washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Apple, AT&T, Jack Daniel's: Fed issues details on bond buys

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - The Federal Reserve on Sunday released a list of roughly 750 companies , including Apple , Walmart and ExxonMobil , whose corporate bonds it will purchase in the coming months in an effort to keep borrowing costs low and smooth the flow of credit .
The central bank also said it has , so far , purchased nearly $ 429 million in corporate bonds from 86 of those companies , including AT & T ; , Walgreen ’ s , Microsoft , Pfizer and Marathon Petroleum .
The Fed announced in March that it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , purchase corporate bonds as the intensifying viral outbreak caused panicked investors to dump most types of securities in a rush to hold cash .
That pushed up a range of interest rates and made it nearly impossible for companies to borrow more by issuing new bonds .
Yet once the Fed said it intended to purchase up to $ 750 billion of corporate debt , investors began buying bonds again and eventually large companies resumed issuing large amounts of new bonds .
Recent economic research has found that simply by announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to boost confidence in corporate bonds and improve the market ’ s efficiency .
Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said that by ensuring large companies can borrow more , the Fed is seeking to keep those firms from having to layoff workers .
But the corporations aren ’ t required to keep all their workers .
At a hearing last week , Sen. Pat Toomey , R-Pa. , questioned Powell about whether the purchases were still necessary , since the corporate bond market has largely recovered .
Powell said the Fed had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid criticism that it might favor a specific industry , the Fed said two weeks ago that it would seek to mimic a broad market index approach and purchase bonds from a wide range of companies .
Consumer product companies , such as Quaker Oats and the distiller Brown-Forman , which makes Jack Daniel ’ s and Woodford Reserve whiskeys , make up roughly a third of the index .
That sector is followed by utilities at 10 % and energy firms at more than 9 % .
The index also includes insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will only buy highly rated debt from financially healthy companies , or ones that were highly rated before the pandemic struck .
The Fed is legally barred from lending to insolvent companies .
It has said it would report on its purchases every 30 days .
The Fed said Sunday that it made its first bond buys from 86 companies last week .
Those companies include Nike , broadcaster Fox Corp. , Paypal , Target , Campbell Soup and chipmaker Broadcom .
The central bank is also purchasing pools of bonds in exchange-traded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds .
The Fed currently owns $ 6.8 billion of bond ETFs .
The Treasury Department has provided $ 75 billion in taxpayer money to backstop any losses from the bond buys .
So far , the Fed ’ s purchases remain modest relative to the program ’ s announced $ 750 billion cap .
By comparison , since March it has purchased more than $ 2 trillion in Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities in an effort to pump cash into short-term lending markets .

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve on Sunday released a list of roughly 750 companies, including Apple, Walmart and ExxonMobil, whose corporate bonds it will purchase in the coming months in an effort to keep borrowing costs low and smooth the flow of credit.
The central bank also said it has, so far, purchased nearly $429 million in corporate bonds from 86 of those companies, including AT&T, Walgreen’s, Microsoft, Pfizer and Marathon Petroleum.
The Fed announced in March that it would, for the first time in its history, purchase corporate bonds as the intensifying viral outbreak caused panicked investors to dump most types of securities in a rush to hold cash. That pushed up a range of interest rates and made it nearly impossible for companies to borrow more by issuing new bonds.
Yet once the Fed said it intended to purchase up to $750 billion of corporate debt, investors began buying bonds again and eventually large companies resumed issuing large amounts of new bonds. Recent economic research has found that simply by announcing the program, the Fed was able to boost confidence in corporate bonds and improve the market’s efficiency.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said that by ensuring large companies can borrow more, the Fed is seeking to keep those firms from having to layoff workers. But the corporations aren’t required to keep all their workers.
At a hearing last week, Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., questioned Powell about whether the purchases were still necessary, since the corporate bond market has largely recovered. Powell said the Fed had to follow through on its promises.
To avoid criticism that it might favor a specific industry, the Fed said two weeks ago that it would seek to mimic a broad market index approach and purchase bonds from a wide range of companies. Consumer product companies, such as Quaker Oats and the distiller Brown-Forman, which makes Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve whiskeys, make up roughly a third of the index. That sector is followed by utilities at 10% and energy firms at more than 9%. The index also includes insurance companies but no banks.
The Fed will only buy highly rated debt from financially healthy companies, or ones that were highly rated before the pandemic struck. The Fed is legally barred from lending to insolvent companies. It has said it would report on its purchases every 30 days.
The Fed said Sunday that it made its first bond buys from 86 companies last week. Those companies include Nike, broadcaster Fox Corp., Paypal, Target, Campbell Soup and chipmaker Broadcom.
The central bank is also purchasing pools of bonds in exchange-traded funds, which operate similarly to mutual funds. The Fed currently owns $6.8 billion of bond ETFs.
The Treasury Department has provided $75 billion in taxpayer money to backstop any losses from the bond buys. So far, the Fed’s purchases remain modest relative to the program’s announced $750 billion cap.
By comparison, since March it has purchased more than $2 trillion in Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities in an effort to pump cash into short-term lending markets.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Donald Trump: Crackdown 'completely stopped' monument vandalism

President Trump said Sunday that his administration ’ s crackdown has “ completely stopped ” vandalism of monuments and statues around the nation , as he highlights a law-and-order agenda that has become central to his reelection campaign in the wake of protests against racial injustice .
After a weekend of posting FBI “ wanted ” posters online of suspects who allegedly damaged a statue of Andrew Jackson near the White House , the president said the threat of lengthy prison terms is among the actions getting the attention of lawbreakers .
“ Since imposing a very powerful 10 year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Statues etc.
, with many people being arrested all over our Country , the Vandalism has completely stopped .
Thank you !
” Mr. Trump tweeted .
Four men have been charged with damaging and trying to tear down the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square adjacent to the White House , federal prosecutors announced .
One of the suspects , Connor Matthew Judd , has already been arrested and appeared in court Saturday .
The other three were at large as of the announcement .
They are identified as Lee Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Lane , 37 , of Maryland , and Graham Lloyd , 37 , from Maine .
Prosecutors said all four were caught on video using straps to try to pull down the statue , which stands on federal land .
The statue was targeted earlier this week as an outgrowth of the Black Lives Matter protests that have roiled cities across the country over the last month .
“ This office remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the sacred First Amendment right of individuals to peacefully protest , but these charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who choose to desecrate the statues and monuments that adorn our nation ’ s capital : your violent behavior and criminal conduct will not be tolerated , ” said Michael R. Sherwin , the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia .
Attorney General William Barr had said the charges would be coming , warning that agents were scouring video of the park to see who could be identified among the protesters .
Mr. Barr also has ordered the formation of a task force to take on the “ anti-government extremists ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sowed chaos and destruction .
Mr. Trump has insisted those who tried to bring down the statue face charges in order to send a signal .
He signed an executive order late Friday saying that his administration will prioritize prosecutions , to the fullest extent of the law , of anyone who damages monuments or statues , including religious statues .
The president stated in his order that the criminal acts “ are frequently planned and supported by agitators who have traveled across state lines to promote their own violent agenda.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our institutions and the very rule of law itself , ” Mr. Trump said .
He also is criticizing Democratic governors and mayors where some of the vandalism has occurred , saying they “ appear to have lost the ability to distinguish between the lawful exercise of rights to free speech and assembly and unvarnished vandalism.
” “ They have surrendered to mob rule , imperiling community safety , allowing for the wholesale violation of our laws , and privileging the violent impulses of the mob over the rights of law-abiding citizens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration will not allow violent mobs incited by a radical fringe to become the arbiters of the aspects of our history that can be celebrated in public spaces .
State and local public officials ’ abdication of their law enforcement responsibilities in deference to this violent assault must end.
” Mr. Barr said he is forming a new government task force to take aim at “ anti-government extremists.
” Appearing as a guest Friday on Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ’ s podcast “ The Verdict , ” Mr. Barr said the Joint Terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence during recent protests .
“ Although these extremists profess a variety of ideologies , they are united in their opposition to the core constitutional values of a democratic society governed by law , ” Mr. Barr wrote in a memo obtained by The Washington Post .
“ Some pretend to profess a message of freedom and progress , but they are in fact forces of anarchy , destruction , and coercion.
” The administration ’ s high-profile actions come after weeks of racial and civil unrest in the aftermath of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in police custody .
Over the weekend , Mr. Trump tweeted out photographs of suspects sought by the U.S. Park Police major crimes unit seeking the public ’ s help in identifying 15 other people sought in connection with the attempt to tear down the Andrew Jackson statue on June 22 .
Most of them are wearing masks .
The president also pinned on his Twitter feed a campaign video of the lawlessness in the wake of Floyd ’ s death , stating that “ violent mobs of liberals are rioting and looting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Memorial Preservation Act of 2003 already authorizes fines and prison terms of up to 10 years for “ attempts to injure or destroy , any structure , plaque , statue , or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the United States.
” Mr. Trump canceled a planned trip this weekend to his golf resort in Bedminster , New Jersey , saying he wanted to stay in Washington to focus on law and order .
But he did visit his Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on both Saturday and Sunday .

President Trump said Sunday that his administration’s crackdown has “completely stopped” vandalism of monuments and statues around the nation, as he highlights a law-and-order agenda that has become central to his reelection campaign in the wake of protests against racial injustice.
After a weekend of posting FBI “wanted” posters online of suspects who allegedly damaged a statue of Andrew Jackson near the White House, the president said the threat of lengthy prison terms is among the actions getting the attention of lawbreakers.
“Since imposing a very powerful 10 year prison sentence on those that Vandalize Monuments, Statues etc., with many people being arrested all over our Country, the Vandalism has completely stopped. Thank you!” Mr. Trump tweeted.
Four men have been charged with damaging and trying to tear down the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square adjacent to the White House, federal prosecutors announced. One of the suspects, Connor Matthew Judd, has already been arrested and appeared in court Saturday.
The other three were at large as of the announcement. They are identified as Lee Michael Cantrell, 47, of Virginia; Ryan Lane, 37, of Maryland, and Graham Lloyd, 37, from Maine.
Prosecutors said all four were caught on video using straps to try to pull down the statue, which stands on federal land. The statue was targeted earlier this week as an outgrowth of the Black Lives Matter protests that have roiled cities across the country over the last month.
“This office remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the sacred First Amendment right of individuals to peacefully protest, but these charges should serve as a warning to those who choose to desecrate the statues and monuments that adorn our nation’s capital: your violent behavior and criminal conduct will not be tolerated,” said Michael R. Sherwin, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.
Attorney General William Barr had said the charges would be coming, warning that agents were scouring video of the park to see who could be identified among the protesters.
Mr. Barr also has ordered the formation of a task force to take on the “anti-government extremists” that he says disrupted peaceful protests and sowed chaos and destruction.
Mr. Trump has insisted those who tried to bring down the statue face charges in order to send a signal. He signed an executive order late Friday saying that his administration will prioritize prosecutions, to the fullest extent of the law, of anyone who damages monuments or statues, including religious statues.
The president stated in his order that the criminal acts “are frequently planned and supported by agitators who have traveled across state lines to promote their own violent agenda.”
“These radicals shamelessly attack the legitimacy of our institutions and the very rule of law itself,” Mr. Trump said.
He also is criticizing Democratic governors and mayors where some of the vandalism has occurred, saying they “appear to have lost the ability to distinguish between the lawful exercise of rights to free speech and assembly and unvarnished vandalism.”
“They have surrendered to mob rule, imperiling community safety, allowing for the wholesale violation of our laws, and privileging the violent impulses of the mob over the rights of law-abiding citizens,” Mr. Trump said. “My administration will not allow violent mobs incited by a radical fringe to become the arbiters of the aspects of our history that can be celebrated in public spaces. State and local public officials’ abdication of their law enforcement responsibilities in deference to this violent assault must end.”
Mr. Barr said he is forming a new government task force to take aim at “anti-government extremists.”
Appearing as a guest Friday on Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s podcast “The Verdict,” Mr. Barr said the Joint Terrorism Task Force has 500 active investigations into violence during recent protests.
“Although these extremists profess a variety of ideologies, they are united in their opposition to the core constitutional values of a democratic society governed by law,” Mr. Barr wrote in a memo obtained by The Washington Post. “Some pretend to profess a message of freedom and progress, but they are in fact forces of anarchy, destruction, and coercion.”
The administration’s high-profile actions come after weeks of racial and civil unrest in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death on May 25 while in police custody.
Over the weekend, Mr. Trump tweeted out photographs of suspects sought by the U.S. Park Police major crimes unit seeking the public’s help in identifying 15 other people sought in connection with the attempt to tear down the Andrew Jackson statue on June 22. Most of them are wearing masks.
The president also pinned on his Twitter feed a campaign video of the lawlessness in the wake of Floyd’s death, stating that “violent mobs of liberals are rioting and looting” in Democrat-run cities.
The Veterans’ Memorial Preservation Act of 2003 already authorizes fines and prison terms of up to 10 years for “attempts to injure or destroy, any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the United States.”
Mr. Trump canceled a planned trip this weekend to his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, saying he wanted to stay in Washington to focus on law and order. But he did visit his Trump National golf club in Sterling, Virginia, on both Saturday and Sunday.
• Stephen Dinan contributed to this report.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Jared Polis: Denver Civil War statue arson suspects arrested

DENVER ( AP ) - Police in Denver have apprehended three suspects in connection with an attempt to set fire to the pedestal of a Civil War statue that was toppled last week , authorities announced Sunday .
About 75 protesters had been demonstrating peacefully around the Capitol late Saturday night when a small group broke off and went to the statue site , a Colorado State Patrol spokesperson told KUSA_TV .
Just before 11 p.m. a fire was set atop the mostly concrete pedestal using wood and other materials .
the spokesperson said .
The Denver Fire Department extinguished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the damage was minimal .
Gov .
Jared Polis said three suspects were later apprehended .
They included a 22-year-old who was being held on suspicion of second-degree arson , according to the Denver Police Department .
“ We hope this also provides a breakthrough into other ongoing investigations regarding destruction of public property , ” Polis said in a statement .
“ There is a right way and a wrong way to have an open and honest conversation about our history .
Destruction and vandalism are not the answer.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been pulled down Thursday .
It recognized a Union cavalry regiment that fought Confederate forces but also acknowledged the soldiers ’ role in an 1864 massacre of Native Americans .
Its toppling came as protesters across the nation have defaced and torn down statues of historic figures during recent demonstrations against racial injustice .
Most of those pieces have explicit ties to colonialism , slavery and the Confederacy , including imagery of Christopher Columbus and former U.S. presidents who owned slaves .
Polis has said the Denver statute will be repaired .

DENVER (AP) - Police in Denver have apprehended three suspects in connection with an attempt to set fire to the pedestal of a Civil War statue that was toppled last week, authorities announced Sunday.
About 75 protesters had been demonstrating peacefully around the Capitol late Saturday night when a small group broke off and went to the statue site, a Colorado State Patrol spokesperson told KUSA_TV.
Just before 11 p.m. a fire was set atop the mostly concrete pedestal using wood and other materials. the spokesperson said. The Denver Fire Department extinguished the blaze within about 20 minutes, and the damage was minimal.
Gov. Jared Polis said three suspects were later apprehended. They included a 22-year-old who was being held on suspicion of second-degree arson, according to the Denver Police Department.
“We hope this also provides a breakthrough into other ongoing investigations regarding destruction of public property,” Polis said in a statement. “There is a right way and a wrong way to have an open and honest conversation about our history. Destruction and vandalism are not the answer.”
The statue, erected in 1909, had been pulled down Thursday. It recognized a Union cavalry regiment that fought Confederate forces but also acknowledged the soldiers’ role in an 1864 massacre of Native Americans.
Its toppling came as protesters across the nation have defaced and torn down statues of historic figures during recent demonstrations against racial injustice. Most of those pieces have explicit ties to colonialism, slavery and the Confederacy, including imagery of Christopher Columbus and former U.S. presidents who owned slaves.
Polis has said the Denver statute will be repaired.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Flight testing for Boeing's 737 Max could begin Monday

Flight-certification testing for Boeing ’ s 737 Max , which has been grounded since March 2019 because of two deadly crashes , could begin as early as Monday , according to an Federal Aviation Administration email sent Sunday to congressional oversight committees .
The company needs clearance from the FAA before the planes can fly again , and the test flights , with FAA test pilots , are a key step .
They would take several days and would evaluate Boeing ’ s proposed changes to the automated flight control system on the Max .
The flight control system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed the planes into nosedives that led to crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia , killing 346 people .
Even if no new problems are discovered during the test flights , it ’ s likely to take at least a month to get pilots trained and get mothballed planes upgraded , inspected and serviced .
The FAA has to sign off on Boeing ’ s pilot-training program , and a panel of international regulators will comment on minimum pilot training too .
Boeing said it deferred to the FAA and global regulators on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planes had been delivered to airlines before they were grounded , and Boeing has built several hundred more .

Flight-certification testing for Boeing’s 737 Max, which has been grounded since March 2019 because of two deadly crashes, could begin as early as Monday, according to an Federal Aviation Administration email sent Sunday to congressional oversight committees.
The company needs clearance from the FAA before the planes can fly again, and the test flights, with FAA test pilots, are a key step. They would take several days and would evaluate Boeing’s proposed changes to the automated flight control system on the Max.
The flight control system, triggered by faulty readings from sensors, pushed the planes into nosedives that led to crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, killing 346 people.
Even if no new problems are discovered during the test flights, it’s likely to take at least a month to get pilots trained and get mothballed planes upgraded, inspected and serviced. The FAA has to sign off on Boeing’s pilot-training program, and a panel of international regulators will comment on minimum pilot training too.
Boeing said it deferred to the FAA and global regulators on the Max certification process.
Nearly 400 Max planes had been delivered to airlines before they were grounded, and Boeing has built several hundred more.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Benjamin Netanyahu vow to annex West Bank land moves forward

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is showing no sign of backing off his vow to annex of vast stretches of the West Bank by July 1 , despite outcry from international leaders , including Arab powers who say the move will usher in violence and destabilize the Middle East .
While Netanyahu supporters say the annexation will solidify Israel ’ s sovereignty and harden its security barrier against terrorism and Iranian aggression , critics say it will ruin any chance of lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace and undermine delicate relations Israel has built with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Arab Emirates and the Saudis have all come out firmly against it , a reality that may explain the Trump administration ’ s indecision on the issue during recent weeks , despite having appeared to be fully behind it earlier this year .
Palestinian leaders have long hoped the West Bank , which was captured by Israel from Jordan in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war , would form a major part of a future Palestinian state , with east Jerusalem as its capital .
Several European nations are threatening sanctions against Israel if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some analysts say they won ’ t be surprised if he proceeds , knowing that President Trump will back him , and that the moment for such backing could soon be lost if Mr. Trump does not win re-election later this year .
“ Annexation by Israel of the hunks of the West Bank is , unfortunately , the logical next step in a long trajectory of occupation and settlement , ” says Joshua Landis , who heads the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma .
“ A long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out-maneuvered by Israeli prime ministers to bring us to this point , ” Mr. Landis told The Washington Times over the weekend , adding that while Palestinians may be wronged , predictions of impending regional doom are overblown .
“ I do not believe that annexation will unleash a world of hell across the region .
Most Arabs feel hopeless about the Palestinian cause , fearing that it is already lost , ” Mr. Landis said .
“ Israel has become so strong , moved so many of its citizens onto Palestinian land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divided , that Arabs despair that the annexation can be stopped.
” In order to win re-election back in March , Mr. Netanyahu vowed to right-wing Israeli political blocs that he would go forward with a major annexation by July 1 .
His vow came months after the Trump administration had rolled out a new roadmap to Middle East peace that said Washington was preparing to recognize Israeli control over major portions of the West Bank .
While the Trump plan suggested Israel would eventually have U.S. backing to absorb Jewish settlements across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fertile areas of the Jordan River valley near the border with Jordan , administration officials said the exact territorial contours for annexation were still being analyzed .
As of late last week , the administration was seen to be divided on the matter .
A senior White House official said on condition of anonymity Thursday that there was still “ no final decision ” on the next steps for implementing the administration ’ s roadmap for Middle East peace .
Jordan has been particularly critical of the annexation drive .
Amman has issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Palestinian lands ” and called for a return to 1967 borders with a new Palestinian state encompassing the entire West Bank .
There are concerns that Jordan may respond by suspending a $ 10 billion gas deal that currently lets Israeli natural gas flow into Jordanian power plants for electricity generation .
According to Reuters , the deal between Jordan ’ s state-owned utility and a U.S.-Israeli consortium led by Texas-based Noble Energy has been in place since 2016 .
There is also outrage from key Gulf Arabs such as Saudi Arabia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudis and Emiratis have been on a gradual path toward diplomatic normalization with Israel in recent years and both have been key to the Trump administration ’ s wider Israeli-Palestinian peace roadmap that has called for a $ 50 billion economic program for Palestinians paid for by the wealthy Gulf Arab nations .
If Mr. Netanyahu moves forward with annexations in July , it will “ destroy any prospect for peace , ” Ahmed Aboul Ghet , who heads the 22-member Arab League , said in remarks last week during a U.N. Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move by the Israeli government to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territory would constitute , if implemented , a serious threat to regional stability , ” Mr. Ghet added , according to the publication Asharq Alawsat .
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres offered a similar assessment , asserting that “ we are at a watershed moment , ” and that “ if implemented , annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law , grievously harm the prospect of a two-state solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans , ” Mr. Guterres said .
United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) Minister of State Yousef Al-Otaiba went further , penning last week a first-ever op-ed by a top Gulf Arab diplomat for an Israeli newspaper and suggesting that the delicate effort by Israel to achieve normalization with Gulf Arab powers could be in jeopardy .
“ Recently , Israeli leaders have promoted excited talk about normalization of relations with the United Arab Emirates and other Arab states , ” Mr. Otaiba , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambassador to the United States , wrote in the op-ed published in Hebrew by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper .
“ But Israeli plans for annexation and talk of normalization are a contradiction , ” he wrote .
Some analysts argue the Gulf Arabs are insincere in their warnings and that the frustration is running high among some in the region against the Palestinian Authority ( PA ) for its recent refusals to negotiate with Israel or the Trump administration — essentially setting the stage for an aggressive Israeli annexation move .
Jonathan H. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered the Middle East for more than 20 years for Bloomberg News and UPI , argues that Mr. Netanyahu has ample evidence to suspect that Israel ’ s new friends in the Persian Gulf are “ bluffing.
” “ The UAE , as well as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain , is highly invested in Trump ’ s ‘ Peace to Prosperity ’ plan , which the Palestinians summarily rejected , ” Mr. Ferziger argued in an article published Friday by Foreign Policy , adding that the empathy such nations once had for PA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Otaiba himself was present at the White House in January when Trump released the [ administration ’ s Middle East peace ] proposal , which includes both establishing a demilitarized Palestinian state and allowing Israel ’ s annexation of the Jordan Valley and other territory where its settlements sit.
” Neoconservative backers of Israel , meanwhile , say annexation will be worth the risks .
The Jewish Institute for National Security of America argued in a statement circulated Friday that “ it would serve as a defensive buffer protecting Israel against attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold back the region ’ s growing disorder and especially Iran ’ s aggression , thereby advancing U.S. national security interests.
” For his part , Mr. Landis told The Times that “ even if there is no large outburst of protest or violence in the Arab World due to the announcement of annexation , the injustice and continued occupation that it will inflict on Palestinians will surely take its toll.
” “ The region will remain in a state of turmoil and enmity against the Jewish state and America for decades to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drip-drip of ongoing Palestinian ruination , ” he said .

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is showing no sign of backing off his vow to annex of vast stretches of the West Bank by July 1, despite outcry from international leaders, including Arab powers who say the move will usher in violence and destabilize the Middle East.
While Netanyahu supporters say the annexation will solidify Israel’s sovereignty and harden its security barrier against terrorism and Iranian aggression, critics say it will ruin any chance of lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace and undermine delicate relations Israel has built with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states in recent years.
Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the Saudis have all come out firmly against it, a reality that may explain the Trump administration’s indecision on the issue during recent weeks, despite having appeared to be fully behind it earlier this year.
Palestinian leaders have long hoped the West Bank, which was captured by Israel from Jordan in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, would form a major part of a future Palestinian state, with east Jerusalem as its capital.
Several European nations are threatening sanctions against Israel if Mr. Netanyahu moves ahead with annexation.
Some analysts say they won’t be surprised if he proceeds, knowing that President Trump will back him, and that the moment for such backing could soon be lost if Mr. Trump does not win re-election later this year.
“Annexation by Israel of the hunks of the West Bank is, unfortunately, the logical next step in a long trajectory of occupation and settlement,” says Joshua Landis, who heads the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.
“A long line of United States presidents has been out-maneuvered by Israeli prime ministers to bring us to this point,” Mr. Landis told The Washington Times over the weekend, adding that while Palestinians may be wronged, predictions of impending regional doom are overblown.
“I do not believe that annexation will unleash a world of hell across the region. Most Arabs feel hopeless about the Palestinian cause, fearing that it is already lost,” Mr. Landis said. “Israel has become so strong, moved so many of its citizens onto Palestinian land, and the Arabs so weak and divided, that Arabs despair that the annexation can be stopped.”
In order to win re-election back in March, Mr. Netanyahu vowed to right-wing Israeli political blocs that he would go forward with a major annexation by July 1.
His vow came months after the Trump administration had rolled out a new roadmap to Middle East peace that said Washington was preparing to recognize Israeli control over major portions of the West Bank. While the Trump plan suggested Israel would eventually have U.S. backing to absorb Jewish settlements across the West Bank, as well several fertile areas of the Jordan River valley near the border with Jordan, administration officials said the exact territorial contours for annexation were still being analyzed.
As of late last week, the administration was seen to be divided on the matter. A senior White House official said on condition of anonymity Thursday that there was still “no final decision” on the next steps for implementing the administration’s roadmap for Middle East peace.
Arab outrage
Jordan has been particularly critical of the annexation drive. Amman has issued a warning against any Israeli “annexation of Palestinian lands” and called for a return to 1967 borders with a new Palestinian state encompassing the entire West Bank.
There are concerns that Jordan may respond by suspending a $10 billion gas deal that currently lets Israeli natural gas flow into Jordanian power plants for electricity generation. According to Reuters, the deal between Jordan’s state-owned utility and a U.S.-Israeli consortium led by Texas-based Noble Energy has been in place since 2016.
There is also outrage from key Gulf Arabs such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Saudis and Emiratis have been on a gradual path toward diplomatic normalization with Israel in recent years and both have been key to the Trump administration’s wider Israeli-Palestinian peace roadmap that has called for a $50 billion economic program for Palestinians paid for by the wealthy Gulf Arab nations.
If Mr. Netanyahu moves forward with annexations in July, it will “destroy any prospect for peace,” Ahmed Aboul Ghet, who heads the 22-member Arab League, said in remarks last week during a U.N. Security Council video conference.
“The possible move by the Israeli government to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territory would constitute, if implemented, a serious threat to regional stability,” Mr. Ghet added, according to the publication Asharq Alawsat.
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres offered a similar assessment, asserting that “we are at a watershed moment,” and that “if implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, grievously harm the prospect of a two-state solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of [Israeli-Palestinian peace] negotiations.”
“I call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans,” Mr. Guterres said.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State Yousef Al-Otaiba went further, penning last week a first-ever op-ed by a top Gulf Arab diplomat for an Israeli newspaper and suggesting that the delicate effort by Israel to achieve normalization with Gulf Arab powers could be in jeopardy.
“Recently, Israeli leaders have promoted excited talk about normalization of relations with the United Arab Emirates and other Arab states,” Mr. Otaiba, who is also the UAE’s ambassador to the United States, wrote in the op-ed published in Hebrew by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.
“But Israeli plans for annexation and talk of normalization are a contradiction,” he wrote.
Israeli sovereignty
Some analysts argue the Gulf Arabs are insincere in their warnings and that the frustration is running high among some in the region against the Palestinian Authority (PA) for its recent refusals to negotiate with Israel or the Trump administration — essentially setting the stage for an aggressive Israeli annexation move.
Jonathan H. Ferziger, a writer and researcher who covered the Middle East for more than 20 years for Bloomberg News and UPI, argues that Mr. Netanyahu has ample evidence to suspect that Israel’s new friends in the Persian Gulf are “bluffing.”
“The UAE, as well as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, is highly invested in Trump’s ‘Peace to Prosperity’ plan, which the Palestinians summarily rejected,” Mr. Ferziger argued in an article published Friday by Foreign Policy, adding that the empathy such nations once had for PA leader Mahmoud Abbas “is dissipating.”
“Otaiba himself was present at the White House in January when Trump released the [administration’s Middle East peace] proposal, which includes both establishing a demilitarized Palestinian state and allowing Israel’s annexation of the Jordan Valley and other territory where its settlements sit.”
Neoconservative backers of Israel, meanwhile, say annexation will be worth the risks.
The Jewish Institute for National Security of America argued in a statement circulated Friday that “it would serve as a defensive buffer protecting Israel against attacks from the east and allowing it to hold back the region’s growing disorder and especially Iran’s aggression, thereby advancing U.S. national security interests.”
For his part, Mr. Landis told The Times that “even if there is no large outburst of protest or violence in the Arab World due to the announcement of annexation, the injustice and continued occupation that it will inflict on Palestinians will surely take its toll.”
“The region will remain in a state of turmoil and enmity against the Jewish state and America for decades to come as the Arab World watches the drip-drip of ongoing Palestinian ruination,” he said.
• Guy Taylor can be reached at gtaylor@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Mississippi lawmakers OK removal of Confederate emblem from flag

The Mississippi Legislature voted Sunday to redesign the state flag , whose rebel battle star was the final remaining symbol of the Confederacy on a state ’ s flag .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves had announced Saturday he would sign the bill , which means Mississippi will now form a committee to approve a new flag , the design of which must include the words “ in God We Trust ” and will be put before voters in November .
The historic moment came after a tumultuous weekend in Jackson that saw spectators in the Capitol erupt in applause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the result of decades of work and sacrifice by Mississippians committed to human rights , equality , reparation and dismantling the institutions of White supremacy , ” said Lea Campbell , the founder of the Mississippi Rising Coalition .
Since 2001 , when voters decisively approved the flag in a referendum , the line taken by many Mississippi lawmakers was that only another statewide vote could change it .
That did not deter the flag ’ s opponents , however , and when George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and activist groups stepped up the pressure in June , holding rallies on the Capitol steps and furiously lobbying the Republican majority in the Legislature .
The two-thirds supermajority required to suspend legislative deadlines and move the bill to debate passed Saturday to raucous applause as Mississippi lawmakers said the eyes of the nation were upon them .
The state ’ s Black senators delivered passionate messages urging their colleagues to reject the current flag and vote for a new one .
“ I stand in the name of history , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family tree ’ s deep roots in Mississippi and said his sons , age 1 and 6 , should not have to be educated , live and work beneath a Confederate symbol .
“ Mississippi needs a symbol of love , not hate , ” he said .
“ A symbol of unity , not division .
A symbol for all Mississippians , not some .
Let ’ s vote today for the Mississippi of tomorrow.
” The House voted 91-23 at 3:25 p.m. local time to approve the flag change and sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lengthy recess and discussion , the bill went before the upper chamber , which passed it on a 37-14 vote at 6 p.m. on the dot to sustained applause .
“ Considering this legislation is about 126 years overdue , yeah — the state of Mississippi is good at wasting time , ” Mississippi Rising ’ s Melissa Garriga joked during the Senate ’ s long process .
The project now goes to the nine-member flag committee , whose members must be named by July 15 by the governor , lieutenant governor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel must present its choice for a new flag on Sept. 14 , and that design will be put to a yes-or-no vote in November .
The Legislature must then vote to approve the new flag in January 2021 .
The only certain thing now is that the Mississippi state flag “ shall not include the battle flag of the Confederacy and shall include the words ‘ in God We Trust , ’ ” as lawmakers solemnly read out Sunday .
The possibility remains that should the flag proposed in November not get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not ratify that approval in January , which would leave Mississippi in a kind of limbo vis-a-vis having an official flag .
Nevertheless , the current flag ’ s opponents rejoiced at winning the main point : ridding the state of a reminder it once fought on behalf of a government dedicated to slavery .
“ Mississippi can finally have a flag for all Mississippians that does not include a remnant of the Old South , ” said Sharon Brown with Flag for All MS , a group that formed in 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among those on hand in the legislative galleries Sunday .
The movement to change the flag also gained the support of the head football coaches at the state ’ s three largest universities , who also traveled to Jackson to lobby the Legislature .
However , the house tabled a motion Sunday to name the bill after Kylin Hill , a running back at Mississippi State whose opposition to the current flag made him a recent sensation on social media .
Republican state Sen. W. Briggs Hopson of Vicksburg used football imagery Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The legislature has punted on this for too long , ” he said .
“ We ’ re at the 1-yard line now and we need to push this ball across the goal line .
Let ’ s stand up and move this state in a different direction.
” Mr. Hopson said Mississippi had “ a duty to the republic ” to make a change on the flag which has divided the state to varying degrees since it became the official banner when it was adopted in 1894 .
There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the words “ in God we trust ” would prove divisive , too .
Mr. Hopson said at least 40 % of Mississippians are offended by the current flag and that any flag was likely to have opponents , and he and other lawmakers insisted the world would condemn Mississippi if it failed to act .
Mississippi ’ s population includes the highest percentage of Black Americans — 37.3 % — of any state in the union , according to the 2010 census .

The Mississippi Legislature voted Sunday to redesign the state flag, whose rebel battle star was the final remaining symbol of the Confederacy on a state’s flag.
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves had announced Saturday he would sign the bill, which means Mississippi will now form a committee to approve a new flag, the design of which must include the words “in God We Trust” and will be put before voters in November.
The historic moment came after a tumultuous weekend in Jackson that saw spectators in the Capitol erupt in applause while demonstrators thronged outdoors.
“This is the result of decades of work and sacrifice by Mississippians committed to human rights, equality, reparation and dismantling the institutions of White supremacy,” said Lea Campbell, the founder of the Mississippi Rising Coalition.
Since 2001, when voters decisively approved the flag in a referendum, the line taken by many Mississippi lawmakers was that only another statewide vote could change it. That did not deter the flag’s opponents, however, and when George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day the push was revived.
Churches and activist groups stepped up the pressure in June, holding rallies on the Capitol steps and furiously lobbying the Republican majority in the Legislature.
The two-thirds supermajority required to suspend legislative deadlines and move the bill to debate passed Saturday to raucous applause as Mississippi lawmakers said the eyes of the nation were upon them.
The state’s Black senators delivered passionate messages urging their colleagues to reject the current flag and vote for a new one.
“I stand in the name of history,” said state Sen. Derrick Simmons, citing his family tree’s deep roots in Mississippi and said his sons, age 1 and 6, should not have to be educated, live and work beneath a Confederate symbol.
“Mississippi needs a symbol of love, not hate,” he said. “A symbol of unity, not division. A symbol for all Mississippians, not some. Let’s vote today for the Mississippi of tomorrow.”
The House voted 91-23 at 3:25 p.m. local time to approve the flag change and sent it to the Senate. After a lengthy recess and discussion, the bill went before the upper chamber, which passed it on a 37-14 vote at 6 p.m. on the dot to sustained applause.
“Considering this legislation is about 126 years overdue, yeah — the state of Mississippi is good at wasting time,” Mississippi Rising’s Melissa Garriga joked during the Senate’s long process.
The project now goes to the nine-member flag committee, whose members must be named by July 15 by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the state House. That panel must present its choice for a new flag on Sept. 14, and that design will be put to a yes-or-no vote in November. The Legislature must then vote to approve the new flag in January 2021.
The only certain thing now is that the Mississippi state flag “shall not include the battle flag of the Confederacy and shall include the words ‘in God We Trust,’” as lawmakers solemnly read out Sunday.
The possibility remains that should the flag proposed in November not get a majority vote, or the Legislature may not ratify that approval in January, which would leave Mississippi in a kind of limbo vis-a-vis having an official flag. Nevertheless, the current flag’s opponents rejoiced at winning the main point: ridding the state of a reminder it once fought on behalf of a government dedicated to slavery.
“Mississippi can finally have a flag for all Mississippians that does not include a remnant of the Old South,” said Sharon Brown with Flag for All MS, a group that formed in 2015.
Ms. Brown and Ms. Campbell were among those on hand in the legislative galleries Sunday.
The movement to change the flag also gained the support of the head football coaches at the state’s three largest universities, who also traveled to Jackson to lobby the Legislature. However, the house tabled a motion Sunday to name the bill after Kylin Hill, a running back at Mississippi State whose opposition to the current flag made him a recent sensation on social media.
Republican state Sen. W. Briggs Hopson of Vicksburg used football imagery Sunday while urging his colleagues to back HB1796.
“The legislature has punted on this for too long,” he said. “We’re at the 1-yard line now and we need to push this ball across the goal line. Let’s stand up and move this state in a different direction.”
Mr. Hopson said Mississippi had “a duty to the republic” to make a change on the flag which has divided the state to varying degrees since it became the official banner when it was adopted in 1894.
There was some discussion in the Senate about whether the words “in God we trust” would prove divisive, too. Mr. Hopson said at least 40% of Mississippians are offended by the current flag and that any flag was likely to have opponents, and he and other lawmakers insisted the world would condemn Mississippi if it failed to act.
Mississippi’s population includes the highest percentage of Black Americans — 37.3% — of any state in the union, according to the 2010 census.
• James Varney can be reached at jvarney@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--San Diego police shooting of armed suspect sparks protest

SAN DIEGO ( AP ) - Police in San Diego shot and critically wounded a robbery suspect who they said took out a gun from his waistband and pointed it at an officer who tried to engage him .
The shooting on a downtown sidewalk shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday sparked immediate anger among protesters , who marched through the streets Sunday demanding police release footage of the encounter from officer body-worn cameras .
The San Diego Police Department later Sunday released the two officers ’ body camera videos of the shooting , as well as videos from nearby security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man , dressed in a red track suit , walking out of a building onto a sidewalk as he holds a bag that appears to be full .
Two officers on patrol recognized the man from a wanted flyer circulating about a robbery suspect , police Capt .
Rich Freedman said .
The videos then show an officer on the sidewalk and one on the street asking the man to talk to them .
The man drops the bag , starts walking away , and then pulls an object out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the officer on the street , the videos show .
The officers yell “ Stop !
Stop !
” and then fire their guns at him , the videos show , The man falls on the sidewalk , and the officers run up to him and handcuff him as he lay bleeding .
The officers then try to revive him and check his pulse , the videos show .
The department also tweeted Sunday a photo of the gun that the officers said was wrapped in camouflage cloth .
“ Fearing they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers returned fire , ” Freedman said .
The man , identified as 25-year-old Leonardo Hurtado Ibarra , was taken to a hospital , where he remained Sunday in the intensive care unit , police said .
The officers were placed on administrative , per standard protocol , as police investigate the shootings .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office and FBI will also monitor the investigation .

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Police in San Diego shot and critically wounded a robbery suspect who they said took out a gun from his waistband and pointed it at an officer who tried to engage him.
The shooting on a downtown sidewalk shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday sparked immediate anger among protesters, who marched through the streets Sunday demanding police release footage of the encounter from officer body-worn cameras.
The San Diego Police Department later Sunday released the two officers’ body camera videos of the shooting, as well as videos from nearby security and street-light cameras.
The videos show the man, dressed in a red track suit, walking out of a building onto a sidewalk as he holds a bag that appears to be full.
Two officers on patrol recognized the man from a wanted flyer circulating about a robbery suspect, police Capt. Rich Freedman said.
The videos then show an officer on the sidewalk and one on the street asking the man to talk to them.
The man drops the bag, starts walking away, and then pulls an object out of the waistband of his pants and points it at the officer on the street, the videos show.
The officers yell “Stop! Stop!” and then fire their guns at him, the videos show, The man falls on the sidewalk, and the officers run up to him and handcuff him as he lay bleeding.
The officers then try to revive him and check his pulse, the videos show.
The department also tweeted Sunday a photo of the gun that the officers said was wrapped in camouflage cloth.
“Fearing they were going to be shot, the officers returned fire,” Freedman said.
The man, identified as 25-year-old Leonardo Hurtado Ibarra, was taken to a hospital, where he remained Sunday in the intensive care unit, police said.
The officers were placed on administrative, per standard protocol, as police investigate the shootings. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI will also monitor the investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--N. Carolina sheriff's office reviewing arrest of Black man

WINSTON-SALEM , N.C. ( AP ) - A North Carolina sheriff ’ s office says it is investigating the weekend arrest of a Black man who alleges a deputy used excessive force against him .
The incident Saturday at a flea market was captured on cellphone video and posted online , where it was widely shared , the Winston-Salem Journal reported Sunday .
The Forsyth County Sheriff ’ s Office and the owners of Cook ’ s Flea Market said Charles Redell Moody was arrested after he refused to comply with a statewide mandate to wear masks to combat COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moody , who has been charged with resisting arrest and trespassing , disputed that in an interview with the paper .
He said he had forgotten his mask but never refused to wear one .
Instead , he says he offered to buy one after getting cash out of an ATM .
Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. said in a statement on his Facebook page , he had spoken with Moody and his family and that together , “ we will come to a resolution.
” “ We are reviewing all video of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimbrough said , according to the newspaper .
Moody said he talked briefly Sunday with Kimbrough and that they plan to meet .
Moody also plans to file a complaint with the sheriff ’ s office .

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina sheriff’s office says it is investigating the weekend arrest of a Black man who alleges a deputy used excessive force against him.
The incident Saturday at a flea market was captured on cellphone video and posted online, where it was widely shared, the Winston-Salem Journal reported Sunday.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the owners of Cook’s Flea Market said Charles Redell Moody was arrested after he refused to comply with a statewide mandate to wear masks to combat COVID-19 and the owners asked him to leave.
Moody, who has been charged with resisting arrest and trespassing, disputed that in an interview with the paper. He said he had forgotten his mask but never refused to wear one. Instead, he says he offered to buy one after getting cash out of an ATM.
Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. said in a statement on his Facebook page, he had spoken with Moody and his family and that together, “we will come to a resolution.”
“We are reviewing all video of the incident in its entirety,” Kimbrough said, according to the newspaper.
Moody said he talked briefly Sunday with Kimbrough and that they plan to meet. Moody also plans to file a complaint with the sheriff’s office.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Mike Fulp, 311 Speedway owner, apologizes for 'Bubba Rope' Facebook ad

PINE HALL , N.C. — The owner of a North Carolina racetrack said he has faced death threats , lost employees and seen “ all but two ” of his sponsors evaporate amid the backlash over his social media post invoking the noose found in the garage stall of Black NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace .
Mike Fulp , who owns the half-mile , dirt track 311 Speedway in Stokes County , told the News & Record he knew his troubles from what he described as a joke were self-inflicted .
Fulp ’ s post advertised “ Bubba Rope ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an FBI investigation determined the noose found at the Talladega Superspeedway garage had been there since at least October and was a coincidence , not a hate crime .
“ I ’ ve lost all but two of my sponsors , ” Fulp told the newspaper .
“ I ’ m responsible .
I ’ m responsible for trying to make some jokes.
” Fulp said he ’ s been getting death threats and received messages threatening his family .
“ My employees got harassed , ” he said .
“ I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported Fulp canceled a “ Stand for America ” event planned for Saturday for safety reasons but plans to reopen 311 Speedway , perhaps as soon as next Saturday , and follow the state ’ s coronavirus guidelines .
He said he wants “ low-profile ” racing and he plans to stay off social media .
Fulp said he is not a racist in an interview in which the newspaper reported he broke down in tears and sobbed .

PINE HALL, N.C. — The owner of a North Carolina racetrack said he has faced death threats, lost employees and seen “all but two” of his sponsors evaporate amid the backlash over his social media post invoking the noose found in the garage stall of Black NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace.
Mike Fulp, who owns the half-mile, dirt track 311 Speedway in Stokes County, told the News & Record he knew his troubles from what he described as a joke were self-inflicted. Fulp’s post advertised “Bubba Rope” for sale on Facebook Marketplace the day after an FBI investigation determined the noose found at the Talladega Superspeedway garage had been there since at least October and was a coincidence, not a hate crime.
“I’ve lost all but two of my sponsors,” Fulp told the newspaper. “I’m responsible. I’m responsible for trying to make some jokes.”
Fulp said he’s been getting death threats and received messages threatening his family.
“My employees got harassed,” he said. “I had seven employees quit.”
The Greensboro newspaper reported Fulp canceled a “Stand for America” event planned for Saturday for safety reasons but plans to reopen 311 Speedway, perhaps as soon as next Saturday, and follow the state’s coronavirus guidelines.
He said he wants “low-profile” racing and he plans to stay off social media. Fulp said he is not a racist in an interview in which the newspaper reported he broke down in tears and sobbed.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Speedway owner loses staff, 'all but 2' sponsors after post

PINE HALL , N.C. ( AP ) - The owner of a North Carolina racetrack said he has faced death threats , lost employees and seen “ all but two ” of his sponsors evaporate amid the backlash over his social media post invoking the noose found in the garage stall of Black NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace Mike Fulp , who owns the half-mile , dirt track 311 Speedway in Stokes County , told the News & Record he knew his troubles from what he described as a joke were self-inflicted .
Fulp ’ s post advertised “ Bubba Rope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after an FBI investigation determined the noose found at the Talladega Superspeedway garage had been there since at least October and was a coincidence , not a hate crime .
“ I ’ ve lost all but two of my sponsors , ” Fulp told the newspaper .
“ I ’ m responsible .
I ’ m responsible for trying to make some jokes.
” Fulp said he ’ s been getting death threats and received messages threatening his family .
“ My employees got harassed , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greensboro newspaper reported Fulp canceled a “ Stand for America ” event planned for Saturday for safety reasons but plans to reopen 311 Speedway , perhaps as soon as next Saturday , and follow the state ’ s coronavirus guidelines .
He said he wants “ low-profile ” racing and he plans to stay off social media .
Fulp said he is not a racist in an interview in which the newspaper reported he broke down in tears and sobbed .

PINE HALL, N.C. (AP) - The owner of a North Carolina racetrack said he has faced death threats, lost employees and seen “all but two” of his sponsors evaporate amid the backlash over his social media post invoking the noose found in the garage stall of Black NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace
Mike Fulp, who owns the half-mile, dirt track 311 Speedway in Stokes County, told the News & Record he knew his troubles from what he described as a joke were self-inflicted. Fulp’s post advertised “Bubba Rope” for sale on Facebook Marketplace the day after an FBI investigation determined the noose found at the Talladega Superspeedway garage had been there since at least October and was a coincidence, not a hate crime.
“I’ve lost all but two of my sponsors,” Fulp told the newspaper. “I’m responsible. I’m responsible for trying to make some jokes.”
Fulp said he’s been getting death threats and received messages threatening his family.
“My employees got harassed,” he said. “I had seven employees quit.”
The Greensboro newspaper reported Fulp canceled a “Stand for America” event planned for Saturday for safety reasons but plans to reopen 311 Speedway, perhaps as soon as next Saturday, and follow the state’s coronavirus guidelines.
He said he wants “low-profile” racing and he plans to stay off social media. Fulp said he is not a racist in an interview in which the newspaper reported he broke down in tears and sobbed.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--New Mexico reports 192 additional COVID-19 cases and 1 death

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - Health officials in New Mexico reported 192 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases on @ @ @ @ @ .
That raises the state ’ s totals to 11,809 confirmed cases with at least @ @ @ @ @ bulk of the reported additional cases were in Bernalillo County ( 45 ) San Juan @ @ @ @ @ McKinley County ( 28 ) and Dona Ana County ( 27 ) .
The number @ @ @ @ @ be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people @ @ @ @ @ virus without feeling sick .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate @ @ @ @ @ and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
But for some - @ @ @ @ @ with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and @ @

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Health officials in New Mexico reported 192 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday with one additional death.
That raises the state’s totals to 11,809 confirmed cases with at least 492 known deaths.
The bulk of the reported additional cases were in Bernalillo County (45) San Juan County (34) , McKinley County (28) and Dona Ana County (27).
The Navajo Nation, which sprawls across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, on Sunday reported 55 new coronavrius cases, bringing the total for the huge reservation to 7,469. The nation also reported one more death related to coronavirus, bringing the total to 363.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
But for some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--New Utah virus cases top weekly record as infections surge

Utah health officials have reported the most coronavirus cases in one week since the pandemic began as a surge in @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials reported 3,638 cases for the week ending Sunday , exceeding the prior record @ @ @ @ @ a week earlier , KUTV-TV reported .
That includes more than 470 new confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ Only one person died this weekend - an elderly woman in San Juan County , @ @ @ @ @ fatalities from the virus to 167 .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes @ @ @ @ @ such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For @ @ @ @ @ and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including @ @ @ @ @ have been 21,100 confirmed cases in Utah to date , although officials say the true @ @ @ @ @ not all cases are diagnosed .

Utah health officials have reported the most coronavirus cases in one week since the pandemic began as a surge in infections continues across the state.
Officials reported 3,638 cases for the week ending Sunday, exceeding the prior record that had been set just a week earlier, KUTV-TV reported. That includes more than 470 new confirmed cases announced by officials Sunday.
Only one person died this weekend - an elderly woman in San Juan County, bringing the number of known fatalities from the virus to 167.
The Navajo Nation, which sprawls across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, on Sunday reported 55 new coronavrius cases, bringing the total for the huge reservation to 7,469. The nation also reported one more death related to coronavirus, bringing the total to 363.
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.
There have been 21,100 confirmed cases in Utah to date, although officials say the true number is likely higher because not all cases are diagnosed.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--Des Moines police say weekend shooting victim was Keokuk man

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) - Des Moines police on Monday identified the victim of a weekend fatal @ @ @ @ @ .
Police were called Saturday night to an industrial area east of downtown and found @ @ @ @ @ road .
He was identified Monday as Michael Thurman , 41 .
On Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ , 27 , of Des Moines , with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery .
He @ @ @ @ @ Polk County Jail .

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Des Moines police on Monday identified the victim of a weekend fatal shooting as a Keokuk man.
Police were called Saturday night to an industrial area east of downtown and found a dead man on a road. He was identified Monday as Michael Thurman, 41.
On Sunday, police charged Andrew James Hall, 27, of Des Moines, with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. He was being held in the Polk County Jail.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--Alabama mayor resigns after post on Crimson Tide's BLM video

CARBON HILL , Ala. ( AP ) - A controversial Alabama mayor has resigned after posting disparaging comments about the University of Alabama football team voicing its support for the Black Lives Matter movement .
Carbon Hill Mayor Mark Chambers submitted his resignation letter to the city clerk on Saturday , news outlets reported .
The council in the city of about 2,000 people outside Birmingham hasn ’ t approved it yet , but an emergency meeting will be held Wednesday .
A Facebook post from Chambers Saturday , said he was selling his photos of of the Alabama football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their “ sorry ” political views .
He said “ the Tide is done in my opinion.
” In a video shared by Alabama football , Saban and players read an essay by Crimson Tide offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood , who wrote , “ All lives can ’ t matter until Black lives matter.
” The small-town mayor previously faced scrutiny last year for complaining on social media about “ baby killers ” and “ socialists , ” saying “ homosexuals lecture us on morals ” and “ transvestites lecture us on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only way to change it would be to kill the problem out.
” Chambers initially denied the comment but later apologized .
Two town council members later resigned , reportedly because they didn ’ t want to be associated with his comments .

CARBON HILL, Ala. (AP) - A controversial Alabama mayor has resigned after posting disparaging comments about the University of Alabama football team voicing its support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Carbon Hill Mayor Mark Chambers submitted his resignation letter to the city clerk on Saturday, news outlets reported. The council in the city of about 2,000 people outside Birmingham hasn’t approved it yet, but an emergency meeting will be held Wednesday.
A Facebook post from Chambers Saturday, said he was selling his photos of of the Alabama football team and head coach Nick Saban because of their “sorry” political views. He said “the Tide is done in my opinion.”
In a video shared by Alabama football, Saban and players read an essay by Crimson Tide offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, who wrote, “All lives can’t matter until Black lives matter.”
The small-town mayor previously faced scrutiny last year for complaining on social media about “baby killers” and “socialists,” saying “homosexuals lecture us on morals” and “transvestites lecture us on human biology.”
Chambers wrote: “The only way to change it would be to kill the problem out.”
Chambers initially denied the comment but later apologized. Two town council members later resigned, reportedly because they didn’t want to be associated with his comments.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--Boy killed, girl injured in crash of off-road vehicle

BUFFALO , N.D. ( AP ) - One child has died and another has been injured in the crash of @ @ @ @ @ County .
The 11-year-old boy driving the Polaris Ranger lost control of the vehicle and @ @ @ @ @ Buffalo Sunday afternoon , according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol .
The boy died @ @ @ @ @ 14-year-old female passenger was taken to Sanford Hospital in Fargo .

BUFFALO, N.D. (AP) - One child has died and another has been injured in the crash of an off-road vehicle in Cass County.
The 11-year-old boy driving the Polaris Ranger lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch near Buffalo Sunday afternoon, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
The boy died at the scene. A 14-year-old female passenger was taken to Sanford Hospital in Fargo.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--Christopher Columbus statue near Connecticut Capitol removed

HARTFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - Crews removed a statue of Christopher Columbus from its pedestal about a block @ @ @ @ @ Connecticut early Monday morning amid national conversations about the explorer ’ s legacy .
Photos @ @ @ @ @ being taken down as the sun rose over Hartford .
It had been there since @ @ @ @ @ .
City leaders said the statue would be placed in storage until a decision is @ @ @ @ @ next .
The monument was located in an area called “ Columbus Green.
” It @ @ @ @ @ be renamed .
The move comes less than a week after a statue of Columbus @ @ @ @ @ Haven , sparking clashes between protesters .
Other Columbus statues in Middletown and New London @ @ @ @ @ Columbus ’ s legacy has been criticized in recent weeks as opponents characterize him as @ @ @ @ @ who sparked centuries of European oppression and the decimation of Indigenous peoples .
Supporters value @ @ @ @ @ explorer and call his statues important symbols of Italian American heritage .

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Crews removed a statue of Christopher Columbus from its pedestal about a block from the state Capitol in Connecticut early Monday morning amid national conversations about the explorer’s legacy.
Photos and videos showed the statue being taken down as the sun rose over Hartford. It had been there since 1926, news outlets reported.
City leaders said the statue would be placed in storage until a decision is made on what to do next. The monument was located in an area called “Columbus Green.” It was unclear if it would be renamed.
The move comes less than a week after a statue of Columbus was taken down in New Haven, sparking clashes between protesters. Other Columbus statues in Middletown and New London have also been removed.
Columbus’s legacy has been criticized in recent weeks as opponents characterize him as a symbol of white supremacy who sparked centuries of European oppression and the decimation of Indigenous peoples. Supporters value his historical contributions as an explorer and call his statues important symbols of Italian American heritage.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--Family awoke to gunfire outside apartment, boy fatally shot

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Authorities say a young boy was been shot at a Kansas @ @ @ @ @ .
Jacob Becchina said in an email that police were called around 2:30 a.m. Monday @ @ @ @ @ member was driving the boy to a hospital .
The boy died a short time @ @ @ @ @ same apartment as the boy told police they awoke to gunshots coming from outside the @ @ @ @ @ the boy wounded .
The name and age of the boy wasn ’ t immediately @ @ @ @ @ are canvassing the area for witnesses .
But no suspect information has been released .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Authorities have identified the young boy who was shot at a Kansas City apartment.
Four-year-old Legend M. Taliferro was shot around 2:30 a.m. Monday, The Kansas City Police Department said in a news release.
Police said that based on their preliminary investigation detectives believe this was not a random shooting and that the apartment was targeted.
Police responding to the shooting were told a family member was driving the boy to a hospital. He died a short time later.
People at the same apartment as the boy told police they awoke to gunshots coming from outside the home. They then found the boy wounded.
Police say detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses. But no suspect information has been released.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--New Jersey's indoor malls reopen from COVID-19 halt

TRENTON , N.J. ( AP ) - New Jersey ’ s indoor shopping malls reopened on Monday from their COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ Phil Murphy set the date earlier this month after he shuttered many sectors of the @ @ @ @ @ of the outbreak .
Their reopening comes as the state progresses through Stage 2 , @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , indoor retail has reopened , along with salons , barber shops @ @ @ @ @ Jersey has had 171,000 positive cases of coronavirus and 13,121 confirmed deaths , as well @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Later this week , casinos and indoor dining at restaurants are set @ @ @ @ @ % capacity , according to Murphy .
Also opening Thursday are amusement and water parks @ @ @ @ @ aquariums and libraries .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms @ @ @ @ @ with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness or death .

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday postponed the resumption of indoor dining, and banned drinking and smoking at Atlantic City’s casinos as they reopen this week, causing one casino to scrap plans to reopen anytime soon.
Murphy said he acted because of a lack of compliance over the use of face masks and social distancing as the coronavirus outbreak continues to rage in many parts of the country.
The decisions had an immediate effect: Atlantic City’s top-performing casino, the Borgata, dropped its plans to reopen soon. It had planned to hold an invitation-only “soft opening” on Thursday and open its doors to the general public starting July 6.
Now, neither of those things is happening for the immediate future, and it was unclear late Monday whether the one-two punch of a smoking and drinking ban would cause other casinos to postpone their reopenings as well.
“No smoking is very bad for casinos,” said Steve Callender, head of the Tropicana casino and president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, told The Associated Press. Asked Monday night whether the smoking ban could be a deal-breaker that could cause additional casinos to choose not to reopen under such restrictions, Callender said, “I very well think it could.”
Murphy revealed the smoking ban in a press release emailed to reporters shortly before 10 p.m. Monday. The release also confirmed verbal reports from earlier in the day that the administration was prohibiting the serving of alcohol on the casino floor when casinos reopen.
In fact, the executive order was even more draconian, prohibiting the serving of any beverages or the consumption of any food inside the casino.
Atlantic City tried a smoking ban in 2008, but quickly dropped it after just 20 days when casino revenue plunged and gamblers complained. Since then, smoking has been restricted to no more than 25% of the casino floor.
The Borgata’s parent company, MGM Resorts International, said in a statement the conditions just aren’t right for them to reopen.
“Our guests expect a special experience when they come to our property and if we cannot provide that level of hospitality, we feel it best that we remain closed until such time that the governor lets us know it is safe to offer food and beverage,” the company said. “The health and safety of our employees and guests are at the center of all that we do, and we regret that, at this time, we are unable to welcome back the thousands of employees who are anxious to return to work. We look forward to a time when it is safe to welcome everyone back.”
The Borgata was the first casino to react to Murphy’s cancellation of indoor dining, and the Ocean Casino Resort said it planned to stick to its scheduled Thursday reopening. Executives at most other casinos said they were waiting for additional information from the state before announcing whether their reopening plans would need to be changed.
Murphy cited the spike in other states as well as reports in New Jersey of people not correctly wearing, or failing to wear, face masks as well as maintain distance.
“Unfortunately the national scene compounded by instances of knucklehead behavior here at home are requiring us to hit pause on the restart of indoor dining for the foreseeable future,” he said. Asked about a time frame, he replied, “I don’t think it’s a matter of days, but a matter of weeks. We have enormous sympathy but the alternative here is worse and unacceptable.”
New Jersey has been slowly reopening, and on Monday indoor shopping malls were cleared to start business again.
Indoor dining was to begin again Thursday at 25% capacity. Casinos are also set to reopen Thursday, also at 25% capacity. Murphy said that can go forward.
New Jersey has been among the hardest-hit states, which Murphy hinted at when rescinding the restaurant reopening.
“None of us, none of us want to go back to that hell. We’ve worked too hard to get here,” he said.
New Jersey reported 156 new cases overnight for a total of 171,000, Murphy said. There were 18 new confirmed deaths since Sunday, for a total of 13,138 confirmed COVID-19-related deaths. There are 1,854 suspected coronavirus-linked deaths.
The delay in reopening comes as the state progresses through Stage 2, of three, of restarting. So far, indoor retail has reopened, along with salons, barber shops and massage parlors.
Also set to reopen Thursday are amusement and water parks, playgrounds, museums, aquariums and libraries.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness or death.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--Little Caesars workers fired after swastika found on pizza

BROOK PARK , Ohio ( AP ) - Two employees were fired after an Ohio couple who purchased a pizza at Little Caesars found pepperonis had been placed to form a backward swastika .
Misty and Jason Laska made the discovery when they opened the box that they had purchased at the store on Smith Road on Saturday .
Misty Laska posted a photo on Twitter .
“ I ’ m truly disappointed .
This is truly saddening and disturbing and not funny at all !
, ” she wrote .
The Laskas said they tried calling the store , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re trying to solve hate , and even if this was just a joke internally for the employees , just stop .
Stop with the symbolism , and let it go away , ” Jason Laska told WOIO-TV .
Little Caesar Enterprises released a statement to the station .
“ We have zero tolerance for racism and discrimination in any form , and these franchise store employees were immediately terminated .
We ’ re deeply disappointed that this happened , as this conduct is completely against our values , ” @ @ @ @

BROOK PARK, Ohio (AP) - Two employees were fired after an Ohio couple who purchased a pizza at Little Caesars found pepperonis had been placed to form a backward swastika.
Misty and Jason Laska made the discovery when they opened the box that they had purchased at the store on Smith Road on Saturday.
Misty Laska posted a photo on Twitter. “I’m truly disappointed. This is truly saddening and disturbing and not funny at all!,” she wrote.
The Laskas said they tried calling the store, but were unable to reach anyone.
“We’re trying to solve hate, and even if this was just a joke internally for the employees, just stop. Stop with the symbolism, and let it go away,” Jason Laska told WOIO-TV.
Little Caesar Enterprises released a statement to the station.
“We have zero tolerance for racism and discrimination in any form, and these franchise store employees were immediately terminated. We’re deeply disappointed that this happened, as this conduct is completely against our values,” the company said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--UN rights chief says Israeli annexation plan 'disastrous'

JERUSALEM ( AP ) - The U.N. ’ s human rights chief on Monday said that Israel ’ s plan to begin annexing parts of the occupied West Bank would have “ disastrous ” consequences for the region , issuing her dire warning as senior U.S. and Israeli officials were meeting in Jerusalem trying to finalize the move .
The warning by Michelle Bachelet , the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights , added to the growing chorus of international voices urging Israel not to carry out its plan .
The U.N. secretary-general , the European Union and key Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying it would violate international law and all but destroy any remaining hopes of establishing a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel .
“ The precise consequences of annexation can not be predicted , ” Bachelet said in a statement issued by her office in Geneva .
“ But they are likely to be disastrous for the Palestinians , for Israel itself , and for the wider region.
” President Donald Trump ’ s Mideast plan , unveiled last January , envisions leaving some 30 % of the West Bank under permanent Israeli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the remainder of the area .
The Palestinians claim all of the West Bank , along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip , for a fully independent state .
Israel captured all three areas in the 1967 Mideast war , though it withdrew from Gaza in 2005 , clearing the way for Hamas militants to seize control two years later .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , a strong supporter of Trump , has been unswayed by the international criticism .
He says the supportive Trump presidency has provided a rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annex Israel ’ s scores of settlements , as well as the strategic Jordan Valley .
He has pledged to move forward as soon as July 1 , seeking to take action well before the U.S. presidential election in November .
In a speech to evangelical Christian supporters of Israel late Sunday , Netanyahu said Trump ’ s plan “ finally puts to rest the two-state illusion ” and would “ advance peace.
” “ President Trump ’ s plan doesn ’ t really change the reality on the ground .
It recognizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Netanyahu ’ s coalition partner , Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz , however , has appeared to be more cautious .
Both Netanyahu and Gantz were meeting with White House envoy Avi Berkowitz and the U.S .
Ambassador to Israel David Friedman to work on a final map outlining which areas will be annexed .
The talks were continuing after a series of meetings in Washington last week ended inconclusively .
Gantz was quoted by Israeli media as saying that Netanyahu ’ s target date of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan has also come under surprising criticism from West Bank settler leaders , who believe it does not go far enough and say that any plan that envisions even a watered-down Palestinian state must be opposed .
Israeli media have reported that Netanyahu is considering scaling back his plans and is expected to annex just a small number of settlements in a largely symbolic move .
But in her statement , Bachelet warned that even a small annexation would create a “ highly combustible mix.
” She said deepening Israel ’ s control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian freedom of movement , turn Palestinian population centers into “ enclaves ” and clear the way for Israel to “ illegally ” expropriate Palestinian land .
“ The shockwaves of annexation will last for decades , and will be extremely damaging to Israel , as well as to the Palestinians , ” Bachelet warned .
“ However there is still time to reverse this decision .
”

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel’s top two leaders appeared to feud Monday about the timing of the country’s planned annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank, complicating the task of American officials who were in Jerusalem trying to finalize a plan.
The comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister, Benny Gantz, exposed a growing rift just weeks after their coalition government was sworn into office. It also raised questions about the viability of Netanyahu’s annexation plan.
Netanyahu has said he wants to begin annexing occupied land as soon as this week in line with President Donald Trump’s Mideast plan. Trump’s envoy, Avi Berkowitz, is in Jerusalem this week working with Israeli officials on the contours of which land Israel can annex.
But in a meeting with his Blue and White party, Gantz said his top priority is helping the country cope with the health and economic crisis stemming from the coronavirus.
“Anything unrelated to the battle against the coronavirus will wait,” he said.
U.S. officials have said they would like the plan to have the support of Israel’s two main parties, Netanyahu’s Likud and Gantz’s Blue and White. After three inconclusive elections, the two rivals formed a power-sharing government last month, with its primary focus on guiding the country through the coronavirus crisis.
Netanyahu, a close ally of Trump, is eager to push forward on annexation well ahead of November’s presidential election. Gantz, a former military chief who also holds the title of alternate prime minister, has been far more cautious, saying any annexation must be done in consultation with international partners.
Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Gantz’s concerns Monday, telling Likud members that he was working “discretely” with the Americans. “The issue does not depend on Blue and White,” he said.
Under their coalition deal, Netanyahu and Gantz hold mutual veto power over most government decisions. But the deal makes an exception for annexation, allowing Netanyahu to introduce a proposal to the Cabinet or to the full parliament even without Gantz’s approval. It remains unclear whether Netanyahu is prepared to do that.
The annexation plan has come under heavy opposition by the Palestinians and the international community.
Earlier on Monday, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said the plan would have “disastrous” consequences for the region.
The U.N. secretary-general, the European Union and key Arab countries have all spoken out against annexation, saying it would violate international law and all but destroy any remaining hopes of establishing a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
“The precise consequences of annexation cannot be predicted,” Bachelet said in a statement issued by her office in Geneva. “But they are likely to be disastrous for the Palestinians, for Israel itself, and for the wider region.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Bachelet of politicizing her office and noted that it froze ties with her office early this year due to what it called her “one-sided” attitude.
“It is not surprising that she decided today to join the Palestinian campaign against the American peace plan, and to publish declarations before any decision has been made,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Trump plan, unveiled in January, envisions leaving some 30% of the West Bank under permanent Israeli control, while granting the Palestinians autonomy in the remainder of the area.
The Palestinians claim all of the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for a fully independent state. Israel captured all three areas in the 1967 Mideast war, though it withdrew from Gaza in 2005, clearing the way for Hamas militants to seize control two years later.
Netanyahu has been unswayed by the international criticism. He says the supportive Trump presidency has provided a rare opportunity to redraw the Mideast map and annex Israel’s scores of settlements, as well as the strategic Jordan Valley.
In a speech to evangelical Christian supporters of Israel late Sunday, Netanyahu said Trump’s plan “finally puts to rest the two-state illusion” and would “advance peace.”
Both Netanyahu and Gantz have been meeting with Berkowitz and the U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman to work on a final map outlining which areas will be annexed. The talks were continuing after a series of inconclusive meetings in Washington last week.
The plan has also come under surprising criticism from West Bank settler leaders, who believe it does not go far enough and say that any plan that envisions even a watered-down Palestinian state must be opposed.
Israeli media have reported that Netanyahu is considering scaling back his plans and is expected to annex just a small number of settlements in a largely symbolic move.
But Bachelet warned that even a small annexation would create a “highly combustible mix.”
She said deepening Israel’s control of West Bank land would likely harm Palestinian freedom of movement, turn Palestinian population centers into “enclaves” and clear the way for Israel to “illegally” expropriate Palestinian land.
“The shockwaves of annexation will last for decades, and will be extremely damaging to Israel, as well as to the Palestinians,” Bachelet warned. “However there is still time to reverse this decision.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--BP sells petrochemicals arm to Ineos for $5 billion

LONDON ( AP ) - Oil and gas company BP has sold its global petrochemicals business to Ineos for $ 5 billion , part of its plan to shift activities to renewable sources of energy .
The company said in a statement Monday that the overlap of the petrochemicals business with the rest of the company is “ limited ” and that it takes “ considerable capital ” to grow these businesses .
Petrochemicals are derived from oil and gas production and used to make industrial products like plastics or paints , among other things .
CEO Bernard Looney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in building a BP that can compete and succeed through the energy transition.
” The proceeds will be used to strengthen the company ’ s balance sheet and means it has reached its targeted amount of business sales a year earlier than scheduled .
Ineos will pay BP a deposit of $ 400 million and a further $ 3.6 billion on completion .
An additional $ 1 billion will be deferred and paid in instalments next year .
Subject to regulatory and other approvals , the transaction is expected to complete by the @ @ @ @

LONDON (AP) - Oil and gas company BP has sold its global petrochemicals business to Ineos for $5 billion, part of its plan to shift activities to renewable sources of energy.
The company said in a statement Monday that the overlap of the petrochemicals business with the rest of the company is “limited” and that it takes “considerable capital” to grow these businesses. Petrochemicals are derived from oil and gas production and used to make industrial products like plastics or paints, among other things.
CEO Bernard Looney said the sale represents “another deliberate step in building a BP that can compete and succeed through the energy transition.”
The proceeds will be used to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and means it has reached its targeted amount of business sales a year earlier than scheduled.
Ineos will pay BP a deposit of $400 million and a further $3.6 billion on completion. An additional $1 billion will be deferred and paid in instalments next year.
Subject to regulatory and other approvals, the transaction is expected to complete by the end of 2020.


washingtontimes--2020-06-29--4 ex-officers due back in court in George Floyd's death

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - The four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd are due in court Monday .
It ’ s the second pretrial hearing for the men .
Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder and other counts , while Thomas Lane , J. Kueng and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting Chauvin .
Floyd died May 25 after Chauvin , a white police officer , pressed his knee against the handcuffed Black man ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
The defendants have not entered pleas .
Chauvin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charges , while other defense attorneys have sought to minimize their clients ’ roles in Floyd ’ s death , which sparked massive protests around the world against police brutality .
Among the issues for Monday ’ s hearings in state court in Minneapolis are motions to reduce bail .
Chauvin remains in custody with bail set at $ 1 million with a list of common conditions , while Thao ’ s conditional bail is $ 750,000 .
Lane and Kueng are free on bond .
Also unresolved is whether the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill is presiding over the case .
He ruled Friday that there will be no video or audio coverage of any pretrial proceedings .
While defense attorneys had requested it , prosecutors objected .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge on Monday warned that he’s likely to move the trials of four police officers charged in George Floyd’s death out of Minneapolis if public officials and attorneys don’t stop talking about the case.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill stopped short of issuing a gag order on attorneys, but he said one is likely if public statements continue. Cahill added that such a situation would also make him likely to grant a change-of-venue motion if one is filed.
“The court is not going to be happy about hearing about the case in three areas: media, evidence and guilt or innocence,” Cahill said.
It was the second pretrial hearing for the officers, who were fired after Floyd’s May 25 death. Derek Chauvin, 44, is charged with second-degree murder and other counts, while Thomas Lane, 37, J. Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34, are charged with aiding and abetting Chauvin.
Floyd died after Chauvin, a White police officer, pressed his knee against the handcuffed 46-year-old Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes. The officers were responding to a call about a man trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a nearby store.
Floyd’s death was universally condemned in Minnesota, with elected officials including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling for the officers to be charged. Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said Floyd’s death was “murder.”
Cahill asked Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank to use his influence to keep public officials silent, warning that if they continued to discuss it publicly, he likely would “have to pull (trials) out of Hennepin County and they need to be aware of that.”
Cahill set a March 8 trial date for the former officers if they are tried together, though he said he expects motions to be filed to separate their trials. The next court date is Sept. 11.
The defendants have not entered pleas. Chauvin’s attorney has not commented publicly on the charges, while Lane’s and Kueng’s attorneys have sought to minimize their clients’ roles and deflect blame to the more senior Chauvin in Floyd’s death, which sparked protests around the world against police brutality.
Chauvin remains in custody on $1 million bail and Thao is being held on $750,000 bail. Lane and Kueng are free on bond.
Cahill also rejected a defense request to reconsider his earlier decision to allow cameras in the courtroom during pretrial proceedings. Defense attorneys asked to allow such coverage, but prosecutors objected. The judge has not ruled on whether to allow cameras for the trial itself, which in Minnesota usually requires the consent of all parties.
Kueng’s attorney, Tom Plunkett, was the attorney asking Cahill to reconsider his ruling on cameras. He asserted that prosecutors and other officials forfeited their right to object to cameras in the courtroom by making public comments that went as far as “saying the defendants are guilty of murder.” He said allowing electronic coverage of pretrial proceedings would actually make it easier to impanel a fair jury by helping to “educate the public that there may be more to the cases than what has been told to them by the state.”
The charges against Chauvin are unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Second-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, third-degree murder carries up to 25 years and manslaughter up to 10.
The other three former officers are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Those charges are legally tantamount to the counts against Chauvin and carry the same penalties.