the man was eastbound on a city street when @ @ @ @ @ crashed into the building .
Police have not released the name of the man , @ @ @ @ @ the scene .

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - A man has died after crashing his motorcycle into a building in Kansas City, Kansas, police there said.
The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. Thursday night, police said in a news release. Police said the initial investigation showed the man was eastbound on a city street when he left the roadway and crashed into the building.
Police have not released the name of the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.


washingtontimes--2020-06-05--Virginia city to remove slave auction block this month

FREDERICKSBURG , Va. ( AP ) - A 176-year-old slave auction block in a Virginia city is set to be removed and relocated to a history museum this month .
Fredericksburg city employees met Wednesday to discuss plans for the block ’ s relocation after it was delayed for months by lawsuits and the coronavirus pandemic , The Free Lance-Star reported .
Officials did not give an exact date for when the block would be removed .
A local chapter of the NAACP called for the stone ’ s removal in 2017 , saying it was a relic of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was allowed to be displayed at a downtown street corner .
In 2019 , the City Council voted in favor of its removal and relocation to the Fredericksburg Area Museum , and a judge upheld that decision in February after two businesses near the auction block sued to stop the relocation .
The process was held up after one of the businesses , a commercial building owner , asked the Virginia Supreme Court to bar the removal while her decision was being appealed , the newspaper said .
The museum now plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an exhibit chronicling the “ movement from slavery to accomplishments by the local African American community , ” the Free Lance-Star said .
The staff also plans to feature in the exhibit local protests over the death of George Floyd i n Minneapolis , according to the museum ’ s president and CEO .
The stone was sprayed with graffiti twice during the local demonstrations , the newspaper said .
The protests were part of a nationwide movement that were sparked by the death of Floyd , a handcuffed black man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his knee into his neck as he pleaded for air .

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) - A 176-year-old slave auction block has been removed from a Virginia city’s downtown.
The 800-pound (363-kilogram) stone was pulled from the ground at a Fredericksburg street corner early Friday after the removal was delayed for months by lawsuits and the coronavirus pandemic, The Free Lance-Star reported.
The weathered stone was sprayed with graffiti twice and chants of “move the block” erupted this week during local demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, city officials said in a statement announcing the removal.
The protests were part of a nationwide movement that was sparked by the death of Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a police officer pressed his knee into his neck as he pleaded for air.
A local chapter of the NAACP called for the stone’s removal in 2017, saying it was a relic of “a time of hatred and degradation” that was allowed to be displayed at a main thoroughfare in the city.
In 2019, the City Council voted in favor of its removal and relocation to the Fredericksburg Area Museum, and a judge upheld that decision in February after two businesses near the auction block sued to stop the relocation.
The process was held up after one of the businesses, a commercial building owner, asked the Virginia Supreme Court to bar the removal while her decision was being appealed, the newspaper said.
The museum now plans to display the knee-high stone in an exhibit chronicling the “movement from slavery to accomplishments by the local African American community,” the Free Lance-Star said. The staff also plans to feature the recent protests in the exhibit, according to the museum’s president and CEO.


washingtontimes--2020-06-05--Spain: Composers Williams, Morricone honored for film scores

MADRID ( AP ) - A Spanish foundation on Friday awarded one of the country ’ s most prestigious awards @ @ @ @ @ John Williams for their film work .
The jury that decides the Princess of Asturias @ @ @ @ @ American composers “ have enriched hundreds of films with their talent.
” The pair “ @ @ @ @ @ as well as narrative , building emotion , tension and lyricism at the service of @ @ @ @ @ 88 , has scored movies such as “ Star Wars , ” “ Jaws , @ @ @ @ @ ” series and the first three “ Harry Potter ” films .
Morricone , 91 @ @ @ @ @ seven decades created more than 400 scores for cinema and television .
The 50,000-euro award @ @ @ @ @ the first of eight prizes , including in the arts , social sciences and sports @ @ @ @ @ a foundation named for Spanish Crown Princess Leonor .

MADRID (AP) - A Spanish foundation on Friday awarded one of the country’s most prestigious awards to composers Ennio Morricone and John Williams for their film work.
The jury that decides the Princess of Asturias Awards said the Italian and American composers “have enriched hundreds of films with their talent.”
The pair “demonstrate complete mastery of composition as well as narrative, building emotion, tension and lyricism at the service of cinematographic images.”
Williams, 88, has scored movies such as “Star Wars,” “Jaws,” the “Indiana Jones” series and the first three “Harry Potter” films.
Morricone, 91, has over the past seven decades created more than 400 scores for cinema and television.
The 50,000-euro award ($56,700) is the first of eight prizes, including in the arts, social sciences and sports, handed out annually by a foundation named for Spanish Crown Princess Leonor.


washingtontimes--2020-06-05--Burundi appeals court upholds journalists' prison sentence

NAIROBI , Kenya ( AP ) - An appeals court in Burundi on Friday upheld the two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for four journalists convicted on charges of trying to undermine state security .
The journalists are with Iwacu , one of the few remaining private media organizations in the East African nation .
“ Our four colleagues remain in prison at Bubanza .
We will keep claiming justice and take the affair to the Supreme Court .
We thank all those who support us , ” Iwacu leader Antoine Kaburahe said in a Twitter post .
The four were arrested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province while covering the aftermath of clashes between the army and a rebel group from South Kivu in neighboring Congo .
President Pierre Nkurunziza ’ s government cracked down on the media ahead of the May presidential election won by the ruling party candidate .
Several local radio stations and media houses closed and many journalists fled the country .
“ These ( Iwacu ) journalists should never have been arrested for doing their work .
This case has been nothing but retaliation for journalism , ” said Muthoki Mumo , the Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This case is empty , ” added Arnaud Froger , Africa manager for Reporters Without Borders .
Burundi has been plagued by political violence since 2015 , when Nkurunziza announced he would seek a disputed third term .
He won re-election despite widespread protests , and the United Nations says more than 1,200 people were killed in the ensuing crackdown .
Nkurunziza surprised many by not running again this time , but some in Burundi worry he will assert power behind the scenes as the ruling party ’ s “ Supreme @ @ @

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - An appeals court in Burundi on Friday upheld the two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for four journalists convicted on charges of trying to undermine state security.
The journalists are with Iwacu, one of the few remaining private media organizations in the East African nation. “Our four colleagues remain in prison at Bubanza. We will keep claiming justice and take the affair to the Supreme Court. We thank all those who support us,” Iwacu leader Antoine Kaburahe said in a Twitter post.
The four were arrested in October in Musigati district in the western province while covering the aftermath of clashes between the army and a rebel group from South Kivu in neighboring Congo.
President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government cracked down on the media ahead of the May presidential election won by the ruling party candidate. Several local radio stations and media houses closed and many journalists fled the country.
“These (Iwacu) journalists should never have been arrested for doing their work. This case has been nothing but retaliation for journalism,” said Muthoki Mumo, the Committee to Protect Journalists representative in sub-Saharan Africa.
“This case is empty,” added Arnaud Froger, Africa manager for Reporters Without Borders.
Burundi has been plagued by political violence since 2015, when Nkurunziza announced he would seek a disputed third term. He won re-election despite widespread protests, and the United Nations says more than 1,200 people were killed in the ensuing crackdown.
Nkurunziza surprised many by not running again this time, but some in Burundi worry he will assert power behind the scenes as the ruling party’s “Supreme Guide.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-05--4 days after 'mob' trashed mall, protest planned in capital

PROVIDENCE , R.I. ( AP ) - Protesters planned to gather in downtown Providence on Friday to denounce police brutality @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter organized a demonstration for 4:30 p.m. on Kennedy Plaza in the heart @ @ @ @ @ capital , where a weeklong nighttime curfew has been imposed after violence in and near @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Churches announced plans to participate , urging parishioners to wear masks , @ @ @ @ @ peacefully and prayerfully .
Hundreds of people gathered near the mall late Monday night , @ @ @ @ @ on a destructive rampage .
Authorities have said it was not a protest of the @ @ @ @ @ the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis , but a coordinated attack by @ @ @ @ @ mob.
” More than 60 people were arrested and several police officers suffered minor injuries @

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Scores of protesters dressed in black rallied peacefully in downtown Providence on Friday to denounce police brutality against people of color.
Chanting “hands up don’t shoot” and “no justice, no peace,” the protesters gathered in Kennedy Plaza downtown and by Central High School on the city’s west side before marching to the State House.
At one point, the large gathering knelt in unison. Some state police troopers also joined hands with protesters for a moment of prayer.
A number of downtown businesses, including part of the Providence Place Mall, boarded up their storefronts ahead of the protest as a precaution.
But Police Chief Hugh Clements said his department was working with the organizers and wasn’t aware of any plans for violence. The state National Guard was also on hand to help keep the peace.
Democratic Mayor Jorge Elorza imposed a 9 p.m. curfew this week after downtown businesses, including at the Providence Place mall, were vandalized and robbed late Monday night and into Tuesday morning.
Authorities have said that incident was not a protest of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, but a coordinated attack by what they called a “mob.”
More than 60 people were arrested and several police officers suffered minor injuries.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo, who met Friday with organizers at the State House ahead of the rally, said she supported the efforts and was committed to finding ways to promote racial equality in Rhode Island.
“We’re here today to say loudly and clearly and unequivocally, black lives matter,” she said.
Raimondo also had a stern warning for those looking to incite violence. “We are prepared,” she said. “We will hold them accountable.”
Gary Dantzler, an organizer with the local chapter of Black Lives Matter, said the group is seeking a range of police reforms, including better training for officers and stronger laws to hold them accountable if they break laws or violate department policies.
“We don’t hate police officers,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-05--EU hopes to free borders of virus restrictions by end June

BRUSSELS ( AP ) - Europe could have its free travel zone up and running again by the end of the month , but travelers from further afield will not be allowed in before July , European Union Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said Friday after talks among the bloc ’ s interior ministers .
Panicked by the coronavirus outbreak in Italy in February , countries in the 26-nation Schengen area - where people and goods move freely without checks - imposed border restrictions without consulting their neighbors to try to keep the disease out .
The moves caused traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement is a jewel in Europe ’ s crown which helps business flourish , and many European officials feared that the very future of the Schengen area was at threat from the restrictions .
These added to pressures already caused by the arrival in Europe of well over 1 million migrants in 2015 .
“ I personally believe that we will return to a full functioning of the Schengen area and freedom of movement of citizens no later than the end of the month of June , ” Johansson told reporters after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control believes that confinement and other health measures are working .
The center says that more than 168,000 people have been killed by the coronavirus in Europe , mostly in Britain , Italy , France and Spain .
“ Physical distancing and other health-related measures are still needed , of course .
But health authorities are clear that there is no long a clear justification for either travel restrictions or border measures within the EU Schengen area , ” Johansson said .
The news should come as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to work out their summer vacation plans - which begin for many in July once the school year is over - and are anxious to know whether they will be allowed to head to beaches on the Mediterranean or into the mountains .
All but essential travel into Europe from outside is restricted until June 15 , but many ministers suggested that they want this deadline extended until early July , Johansson said .

BRUSSELS (AP) - Europe could have its free travel zone up and running again by the end of this month, but travelers from further afield will not be allowed in before July, a European Union commissioner said Friday after talks among the bloc’s interior ministers.
Panicked by Italy’s coronavirus outbreak in February, countries in the 26-nation Schengen travel zone - where people and goods move freely without border checks - imposed border restrictions without consulting their neighbors to try to keep the disease out. The moves caused massive border traffic jams and blocked medical equipment.
Free movement is a jewel in Europe’s crown that helps its businesses flourish and many European officials feared that the very future of the Schengen area was under threat from coronavirus travel restrictions. These added to border pressures already caused by the arrival in Europe of well over 1 million migrants in 2015.
“I personally believe that we will return to a full functioning of the Schengen area and freedom of movement of citizens no later than the end of the month of June,” European Union Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said Friday after the video-conference meeting.
All but essential travel into Europe from the outside is restricted until June 15, but many ministers suggested Friday that they want this deadline extended until early July.
The meeting came as the Czech Republic was easing restrictions with some of its neighbors; Austria, Germany and Hungary. Also Friday, Switzerland said it plans to lift restrictions on travel from EU nations and Britain on June 15. Switzerland is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen travel zone.
Johansson said Europe’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control believes that confinement, social distancing and other health measures are working. More than 175,000 people have died in Europe’s coronavirus outbreak, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University, mostly in Britain, Italy, France and Spain.
“Physical distancing and other health-related measures are still needed, of course. But health authorities are clear that there is no longer a clear justification for either travel restrictions or border measures within the EU Schengen area,” Johansson said.
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, whose country plans to lift its remaining border checks on June 15 like many other EU countries, said “the internal border controls will be over in all of Europe at the end of June.”
The news should come as a relief to millions of Europeans still trying to work out their summer vacation plans - which begin for many in July once the school year is over - and who are anxious to know whether they will be allowed to head to the continent’s beaches or mountains.
It’s also good news for European countries whose economies have been ravaged by the spread of COVID-19 and are hoping for a much-needed boost from their decimated tourism industries.
But the perception that Italy is still dangerous is weighing heavily on its tourism sector, which along with related industries accounts for 13% of Italy’s gross domestic product.
In an apparent reference to Austria and Greece, which have not fully opened to Italian tourists, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio denounced the “ad hoc” measures put in place by some countries as “a violation of the European spirit that has always distinguished us.”
Di Maio said Rome would provide regular infection data to Austria “so they can have certainty about Italy’s numbers.” Last week, he said Italy refused to be treated as a leper after Greece announced a list of 29 countries whose citizens could visit without testing or quarantine requirements, but excluded Italians, Britons and residents of other hard-hit countries.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte have sent a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen urging “the lifting of restrictions at our internal borders (…) in a coordinated, non-discriminatory manner.” The letter was shared with media in Spain on Friday.
The government leaders of the eurozone’s third- and fourth-largest economies want the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to play a leading role in “defining as soon as possible these criteria together with the member states.”
Spain, which relies on tourism for 12% of its GDP, plans to wait until July 1 to drop its 14-day quarantine requirement for everyone who crosses its borders, Spaniards included.
“Many of our member states are approaching the date when they are going to reopen their borders to tourist mobility,” Sánchez and Conte wrote. “How this process is carried out will largely determine our citizens’ perception of the centrality of the European Union in tackling this crisis.”
Germany’s Seehofer said most of the EU’s interior ministers want to extend the current entry ban on outside travelers “by 14 days until July 1.”
Visitors from the United States, Russia or Brazil, for example, would only be allowed back into Europe on based on how those nations have brought the spread of the virus under control, he said. Those three nations account for 44% of the world’s confirmed infections and nearly 38% of the world’s confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.
Worldwide, 6.6 million people have been confirmed infected by the virus and over 391,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins, but experts say the tally understates the true toll of the pandemic due to limited testing, missed mild cases and deliberate government undercounts.
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Janicek reported from Prague. Geir Moulson in Berlin, Nicole Winfield in Rome, and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report.
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Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak