washingtontimes--2020-06-23--L.A. County agency offers $800M plan to help 15,000 homeless

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - An $ 800 million plan was unveiled Tuesday to house 15,000 homeless people in Los Angeles County who are considered most vulnerable to the coronavirus .
The county ’ s Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority presented a three-year COVID-19 recovery plan to the county Board of Supervisors to provide temporary housing with a goal of eventually finding permanent places to live for those on the streets .
The money was expected to come mainly from government funding but details would need to be worked out .
The U.S. , California and local economies have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns and business shutdowns aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 .
In April , Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Project Roomkey , a mainly federally funded program to provide the capacity to house and , if necessary , isolate people on the street who were most at risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 because of their age or existing health problems .
The county aimed to provide for 15,000 people but managed to house about 6,000 , including 4,000 who were placed in leased hotel rooms .
But some of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal would provide various housing measures , including rental subsidies , through next June along with various services .
Over the next two years , efforts would be made to move people into permanent housing .
“ These are our parents and grandparents , our neighbors with disabilities and chronic conditions - we must not let them down , ” LAHSA Commission Chair Sarah Dusseault said .
“ Anything short of housing the 15,000 most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness puts this population , already so exposed , at risk of a COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen.
” “ This is about saving lives .
We are not backing away from that number , ” LAHSA Executive Director Heidi Marston said .
“ We know how to house them .
We need the resources from the city , county , state and federal government to do it.
” The plan calls for $ 200 million from existing homeless programs and another $ 600 million in new funding .
The Board of Supervisors hasn ’ t specified funding for such a plan .
The region has been struggling to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January count by LAHSA reported that there were more than 66,400 homeless people living in Los Angeles County - by far the largest single concentration in the state .
That was up more than 12 % from the previous year .
Last week , a federal judge approved an agreement in which the city and county of Los Angeles will provide housing for almost 7,000 homeless people who live near freeways and those over 65 or vulnerable to COVID-19 .
The city agreed to provide 6,000 new beds within 10 months and another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county spends $ 300 million over five years to fund services for the people .
It wasn ’ t clear how that agreement fit into LAHSA ’ s long-term housing proposal .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - An $800 million plan was unveiled Tuesday to house 15,000 homeless people in Los Angeles County who are considered most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
The county’s Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority presented a three-year COVID-19 recovery plan to the county Board of Supervisors to provide temporary housing with a goal of eventually finding permanent places to live for those on the streets.
The money was expected to come mainly from government funding but details would need to be worked out. The U.S., California and local economies have been hammered by the impact of month-long lockdowns and business shutdowns aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In April, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Project Roomkey, a mainly federally funded program to provide the capacity to house and, if necessary, isolate people on the street who were most at risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 because of their age or existing health problems.
The county aimed to provide for 15,000 people but managed to house about 6,000, including 4,000 who were placed in leased hotel rooms. But some of those leases expire next month.
The new proposal would provide various housing measures, including rental subsidies, through next June along with various services. Over the next two years, efforts would be made to move people into permanent housing.
“These are our parents and grandparents, our neighbors with disabilities and chronic conditions - we must not let them down,” LAHSA Commission Chair Sarah Dusseault said. “Anything short of housing the 15,000 most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness puts this population, already so exposed, at risk of a COVID-19 outbreak. We can’t let that happen.”
“This is about saving lives. We are not backing away from that number,” LAHSA Executive Director Heidi Marston said. “We know how to house them. We need the resources from the city, county, state and federal government to do it.”
The plan calls for $200 million from existing homeless programs and another $600 million in new funding. The Board of Supervisors hasn’t specified funding for such a plan.
The region has been struggling to deal with a surging homelessness problem. A January count by LAHSA reported that there were more than 66,400 homeless people living in Los Angeles County - by far the largest single concentration in the state. That was up more than 12% from the previous year.
Last week, a federal judge approved an agreement in which the city and county of Los Angeles will provide housing for almost 7,000 homeless people who live near freeways and those over 65 or vulnerable to COVID-19.
The city agreed to provide 6,000 new beds within 10 months and another 700 beds over 18 months while the county spends $300 million over five years to fund services for the people.
It wasn’t clear how that agreement fit into LAHSA’s long-term housing proposal.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Mongolians vote in parliamentary polls amid economic woes

ULAANBAATAR , Mongolia ( AP ) - Mongolians are voting in parliamentary elections at more than 2,000 polling places spread across the vast , lightly populated country between China and Russia .
Economic concerns , corruption and public services dominate concerns among the country ’ s 3 million people , about half of whom live in the capital , Ulaanbaatar .
Electricity and sewage treatment are in particularly short supply in the slum communities that surround the capital , mostly populated by former herders who have given up life on the steppe .
Polling places opened at 7 a.m. and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not expected until Thursday .
Some also voted at mobile polling stations on Tuesday .
Mongolia has maintained a 30-year democracy instituted after a new constitution was adopted in 1992 following six decades of communism .
The Mongolian People ’ s Party is seeking to retain the 65 seats it won in the 76-seat State Great Khural in 2016 while its chief rival , the Democratic Party , will seek to claw back some of its losses .
More than 600 candidates are running in 29 constituencies under a system that returns two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Urban areas in the largely rural country are the most hotly contested , with 28 candidates running in one district of Ulaanbaatar .
Landlocked Mongolia boasts vast mineral wealth but has struggled to attract foreign investment because of plunging commodity prices and high-profile disputes between the government and large investors such as mining giant Rio Tinto .
Corruption and a bulging national debt of about $ 23 billion , or twice the country ’ s annual economic output , have also been a major drag on the economy .
That ’ s left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s people living below the poverty line , and resentment over income inequality and graft could boost the odds for outsider candidates .
However , the MPP is still expected to make a strong showing based on its competence in running government and handling the country ’ s COVID-19 outbreak , in which only about 200 imported cases have been recorded with zero deaths .
Among the MPP ’ s candidates are current Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh , Cabinet Secretary Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene and former presidential candidate Badmaanyambuugiin Bat-Erdene .
The head of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party , elected in 2017 , is not on the ballot .

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) - Mongolians voted in parliamentary elections Wednesday across the vast, lightly populated country, a U.S. ally squeezed between authoritarian governments in China and Russia.
The polls were held amid considerable success in the country’s fight against the coronavirus, with just 215 cases of COVID-19 recorded. All of them were imported and no one has died.
People lining up to vote in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, were required to maintain a distance of 2 meters (6.5 feet) between them. Once inside the polling place, election workers checked their temperatures and distributed hand sanitizer.
Police, interior troops and intelligence agents kept a close watch on polling places in response to fears the result to be affected by the buying of votes with cash or free transportation provided by candidates.
Economic malaise, corruption and weak public services dominate concerns among the country’s 3.2 million people, about half of whom live in Ulaanbaatar. Electricity and sewage treatment are in particularly short supply in the slum communities that surround the capital, mostly populated by former herders who have given up life on the steppe.
Polling places opened at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. with finals results not expected until Thursday. Some of the country’s 2 million eligible voters also cast their ballots mobile polling stations on Tuesday.
Mongolia has maintained a nearly 30-year democracy instituted after a new constitution was adopted in 1992 following six decades of communism. The Mongolian People’s Party is seeking to retain the 65 seats it won in the 76-seat State Great Khural in 2016 while its chief rival, the Democratic Party, will seek to claw back some of its losses. More than 600 candidates are running in 29 constituencies under a system that returns two to three members from each district.
Lawmaker and Democratic Party Chairman Erdene Sodnomzundui said he hoped there would be high turnout for what he described as a particularly momentous vote.
“This election is very important as it will decide the future development of our country, not only for the next four years, but maybe the next 40, 50 years,” Sodnomzundui told reporters.
Urban areas in the largely rural country are the most hotly contested, with 28 candidates running in one district of Ulaanbaatar.
Landlocked Mongolia boasts vast mineral wealth but has struggled to attract foreign investment because of plunging commodity prices and high-profile disputes between the government and large investors such as mining giant Rio Tinto. Despite its success in holding down infections, Mongolia’s economy is set to shrink because of the pandemic and prices are rising.
Corruption and a bulging national debt of about $23 billion, or twice the country’s annual economic output, have also been a major drag on the economy.
That’s left more than 30% of Mongolia’s people living below the poverty line, and resentment over income inequality and graft could boost the odds for outsider candidates.
Mongolia also walks a narrow tightrope between maintaining its political and economic independence from both Soviet-era patron Moscow and rising regional power China. Almost 95% of Mongolia’s petroleum and energy needs are met by Russia, while China buys more than 90% of the country’s mining exports, mainly coal and copper.
Washington has sought to encourage good governance and the growth of civil society in Mongolia, along with holding joint military drills and making Mongolia a NATO partner nation. Many Mongolia’s refer to the U.S. as their country’s “third neighbor” in recognition of the many varied exchanges between the two that help counter both Russian and Chinese influence.
Despite public discontent, the MPP is expected to make a strong showing based on its general competence in running government affairs and deft handling of COVID-19.
Mongolia moved swiftly to close its borders in January to prevent the virus from spreading into its territory. Those diagnosed generally have been Mongolians returning from Russia and other nearby nations. The Ministry of Health says 158 have recovered and 57 remain in treatment and isolation.
The two most recent cases were people who were isolated upon arrival on June 10 from Kazakhstan.
Another 255 Mongolians arrived Wednesday aboard a charter flight from Seattle, according to Mongolia’s official Montsame news agency. All will be tested and quarantined.
Among the MPP’s leading candidates are current Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Cabinet Secretary Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene and former presidential candidate Badmaanyambuugiin Bat-Erdene. The head of state, President Khaltmaagiin Battulga of the Democratic Party, elected in 2017, is not on the ballot.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Inside the Beltway: Trump can still win it

Certain pundits would love to declare that Joseph R. Biden — at this very moment — has vanquished President Trump and won the presidential race .
Yeah , well .
Sorry , but the political dynamics are percolating and the race is still viable .
In other words , it ’ s too early to tell who the heck will emerge the victor .
Things change .
Polls and surveys vacillate .
Voters are fickle , moody and unpredictable .
And besides all that , the nation is currently experiencing a triple nightmare of coronavirus , economic and employment woes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amplified by alarming media coverage .
But back to Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden .
Again , things change .
A canny Bloomberg News analysis declares this : “ Trump ’ s polls are plunging but it ’ s too early to count him out.
” The news organization cites three contributing factors which are positives .
First , Mr. Trump has always been deft at bouncing back from a crisis .
Second , the economy could rebound very quickly , Third , “ Biden could still blow it , ” Bloomberg said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite some dire poll numbers in recent days .
At the moment , Mr. Biden has between a 9- to 12-percentage point edge on Mr. Trump according to several polls .
But that could all change without much notice according to Nate Silver , the mastermind behind FiveThirtyEight.com , an analytical group known for accurate predictions in major political bouts .
“ Trump needs to make a comeback .
Again , there ’ s plenty of time for that and maybe also get some help from the Electoral College , ” Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fighting a two-front war with problems in the Midwest on one hand and Arizona and Florida on the other hand.
” “ Trump can absolutely win the election .
But he definitely has some work to do , ” Mr. Silver told the network .
Broadcasters continue to find new ways to compromise meaningful or fair coverage of President Trump .
“ Will CNN and MSNBC cover Donald Trump ’ s 2020 rallies in a way that allows the president to simply state his message to the American people ?
Or will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” asks Scott Whitlock , associate editor of Newsbusters.org , a conservative press watchdog .
“ If Saturday ’ s Trump rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , is any indicator , it seems likely the liberal outlets will choose the latter .
While Fox News played all 101 minutes — or 100 % — of Trump ’ s campaign kickoff , CNN allowed a scant 3 minutes and 25 seconds ( or 3.4 % ) and MSNBC a meager 3 minutes and 45 seconds ( 3.7 % ) , writes Mr. Whitlock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news networks essentially “ buried ” 97 % of the rally , the analyst said , noting that CNN host Wolf Blitzer called Mr. Trump ’ s speech both “ shameful ” and “ dangerous.
” CNN and MSNBC also faulted the size of the crowd at the rally , and suggested it had cast a negative effect on the president .
The two networks , however , doted on the competition .
On June 17 , Joe Biden gave a campaign speech in Darby , Pennsylvania .
Mr. Whitlock reveals that CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes while MSNBC offered 18 minutes .
Both networks devoted uninterrupted time to Mr. Biden .
“ MSNBC and CNN owe it to Americans to play the 2020 campaign straight : Air the speeches and events from the two candidates and let the voters make up their own minds .
Instead , these two liberal outlets are putting their thumbs on the scale and offering a partisan approach to campaign events , ” notes Mr. Whitlock .
The New York Times will not require its 4,000-member staff to return to offices until January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Publishers Daily , an industry source .
From January 2021 , the Times may start requiring some employees to return , depending on transportation and workplace circumstances .
“ The Times is one of the first large publishers to make such an announcement .
Tech companies like Twitter and Facebook , however , started telling staff in May that some employees will have the option to work from home permanently , ” the publication said .
There are complex and disconcerting times afoot in the nation at the moment , and they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A whopping 94 % of Democratic college students surveyed recently responded that they support defunding the police , according to a recent online College Fix poll of 1,500 college students nationwide .
What ’ s more , 61 % of Democratic college students polled responded that rioting and looting are legitimate forms of protest against racial discrimination and police brutality in America today , ” says Jennifer Kabbany , editor of College Fix , a news organization that tracks cultural trends on a multitude of campuses .
“ In contrast , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support defunding the police , and only 5 % of Republican college students back riots and looting as a form of protest , ” she observes .
Much good news for Fox News this week .
The network enjoyed its highest-rated Saturday night ever .
A peak number of 8.2 million primetime viewers tuned in to watch President Trump ’ s recent campaign rally .
Coverage of the event outpaced every other program across broadcast and cable with the exception of NBC ’ s America ’ s Got Talent and ABC World News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fox News also remains the most-watched network of all in the cable kingdom for the 24th consecutive week — and remains the top cable news provider , as it has for over 18 years .
• 85 % of U.S. workplace executives say their companies have banned face-to-face staff meetings .
• 47 % are likely to reduce their “ physical office footprint.
” • 20 % plan to operate under “ alternate conditions ” through 2021 and beyond .
Source : A 451 Research/S & P Global poll of 575 U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released June 18 .

NEWS AND OPINION:
Certain pundits would love to declare that Joseph R. Biden — at this very moment — has vanquished President Trump and won the presidential race. Yeah, well. Sorry, but the political dynamics are percolating and the race is still viable. In other words, it’s too early to tell who the heck will emerge the victor. Things change. Polls and surveys vacillate. Voters are fickle, moody and unpredictable. And besides all that, the nation is currently experiencing a triple nightmare of coronavirus, economic and employment woes plus serious social unrest — all conveninetly amplified by alarming media coverage.
But back to Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden. Again, things change.
A canny Bloomberg News analysis declares this: “Trump’s polls are plunging but it’s too early to count him out.”
The news organization cites three contributing factors which are positives. First, Mr. Trump has always been deft at bouncing back from a crisis. Second, the economy could rebound very quickly, Third, “Biden could still blow it,” Bloomberg said
A veteran pollster has a similar sentiment, despite some dire poll numbers in recent days. At the moment, Mr. Biden has between a 9- to 12-percentage point edge on Mr. Trump according to several polls. But that could all change without much notice according to Nate Silver, the mastermind behind FiveThirtyEight.com, an analytical group known for accurate predictions in major political bouts.
“Trump needs to make a comeback. Again, there’s plenty of time for that and maybe also get some help from the Electoral College,” Mr. Silver told ABC News. “Trump is fighting a two-front war with problems in the Midwest on one hand and Arizona and Florida on the other hand.”
But Mr. Silver has solemn advice.
“Trump can absolutely win the election. But he definitely has some work to do,” Mr. Silver told the network.
CENSORING TRUMP
Broadcasters continue to find new ways to compromise meaningful or fair coverage of President Trump.
“Will CNN and MSNBC cover Donald Trump’s 2020 rallies in a way that allows the president to simply state his message to the American people? Or will they attempt to hide and censor him?” asks Scott Whitlock, associate editor of Newsbusters.org, a conservative press watchdog.
“If Saturday’s Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is any indicator, it seems likely the liberal outlets will choose the latter. While Fox News played all 101 minutes — or 100% — of Trump’s campaign kickoff, CNN allowed a scant 3 minutes and 25 seconds (or 3.4%) and MSNBC a meager 3 minutes and 45 seconds (3.7%), writes Mr. Whitlock.
In other words, the cable news networks essentially “buried” 97% of the rally, the analyst said, noting that CNN host Wolf Blitzer called Mr. Trump’s speech both “shameful” and “dangerous.” CNN and MSNBC also faulted the size of the crowd at the rally, and suggested it had cast a negative effect on the president.
The two networks, however, doted on the competition.
On June 17, Joe Biden gave a campaign speech in Darby, Pennsylvania. Mr. Whitlock reveals that CNN went live with the speech for 15 minutes while MSNBC offered 18 minutes. Both networks devoted uninterrupted time to Mr. Biden.
“MSNBC and CNN owe it to Americans to play the 2020 campaign straight: Air the speeches and events from the two candidates and let the voters make up their own minds. Instead, these two liberal outlets are putting their thumbs on the scale and offering a partisan approach to campaign events,” notes Mr. Whitlock.
THE MEDIA AT WORK
The New York Times will not require its 4,000-member staff to return to offices until January 2021 at the earliest, according to Publishers Daily, an industry source. From January 2021, the Times may start requiring some employees to return, depending on transportation and workplace circumstances.
“The Times is one of the first large publishers to make such an announcement. Tech companies like Twitter and Facebook, however, started telling staff in May that some employees will have the option to work from home permanently,” the publication said.
THE GREAT DIVIDE ON CAMPUS
There are complex and disconcerting times afoot in the nation at the moment, and they are prompting varied reactions among young witnesses.
“A whopping 94% of Democratic college students surveyed recently responded that they support defunding the police, according to a recent online College Fix poll of 1,500 college students nationwide. What’s more, 61% of Democratic college students polled responded that rioting and looting are legitimate forms of protest against racial discrimination and police brutality in America today,” says Jennifer Kabbany, editor of College Fix, a news organization that tracks cultural trends on a multitude of campuses.
“In contrast, only 13% of Republican college students polled support defunding the police, and only 5% of Republican college students back riots and looting as a form of protest,” she observes.
FOXIFIED
Much good news for Fox News this week. The network enjoyed its highest-rated Saturday night ever. A peak number of 8.2 million primetime viewers tuned in to watch President Trump‘s recent campaign rally. Coverage of the event outpaced every other program across broadcast and cable with the exception of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and ABC World News Tonight, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Fox News also remains the most-watched network of all in the cable kingdom for the 24th consecutive week — and remains the top cable news provider, as it has for over 18 years.
POLL DU JOUR
• 85% of U.S. workplace executives say their companies have banned face-to-face staff meetings.
• 80% have added “universal work-at-home policies.”
• 71% have converted hosted events into virtual events.
• 47% are likely to reduce their “physical office footprint.”
• 20% plan to operate under “alternate conditions” through 2021 and beyond.
• 14% have permanently altered their working conditions.
Source: A 451 Research/S&P Global poll of 575 U.S. business executives conducted May 29-JUne 11 and released June 18.
• Helpful information to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Judge denies American women's soccer immediate appeal

A federal judge has denied a request by American women ’ s soccer players to allow an immediate appeal of his decision to throw out their claim of unequal pay against the U.S. Soccer Federation .
U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner in Los Angeles has scheduled a trial for Sept. 15 on the players ’ remaining claim of discriminatory work conditions .
Lawyers for the women had asked him to enter a final judgment on his decision to dismiss the pay claim , which would have allowed them to take the case to the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The granting of an immediate appeal will not eliminate the possibility of two trials or the possibility of successive appeals involving interlocking facts , ” Klausner wrote Tuesday .
“ The court has declined the parties ’ request to stay trial pending the resolution of any appeal .
And should a jury render a verdict unfavorable to plaintiffs on their remaining claims , there is no reason to think plaintiffs will not appeal that decision.
” Klauser ruled May 1 the women could not prove discrimination over pay and granted in part the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summary judgment .
He said the union for the women ’ s national team rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the men ’ s national team ’ s collective bargaining agreement and the women accepted guaranteed salaries and greater benefits along with a different bonus structure .
He also refused to let go to trial allegations the women were discriminated against because they played more games on artificial turf .
Klausner left intact claims the USSF discriminated in its use of charter aircraft , and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel accommodations , and medical and training support services .
“ One way or another , we intend to appeal the court ’ s decision which does not account for the central fact in this case that women players have been paid at lesser rates than men who do the same job , ” Molly Levinson , a spokeswoman for the players , said in a statement .
“ Tonight ’ s ruling simply means that an appeal may take longer to file and is a reminder that we must not give up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field to fight injustice , ” Levinson said .
“ Though we face significant challenges , we are strengthened by the reality that our effort is one part of the greater movement for equality happening in our country right now.
” New USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone - a former national team player - has said she hopes a settlement can be reached .
The current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 31 , 2021 .
Players sued in March 2018 under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more than $ 66 million in damages .

A federal judge has denied a request by American women’s soccer players to allow an immediate appeal of his decision to throw out their claim of unequal pay against the U.S. Soccer Federation.
U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner in Los Angeles has scheduled a trial for Sept. 15 on the players’ remaining claim of discriminatory work conditions.
Lawyers for the women had asked him to enter a final judgment on his decision to dismiss the pay claim, which would have allowed them to take the case to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
“The granting of an immediate appeal will not eliminate the possibility of two trials or the possibility of successive appeals involving interlocking facts,” Klausner wrote Tuesday. “The court has declined the parties’ request to stay trial pending the resolution of any appeal. And should a jury render a verdict unfavorable to plaintiffs on their remaining claims, there is no reason to think plaintiffs will not appeal that decision.”
Klauser ruled May 1 the women could not prove discrimination over pay and granted in part the USSF’s motion for a partial summary judgment. He said the union for the women’s national team rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the men’s national team’s collective bargaining agreement and the women accepted guaranteed salaries and greater benefits along with a different bonus structure.
He also refused to let go to trial allegations the women were discriminated against because they played more games on artificial turf.
Klausner left intact claims the USSF discriminated in its use of charter aircraft, and in the money it spent on commercial airfare, hotel accommodations, and medical and training support services.
“One way or another, we intend to appeal the court’s decision which does not account for the central fact in this case that women players have been paid at lesser rates than men who do the same job,” Molly Levinson, a spokeswoman for the players, said in a statement.
“Tonight’s ruling simply means that an appeal may take longer to file and is a reminder that we must not give up our efforts both on and off the field to fight injustice,” Levinson said. “Though we face significant challenges, we are strengthened by the reality that our effort is one part of the greater movement for equality happening in our country right now.”
New USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone - a former national team player - has said she hopes a settlement can be reached. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 31, 2021.
Players sued in March 2018 under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and they asked for more than $66 million in damages.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Brett Hankison, officer in Breonna Taylor shooting, fired

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — The Louisville Metro police department has fired one of the police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor , more than three months after the 26-year-old black woman was killed in her home .
A termination letter sent to Officer Brett Hankison released by the city ’ s police department today said Hankinson violated procedures by showing “ extreme indifference to the value of human life ” when he “ wantonly and blindly ” shot 10 rounds of gunfire into Taylor ’ s apartment in March .
The letter also said Hankison , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using deadly force .
Taylor , who was Black , was shot eight times by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant during a March 13 narcotics investigation .
The warrant to search her home was in connection with a suspect who did not live there , and no drugs were found inside .
The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville ’ s Metro Council .
The letter said Hankison fired the rounds “ without supporting facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a person posing an immediate threat .
“ I find your conduct a shock to the conscience , ” Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder said in the letter .
“ Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the Department.
” The announcement comes after Mayor Greg Fischer said last week that Schroeder had started termination proceedings for Hankison while two other officers remain on administrative reassignment as the shooting is investigated .
Protesters calling for justice in Taylor ’ s shooting have taken their calls to the streets amid the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes as he pleaded for air .
This month , Beyoncé also joined the call for charges against officers involved in Taylor ’ s death .
The singer sent a letter to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron , saying the three Louisville police officers “ must be held accountable for their actions.
” “ Your office has both the power and the responsibility to bring justice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Black woman ’ s life , ” said the letter released on the singer ’ s website .

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro police department has fired one of the police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor, more than three months after the 26-year-old black woman was killed in her home.
A termination letter sent to Officer Brett Hankison released by the city’s police department today said Hankinson violated procedures by showing “extreme indifference to the value of human life” when he “wantonly and blindly” shot 10 rounds of gunfire into Taylor’s apartment in March. The letter also said Hankison, who is white, violated the rule against using deadly force.
Taylor, who was Black, was shot eight times by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant during a March 13 narcotics investigation. The warrant to search her home was in connection with a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside.
The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville’s Metro Council.
The letter said Hankison fired the rounds “without supporting facts” that the deadly force was directed at a person posing an immediate threat.
“I find your conduct a shock to the conscience,” Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder said in the letter. “Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the Department.”
The announcement comes after Mayor Greg Fischer said last week that Schroeder had started termination proceedings for Hankison while two other officers remain on administrative reassignment as the shooting is investigated.
Protesters calling for justice in Taylor’s shooting have taken their calls to the streets amid the international protests over racism and police violence after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes as he pleaded for air.
This month, Beyoncé also joined the call for charges against officers involved in Taylor’s death. The singer sent a letter to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, saying the three Louisville police officers “must be held accountable for their actions.”
“Your office has both the power and the responsibility to bring justice to Breonna Taylor, and demonstrate the value of a Black woman’s life,” said the letter released on the singer’s website.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Homes evacuated in north Phoenix by fast-moving brush fire

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Up to 50 homes have been evacuated as a precaution in north Phoenix due to @ @ @ @ @ according to authorities .
State Forestry officials say the fire started around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ Carefree Highway and was burning through wash and heavy vegetation .
They said at least @ @ @ @ @ by the flames , which were being fanned by windy conditions in the area .
@ @ @ @ @ the brush fire is unclear .
Several fire departments in the surrounding cities were trying @ @ @ @ @ protect nearby structures and homes .

PHOENIX (AP) - Up to 50 homes have been evacuated as a precaution in north Phoenix due to a fast-moving brush fire, according to authorities.
State Forestry officials say the fire started around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday near 27th Avenue and the Carefree Highway and was burning through wash and heavy vegetation.
They said at least two structures have been destroyed by the flames, which were being fanned by windy conditions in the area.
Authorities said the cause of the brush fire is unclear.
Several fire departments in the surrounding cities were trying to contain the blaze and protect nearby structures and homes.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Madison Cawthorn, 24, tops Trump's pick in North Carolina primary

RALEIGH , N.C. — A 24-year-old real estate investment CEO won Tuesday ’ s Republican primary runoff for a western North Carolina congressional seat over President Donald Trump ’ s endorsed candidate for the nomination .
Madison Cawthorn defeated Lynda Bennett to complete an upset for the GOP nomination in the 11th Congressional District .
Bennett had received the president ’ s backing on Twitter and the earlier endorsement of Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , who until recently had held the seat .
Cawthorn called for the runoff after he finished second to Bennett in a 12-candidate primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get more than 30 % of the vote need to win outright .
The scheduled May runoff was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Cawthorn , who would reach the constitutionally-mandated age of 25 to serve in the House in August , was paralyzed from the abdomen down after a 2014 car accident .
He ’ ll face Democrat Moe Davis , a former military prosecutor , and other party nominees in November .
The district is still considered Republican-leaning despite recent boundary changes following litigation .
Cawthorn won despite Bennett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz also among them - and outside support from the political arms of the House Freedom Caucus that Meadows once led .
Cawthorn , who also described himself as a strong Trump supporter , attempted to reframe Bennett ’ s endorsements , saying he wouldn ’ t be beholden to anyone in Washington if he reached Congress .
But his campaign also got help from a super PAC that backs candidates allied with Sen. Rand Paul .
Meadows announced late during December ’ s candidate filing period he wouldn ’ t seek reelection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County real estate company owner and friend of Meadows ’ wife .
With voters worried about the pandemic ’ s spread , mail-in absentee ballots were popular in the 17 mountain counties within the 11th District leading up to the runoff .
Early in-person voting sites were open and election day precincts in several of the district ’ s 17 counties were consolidated mostly to address social distancing challenges .
Poll workers wore face masks and provided voters single-use pens and cotton swabs to mark ballots .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A 24-year-old real estate investment CEO won Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff for a western North Carolina congressional seat over President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate for the nomination.
Madison Cawthorn handily defeated Lynda Bennett to complete an upset for the GOP nomination in the 11th Congressional District. Bennett had received the president’s backing on Twitter and the earlier endorsement of Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, who until recently had held the seat.
Cawthorn, who also supports Trump, won by a roughly 2-to-1 margin while handing a setback for the president, who had recorded a phone message for Bennett’s campaign. Meadows is a former House Freedom Caucus leader who represented the 11th District for more than seven years.
Cawthorn won despite other notable Bennett endorsements — Sen. Ted Cruz among them — and outside support from the political arms of the Freedom Caucus.
On Tuesday night, Cawthorn said he won because of a superior ground game with voters and a message about freedom “that translated across generations and across ethnic groups.”
“My opponent seemed like she was really focused on national politics, but I wanted to be a representative for the people of North Carolina,” he told The Associated Press in a phone interview. Cawthorn’s campaign also got help from a super PAC that backs candidates allied with Sen. Rand Paul.
Cawthorn, who would reach the constitutionally-mandated age of 25 to serve in the House in August, was paralyzed from the abdomen down after a 2014 car accident. He’ll face Democrat Moe Davis, a former military prosecutor, and other party nominees in November. The district is still considered Republican-leaning despite recent boundary changes following litigation.
Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, said Cawthorn had a compelling story and benefited from local Republicans unhappy with details around how Bennett entered the race.
Meadows announced the day before the December filing deadline that he wouldn’t seek reelection. The surprise departure came so late that candidates who had already committed to run for other elected offices were barred from switching.
Some disgruntled GOP activists felt that Meadows concealed his decision from them, while Bennett, a friend of Meadows’ wife, announced her candidacy within a few hours of his announcement.
“The Trump endorsement obviously didn’t play well, and I don’t think that Trump is unpopular in the district,” Cooper said. Rather, he said, the endorsement looked like it was done as a favor to Meadows.
A House Freedom Caucus spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither did Bennett’s campaign.
Cawthorn called for the runoff after he finished second to Bennett in a 12-candidate primary in early March. Bennett had failed to get more than 30% of the vote needed to win outright.
Cooper said the size of Cawthorn’s victory signals the local party isn’t fiercely divided, which should help Cawthorn in his general election race. Davis is a former chief prosecutor for military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who later became a critic of how cases there were being handled.
The scheduled May runoff was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With voters worried about the pandemic’s spread, mail-in absentee ballots were popular in the 17 mountain counties within the 11th District leading up to the runoff. Poll workers at in-person voting sites wore face masks and provided voters single-use pens and cotton swabs to mark ballots.
Meadows wasn’t named chief of staff until after the March primary and resigned from the House a few weeks later. The 11th District seat is currently vacant.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Robert Trump, Donald Trump's brother, asks judge to block Mary Trump book

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ’ s brother is asking a New York City judge to prevent the president ’ s niece from publishing a tell-all book , which is expected to be released later this month .
In court papers , Robert Trump ’ s lawyers argue that Mary Trump and others had signed a settlement agreement in the late 1990s that included a confidentially clause explicitly saying they would not “ publish any account concerning the litigation or their relationship , ” unless they all agreed .
The settlement agreement related to the will of Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developer Fred Trump .
“ Confidentiality was at the essence of the Settlement agreement , ” the court papers say .
Robert Trump argues the publication of the book is prohibited by the settlement agreement reached in 2001 and he never consented to it being published .
Mary Trump is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr. , the president ’ s older brother , who died in 1981 .
A description of the book - titled “ Too Much and Never Enough : How My Family Created the World ’ s Most Dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describes “ a nightmare of traumas , destructive relationships , and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse.
” “ She explains how specific events and general family patterns created the damaged man who currently occupies the Oval Office , including the strange and harmful relationship between Fred Trump and his two oldest sons , Fred Jr. and Donald , ” the online description says .
The motion seeks an injunction to prevent Mary Trump and the book ’ s publisher , Simon & Schuster , from releasing it .
“ President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a book that will discuss matters of utmost public importance , ” attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr. , a representative for Mary Trump , said in a statement .
“ They are pursuing this unlawful prior restraint because they do not want the American people to know the truth .
The courts will not tolerate this brazen and baseless effort to squelch speech in violation of the First Amendment.
” A Simon & Schuster official said in a statement he was confident the attempt to block publication would fail .
“ Mary Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significance , and we look forward to helping her tell her story , ” said Adam Rothberg , spokesman for the publishing house .
The White House declined to comment Tuesday on the book or the legal motion .
Associated Press writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s brother is asking a New York City judge to prevent the president’s niece from publishing a tell-all book, which is expected to be released later this month.
In court papers, Robert Trump’s lawyers argue that Mary Trump and others had signed a settlement agreement in the late 1990s that included a confidentially clause explicitly saying they would not “publish any account concerning the litigation or their relationship,” unless they all agreed.
The settlement agreement related to the will of Donald Trump’s father, New York real estate developer Fred Trump.
“Confidentiality was at the essence of the Settlement agreement,” the court papers say.
Robert Trump argues the publication of the book is prohibited by the settlement agreement reached in 2001 and he never consented to it being published. Mary Trump is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr., the president’s older brother, who died in 1981.
A description of the book - titled “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man” - on Amazon says it describes “a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse.”
“She explains how specific events and general family patterns created the damaged man who currently occupies the Oval Office, including the strange and harmful relationship between Fred Trump and his two oldest sons, Fred Jr. and Donald,” the online description says.
The motion seeks an injunction to prevent Mary Trump and the book’s publisher, Simon & Schuster, from releasing it.
“President Trump and his siblings are seeking to suppress a book that will discuss matters of utmost public importance,” attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr., a representative for Mary Trump, said in a statement. “They are pursuing this unlawful prior restraint because they do not want the American people to know the truth. The courts will not tolerate this brazen and baseless effort to squelch speech in violation of the First Amendment.”
A Simon & Schuster official said in a statement he was confident the attempt to block publication would fail.
“Mary Trump has written a compelling personal story of worldwide significance, and we look forward to helping her tell her story,” said Adam Rothberg, spokesman for the publishing house.
The White House declined to comment Tuesday on the book or the legal motion.
___
Associated Press writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-23--Texas official: Army suspects foul play in disappearance

KILLEEN , Texas ( AP ) - U.S. Army investigators are suspecting foul play in the disappearance of a Texas soldier who has been missing for two months , a congresswoman confirmed Tuesday .
Pfc .
Vanessa Guillen ’ s disappearance is being treated as a criminal investigation after she went missing April 22 , U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia said Tuesday at a news conference with the solider ’ s family .
“ We don ’ t want just attention .
We want action .
We want answers , ” Garcia said Tuesday .
“ We ’ ve got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hurting.
” Garcia , a Democrat representing Texas ’ s 29th congressional district , and Guillen ’ s family met with Army leaders to discuss the investigation into the disappearance of the 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier .
During the meeting , family members told Army officials that Guillen told them she ’ d been sexually harassed by her superiors .
But Guillen didn ’ t report the harassment because she was afraid of retaliation , said Natalie Khawam , the family ’ s attorney .
Khawam said she wants Congress to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being handled because Army investigators haven ’ t been disclosing details .
The only information Army leaders provided is Guilan ’ s last known contact on April at 11:30 a.m. , Garcia said .
“ There ’ s something extremely troubling about this case .
A military base is probably one of the most secure places you can be .
You have ID check-ins .
There are security cameras everywhere , ” Khawam told KHOU-TV on Monday .
Guillen was last seen at a Fort Hood parking lot wearing a black T-shirt and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a search team , including Texas EquuSearch , to the Leon River on Monday , but they didn ’ t discover anything .
Meanwhile , Guillen ’ s car , keys and wallet were all left behind in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day on April 22 , and her phone is missing .
“ I demand justice and I demand their respect and that they respect my daughter as a soldier , ” Guillen ’ s mother , Gloria Guillen , said in Spanish Tuesday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect us .
And now that she needs us , we need to support her and find her.
” On Twitter , Fort Hood officials are asking for anyone with information to come forward .
A $ 50,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the soldier ’ s whereabouts .
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the League of United Latin American Citizens is each contributing $ 25,000 to fund the reward .

KILLEEN, Texas (AP) - U.S. Army investigators are suspecting foul play in the disappearance of a Texas soldier who has been missing for two months, a congresswoman confirmed Tuesday.
Pfc. Vanessa Guillen’s disappearance is being treated as a criminal investigation after she went missing April 22, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia said Tuesday at a news conference with the solider’s family.
“We don’t want just attention. We want action. We want answers,” Garcia said Tuesday. “We’ve got to remember that this is a family that is hurting.”
Garcia, a Democrat representing Texas’s 29th congressional district, and Guillen’s family met with Army leaders to discuss the investigation into the disappearance of the 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier.
During the meeting, family members told Army officials that Guillen told them she’d been sexually harassed by her superiors. But Guillen didn’t report the harassment because she was afraid of retaliation, said Natalie Khawam, the family’s attorney.
Khawam said she wants Congress to conduct an investigation into how the case is being handled because Army investigators haven’t been disclosing details. The only information Army leaders provided is Guilan’s last known contact on April at 11:30 a.m., Garcia said.
“There’s something extremely troubling about this case. A military base is probably one of the most secure places you can be. You have ID check-ins. There are security cameras everywhere,” Khawam told KHOU-TV on Monday.
Guillen was last seen at a Fort Hood parking lot wearing a black T-shirt and purple workout pants.
A tip led a search team, including Texas EquuSearch, to the Leon River on Monday, but they didn’t discover anything. Meanwhile, Guillen’s car, keys and wallet were all left behind in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day on April 22, and her phone is missing.
“I demand justice and I demand their respect and that they respect my daughter as a soldier,” Guillen’s mother, Gloria Guillen, said in Spanish Tuesday. “She enlisted for her country and to protect us. And now that she needs us, we need to support her and find her.”
On Twitter, Fort Hood officials are asking for anyone with information to come forward.
A $50,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the soldier’s whereabouts. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the League of United Latin American Citizens is each contributing $25,000 to fund the reward.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Police investigating armed confrontation at Michigan protest

LANSING , Mich. ( AP ) - Police in Michigan are investigating a confrontation in which a man serving as security for a small group of racial injustice protesters pointed an assault-style rifle at a man on a motorcycle .
The motorcyclist last week refused to go around the group blocking an intersection in the state capital of Lansing , protest organizer Paul Birdsong told WLNS-TV for a story Tuesday .
The man pointing the rifle can be heard on video telling the motorcyclist “ if you ’ re going to run us over , I ’ m going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man serving as security pointed the gun after the motorcyclist revved his engine .
Demonstrations and unrest spread to Lansing and other cities around the U.S. following the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
A white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes , even after the handcuffed Black man stopped moving and pleading for air .
Some people protesting police violence against Black people since Floyd ’ s death have encountered armed bystanders along demonstration routes .
The man hired to perform security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group , according to his attorney , Lucas Dillon .
“ They need protection because people have been threatening them , driving by saying you ’ re all going to die , ” Dillon said .
The name of the man with the rifle has not been released .
The motorcyclist has not been identified , WLNS-TV said .

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Police in Michigan are investigating a confrontation in which a man serving as security for a small group of racial injustice protesters pointed an assault-style rifle at a man on a motorcycle.
The motorcyclist last week refused to go around the group blocking an intersection in the state capital of Lansing, protest organizer Paul Birdsong told WLNS-TV for a story Tuesday.
The man pointing the rifle can be heard on video telling the motorcyclist “if you’re going to run us over, I’m going to protect my crowd.”
Birdsong said the man serving as security pointed the gun after the motorcyclist revved his engine.
Demonstrations and unrest spread to Lansing and other cities around the U.S. following the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. A white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes, even after the handcuffed Black man stopped moving and pleading for air.
Some people protesting police violence against Black people since Floyd’s death have encountered armed bystanders along demonstration routes.
The man hired to perform security at the protest in Lansing was protecting the group, according to his attorney, Lucas Dillon.
“They need protection because people have been threatening them, driving by saying you’re all going to die,” Dillon said.
The name of the man with the rifle has not been released. The motorcyclist has not been identified, WLNS-TV said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Man charged in case of burned body found in homeless camp

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) - Authorities have charged a Columbia man with the death of another @ @ @ @ @ burned beyond recognition at a Kansas City homeless camp earlier this year .
Mark Salisbury @ @ @ @ @ charged with second-degree murder and other counts in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Derrick Wallace @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Police found Wallace ’ s burned body near East Ninth Street and Hardesty @ @ @ @ @ soon determined Wallace had been shot and killed four or five days earlier at a @ @ @ @ @ arrested after he told two people he was involved in killing Wallace , prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ of two handguns police found in Salisbury ’ s apartment was determined through lab analysis @ @ @ @ @ in Wallace ’ s shooting .
Police detectives say Salisbury told investigators he believed Wallace @ @ @ @ @ Salisbury ’ s relatives .
Salisbury said he and another person had intended to scare @ @ @ @ @ , detectives recounted , but ended up killing him..

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Authorities have charged a Columbia man with the death of another man whose body was found burned beyond recognition at a Kansas City homeless camp earlier this year.
Mark Salisbury, 41, has been charged with second-degree murder and other counts in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Derrick Wallace, the Kansas City Star reported.
Police found Wallace’s burned body near East Ninth Street and Hardesty Avenue on Feb. 2 and soon determined Wallace had been shot and killed four or five days earlier at a different location.
Salisbury was arrested after he told two people he was involved in killing Wallace, prosecutors said. Court documents say one of two handguns police found in Salisbury’s apartment was determined through lab analysis to be the gun used in Wallace’s shooting.
Police detectives say Salisbury told investigators he believed Wallace had sexually assaulted one of Salisbury’s relatives. Salisbury said he and another person had intended to scare Wallace into leaving the area, detectives recounted, but ended up killing him..


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Remains of Wisconsin woman found in Minnesota, charges filed

BLAINE , Minn. ( AP ) - The remains of a Wisconsin woman missing for more than three years have been found north of the Twin Cities a week after a suspect was charged with killing her , state officials said .
The Wisconsin Department of Justice said Monday the remains of 50-year-old Beth Johnson , of Nelson , were recovered in Blaine .
Last week prosecutors charged 48-year-old Randall Merrick , of Rochester , with first-degree intentional homicide , domestic abuse and hiding a corpse .
Merrick is being held in the Olmsted County jail pending extradition to Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed Johnson sometime between Christmas Day of 2016 and March 12 , 2017 in Buffalo County , Wisconsin and buried or hid her body , the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported .
Johnson and Merrick dated in the past , but at the time of Johnson ’ s disappearance , they were roommates and Johnson acted as a caregiver for Merrick , according to the complaint .
Authorities have not been specific on the how and when Johnson ’ s body was found .
Online court records do not list an attorney for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court appearance Wednesday .

BLAINE, Minn. (AP) - The remains of a Wisconsin woman missing for more than three years have been found north of the Twin Cities a week after a suspect was charged with killing her, state officials said.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice said Monday the remains of 50-year-old Beth Johnson, of Nelson, were recovered in Blaine.
Last week prosecutors charged 48-year-old Randall Merrick, of Rochester, with first-degree intentional homicide, domestic abuse and hiding a corpse.
Merrick waived extradition to Wisconsin and appeared in Buffalo County court on Wednesday, where bond was set at $1 million with conditions. His preliminary hearing is set for July 10.
The criminal complaint alleges that Merrick killed Johnson sometime between Christmas Day of 2016 and March 12, 2017 in Buffalo County, Wisconsin and buried or hid her body, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.
Johnson and Merrick dated in the past, but at the time of Johnson’s disappearance, they were roommates and Johnson acted as a caregiver for Merrick, according to the complaint.
Authorities have not been specific on the how and when Johnson’s body was found.
Online court records do not list an attorney for Merrick.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Protester in Florissant accidentally shoots himself

FLORISSANT , Mo .
( AP ) - A man who was protesting in suburban St. Louis is recovering after @ @ @ @ @ demonstration .
The shooting happened Tuesday night in Florissant , where more than 100 protesters @ @ @ @ @ Michael said the man was carrying a long rifle when it accidentally discharged as he @ @ @ @ @ man was taken to a hospital with an injury to his right foot .
Protesters @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter ” on the street in front of the police station .
The @ @ @ @ @ slogan several times this week .
Tensions remain high more than three weeks after a @ @ @ @ @ video striking a suspect with an SUV .
The detective , Joshua Smith , claimed @ @ @ @ @ but he was fired and charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor .
Protesters also @ @ @ @ @ the scene that night to face charges .

FLORISSANT, Mo. (AP) - Two suburban St. Louis police officers who were investigated after a black suspect was struck by a white detective’s SUV will not be charged, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The driver of the SUV, Detective Joshua Smith of the Florissant Police Department, was fired after the violent June 2 arrest, and he was charged last week with felony assault, felony armed criminal action and misdemeanor assault.
The office of Special Prosecutor Tim Lohmar said Wednesday that two additional Florissant officers who also responded to the scene have been cleared of wrongdoing. Their role in the arrest has not been made clear, but the two were not in the car with Smith.
Tensions remain high after video from two home security systems showed Smith’s SUV striking the suspect, then Smith chasing and attacking the screaming man. Smith’s attorney has claimed it was an accident.
The Florissant Police Department has since been the site of several protests. Protesters have been calling for all officers at the scene to be charged.
During a protest Tuesday night, a demonstrator accidentally shot himself in the foot. His injuries are not life-threatening, police said.
Protesters painted the words, “Black Lives Matter” on the street in front of the police station on Tuesday night. The city has painted over the slogan several times this week.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--VIRUS DIARY: `Across the pond' becomes an Atlantic chasm

The arch phrase describing the Atlantic Ocean has long been an inside joke for those who regularly hopscotched over its untamed expanse .
It implied that an ocean renowned for dashing helpless schooners upon jagged shores for centuries , swallowing the Titanic , leaving armies of fishermen ’ s widows and giving birth to devastating hurricanes every year was no issue to those with ties on both sides .
With the COVID-19 pandemic , the Atlantic is a real live ocean once again , a barrier thousands of miles wide for a journalist in London who has a mother , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of relatives on the other side .
What I have been denying for years , aided by FaceTime and frequent flights to all parts of the United States , is now staring me in the face : I am too far away .
This realization has taken months .
In January , I was focused on Britain ’ s departure from the European Union .
In February , as Italy discovered its coronavirus outbreak , I was on a Caribbean family vacation .
I did not know those would be the last family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time we fully realized the danger , my husband was down in South Africa for a month-long hiking trip that was canceled the day he arrived .
As borders closed , it took him a week to get home , then 14 days in quarantine .
Work-wise , it ’ s been all COVID-19 , all the time , so I know how lucky I am .
My mother has not died alone and untested in an Italian nursing home .
No grandchildren have hospitalized for a mystery inflammatory disease .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns threw millions out of work .
I can work from home , even if my husband grumbles about it .
But that ocean .
The list of life events missed across that damn ocean is mushrooming .
We could not help my stepdaughter in Chicago as her husband came down with COVID-19 just as our 5-month-old granddaughter stopped sleeping at night .
Then she herself became symptomatic .
We were eager to soothe a cranky baby , cook some meals , feel useful .
“ You are not coming home in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
I said she would live to be 100 .
But COVID-19 does not care if you are the sportiest 84-year-old in Rochester , N.Y .
I did not go to my first college reunion in 20 years or host a birthday party for Mom .
We did not babysit in Chicago to give the new parents an anniversary trip .
We did not take Amtrak across the country to visit Glacier National Park or host a rehearsal dinner for my stepson ’ s wedding in Montana .
The wedding was canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notification that he was married .
Now I stare out the window as my British neighbors chat , 8 feet apart , with relatives outside .
Or as their children , the same age as my grandson , color the driveway with chalk .
I used to fly across that ocean five times a year and shrug off the jet lag .
Don ’ t tell British Airways , but I would pay millions now to get on that London to Denver flight , which soars over Greenland , Hudson Bay and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunlight was so beautiful I shot 15 minutes of Greenland glacier video and sent it to our feature team .
If the stars aligned , I could work early in London , fly to Ottawa and be in upstate New York with mom for a late dinner .
What am I going to do now ?
A second possible coronavirus wave looms over any cross-Atlantic plans this fall : grandchildren ’ s birthdays , Thanksgiving , Christmas .
I have already rescheduled a flight home this summer twice , but the Canadian border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open .
So send me advice .
I ’ m all ears .
I would hate for Mom to be right on this one .
Virus Diary , an occasional feature , showcases the coronavirus pandemic through the eyes of Associated Press journalists around the world .
See previous entries here .
Follow AP Assistant Europe Editor Sheila Norman-Culp on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/snormanculp

LONDON (AP) - “Across the pond …”
The arch phrase describing the Atlantic Ocean has long been an inside joke for those who regularly hopscotched over its untamed expanse. It implied that an ocean known for dashing helpless schooners upon jagged shores for centuries, swallowing the Titanic, leaving armies of fishermen’s widows and giving birth to devastating hurricanes every year was no issue to those with ties on both sides.
That has changed.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlantic is a real live ocean once again, a barrier thousands of miles wide for a journalist in London who has a mother, three children, two grandchildren and scores of relatives on the other side.
What I have been denying for years, aided by FaceTime and frequent flights to all parts of the United States, is now staring me in the face: I am too far away.
This realization has taken months. In January, I was focused on Britain’s departure from the European Union. In February, as Italy discovered its coronavirus outbreak, I was on a Caribbean family vacation. I did not know those would be the last family hugs for the indefinite future.
By the time we fully realized the danger, my husband was down in South Africa for a monthlong hiking trip that was canceled the day he arrived. As borders closed, it took him a week to get home, then 14 days in quarantine.
Work-wise, it’s been all COVID-19, all the time, so I know how lucky I am. My mother has not died alone and untested in an Italian nursing home. No grandchildren have been hospitalized for a mystery inflammatory disease. I did not lose my job overnight as lockdowns threw millions out of work. I can work from home, even if my husband grumbles about it.
But that ocean. The list of life events missed across that damn ocean is mushrooming.
We could not help my stepdaughter in Chicago as her husband came down with COVID-19 just as our 5-month-old granddaughter stopped sleeping at night. Then she herself became symptomatic. We were eager to soothe a cranky baby, cook some meals, feel useful.
“You are not coming home in my lifetime,” my mother declared last year. I said she would live to be 100. But COVID-19 does not care if you are the sportiest 84-year-old in Rochester, N.Y.
I did not go to my first college reunion in 20 years or host a birthday party for Mom. We did not babysit in Chicago to give the new parents an anniversary trip. We did not take Amtrak across the country to visit Glacier National Park or host a rehearsal dinner for my stepson’s wedding in Montana. The wedding was canceled. Last weekend we received a Facebook notification that he was married.
Now I stare out the window as my British neighbors chat, 8 feet apart, with relatives outside. Or as their children, the same age as my grandson, color the driveway with chalk.
I used to fly across that ocean five times a year and shrug off the jet lag. Don’t tell British Airways, but I would pay millions now to get on that London to Denver flight, which soars over Greenland, Hudson Bay and the vast Canadian tundra. Last time the sunlight was so beautiful I shot 15 minutes of Greenland glacier video and sent it to our feature team.
If the stars aligned, I could work early in London, fly to Ottawa and be in upstate New York with mom for a late dinner.
What am I going to do now? A second possible coronavirus wave looms over any cross-Atlantic plans this fall: grandchildren’s birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas. I have already rescheduled a flight home this summer twice, but the Canadian border that I need to cross is not open.
So send me advice. I’m all ears. I would hate for Mom to be right on this one.
___
Virus Diary, an occasional feature, showcases the coronavirus pandemic through the eyes of Associated Press journalists around the world. See previous entries here. Follow AP Europe Desk senior editor Sheila Norman-Culp on Twitter at http://twitter.com/snormanculp


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Washington County awards $625K to man deputy assaulted

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - The Washington County board of commissioners voted Tuesday to authorize a $ 625,000 payout to settle a lawsuit brought by a man whose skull was fractured in what appears to have been an unprovoked attack by a county sheriff ’ s deputy in the jail ’ s booking area in 2018 .
In a prepared statement , the board condemned Washington County sheriff ’ s deputy Rian Alden ’ s conduct that “ needlessly injured ” and traumatized Albert Molina , 45 .
The settlement was reached days before the county district attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before a grand jury to seek a felony second-degree assault indictment against the deputy , Rian Alden , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
Oregon law caps payouts in suits against municipalities to $ 700,000 .
The case has spurred the Washington County District Attorney ’ s office to reform how it handles similar cases in the future , officials there said .
Molina was accused of riding a bike while intoxicated and was being booked into the Washington County Jail March 30 , 2018 .
A jail video released by Molina ’ s attorneys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wall for a booking photo .
Molina appears to salute or gesture at Alden a few times .
Alden gestures at Molina and after Molina makes another gesture and says something Alden slams Molina to the wall , appears to grab his neck , pins him to the ground and straddles him .
Other deputies come over , and one appears to help Alden hold Molina down .
Molina ’ s attorneys filed a lawsuit in 2019 , citing major injuries and medical expenses that exceeded $ 135,000 .
He spent 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days in the intensive care unit .
The case was initially brought to the county district attorney ’ s office for review in 2018 .
The decision not to prosecute Alden was made after neither of the outside investigators – from the Multnomah County Sheriff ’ s Office and the Oregon State Police — nor the district attorney ’ s office sought or obtained Molina ’ s medical records that documented serious injuries , Washington County Chief Deputy District Attorney Bracken McKey told The Oregonian/OregonLive .
“ We got this one wrong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The renewed interest in the jail assault case came after the district attorney ’ s office saw an article on OregonLive.com in early June about an investigation into Alden for an alleged racist email , McKey said .
Alden ’ s attorney , Dan Thenell , called it unfair that the district attorney ’ s office is prosecuting Alden after previously choosing not to .
“ This is all about politics because of what happened in Minneapolis to George Floyd , ” Thenell said .
The sheriff ’ s office now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any allegations of use of force and is considering calling in a national expert to review the office ’ s use of force policies .
Molina ’ s attorney , Jason Kafoury , said he appreciates the county ’ s commitment to improving oversight of the sheriff ’ s department and jail .
He called for more attention to the violence prisoners face and for the Oregon Legislature to establish an independent , state-wide unit to investigate serious injury and death cases .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Washington County board of commissioners voted Tuesday to authorize a $625,000 payout to settle a lawsuit brought by a man whose skull was fractured in what appears to have been an unprovoked attack by a county sheriff’s deputy in the jail’s booking area in 2018.
In a prepared statement, the board condemned Washington County sheriff’s deputy Rian Alden’s conduct that “needlessly injured” and traumatized Albert Molina, 45.
The settlement was reached days before the county district attorney’s office is expected to go before a grand jury to seek a felony second-degree assault indictment against the deputy, Rian Alden, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Oregon law caps payouts in suits against municipalities to $700,000.
The case has spurred the Washington County District Attorney’s office to reform how it handles similar cases in the future, officials there said.
Molina was accused of riding a bike while intoxicated and was being booked into the Washington County Jail March 30, 2018.
A jail video released by Molina’s attorneys shows Alden directing Molina to stand against a wall for a booking photo. Molina appears to salute or gesture at Alden a few times. Alden gestures at Molina and after Molina makes another gesture and says something Alden slams Molina to the wall, appears to grab his neck, pins him to the ground and straddles him. Other deputies come over, and one appears to help Alden hold Molina down.
Molina’s attorneys filed a lawsuit in 2019, citing major injuries and medical expenses that exceeded $135,000. He spent 19 days in the hospital, including five days in the intensive care unit.
The case was initially brought to the county district attorney’s office for review in 2018.
The decision not to prosecute Alden was made after neither of the outside investigators – from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police — nor the district attorney’s office sought or obtained Molina’s medical records that documented serious injuries, Washington County Chief Deputy District Attorney Bracken McKey told The Oregonian/OregonLive.
“We got this one wrong, and we own that,” McKey said.
The renewed interest in the jail assault case came after the district attorney’s office saw an article on OregonLive.com in early June about an investigation into Alden for an alleged racist email, McKey said.
Alden’s attorney, Dan Thenell, called it unfair that the district attorney’s office is prosecuting Alden after previously choosing not to.
“This is all about politics because of what happened in Minneapolis to George Floyd,” Thenell said.
The sheriff’s office now will reach out to outside experts on any allegations of use of force and is considering calling in a national expert to review the office’s use of force policies.
Molina’s attorney, Jason Kafoury, said he appreciates the county’s commitment to improving oversight of the sheriff’s department and jail. He called for more attention to the violence prisoners face and for the Oregon Legislature to establish an independent, state-wide unit to investigate serious injury and death cases.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Authorities search for swimmers missing in separate cases

SOUTH BURLINGTON , Vt. ( AP ) - State and federal authorities in Vermont are searching for separate swimmers who @ @ @ @ @ about the same time , but miles apart .
Recovery operations have begun for one @ @ @ @ @ is presumed dead .
Just before 6 p.m. Tuesday , South Burlington officials were notified @ @ @ @ @ off Red Rocks Park .
There was a group of six people on a boat @ @ @ @ @ needed to be rescued .
One of the people who was rescued was hospitalized .
@ @ @ @ @ Francis says the missing male , whose identity was not released , was not wearing @ @ @ @ @ after 6 p.m. Tuesday , rescue crews were called to the Alburgh Dunes State Park @ @ @ @ @ a man who dove into the water from a boat and did not resurface .
@ @ @ @ @ missing swimmer in Alburgh is presumed dead .
Search and recovery operations are due to @ @ @

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - State and federal authorities in Vermont are searching for separate swimmers who disappeared in Lake Champlain at about the same time, but miles apart.
Recovery operations have begun for one swimmer, and the second is presumed dead.
Just before 6 p.m. Tuesday, South Burlington officials were notified that one male was missing off Red Rocks Park.
There was a group of six people on a boat, and four of them needed to be rescued. One of the people who was rescued was hospitalized.
South Burlington Fire Chief Terry Francis says the missing male, whose identity was not released, was not wearing a life jacket.
Just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, rescue crews were called to the Alburgh Dunes State Park after receiving a report of a man who dove into the water from a boat and did not resurface.
Vermont State Police say the missing swimmer in Alburgh is presumed dead. Search and recovery operations are due to resume Wednesday.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Iran open to talks with U.S. if Washington apologizes for pulling out of nuclear deal

Iran would be open to nuclear talks with the U.S. if Washington apologizes for pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limits on its nuclear development , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday .
His comments come just hours before the United Nations Security Council is expected to start negotiations over a U.S.-led plan to extend an arms embargo on Iran that was part of the Obama-era deal and is set to expire this October .
The U.S. , which pulled out of the deal in 2018 , has called for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to launch a resurgence of all U.N. sanctions in a move to gain backing from the U.N. Security Council to extend the arms embargo .
“ We have no problem with talks with the U.S. , ” Mr. Rouhani said in a televised address Wednesday , “ but only if Washington fulfills its obligations under the nuclear deal , apologies and compensates Tehran for its withdrawal from the 2015 deal.
” “ But we know these calls for talks with Tehran are just words and lies , ” he continued .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to the negotiating table and strike a new deal to limit its nuclear program .
“ Don ’ t wait until after U.S. Election to make the Big deal .
I ’ m going to win .
You ’ ll make a better deal now !
” he tweeted .
The U.S. has held a so-called “ maximum pressure campaign ” aimed at crippling Iran ’ s economy and leadership .
Iran thus far has rejected talks with the U.S. unless it sees some of the sanctions lifted and rejoins the original @ @

Iran would be open to nuclear talks with the U.S. if Washington apologizes for pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limits on its nuclear development, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday.
His comments come just hours before the United Nations Security Council is expected to start negotiations over a U.S.-led plan to extend an arms embargo on Iran that was part of the Obama-era deal and is set to expire this October.
The U.S., which pulled out of the deal in 2018, has called for an extension of the embargo and has threatened to launch a resurgence of all U.N. sanctions in a move to gain backing from the U.N. Security Council to extend the arms embargo.
“We have no problem with talks with the U.S.,” Mr. Rouhani said in a televised address Wednesday, “but only if Washington fulfills its obligations under the nuclear deal, apologies and compensates Tehran for its withdrawal from the 2015 deal.”
“But we know these calls for talks with Tehran are just words and lies,” he continued.
Earlier this month, President Trump urged Iran to return to the negotiating table and strike a new deal to limit its nuclear program.
“Don’t wait until after U.S. Election to make the Big deal. I’m going to win. You’ll make a better deal now!” he tweeted.
The U.S. has held a so-called “maximum pressure campaign” aimed at crippling Iran’s economy and leadership.
Iran thus far has rejected talks with the U.S. unless it sees some of the sanctions lifted and rejoins the original deal.
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--IMF forecasts deeper Latin America recession in 2020

RIO DE JANEIRO ( AP ) - The International Monetary Fund is forecasting a nearly double-digit recession for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020 – a contraction of 9.4 % – as the region is dragged down by its two largest economies , which continue to suffer from the coronavirus .
The updated outlook for the region , released Wednesday , is down sharply from the 5.2 % recession forecast in April , which already would have been the worst performance since at least 1980 , the first year in the IMF ’ s World Economic Outlook database .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ report that in Latin America , “ most countries are still struggling to contain infections.
” The new forecast includes a 10.5 % dive for Mexico , which has lost about a million jobs during the pandemic .
The country ’ s industrial activity plunged nearly 30 % in April compared to a year earlier amid its lockdown .
Prodded by the United States , Mexico reopened its automotive , mining and construction industries starting in June , but plans for a broader restart of the economy have been delayed due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The IMF predicts a 9.1 % plunge for Brazil , which is Latin America ’ s biggest economy and most populous nation .
That would be the deepest single-year tumble since at least 1901 , when national accounts data from the government ’ s economics institute begin .
Brazil contracted 2 % in 1918 , the year of the Spanish flu pandemic , according to the institute .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has argued that hardship inflicted by shutting down economic activity would ultimately be worse than that caused by the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll rose to the second highest in the world .
Mayors and governors responsible for when and how to restart their economies mostly ignored Bolsonaro ’ s desire for a swift reopening .
Following extended restrictions , cities and states have begun gradually resuming activity .
In late April , Economy Minister Paulo Guedes was still projecting a V-shaped recovery and said Brazil was “ going to surprise the world.
” Brazil ’ s central bank said in the minutes to its most recent monetary policy meeting , released Tuesday , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in April .
Industrial production in that month fell 18.8 % from the prior month , including an 80 % decline in output of durable goods , according to data published June 3 .
From January to April , Brazil ’ s economy shed 763,000 formal jobs , a report by the federal government said May 27 .
Economists surveyed by Brazil ’ s central bank currently forecast a 6.5 % contraction this year .

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - The International Monetary Fund is forecasting a nearly double-digit recession for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020 – a contraction of 9.4% – as the region is dragged down by its two largest economies, which continue to suffer from the coronavirus.
The updated outlook for the region, released Wednesday, is down sharply from the 5.2% recession forecast in April, which already would have been the worst performance since at least 1980, the first year in the IMF’s World Economic Outlook database.
The multilateral lending agency said in its report that in Latin America, “most countries are still struggling to contain infections.”
The new forecast includes a 10.5% dive for Mexico, which has lost about a million jobs during the pandemic.
The country’s industrial activity plunged nearly 30% in April compared to a year earlier amid its lockdown.
Prodded by the United States, Mexico reopened its automotive, mining and construction industries starting in June, but plans for a broader restart of the economy have been delayed due to the continued high rates of new COVID-19 cases.
The IMF predicts a 9.1% plunge for Brazil, which is Latin America’s biggest economy and most populous nation. That would be the deepest single-year tumble since at least 1901, when national accounts data from the government’s economics institute begin. Brazil contracted 2% in 1918, the year of the Spanish flu pandemic, according to the institute.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has argued that hardship inflicted by shutting down economic activity would ultimately be worse than that caused by the virus, even as the nation’s death toll rose to the second highest in the world. Mayors and governors responsible for when and how to restart their economies mostly ignored Bolsonaro’s desire for a swift reopening. Following extended restrictions, cities and states have begun gradually resuming activity.
In late April, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes was still projecting a V-shaped recovery and said Brazil was “going to surprise the world.”
Brazil’s central bank said in the minutes to its most recent monetary policy meeting, released Tuesday, that data indicate economic activity reached its low point in April. Industrial production that month fell 18.8% from the prior month, including an 80% decline in output of durable goods, according to data published June 3. From January to April, Brazil’s economy shed 763,000 formal jobs, a report by the federal government said May 27.
Economists surveyed by Brazil’s central bank currently forecast a 6.5% contraction this year.
—
Stevenson reported from Mexico City


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--IMF says initial deal reached with Sudan to reform economy

CAIRO ( AP ) - The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday it has reached an initial agreement with Sudan ’ s transitional government on a reform deal to help the African nation face daunting economic challenges that threaten its transition to democracy even as it battles the coronavirus pandemic .
The development comes just over a year after the removal of autocratic President Omar al-Bashir , who is wanted by the international war crimes tribunal for atrocities in the Darfur region .
The IMF said it held virtual meetings with Sudanese authorities this month to discuss the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social safety net , and improve governance and the business environment .
“ The focus is on reducing fiscal and external deficits to contain inflation , strengthening social programs to mitigate the impact of adjustment and address the fallout of COVID-19 , and improving the business environment and governance , ” said Daniel Kanda , who led the IMF mission to Sudan .
He said the reforms envisage increasing domestic revenue and reforming energy subsidies to create room for more spending on social programs , including the health sector and assistance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 8,800 cases of coronavirus , including 548 deaths , but testing is limited and the country ’ s health system is ill-equipped to handle a pandemic .
Battered by decades of U.S. sanctions and mismanagement under al-Bashir , Sudan suffers from high inflation , which reached 114 % in May , a foreign debt at close to $ 60 billion and widespread shortages of essential goods , including fuel , bread and medicine .
Sudan ’ s debt was at over 190 % of its GDP in 2019 and the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to depreciate rapidly , Kanda said .
The pound is valued on the black market for over double of its official rate of 55 pounds to the dollar .
Overall , the Sudanese economy contracted by 2.5 percent in 2019 and is projected to shrink by 8 percent in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic weighs heavily on the economy , he said .
There was no immediate comment from the Sudanese government and the IMF did not reveal the amount of the deal .
Khartoum hopes an international virtual conference on Sudan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would unlock desperately needed foreign aid .
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok last year said his government needs up to $ 8 billion in foreign aid in the next two years , and another $ 2 billion to shore up the plunging local currency .
Another obstacle in Sudan ’ s path to reforms is the fact that the U.S. had named the country a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993 , and the designation stuck throughout al-Bashir ’ s rule .
The U.S. began a formal process to de-list Sudan in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold when Sudan ’ s mass protests erupted late in 2018 .
The uprising toppled al-Bashir in April 2019 and eventually forced the military into a power-sharing agreement with civilians .

CAIRO (AP) - The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday it reached an initial agreement with Sudan’s transitional government on a reform deal to help the African nation face daunting economic challenges that threaten its transition to democracy, even as it battles the coronavirus pandemic.
The development comes just over a year after the removal of autocratic President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the international war crimes tribunal for atrocities in the Darfur region.
The IMF said it held virtual meetings with Sudanese authorities this month to discuss the government’s plans to stabilize the economy, strengthen the social safety net, and improve governance and the business environment.
“The focus is on reducing fiscal and external deficits to contain inflation, strengthening social programs to mitigate the impact of adjustment and address the fallout of COVID-19, and improving the business environment and governance,” said Daniel Kanda, who led the IMF mission to Sudan.
He said the reforms envisage increasing domestic revenue and reforming energy subsidies to create room for more spending on social programs, including the health sector and assistance to the poor. Sudan has reported more than 8,800 cases of coronavirus, including 548 deaths, but testing is limited and the country’s health system is ill-equipped to handle a pandemic.
Battered by decades of U.S. sanctions and mismanagement under al-Bashir, Sudan suffers from high inflation, which reached 114% in May, a foreign debt at close to $60 billion and widespread shortages of essential goods, including fuel, bread and medicine.
Sudan’s debt was at over 190% of its GDP in 2019 and the nation’s currency, the Sudanese pound, continues to depreciate rapidly, Kanda said. The pound is valued on the black market for over double of its official rate of 55 pounds to the dollar.
Overall, the Sudanese economy contracted by 2.5 percent in 2019 and is projected to shrink by 8 percent in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic weighs heavily on the economy, he said.
There was no immediate comment from the Sudanese government and the IMF did not reveal the amount of the deal. Khartoum hopes an international virtual conference on Sudan, hosted by Berlin on Thursday, would unlock desperately needed foreign aid.
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok hailed the conference as a “historical opportunity” for Sudan to be readmitted to the international community.
He said last year his government needs up to $8 billion in foreign aid in the next two years, and another $2 billion to shore up the plunging local currency.
Another obstacle in Sudan’s path to reforms is the fact that the U.S. had named the country a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993, and the designation stuck throughout al-Bashir’s rule. The U.S. began a formal process to de-list Sudan in January 2017, but this was put on hold when Sudan’s mass protests erupted late in 2018.
The uprising toppled al-Bashir in April 2019 and eventually forced the military into a power-sharing agreement with civilians.
Hamdok spoke Wednesday by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss “ways to continue strengthening US-Sudan relations,” he said on Twitter.
“We are committed partners in Sudan’s efforts to achieve peace, economic opportunity, and democratic reforms that will build a brighter future for all Sudanese people,” Pompeo said, also on Twitter.


washingtontimes--2020-06-24--Final section of Confederate monument removed from Raleigh

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - Crews in North Carolina have finished removing the final pieces of a 75-foot-tall ( 23-meter-tall ) Confederate monument that sat near the grounds of the state Capitol for 125 years .
The granite pillar that had supported a statue of a Confederate soldier was pulled from its base in Raleigh to cheers from a crowd of onlookers late Tuesday night , news outlets reported .
On Friday , protesters pulled down the statues of two Confederate soldiers that were secured on a lower part of the obelisk , before dragging the figures down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its neck from a light post .
One day later , Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper ordered the rest of the monument to be removed , along with two other nearby Confederate memorials , citing public safety .
Crews worked for three days to disassemble the structure , bringing in cranes , towing straps and metal rods to dismantle it piece by piece .
Photos showed the stone base displaying the dedication “ To Our Confederate Dead ” being hoisted into the air , with the initials “ BLM , ” for Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Justice ” scrawled across it .
Just the stone steps were left late Tuesday .
Kenny Lee , a Black man who grew up in North Carolina , was quoted by The News & Observer as saying that watching the monument come down was like “ witnessing a new history.
” “ Some would say that you ’ re erasing history and getting rid of history and so forth , ” he said .
“ But we ’ re just creating a new future .
”

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Crews in North Carolina removed the largest remnants of a 75-foot-tall (23-meter-tall) Confederate monument that sat near the grounds of the state Capitol for 125 years.
The granite pillar that had supported a statue of a Confederate soldier was pulled from its base in Raleigh to cheers from a crowd of onlookers late Tuesday night, news outlets reported.
By about 7 a.m. Wednesday, after the pedestal was also removed, all that remained was a low-lying part of the monument’s base covered in a tarp, according to WNCN-TV.
On Friday, protesters pulled down the statues of two Confederate soldiers that were secured on a lower part of the obelisk, before dragging the figures down the street and stringing one up by its neck from a light post. One day later, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper ordered the rest of the monument to be removed, along with two other nearby Confederate memorials, citing public safety.
Crews worked for three days to disassemble the structure that supported the statues, bringing in cranes, towing straps and metal rods to dismantle it piece by piece.
Photos showed the stone pedestal displaying the dedication “To Our Confederate Dead” being hoisted into the air, with the initials “BLM,” for Black Lives Matter, and the words “No Justice” scrawled across it. Just the stone steps were left late Tuesday.
Kenny Lee, a Black man who grew up in North Carolina, was quoted by The News & Observer as saying that watching the monument come down was like “witnessing a new history.”
“Some would say that you’re erasing history and getting rid of history and so forth,” he said. “But we’re just creating a new future.”
___
This story has been edited to clarify that all that remained of the monument Wednesday morning was a low-lying part of its base.