washingtontimes--2020-06-08--SEPTA reinstates requiring passengers to wear face coverings

PHILADELPHIA ( AP ) - SEPTA ’ s passengers on Monday again needed to wear face coverings on the mass @ @ @ @ @ million people in the five counties in and around Philadelphia .
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation @ @ @ @ @ riders to put on masks or face coverings on the agency ’ s buses , @ @ @ @ @ region transitions to the yellow phase of Pennsylvania ’ s plan to stem the spread @ @ @ @ @ had eased the requirement to a recommendation in April after police removed a rider who @ @ @ @ @ without a mask .
Employees will now engage riders to remind them about the requirement @ @ @ @ @ Riders have made it clear that requiring everyone to wear face coverings would help make @ @ @ @ @ transit , ” said SEPTA general manager Leslie Richards .
Customers can use any type @ @ @ @ @ the mouth and nose , SEPTA said .

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday backed off its demand that nursing homes test all residents and staff for the new coronavirus weekly, instead ordering them to complete a single baseline test.
Wolf had vowed last month that weekly testing would start June 1, saying his administration had a plan in place to accomplish it. Health experts were skeptical, citing logistical, operational and financial hurdles to an ambitious testing regime that would have involved well over 100,000 people in long-term care homes statewide.
Dr. Rachel Levine, the state health secretary, on Monday ordered nursing homes to conduct a baseline test of all residents and staff by July 24. The Health Department also issued revised testing guidance that recommends universal testing only if a facility has a new confirmed infection.
In that case, testing of all residents and staff should continue once a week until the home has gone 14 days without a positive test, the guidance says.
“Our goal with implementing this testing in nursing homes is to rapidly detect asymptomatic positive residents and staff in order to manage their care and prevent further transmission of COVID-19, “ Levine said at a news conference.
More than 75 nursing homes have widely tested residents and staff. But other facilities have lacked the capability, and officials acknowledged that routine weekly testing at all homes statewide was too ambitious.
“As we have worked with and heard concerns from facilities, we realized that testing in that amount of time may not be feasible,” Levine’s spokesman, Nate Wardle, said Monday.
Care homes struggled for months to contain the virus, with many lacking the trained staff, testing supplies and personal protective equipment in the early going that could have helped them slow the spread, public health experts say.
Residents of long-term care homes account for more than two-thirds of the statewide death toll of about 6,000, a higher proportion that in most other states. Infections and deaths at nursing homes peaked in late April and have been trending down ever since.
In other coronavirus-related developments Monday:
___
SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS
Wolf announced details of a $225 million grant program for small businesses affected by COVID-19.
The money will come from Pennsylvania’s share of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress in late March. State lawmakers approved the grant program last month.
The grants will be administered by 17 community-based lenders, and may be used to cover a businesses’s operating expenses during the pandemic, as well as for technical assistance.
Eligible businesses will include those that had a loss as a result of Wolf’s closure of all “non-life-sustaining” businesses, for whom $100 million has been set aside. Another $100 million was designated for minority-owned businesses that likewise sustained losses during the pandemic. The remaining $25 million will be used to shore up community-based lenders and allow them to offer forbearance to struggling businesses.
___
NEW CASES TRACED TO BEACH
A dozen new coronavirus cases in the Philadelphia area have been traced to someone who attended gatherings at beach houses at the Jersey Shore, according to the health department in suburban Bucks County.
The department said 11 cases reported Saturday were linked to a New Jersey resident who was at gatherings in the past two weeks. One case reported Friday also was traced to the same person.
“There are likely to be additional infections among family members of the new cases,” said Dr. David Damsker, the health director in Bucks County.
He did not disclose further details, including exactly where the gatherings were.
“This is exactly why we can’t let our guard down now, even if it feels safe to be at the beach,” Damsker said. “One unlucky exposure can lead to a large cascade of cases down the line.”
It is important to wear face coverings when attending small gatherings of people who are not members of the same household, Damsker said.
Nearly 5,000 residents of Bucks County, which borders Philadelphia to the south and New Jersey to the east, have tested positive for the coronavirus.
___
MASKS ON TRANSIT
Passengers on mass transit in the Philadelphia region Monday once again had to don masks on the system serving 4 million people in five counties to help contain the virus.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority reinstated a policy requiring riders to put on masks or other face coverings on buses, trains and trolleys as the region transitions to the middle “yellow” phase of Pennsylvania’s plan to reopen as the pandemic eases.
SEPTA had eased the requirement to a recommendation in April after police removed a rider who tried to board a bus without a mask. Employees will now engage riders to remind them about the requirement, SEPTA said.
“Riders have made it clear that requiring everyone to wear face coverings would help make them feel safe returning to transit,” said SEPTA general manager Leslie Richards.
Customers can use any type of cloth material that covers the mouth and nose, SEPTA said.
___
CASES
The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported 10 additional deaths linked to COVID-19, raising the statewide total to 5,953.
State health officials also reported that 351 more people have tested positive.
Since early March, infections have been confirmed in about 76,000 people in Pennsylvania.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than the confirmed case count because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a couple of weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
___ This story has been corrected to show that Bucks County borders Philadelphia to the south, not to the north.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Bangladesh arrests at least 19 suspected people smugglers

DHAKA , Bangladesh ( AP ) - Authorities in Bangladesh have arrested at least 19 suspected people smugglers following the killings last month of 26 Bangladeshis in Libya who were trying to reach Europe illegally , police said Monday .
Detectives have arrested six people since Sunday in Dhaka , Bangladesh ’ s capital , in connection with the migrant workers who were killed or injured in Libya , raising the total number of detained suspects to 19 , said Abdul Baten , additional commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police .
A series of arrests have been made in Dhaka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bangladesh ’ s police chief saying the people smugglers will not be spared .
In last month ’ s attack in Libya , the family of a slain Libyan human trafficker attacked a group of migrants in a town that recently had changed hands amid the fighting over the country ’ s capital , killing 26 Bangladeshis and four African migrants .
The Libyan government has said 11 other Bangladeshis were wounded in the May 28 attack .
The U.N. migration agency said the migrants were shot and killed in a smuggling warehouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a group of migrants were being held .
Baten said the crackdown on the rogue recruiters of migrant workers and human smugglers continued after two separate cases were filed by the victims ’ families following the killings .
He said it appeared that the victims of the attack had been trafficked to Libya via India , the United Arab Emirates and Egypt .
He also said the victims were detained in various camps in the North African nation and subjected to physical and mental torture .
The traffickers made video and audio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their families in Bangladesh to extract money , Baten said .
Bangladesh ’ s inspector general of police , Benazir Ahmed , had earlier said that “ the way our people were brutally killed is unacceptable.
” “ No one will be spared who has deceived our citizens … took them overseas and are responsible for these miserable deaths , ” he said .
Migrants fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East typically pass through Libya on their way to Europe , departing Tripoli ’ s rocky coast in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trained by the European Union to keep migrants from reaching European shores , intercepts boats at sea and returns them to Libya , where many migrants land in detention centers rife with torture and abuse .
Sending workers abroad is crucial for Bangladesh ’ s economy .
Some 10 million Bangladeshis working overseas send home about $ 20 billion per year .
Saudi Arabia has long been the largest source of remittances , followed by the UAE , Qatar , Oman , Bahrain , Kuwait , Libya , Iraq , Singapore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - Authorities in Bangladesh have arrested at least 19 suspected people smugglers following the killings last month of 26 Bangladeshis in Libya who were trying to reach Europe illegally, police said Monday.
Detectives have arrested six people since Sunday in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, in connection with the migrant workers who were killed or injured in Libya, raising the total number of detained suspects to 19, said Abdul Baten, additional commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
A series of arrests have been made in Dhaka and elsewhere in recent weeks, with Bangladesh’s police chief saying the people smugglers will not be spared.
In last month’s attack in Libya, the family of a slain Libyan human trafficker attacked a group of migrants in a town that recently had changed hands amid the fighting over the country’s capital, killing 26 Bangladeshis and four African migrants.
The Libyan government has said 11 other Bangladeshis were wounded in the May 28 attack. The U.N. migration agency said the migrants were shot and killed in a smuggling warehouse in the desert town of Mizdah, where a group of migrants were being held.
Baten said the crackdown on the rogue recruiters of migrant workers and human smugglers continued after two separate cases were filed by the victims’ families following the killings.
He said it appeared that the victims of the attack had been trafficked to Libya via India, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.
He also said the victims were detained in various camps in the North African nation and subjected to physical and mental torture.
The traffickers made video and audio recordings of the victims and sent them to their families in Bangladesh to extract money, Baten said.
Bangladesh’s inspector general of police, Benazir Ahmed, had earlier said that “the way our people were brutally killed is unacceptable.”
“No one will be spared who has deceived our citizens … took them overseas and are responsible for these miserable deaths,” he said.
Migrants fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East typically pass through Libya on their way to Europe, departing Tripoli’s rocky coast in inflatable dinghies.
The Libyan coast guard, trained by the European Union to keep migrants from reaching European shores, intercepts boats at sea and returns them to Libya, where many migrants land in detention centers rife with torture and abuse.
Sending workers abroad is crucial for Bangladesh’s economy. Some 10 million Bangladeshis working overseas send home about $20 billion per year.
Saudi Arabia has long been the largest source of remittances, followed by the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Iraq, Singapore, Malaysia, the United States and Britain.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Severe storm topples trees, cuts power, causes flooding

FARGO , N.D. ( AP ) - Severe weather packing heavy rain and winds gusts of more than 70 mph @ @ @ @ @ outrages and localized flooding in North Dakota .
The National Weather Service said two weather @ @ @ @ @ Sunday and early Monday .
A wind gust of 71 mph was recorded at Hector @ @ @ @ @ vehicles to slide on Interstate 29 between Harwood and Argusville , KFGO reported .
Xcel @ @ @ @ @ reported nearly 5,000 customer lost power during the storms .
The National Weather Service said @ @ @ @ @ Dilworth .
A large tree was toppled outside the Clay County Courthouse in Moorhead , @ @ @ @ @ branches clogged storm drains causing flooding in Fargo .
The weather service said heavy rain @ @ @ @ @ in the northern Valley .

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Severe weather packing heavy rain and winds gusts of more than 70 mph toppled trees and caused power outrages and localized flooding in North Dakota.
The National Weather Service said two weather systems rolled through Fargo overnight Sunday and early Monday.
A wind gust of 71 mph was recorded at Hector Airport. Another gust caused vehicles to slide on Interstate 29 between Harwood and Argusville, KFGO reported.
Xcel Energy and Cass County Electric reported nearly 5,000 customer lost power during the storms. The National Weather Service said power lines were down in Dilworth.
A large tree was toppled outside the Clay County Courthouse in Moorhead, Minnesota. Debris from fallen branches clogged storm drains causing flooding in Fargo.
The weather service said heavy rain and large hail was reported in the northern Valley.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Vote counting in Baltimore now shows Brandon Scott leading for mayor

BALTIMORE ( AP ) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott began leading former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon by nearly 400 votes after more ballots were counted in the city ’ s Democratic mayoral primary .
The turning point came as nearly 23,000 more ballots were counted Sunday , showing Scott with a 0.3 % edge against Dixon , news outlets reported .
Scott has 28.7 % of the vote to Dixon ’ s 28.4 % support .
Another candidate , Mary Miller , has 15.5 % .
Nearly 18,500 votes have yet to be counted , and still more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most were cast by mail to avoid crowds at the polls and mitigate spread of the coronavirus .
They had to be postmarked by June 2 .
Dixon had been leading , with decreasing margins , until yesterday .
Scott wrote he was “ humbled ” by the support he received in one Twitter post Saturday night , and thanked supporters again after becoming the frontrunner just before midnight on Sunday .
Dixon didn ’ t finish her last term as mayor , resigning in 2010 after three years as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant for needy families .
She also ran for mayor in 2016 , but lost to Catherine Pugh , who resigned last year amid investigations into lucrative sales of her self-published children ’ s books .
Pugh pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges .
Other returns updated Sunday night show state Del .
Nick Mosby with 41 % of the vote in a Democratic primary race for Baltimore City Council president .
His main opponent , City Councilwoman Shannon Sneed , has 29 % of the vote .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councilman Bill Henry was leading incumbent Joan Pratt by nearly 10,000 votes .

BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott began leading former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon by nearly 400 votes after more ballots were counted in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary.
The turning point came as nearly 23,000 more ballots were counted Sunday, showing Scott with a 0.3% edge against Dixon, news outlets reported. Scott has 28.7% of the vote to Dixon’s 28.4% support. Another candidate, Mary Miller, has 15.5%.
Nearly 18,500 votes have yet to be counted, and still more could arrive, The Baltimore Sun reported. Most were cast by mail to avoid crowds at the polls and mitigate spread of the coronavirus. They had to be postmarked by June 2.
Dixon had been leading, with decreasing margins, until yesterday. Scott wrote he was “humbled” by the support he received in one Twitter post Saturday night, and thanked supporters again after becoming the frontrunner just before midnight on Sunday.
Dixon didn’t finish her last term as mayor, resigning in 2010 after three years as part of a plea deal for misappropriating gift cards meant for needy families. She also ran for mayor in 2016, but lost to Catherine Pugh, who resigned last year amid investigations into lucrative sales of her self-published children’s books. Pugh pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges.
Other returns updated Sunday night show state Del. Nick Mosby with 41% of the vote in a Democratic primary race for Baltimore City Council president. His main opponent, City Councilwoman Shannon Sneed, has 29% of the vote.
In the Democratic primary for Baltimore comptroller, City Councilman Bill Henry was leading incumbent Joan Pratt by nearly 10,000 votes.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Drew Brees' wife apologizes for husband's comments on flag

NEW ORLEANS ( AP ) - New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has apologized for comments he made in an interview regarding his opposition to Colin Kaepernick ’ s kneeling during the national anthem .
Now his wife has apologized as well , saying “ we are the problem.
” Brittany Brees shared those words in an Instagram post Saturday along with a Bible verse and two quotes from Martin Luther King , Jr. , including one that said “ In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies , but the silence of our friends.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t agree with disrespecting the flag , ’ I now understand was also saying I don ’ t understand what the problem really is , I don ’ t understand what you ’ re fighting for , and I ’ m not willing to hear you because of our preconceived notions of what that flag means to us , ” Brittany Brees wrote in a lengthy post shared on the couple ’ s foundation page .
Her husband was asked Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo to revisit the protests of former NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee during the anthem before games to raise awareness of police brutality and racial injustice .
“ I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States , ” Drew Brees said during the interview , adding that the national anthem reminds him of his grandfathers , who served in the armed forces during World War II .
After the comments aired , the quarterback was criticized on social media by high-profile athletes , including LeBron James , and some of his teammates .
Protesters marching in New Orleans last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ White America is not hearing , ” his wife wrote in the apology post Saturday .
“ We ’ re not actively LOOKING for racial prejudice.
” Drew Brees apologized for his statements last week in an Instagram post , saying his comments were “ insensitive and completely missed the mark.
” He also apologized in a video posted on Instagram , and wrote a letter to President Donald Trump on social media saying “ I realize this is not an issue about the American flag ” after the president said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken back his original comments .

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has apologized for comments he made in an interview regarding his opposition to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem. Now his wife has apologized as well, saying “we are the problem.”
Brittany Brees shared those words in an Instagram post Saturday along with a Bible verse and two quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr., including one that said “In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
“To say ‘I don’t agree with disrespecting the flag,’ I now understand was also saying I don’t understand what the problem really is, I don’t understand what you’re fighting for, and I’m not willing to hear you because of our preconceived notions of what that flag means to us,” Brittany Brees wrote in a lengthy post shared on the couple’s foundation page.
Her husband was asked Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo to revisit the protests of former NFL quarterback Kaepernick, who silently took a knee during the anthem before games to raise awareness of police brutality and racial injustice.
“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States,” Drew Brees said during the interview, adding that the national anthem reminds him of his grandfathers, who served in the armed forces during World War II.
After the comments aired, the quarterback was criticized on social media by high-profile athletes, including LeBron James, and some of his teammates. Protesters marching in New Orleans last week also chanted curses at him.
“White America is not hearing,” his wife wrote in the apology post Saturday. “We’re not actively LOOKING for racial prejudice.”
Drew Brees apologized for his statements last week in an Instagram post, saying his comments were “insensitive and completely missed the mark.” He also apologized in a video posted on Instagram, and wrote a letter to President Donald Trump on social media saying “I realize this is not an issue about the American flag” after the president said on Twitter Friday that Brees should not have taken back his original comments.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Abolish ICE movement storms back amid defund police push

Anti-ICE protesters assaulted an immigration detention facility in California over the weekend , smashing windows and vandalizing vehicles , reviving the “ Abolish ICE ” movement that was , in many ways , the precursor to the current “ Defund Police ” effort .
A 46-minute video posted to YouTube by someone in the crowd captured the mayhem , showing protesters waving Mexican flags , shouting obscenities , smashing windows and scrawling graffiti .
At one point the video captures a woman holding a Mexican flag and throwing objects , apparently at employees .
The man taking the video , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watch News Network , seemed stunned that the gathering turned so confrontational after what he said was a mile and a half march .
The protest took place at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Adelanto , California , run by GEO Group , a private contractor , which said the crowd was being fueled by wrong information , including that children were being held there .
“ Unfortunately , the dishonest narrative and lies that are being spread about the services our company provides on behalf of the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our employees , as witnessed yesterday , ” GEO Group said in a statement .
“ While we support peaceful protests and the constitutional right to free speech , our employees , who are on the front lines caring for all those in our facilities , should never be met with acts of violence , ” the company said .
At the White House , press secretary Kayleigh McEnany compared the Abolish ICE movement to the Defund Police movement that ’ s arisen in some communities and among some Democratic politicians in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We all remember the Defund ICE movement — they want to defund Immigration and Custom Enforcement and now they want to defund the police .
This is extraordinary , ” she said .
“ This is rolling back the protective layers that protect Americans in their homes and in their places of business.
” She said President Trump was “ appalled by it.
” Protesters held signs such as “ Free R Kids ” and screamed to “ give my children back.
” “ A couple mothers here are crying for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video narrated .
GEO said children are not housed at the Adelanto facility , and never have been .
Both ICE and GEO have said misinformation and heated anti-ICE rhetoric places them in danger .
Last year , at the height of the Abolish ICE movement , spearheaded by immigrant-rights activists and some liberal Democrats in Congress , GEO facilities were targeted for attacks .
Shots were fired into a building in San Antonio , Texas , that housed both GEO and ICE offices , and a man armed with a rifle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Washington .
The man was attempting to ignite a propane fuel tank to cause an explosion when he was killed .

Anti-ICE protesters assaulted an immigration detention facility in California over the weekend, smashing windows and vandalizing vehicles, reviving the “Abolish ICE” movement that was, in many ways, the precursor to the current “Defund Police” effort.
A 46-minute video posted to YouTube by someone in the crowd captured the mayhem, showing protesters waving Mexican flags, shouting obscenities, smashing windows and scrawling graffiti. At one point the video captures a woman holding a Mexican flag and throwing objects, apparently at employees.
The man taking the video, who identifies himself as the Highdesert Community Watch News Network, seemed stunned that the gathering turned so confrontational after what he said was a mile and a half march.
The protest took place at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Adelanto, California, run by GEO Group, a private contractor, which said the crowd was being fueled by wrong information, including that children were being held there.
“Unfortunately, the dishonest narrative and lies that are being spread about the services our company provides on behalf of the federal government continue to lead to the endangerment of our employees, as witnessed yesterday,” GEO Group said in a statement.
“While we support peaceful protests and the constitutional right to free speech, our employees, who are on the front lines caring for all those in our facilities, should never be met with acts of violence,” the company said.
At the White House, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany compared the Abolish ICE movement to the Defund Police movement that’s arisen in some communities and among some Democratic politicians in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
“We all remember the Defund ICE movement — they want to defund Immigration and Custom Enforcement and now they want to defund the police. This is extraordinary,” she said. “This is rolling back the protective layers that protect Americans in their homes and in their places of business.”
She said President Trump was “appalled by it.”
Protesters held signs such as “Free R Kids” and screamed to “give my children back.”
“A couple mothers here are crying for their children,” the man taking the video narrated.
GEO said children are not housed at the Adelanto facility, and never have been.
Both ICE and GEO have said misinformation and heated anti-ICE rhetoric places them in danger.
Last year, at the height of the Abolish ICE movement, spearheaded by immigrant-rights activists and some liberal Democrats in Congress, GEO facilities were targeted for attacks.
Shots were fired into a building in San Antonio, Texas, that housed both GEO and ICE offices, and a man armed with a rifle attacked a GEO-run detention facility in Tacoma, Washington. The man was attempting to ignite a propane fuel tank to cause an explosion when he was killed.
• Dave Boyer contributed to this article.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Yosemite National Park to reopen this week with restrictions

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK , Calif. ( AP ) - California ’ s Yosemite National Park will reopen with restrictions this @ @ @ @ @ more than 2 1/2 months because of the coronavirus outbreak , officials announced Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ starting Thursday will be restricted to about half those that normally visit this time of @ @ @ @ @ Service said .
In addition some park facilities including campgrounds and visitor centers will remain @ @ @ @ @ to help prevent the spread of the virus .
“ It ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ summer , and we will continue to work hand in hand with our gateway communities @ @ @ @ @ restore access to Yosemite National Park , ” Acting Superintendent Cicely Muldoon said in a @ @ @ @ @ 4.6 million visitors in 2019 .
The park known for gushing waterfalls , granite peaks @ @ @ @ @ down March 20 .

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) - California’s Yosemite National Park will reopen with restrictions this week after being closed for more than 2 1/2 months because of the coronavirus outbreak, officials announced Monday.
The number of visitors admitted starting Thursday will be restricted to about half those that normally visit this time of year, the National Park Service said.
In addition some park facilities including campgrounds and visitor centers will remain closed or have limited access to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“It’s going to be a different kind of summer, and we will continue to work hand in hand with our gateway communities to protect community health and restore access to Yosemite National Park,” Acting Superintendent Cicely Muldoon said in a statement.
Yosemite had about 4.6 million visitors in 2019. The park known for gushing waterfalls, granite peaks and giant sequoias was shut down March 20.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Bon Appetit's top editor resigns after offensive photo

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The editor-in-chief of Bon Appetit , Adam Rapoport , resigned after a photo of him dressed in a stereotypical Puerto Rican costume surfaced on social media .
Staffers at the magazine had criticized him after the photo , of him and his wife , circulated on Twitter .
That tweet featured a screenshot of a 2013 Instagram photo by Rapoport ’ s wife that depicted the two dressed up in costume .
In the screenshot , his wife tagged the photo “ boricua , ” a reference to Puerto Ricans , and called Rapoport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large , heavy chain , a do-rag and a baseball cap .
His wife ’ s account is private .
In an Instagram post , Rapoport said he was stepping down as editor “ to reflect on the work that I need to do as a human being.
” He said the photo was of an “ extremely ill-conceived ” Halloween costume 16 years ago .
He acknowledged “ blind spots ” as an editor and said the magazine ’ s staff and readers deserved better leadership .
Conde Nast , the magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to multiple requests for comment .
Furor over the photo unleashed other employee complaints .
One staffer , Sohla El-Waylly , claimed on Instagram that she hasn ’ t been paid for appearing in videos for Bon Appetit ’ s popular YouTube channel , in contrast to white editors who did likewise .
She called for Rapoport ’ s resignation and for people of color on staff to receive “ fair titles , fair salaries , and compensation for video appearances.
” Several of Bon Appetit ’ s staff , including El-Waylly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos of them making dishes , sometimes with celebrities ; recreating junk-food classics from scratch , like Oreos and Warheads , in the magazine ’ s test kitchen ; and just chatting about food , food media and each other .
Videos get millions of views .
On Monday , at least four Bon Appetit staffers said they would not appear in the publication ’ s videos until their colleagues of color received equal pay .
Bon Appetit has been trying to tap into a national moment , saying recently that it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ tackling more of the racial and political issues at the core of the food world.
” Media companies are facing their own moment of reckoning around racism as rallies protesting police brutality against black people spread across the U.S. , touching off broader conversations about race .
Reporters , editors and other staff members , particularly people of color , are speaking up about racist content and policies at their publications .
New York Times editorial page editor James Bennet resigned Sunday over publication of an opinion piece by Sen. Tom Cotton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for using military force to subdue protests .
That followed a revolt by many Times employees , some of whom argued that publication of Cotton ’ s argument endangered the lives of black staff .
The Philadelphia Inquirer ’ s top editor resigned Saturday after the paper ’ s staffers pushed back against a “ Buildings Matter , Too , ” headline on a column about buildings damaged in the protests .
The headline was a play on the Black Lives Matter movement that the paper acknowledged was “ offensive and inappropriate.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette are supporting her after the paper told her she could not cover the police brutality protests because she was biased .
Also on Monday , Christene Barberich , the founder and top editor of Refinery29 , a website owned by Vice and aimed at women , said she was stepping down after seeing “ the raw and personal accounts of Black women and women of color regarding their experiences ” at the company .
Several former staffers had posted on social media about racism they experienced , including pay disparities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Nancy Dubuc said the company will begin a company-wide and systematic overhaul of “ how we hire , develop and retain a globally diverse workforce.
” Barberich will remain in her position through a “ transition period , ” Dubuc said .

NEW YORK (AP) - The editor-in-chief of Bon Appetit, Adam Rapoport, resigned after a photo of him dressed in a stereotypical Puerto Rican costume surfaced on social media.
Staffers at the magazine had criticized him after the photo, of him and his wife, circulated on Twitter. That tweet featured a screenshot of a 2013 Instagram photo by Rapoport’s wife that depicted the two dressed up in costume. In the screenshot, his wife tagged the photo “boricua,” a reference to Puerto Ricans, and called Rapoport “papi.” He was wearing a large, heavy chain, a do-rag and a baseball cap. His wife’s account is private.
In an Instagram post, Rapoport said he was stepping down as editor “to reflect on the work that I need to do as a human being.” He said the photo was of an “extremely ill-conceived” Halloween costume 16 years ago. He acknowledged “blind spots” as an editor and said the magazine’s staff and readers deserved better leadership.
Furor over the photo unleashed other employee complaints. One staffer, Sohla El-Waylly, claimed on Instagram that she hasn’t been paid for appearing in videos for Bon Appetit’s popular YouTube channel, in contrast to white editors who did likewise. She called for Rapoport’s resignation and for people of color on staff to receive “fair titles, fair salaries, and compensation for video appearances.” She received support online from several of her colleagues. At least four said they would not appear in the publication’s videos until their colleagues of color received equal pay.
Condé Nast, the magazine’s publisher, did not address those concerns directly. But in a statement it said it is “dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace.”
Several of Bon Appetit’s staff, including El-Waylly, are YouTube stars. Devoted fans devour videos of them making dishes, sometimes with celebrities; recreating junk-food classics from scratch, like Oreos and Warheads, in the magazine’s test kitchen; and just chatting about food, food media and each other. Videos get millions of views.
Bon Appetit has been trying to tap into a national moment, saying recently that it will be highlighting more black-owned food businesses and “tackling more of the racial and political issues at the core of the food world.”
Media companies are facing their own moment of reckoning around racism as rallies protesting police brutality against black people spread across the U.S., touching off broader conversations about race.
Reporters, editors and other staff members, particularly people of color, are speaking up about racist content and policies at their publications. New York Times editorial page editor James Bennet resigned Sunday over publication of an opinion piece by Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, that advocated for using military force to quell unrest. That followed a revolt by many Times employees, some of whom argued that publication of Cotton’s argument endangered the lives of black staff.
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s top editor resigned Saturday after the paper’s staffers pushed back against a “Buildings Matter, Too,” headline on a column about buildings damaged in the protests. The headline was a play on the Black Lives Matter movement that the paper acknowledged was “offensive and inappropriate.”
Colleagues of a black reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette are supporting her after the paper told her she could not cover the police brutality protests because she was biased.
Also on Monday, Christene Barberich, the founder and top editor of Refinery29, a website owned by Vice and aimed at women, said she was stepping down after seeing “the raw and personal accounts of Black women and women of color regarding their experiences” at the company. Several former staffers had posted on social media about racism they experienced, including pay disparities.
In a memo to staff, Vice CEO Nancy Dubuc said the company will begin a company-wide and systematic overhaul of “how we hire, develop and retain a globally diverse workforce.” Barberich will remain with the company through a “transition period,” Dubuc said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Inside the Beltway: Trump needs a whistlestop train tour for Republican National Convention

They ’ ve got 77 days to find a new venue .
That would be the Republican Party , now in search of a replacement site for the Republican National Convention , originally set for Charlotte , North Carolina , but now without a home after White House and venue disagreed over coronavirus safety precautions .
But not to worry .
The GOP is entertaining alternative ideas for the mammoth event , including a possible “ rolling ” convention which would unfold in several cities over four days .
Rolling ?
Did someone say rolling ?
All aboard the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump should opt for an authentic whistlestop-style convention , touring several states on a private rail car , as six other presidents have done before him .
That idea would thrill Trump fans who have long compared their ardent support for the president as being on the “ Trump Train.
” Intrigued news media would jump on board , but not without complaints of say , the carbon footprint of a custom railcar .
And there is a custom railcar .
The “ Ferdinand Magellan ” — the nation ’ s only official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1942 .
It has been designated a national historic landmark , has two escape hatches plus nickel-steel armor plating , and bulletproof glass .
It weighs 142.5 tons .
“ It is the heaviest passenger railcar in the U.S. ” advises the Gold Coast Rail Museum in Miami , which now houses the behemoth car .
It is of note that some historians cite Harry Truman ’ s surprise reelection victory in 1948 to his decision to tour the American countryside aboard the Ferdinand Magellan for four months .
Ronald Reagan made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car during his successful 1984 reelection campaign .
Before he took office in 2009 , Barack Obama also made a grand entrance in the nation ’ s capital aboard another private train car in 2009 .
Meanwhile , Republican planners have multiple cities in mind to replace Charlotte for the potential “ rolling ” convention .
“ Part of the appeal of the roadshow approach is that it could allow President Trump to claim having commanded the highest-attended convention audience in history , and to accept his renomination with all the fanfare he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP officials are already on the ground in places like Orlando and Jacksonville , Florida ; Nashville , Tennessee ; Dallas ; Phoenix ; and New Orleans .
They may also schedule scouting visits to Atlanta ; Savannah , Georgia ; and Las Vegas in the weeks to come , ” the network said .
Former Defense Secretary James Mattis , a retired Marine Corps general , recently issued a public statement criticizing President Trump and declaring that he was dividing the nation .
“ Shortly after Mattis ’ statement became public , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gen. John Kelly — like Mattis , a Marine — said that he agreed with Mattis ’ s statement .
The media are — falsely — characterizing the Mattis and Kelly statements as proof that Trump isn ’ t and can ’ t be trusted even by his closest advisers and that there is a breakdown of trust between Trump and the military .
They tried the same thing in the 2006 ‘ generals ’ revolt ’ against George W. Bush and Donald Rumsfeld , ” writes Jed Babbin , contributing editor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s severe criticism of Trump , joined in by Kelly , does not mean that Trump has lost the respect of the military .
Statements by two generals can not and should not be imputed to the rest of the professional military .
But it does mean that Mattis has crossed a line he had honorably drawn for himself .
Mattis ’ s statement and Kelly ’ s agreement won ’ t disappear amidst the presidential campaign .
The media will ensure that .
The only question is whether or not Mattis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump to be used in Joe Biden ’ s campaign against him , ” Mr. Babbin advises .
THREE WHO ARE SUDDENLY VOCAL “ George Bush , Colin Powell , and Mitt Romney say they won ’ t support President Trump — but they find no one cares ” notes an editorial headline for RedState.com .
“ The fact that these people are refusing to vote for Trump says in the way that no Trump campaign video ever can that Trump has delivered on his promises and the powers of the status quo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration will do to their cozy little deal , ” the editorial advises .
Sen. Tom Cotton — whose recent op-ed for the New York Times caused a revolt at the news organization — had an addendum .
“ I respect Colin Powell ’ s service and he ’ s entitled to his opinion , like every other American .
But he hasn ’ t voted Republican for sixteen years .
Apparently John McCain and Mitt Romney were ‘ too extreme ’ for Secretary Powell , ” the Arkansas Republican tweeted Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ note that Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden has been a little , shall we say , coy about the issue of defunding of city police departments .
Here is some advice from a lawmaker who knows about public violence .
“ Joe Biden ’ s trying to play both ends of this and hide out in his bunker and not directly address it while yet trying to embrace , quietly embrace the defund movement .
He ought to be very vocal about where he is on this , ” Republican Whip Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
He was gravely wounded by a shooter during practice for a charity baseball game in 2017 , along with five other people .
The third anniversary of that attack is June 14 .
• 43 % of U.S. adults say they currently use Facebook ; 48 % of Republicans , 39 % of independents and 43 % of Democrats agree .
• 24 % overall say they use both Facebook and Twitter ; 16 % of Republicans , 29 % of independents and 25 % of Democrats agree .
• 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 4 % of Republicans , 3 % of independents and 7 % of Democrats agree .
• 29 % overall say they do not use Facebook or Twitter ; 32 % of Republicans , 30 % of independents and 25 % of Democrats agree .
Source : A Monmouth University poll of 807 U.S. adults conducted May 28-June 1 and released Monday .

NEWS AND OPINION:
They’ve got 77 days to find a new venue. That would be the Republican Party, now in search of a replacement site for the Republican National Convention, originally set for Charlotte, North Carolina, but now without a home after White House and venue disagreed over coronavirus safety precautions.
But not to worry. The GOP is entertaining alternative ideas for the mammoth event, including a possible “rolling” convention which would unfold in several cities over four days.
Rolling? Did someone say rolling? All aboard the Trump Train. For real. Perhaps President Trump should opt for an authentic whistlestop-style convention, touring several states on a private rail car, as six other presidents have done before him. That idea would thrill Trump fans who have long compared their ardent support for the president as being on the “Trump Train.” Intrigued news media would jump on board, but not without complaints of say, the carbon footprint of a custom railcar.
And there is a custom railcar. The “Ferdinand Magellan” — the nation’s only official presidential railcar — was fabricated by Pullman in 1942. It has been designated a national historic landmark, has two escape hatches plus nickel-steel armor plating, and bulletproof glass. It weighs 142.5 tons.
“It is the heaviest passenger railcar in the U.S.” advises the Gold Coast Rail Museum in Miami, which now houses the behemoth car.
It is of note that some historians cite Harry Truman‘s surprise reelection victory in 1948 to his decision to tour the American countryside aboard the Ferdinand Magellan for four months. Ronald Reagan made a 250-mile, five-city tour aboard the car during his successful 1984 reelection campaign. Before he took office in 2009, Barack Obama also made a grand entrance in the nation’s capital aboard another private train car in 2009.
Meanwhile, Republican planners have multiple cities in mind to replace Charlotte for the potential “rolling” convention.
“Part of the appeal of the roadshow approach is that it could allow President Trump to claim having commanded the highest-attended convention audience in history, and to accept his renomination with all the fanfare he envisioned,” NBC reported.
“GOP officials are already on the ground in places like Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas; Phoenix; and New Orleans. They may also schedule scouting visits to Atlanta; Savannah, Georgia; and Las Vegas in the weeks to come,” the network said.
NO ‘GENERALS’ REVOLT’
Former Defense Secretary James Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general, recently issued a public statement criticizing President Trump and declaring that he was dividing the nation.
“Shortly after Mattis’ statement became public, former White House Chief of Staff retired Gen. John Kelly — like Mattis, a Marine — said that he agreed with Mattis’s statement. The media are — falsely — characterizing the Mattis and Kelly statements as proof that Trump isn’t and can’t be trusted even by his closest advisers and that there is a breakdown of trust between Trump and the military. They tried the same thing in the 2006 ‘generals’ revolt’ against George W. Bush and Donald Rumsfeld,” writes Jed Babbin, contributing editor to the American Spectator.
“Mattis’s severe criticism of Trump, joined in by Kelly, does not mean that Trump has lost the respect of the military. Statements by two generals cannot and should not be imputed to the rest of the professional military. But it does mean that Mattis has crossed a line he had honorably drawn for himself. Mattis’s statement and Kelly’s agreement won’t disappear amidst the presidential campaign. The media will ensure that. The only question is whether or not Mattis and Kelly will allow their personal dislike for Trump to be used in Joe Biden’s campaign against him,” Mr. Babbin advises.
THREE WHO ARE SUDDENLY VOCAL
“George Bush, Colin Powell, and Mitt Romney say they won’t support President Trump — but they find no one cares” notes an editorial headline for RedState.com.
“The fact that these people are refusing to vote for Trump says in the way that no Trump campaign video ever can that Trump has delivered on his promises and the powers of the status quo are terrified of what a second Trump administration will do to their cozy little deal,” the editorial advises.
Sen. Tom Cotton — whose recent op-ed for the New York Times caused a revolt at the news organization — had an addendum.
“I respect Colin Powell’s service and he’s entitled to his opinion, like every other American. But he hasn’t voted Republican for sixteen years. Apparently John McCain and Mitt Romney were ‘too extreme’ for Secretary Powell,” the Arkansas Republican tweeted Monday.
ONE WHO IS SUDDENLY SILENT
Some observers note that Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden has been a little, shall we say, coy about the issue of defunding of city police departments.
Here is some advice from a lawmaker who knows about public violence.
“Joe Biden’s trying to play both ends of this and hide out in his bunker and not directly address it while yet trying to embrace, quietly embrace the defund movement. He ought to be very vocal about where he is on this,” Republican Whip Steve Scalise, Louisiana Republican, tells Fox News.
He was gravely wounded by a shooter during practice for a charity baseball game in 2017, along with five other people. The third anniversary of that attack is June 14.
POLL DU JOUR
• 43% of U.S. adults say they currently use Facebook; 48% of Republicans, 39% of independents and 43% of Democrats agree.
• 24% overall say they use both Facebook and Twitter; 16% of Republicans, 29% of independents and 25% of Democrats agree.
• 4% overall say they use Twitter only; 4% of Republicans, 3% of independents and 7% of Democrats agree.
• 29% overall say they do not use Facebook or Twitter; 32% of Republicans, 30% of independents and 25% of Democrats agree.
Source: A Monmouth University poll of 807 U.S. adults conducted May 28-June 1 and released Monday.
• Helpful information to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--George Floyd rioting take heavy toll on black lives, communities

The rioting on the heels of Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody has come at a high price for the black community .
Those killed amid the rioting over the black man ’ s death have been disproportionately black .
Businesses owned and frequented by blacks have been wiped out in the looting and destruction , and a memorial to black Civil War soldiers has been defaced .
“ The contradictions and the hypocrisy of these so-called social justice warriors — they are more concerned about their own virtue-signaling , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black Americans , ” said Robert Woodson , a conservative civil rights leader and founder of the Woodson Center .
Derrick Wilburn , executive director of the Rocky Mountain Black Conservatives , said Mr. Floyd ’ s death May 25 as a police officer knelt on his neck had united Americans — and then the riots began .
“ It ’ s tough to see anything being worse for the black community than what we ’ ve seen in this last week .
It ’ s horrible , ” Mr. Wilburn said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Public health officials have warned that the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets with little or no social distancing may fuel transmission of COVID-19 , a disease that has hit racial minorities hardest .
“ It is the perfect setup for the spread of the virus in the sense of creating some blips which might turn into some surges , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said Friday .
Protesters and their allies argue that the demonstrations were by and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was needed to fight “ systemic racism ” and spur law enforcement reform , starting with proposals to “ defund the police.
” Cities already heeding the call include Los Angeles and New York City , where plans are underway to cut the police budget and redirect funding to social services .
In Minneapolis , the majority of the City Council has taken it further by declaring support for dismantling the department and replacing it with “ a transformative new model of public safety.
” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the police department ’ s $ 6 billion annual budget and redirect it to youth and social services programs , although he said the reduction would be less than the $ 1 billion requested by activists .
“ I also will affirm , while doing that we will only do it in a way that we are certain continues to ensure that this city will be safe , ” Mr. de Blasio said .
Mr. Woodson isn ’ t holding his breath .
Given that disadvantaged minority communities often suffer from high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police forces would be a recipe for disaster for many black Americans .
He had a suggestion for social justice advocates seeking to hobble law enforcement : You go first .
“ If they were really passionate about limiting police powers and reducing budgets , then I would suggest they should demonstrate by example by offering up their ZIP codes and declaring themselves a police-free zone , ” said Mr. Woodson .
Among the many monuments vandalized during the rioting was the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial in Boston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Union Army .
The memorial was spray-painted with profanities and “ ACAB , ” which stands for “ All Cops Are Bastards.
” “ It was a memorial for men who gave their lives fighting for the freedom of their enslaved brethren .
And these fools don ’ t know who they are , ” said Mr. Wilburn .
“ So they ’ re out there defacing the memory of the original Black Lives Matter crusaders .
They gave their life ’ s blood for black lives.
” Largely overshadowed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the names and faces of the people slain in the mayhem .
An Associated Press chronicle of the fallen included the observation that “ many of the people killed were African-Americans , compounding the tragedy for black families.
” The list includes Federal Protective Service Officer Dave Patrick Underwood , 53 , who was shot while guarding a federal building in Oakland , California , and retired St. Louis police Capt .
David Dorn , 77 , who died outside a pawn shop .
A 24-year-old man , Stephan Clark , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 53 , the owner of a popular barbecue joint , was shot as police and National Guard members returned fire in Louisville , Kentucky .
Chris Beaty , 38 , a businessman and former Indiana University football player known as “ Mr .
Indianapolis , ” was killed outside his apartment building .
Calvin L. Horton Jr. , 43 , was shot in Minneapolis , and a local business owner is under investigation .
Javar Harrell , 21 , was shot in Detroit .
James Scurlock , 22 , died after attacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was determined to act in self-defense .
Italia Kelly , 22 , was killed by a stray bullet outside a Walmart in Davenport , Iowa , as she tried to leave a protest that became violent .
Dorian Murell , 18 , was shot in Indianapolis , and 29-year-old Tyler Newby has been charged in his death .
Attacks on black-owned businesses during the rioting became so prevalent that owners in cities such as Chicago , Detroit and Minneapolis began posting signs with messages including “ Local Black Owned Business ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Business.
” It was too late for some owners , such as KB Balla , the Minneapolis firefighter who sank his life savings into starting the Scores Sports Bar , only to see it destroyed in the rioting .
A GoFundMe account started by a supporter has raised $ 1.1 million to rebuild .
Keanna Barber of WDB Marketing Group said she printed hundreds of “ Black Owned Business ” signs .
She told the Chicago Sun-Times , “ I was heartbroken to see so many black-owned businesses get looted.
” Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race of the business owner .
In Chicago , Adryenne Alvarez , who is black , said she rushed outside after her husband , Ralph , was attacked at their Orangetheory Fitness franchise , but was hit on the back by a woman wielding a crowbar .
That she is black and supported the peaceful protests appeared not to matter to those who ransacked her business .
A surveillance video posted on ABC7 showed what appeared to be a white looter breaking a window there .
Nail technician Lillian Wright said the 79 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black workers , ” was ransacked .
“ This has never happened .
This doesn ’ t make sense .
This is not protesting .
This is looting , ” Ms. Wright told the Chicago Sun-Times .
Wilfred Reilly , author and assistant professor of political science at Kentucky State University , a historically black college , called the rioting ostensibly spurred by racial injustice “ ludicrous.
” “ I will say , I ’ ve never in my life seen anything as ludicrous as a heavily Caucasian mob , which is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without excusing any rioters of any other color — burning a successful black man ’ s business while chanting ‘ black lives matter , ’ ” Mr. Reilly said on Fox News ’ “ Tucker Carlson Tonight.
” He added that “ you ’ re going to get a lot more of that kind of nonsense in a big city with no police .
That ’ s a bad idea .
”

The rioting on the heels of Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody has come at a high price for the black community.
Those killed amid the rioting over the black man’s death have been disproportionately black. Businesses owned and frequented by blacks have been wiped out in the looting and destruction, and a memorial to black Civil War soldiers has been defaced.
“The contradictions and the hypocrisy of these so-called social justice warriors — they are more concerned about their own virtue-signaling, even if it means the continued destruction of black Americans,” said Robert Woodson, a conservative civil rights leader and founder of the Woodson Center.
Derrick Wilburn, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Black Conservatives, said Mr. Floyd’s death May 25 as a police officer knelt on his neck had united Americans — and then the riots began.
“It’s tough to see anything being worse for the black community than what we’ve seen in this last week. It’s horrible,” Mr. Wilburn said.
The unrest may be only the beginning. Public health officials have warned that the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets with little or no social distancing may fuel transmission of COVID-19, a disease that has hit racial minorities hardest.
“It is the perfect setup for the spread of the virus in the sense of creating some blips which might turn into some surges,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Friday.
Protesters and their allies argue that the demonstrations were by and large peaceful and that the national outcry was needed to fight “systemic racism” and spur law enforcement reform, starting with proposals to “defund the police.”
Cities already heeding the call include Los Angeles and New York City, where plans are underway to cut the police budget and redirect funding to social services. In Minneapolis, the majority of the City Council has taken it further by declaring support for dismantling the department and replacing it with “a transformative new model of public safety.”
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged Sunday to make a “significant” cut to the police department’s $6 billion annual budget and redirect it to youth and social services programs, although he said the reduction would be less than the $1 billion requested by activists.
“I also will affirm, while doing that we will only do it in a way that we are certain continues to ensure that this city will be safe,” Mr. de Blasio said.
Mr. Woodson isn’t holding his breath. Given that disadvantaged minority communities often suffer from high crime rates, he said, slashing police forces would be a recipe for disaster for many black Americans.
He had a suggestion for social justice advocates seeking to hobble law enforcement: You go first.
“If they were really passionate about limiting police powers and reducing budgets, then I would suggest they should demonstrate by example by offering up their ZIP codes and declaring themselves a police-free zone,” said Mr. Woodson.
‘Compounding the tragedy’
Among the many monuments vandalized during the rioting was the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial in Boston, which honors the first all-volunteer black regiment of the Union Army.
The memorial was spray-painted with profanities and “ACAB,” which stands for “All Cops Are Bastards.”
“It was a memorial for men who gave their lives fighting for the freedom of their enslaved brethren. And these fools don’t know who they are,” said Mr. Wilburn. “So they’re out there defacing the memory of the original Black Lives Matter crusaders. They gave their life’s blood for black lives.”
Largely overshadowed in the coverage of the protest outcry were the names and faces of the people slain in the mayhem. An Associated Press chronicle of the fallen included the observation that “many of the people killed were African-Americans, compounding the tragedy for black families.”
The list includes Federal Protective Service Officer Dave Patrick Underwood, 53, who was shot while guarding a federal building in Oakland, California, and retired St. Louis police Capt. David Dorn, 77, who died outside a pawn shop. A 24-year-old man, Stephan Clark, has been charged in his death.
David McAtee, 53, the owner of a popular barbecue joint, was shot as police and National Guard members returned fire in Louisville, Kentucky. Chris Beaty, 38, a businessman and former Indiana University football player known as “Mr. Indianapolis,” was killed outside his apartment building.
Calvin L. Horton Jr., 43, was shot in Minneapolis, and a local business owner is under investigation. Javar Harrell, 21, was shot in Detroit. James Scurlock, 22, died after attacking a bar owner in Omaha, Nebraska, who was determined to act in self-defense.
Italia Kelly, 22, was killed by a stray bullet outside a Walmart in Davenport, Iowa, as she tried to leave a protest that became violent. Dorian Murell, 18, was shot in Indianapolis, and 29-year-old Tyler Newby has been charged in his death.
Attacks on black-owned businesses during the rioting became so prevalent that owners in cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis began posting signs with messages including “Local Black Owned Business” and “Don’t Destroy Our Black Business.”
It was too late for some owners, such as KB Balla, the Minneapolis firefighter who sank his life savings into starting the Scores Sports Bar, only to see it destroyed in the rioting. A GoFundMe account started by a supporter has raised $1.1 million to rebuild.
Keanna Barber of WDB Marketing Group said she printed hundreds of “Black Owned Business” signs. She told the Chicago Sun-Times, “I was heartbroken to see so many black-owned businesses get looted.”
Not all of the rioters cared about the race of the business owner. In Chicago, Adryenne Alvarez, who is black, said she rushed outside after her husband, Ralph, was attacked at their Orangetheory Fitness franchise, but was hit on the back by a woman wielding a crowbar.
That she is black and supported the peaceful protests appeared not to matter to those who ransacked her business. A surveillance video posted on ABC7 showed what appeared to be a white looter breaking a window there.
Nail technician Lillian Wright said the 79 Nails shop, which had “all black workers,” was ransacked.
“This has never happened. This doesn’t make sense. This is not protesting. This is looting,” Ms. Wright told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Wilfred Reilly, author and assistant professor of political science at Kentucky State University, a historically black college, called the rioting ostensibly spurred by racial injustice “ludicrous.”
“I will say, I’ve never in my life seen anything as ludicrous as a heavily Caucasian mob, which is what you did have in Minneapolis — importantly, without excusing any rioters of any other color — burning a successful black man’s business while chanting ‘black lives matter,’” Mr. Reilly said on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”
He added that “you’re going to get a lot more of that kind of nonsense in a big city with no police. That’s a bad idea.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Lincoln aldermen to select new mayor after incumbent quits

LINCOLN , Ill. ( AP ) - Aldermen in the central Illinois city of Lincoln are expected to meet this week to choose an acting mayor after the incumbent resigned last week , city officials said Monday .
In announcing his resignation Friday on social media , Mayor Seth Goodman blamed the political climate for his decision .
“ Since childhood real estate has always been my passion alongside improving the community , ” wrote Goodman , who was elected mayor in 2017 , defeating three opponents as a 29-year-old political newcomer .
“ When the negativity and hate became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice had to be made to put myself and my business first.
” The Lincoln City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening , when the body will choose Goodman ’ s replacement , aldermen said .
Under the Illinois Municipal Code , city council members must choose a replacement from their ranks .
Alderman Tracy Welch announced plans in September to run for mayor .
He said Monday he hopes to have support from his fellow aldermen to succeed Goodman .
Because the vacancy was created within 28 months of the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve out the remainder of his term .

LINCOLN, Ill. (AP) - Aldermen in the central Illinois city of Lincoln are expected to meet this week to choose an acting mayor after the incumbent resigned last week, city officials said Monday.
In announcing his resignation Friday on social media, Mayor Seth Goodman blamed the political climate for his decision.
“Since childhood real estate has always been my passion alongside improving the community,” wrote Goodman, who was elected mayor in 2017, defeating three opponents as a 29-year-old political newcomer. “When the negativity and hate became too much to deal with, the choice had to be made to put myself and my business first.”
The Lincoln City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening, when the body will choose Goodman’s replacement, aldermen said. Under the Illinois Municipal Code, city council members must choose a replacement from their ranks.
Alderman Tracy Welch announced plans in September to run for mayor. He said Monday he hopes to have support from his fellow aldermen to succeed Goodman.
Because the vacancy was created within 28 months of the next election, Goodman’s replacement must serve out the remainder of his term.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--PG&E Corp. announces plan to exit San Francisco headquarters

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - PG & E ; Corp. announced Monday that it plans to move its headquarters out of San Francisco across the bay to Oakland as it nears resolution of its bankruptcy case .
The company said it plans to sell its two downtown San Francisco properties to save money on real estate costs , then make the move by 2023 .
The move out of the city where it has operated for more than 100 years will need permission from the body that regulates California utilities , the Public Utilities Commission .
“ Our new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is better suited to the needs of our business , and is a critical part of fulfilling our commitment to operate in a fiscally responsible way , ” incoming interim CEO Bill Smith said in a statement .
PG & E ; will also close its other offices in the east San Francisco Bay Area and move those to the new headquarters .
A federal judge is currently weighing arguments over the company ’ s $ 58 billion plan for getting out of its bankruptcy caused by a series of deadly wildfires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ability to safely operate its crumbling electrical grid .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - PG&E Corp. announced Monday that it plans to move its headquarters out of San Francisco across the bay to Oakland as it nears resolution of its bankruptcy case.
The company said it plans to sell its two downtown San Francisco properties to save money on real estate costs, then make the move by 2023. The move out of the city where it has operated for more than 100 years will need permission from the body that regulates California utilities, the Public Utilities Commission.
“Our new Oakland headquarters will be significantly more cost-effective, is better suited to the needs of our business, and is a critical part of fulfilling our commitment to operate in a fiscally responsible way,” incoming interim CEO Bill Smith said in a statement.
PG&E will also close its other offices in the east San Francisco Bay Area and move those to the new headquarters.
A federal judge is currently weighing arguments over the company’s $58 billion plan for getting out of its bankruptcy caused by a series of deadly wildfires, despite ongoing worries about the utility’s ability to safely operate its crumbling electrical grid.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--California OKs movie theaters to reopen with limited seats

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California movie theaters can begin opening later this week if they limit theater capacity to 25 % or no more than 100 attendees , under state guidance released Monday .
The guidance adds movie theaters to a long list of other businesses that can start reopening as the nation ’ s most populous state relaxes its stay-at-home order .
Restaurants , churches , hair salons and retail stores have already reopened in many counties .
Soon that reopening will expand vastly in counties that can meet certain metrics including number of cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities .
Other entertainment venues that can reopen later include bowling alleys , mini golf courses and arcades .
The state recommends movie theaters implement reservation systems , designate arrival times and designating certain seats that people can use so that movie goers can maintain 6 feet ( 2 meters ) of distance from other groups .
Moviegoers should , at a minimum , wear face coverings when entering and exiting the theater or buying concessions , the state guidance says .
The state also suggests theaters use disposable or washable seat covers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open doors so people don ’ t have to touch handles .
Meanwhile , the state is also allowing film , music and television production to resume subject to labor agreements .
Film , television and commercial production make up a significant amount of the Los Angeles economy .
California has reported more than 130,000 coronavirus cases and 4,600 deaths .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms and clears up within weeks .
But it can be more serious for some people , including older adults and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even death .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California movie theaters can begin opening later this week if they limit theater capacity to 25% or no more than 100 attendees, under state guidance released Monday.
The guidance adds movie theaters to a long list of other businesses that can start reopening as the nation’s most populous state relaxes its stay-at-home order. Restaurants, churches, hair salons and retail stores have already reopened in many counties.
Soon that reopening will expand vastly in counties that can meet certain metrics including number of cases, positive test rates and testing and tracing capabilities. Other entertainment venues that can reopen later include bowling alleys, mini golf courses and arcades.
The state recommends movie theaters implement reservation systems, designate arrival times and designating certain seats that people can use so that movie goers can maintain 6 feet (2 meters) of distance from other groups. Moviegoers should, at a minimum, wear face coverings when entering and exiting the theater or buying concessions, the state guidance says.
The state also suggests theaters use disposable or washable seat covers that are easy to clean and prop open doors so people don’t have to touch handles.
Meanwhile, the state is also allowing film, music and television production to resume subject to labor agreements. Film, television and commercial production make up a significant amount of the Los Angeles economy.
California has reported more than 130,000 coronavirus cases and 4,600 deaths. For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms and clears up within weeks. But it can be more serious for some people, including older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions, causing pneumonia and even death.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Medicaid rolls swell in New Mexico amid economic turmoil

Santa Fe , N.M. ( AP ) - Enrollment is rising in Medicaid health care as the coronavirus pandemic reverberates @ @ @ @ @ Office of the Superintendent of Insurance says enrollment in the federally subsidized health care program @ @ @ @ @ during the month of May to 853,251 as of June 1 .
Agency Program Manager @ @ @ @ @ February stood at 830,165 .
The statistics suggest a shift away from employer-based health insurance @ @ @ @ @ residents living in poverty or on the cusp , as unemployment swells .
Economists affiliated @ @ @ @ @ Economic Research confirmed Monday that the U.S. economy has entered a recession .
About 40 @ @ @ @ @ already rely on Medicaid for health care in a state of 2.1 million residents .
@ @ @ @ @ more than 10 % from a year ago .

Santa Fe, N.M. (AP) - Enrollment is rising in Medicaid health care as the coronavirus pandemic reverberates through the economy.
The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance says enrollment in the federally subsidized health care program increased by nearly 10,000 people during the month of May to 853,251 as of June 1.
Agency Program Manager Colin Bailllio says enrollment in February stood at 830,165.
The statistics suggest a shift away from employer-based health insurance and toward Medicaid benefits for residents living in poverty or on the cusp, as unemployment swells.
Economists affiliated with the National Bureau of Economic Research confirmed Monday that the U.S. economy has entered a recession.
About 40% of New Mexico residents already rely on Medicaid for health care in a state of 2.1 million residents.
Employment in April was down more than 10% from a year ago.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Death toll in latest Mexico alcohol poisoning rises to 18

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Ten more people in Mexico have died from drinking alcohol adulterated with methanol , bringing the death toll in the latest incident to 18 , authorities said Monday .
Adulterated liquor has cost more than a hundred lives in the country since the coronavirus pandemic began .
The government of the southern state of Guerrero said Monday the latest 18 deaths occurred in and around the mountain township of Tlapa de Comonfort , after inhabitants drank a tequila-type drink from little-known brands .
called “ Rancho Escondido.
” Another 16 people were hospitalized for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition .
The area is known for its impoverished farming hamlets .
The Guerrero Health Department said the liquor was labeled as “ distilled agave , ” the cactus-like plant from which both tequila and mescal are made .
Because tequila production is strictly limited to certain regions , drinks made outside those areas are sometimes labelled “ agave liquor.
” The department said at least three brands were implicated in the poisonings : “ Rancho Escondido , ” “ Jalón ” and “ 100 Años.
” The department said the victims were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they rapidly died .
Authorities seized 505 bottles of the liquor from four stores in the area .
Such deaths have mounted in Mexico since coronavirus lockdowns began and many towns banned legitimate liquor sales .
Many people also lost their jobs and apparently became unable to buy more professionally made liquors .
But officials have not said whether the poisonings have arisen from either of those factors .
In May , authorities said as many as 40 people died after drinking methanol in two states in central Mexico .
The suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand called “ Refino , ” which translates roughly as “ very fine.
” In late April , 25 people died in the state of Jalisco after drinking a cheap brand of cane alcohol known as “ El Chorrito.
” Methanol is a poisonous cousin of the ethanol alcohol in normal liquors and can not be smelled or tasted in drinks .
It causes organ and brain damage , and its symptoms include chest pain , nausea , hyperventilation , blindness and even coma .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Ten more people in Mexico have died from drinking alcohol adulterated with methanol, bringing the death toll in the latest incident to 18, authorities said Monday.
Adulterated liquor has cost more than a hundred lives in the country since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The government of the southern state of Guerrero said Monday the latest 18 deaths occurred in and around the mountain township of Tlapa de Comonfort, after inhabitants drank a tequila-type drink from little-known brands. called “Rancho Escondido.”
Another 16 people were hospitalized for poisoning symptoms; four remain in serious condition. The area is known for its impoverished farming hamlets.
The Guerrero Health Department said the liquor was labeled as “distilled agave,” the cactus-like plant from which both tequila and mescal are made. Because tequila production is strictly limited to certain regions, drinks made outside those areas are sometimes labelled “agave liquor.”
The department said at least three brands were implicated in the poisonings: “Rancho Escondido,” “Jalón” and “100 Años.”
The department said the victims were admitted to hospitals in such serious condition that they rapidly died. Authorities seized 505 bottles of the liquor from four stores in the area.
Such deaths have mounted in Mexico since coronavirus lockdowns began and many towns banned legitimate liquor sales. Many people also lost their jobs and apparently became unable to buy more professionally made liquors. But officials have not said whether the poisonings have arisen from either of those factors.
In May, authorities said as many as 40 people died after drinking methanol in two states in central Mexico. The suspect liquor in that case was a little-known brand called “Refino,” which translates roughly as “very fine.”
In late April, 25 people died in the state of Jalisco after drinking a cheap brand of cane alcohol known as “El Chorrito.”
Methanol is a poisonous cousin of the ethanol alcohol in normal liquors and cannot be smelled or tasted in drinks. It causes organ and brain damage, and its symptoms include chest pain, nausea, hyperventilation, blindness and even coma.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Sheriff won't cite N.C. speedway for crowd despite order

ALTAMAHAW , N.C. ( AP ) - A North Carolina sheriff said Monday he won ’ t cite a local stock car speedway for violating the state ’ s prohibition against mass gatherings due to COVID-19 after another large crowd gathered there for races .
The decision by Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson appears to open the door for Gov .
Roy Cooper to seek legal action against the owner of Ace Speedway , which has held racing each of the past three weekends .
Cooper ’ s executive order caps most outdoor meetings to 25 people .
Media outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 , including the one on Saturday .
The governor ’ s office wrote to Johnson last week telling him to perform his duty over the weekend and enforce Cooper ’ s order .
A placard at the speedway on Saturday read : “ This event is held in peaceful protest of injustice and inequality everywhere.
” Gatherings to express First Amendment rights are exempt from the order .
Johnson wrote on Monday that no action was taken on other tracks that raced over the weekend .
“ This concerns me greatly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singled out for the same alleged violations that are occurring all over the state of North Carolina , ” he wrote in a statement .
“ I assure you that I respect the Office of the Governor of North Carolina but I have serious reservations on the legality of his order.
” Cooper said at a media briefing earlier Monday that opening the speedway to crowds was a “ reckless decision ” by the owner .
“ People shouldn ’ t run a money-making operation that puts in danger not only their customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their customers , ” Cooper said , adding the “ state will have to take action ” this week “ if the local officials don ’ t. ” He didn ’ t give specifics .
Johnson wrote that Cooper was within his right to ask a court to issue an injunction against the speedway or ask state police agencies to issue a citation .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

ALTAMAHAW, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina sheriff said Monday he won’t cite a local stock car speedway for violating the state’s prohibition against mass gatherings due to COVID-19 after another large crowd gathered there for races.
The decision by Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson appears to open the door for Gov. Roy Cooper to seek legal action against the owner of Ace Speedway, which has held racing each of the past three weekends. Cooper’s executive order caps most outdoor meetings to 25 people. Media outlets have reported crowds at the speedway exceeding 2,000, including the one on Saturday.
The governor’s office wrote to Johnson last week telling him to perform his duty over the weekend and enforce Cooper’s order. A placard at the speedway on Saturday read: “This event is held in peaceful protest of injustice and inequality everywhere.” Gatherings to express First Amendment rights are exempt from the order.
Johnson wrote on Monday that no action was taken on other tracks that raced over the weekend.
“This concerns me greatly to know that my citizens have basically been singled out for the same alleged violations that are occurring all over the state of North Carolina,” he wrote in a statement. “I assure you that I respect the Office of the Governor of North Carolina but I have serious reservations on the legality of his order.”
Cooper said at a media briefing earlier Monday that opening the speedway to crowds was a “reckless decision” by the owner.
“People shouldn’t run a money-making operation that puts in danger not only their customers but anybody who would come into contact with their customers,” Cooper said, adding the “state will have to take action” this week “if the local officials don’t.” He didn’t give specifics.
Johnson wrote that Cooper was within his right to ask a court to issue an injunction against the speedway or ask state police agencies to issue a citation.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Arizona official wants Confederate monument removed

PHOENIX ( AP ) - Arizona ’ s secretary of state wants a monument to the region ’ s Confederate @ @ @ @ @ plaza adjacent to the state Capitol .
In a letter to the Department of Administration @ @ @ @ @ Katie Hobbs on Monday called for the monument to be removed from public display and @ @ @ @ @ .
The monument at the Capitol was a gift to Arizona from the United Daughters @ @ @ @ @ early 1960s .
An inscription says that “ a nation that forgets its past has @ @ @ @ @ the monument was a clear attempt to repudiate the progress by that era ’ s @ @ @ @ @ clashes in 2017 over Confederate monuments across the country , Gov .
Doug Ducey said @ @ @ @ @ or mission to tear down any monuments or memorials .

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona’s secretary of state wants a monument to the region’s Confederate troops removed from a public plaza adjacent to the state Capitol.
In a letter to the Department of Administration, Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs on Monday called for the monument to be removed from public display and placed into long-term storage indefinitely.
The monument at the Capitol was a gift to Arizona from the United Daughters of the Confederacy in the early 1960s. An inscription says that “a nation that forgets its past has no future.”
Hobbs says the monument was a clear attempt to repudiate the progress by that era’s civil rights movement.
Amid clashes in 2017 over Confederate monuments across the country, Gov. Doug Ducey said it was not his desire or mission to tear down any monuments or memorials.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Tennessee lawmaker apologizes after racially offensive joke

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) - A white Tennessee lawmaker asked for forgiveness on the House floor Monday after he made a racially offensive joke hours before to a black representative .
“ I am extremely sorry that an offhand attempt at humor hurt your feelings , ” said Rep. Mike Carter , a Republican from Ooltewah .
“ I deeply regret those remarks and now I ask for your forgiveness.
” Earlier that day while chairing a House panel , Carter had made the offhand remark while trying to get the attention of Rep. Joe Towns , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers declared the comment was particularly inappropriate given nationwide protests against police brutality after the Minneapolis death in police custody of an African-American man , George Floyd .
Towns later said he did not hear Carter ’ s remark and that is why he did not immediately respond to Carter ’ s comment .
Carter offered his apology Monday in front of the GOP-dominated House floor .
“ I appreciate you being man enough to come before this body … this is exactly how you rectify certain things , ” Towns said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
There ’ s so much going on in this country , ” Towns added .
“ It ’ s very critical that we have to mind our words.
” Carter promised that he would work with Towns on legislation addressing “ any issues of racial reconciliation.
” A week earlier , members of the Tennessee Black Caucus passionately spoke of systematic racism on the House floor .
The speeches came two days after Floyd protests in Nashville turned violent .
The demonstrations in the state ’ s capital city have been @ @ @ @

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A white Tennessee lawmaker asked for forgiveness on the House floor Monday after he made a racially offensive joke hours before to a black representative.
“I am extremely sorry that an offhand attempt at humor hurt your feelings,” said Rep. Mike Carter, a Republican from Ooltewah. “I deeply regret those remarks and now I ask for your forgiveness.”
Earlier that day while chairing a House panel, Carter had made the offhand remark while trying to get the attention of Rep. Joe Towns, a Democrat from Memphis.
The remark quickly drew criticism online.
Fellow Democratic black lawmakers declared the comment was particularly inappropriate given nationwide protests against police brutality after the Minneapolis death in police custody of an African-American man, George Floyd.
Towns later said he did not hear Carter’s remark and that is why he did not immediately respond to Carter’s comment.
Carter offered his apology Monday in front of the GOP-dominated House floor.
“I appreciate you being man enough to come before this body … this is exactly how you rectify certain things,” Towns said.
“Today is a topsy-turvy kind of day. There’s so much going on in this country,” Towns added. “It’s very critical that we have to mind our words.”
Carter promised that he would work with Towns on legislation addressing “any issues of racial reconciliation.”
A week earlier, members of the Tennessee Black Caucus passionately spoke of systematic racism on the House floor.
The speeches came two days after Floyd protests in Nashville turned violent. The demonstrations in the state’s capital city have been overwhelmingly peaceful since.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--California deal for protective masks wins federal approval

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Millions of protective masks will soon be on their way to California after the manufacturer paid by the state to make them finally won U.S. federal certification , the governor ’ s office announced Monday .
It came more than a month after the masks had originally been set to start arriving .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s administration signed a nearly $ 1 billion contract with BYD , a Chinese company with California offices , in April for hundreds of millions of protective masks for health care workers and others amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight-fitting N95 masks ideal for health care workers and looser-fitting surgical masks .
The surgical masks started arriving last month , but the critical N95 masks were twice delayed as BYD failed to win certification from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health .
Now that the company has approval , the state expects to receive the first shipment in “ the coming days , ” according to a press release from Newsom ’ s office .
The state will receive a total of 150 million N95 masks .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive when it took the unusual step of paying nearly $ 500 million up front .
BYD refunded California half of that in May when it failed to meet its first certification deadline .
Brian Ferguson , a spokesman for the Office of Emergency Services , said the state could decide to pay that money back to BYD for more masks .
The masks “ are game-changing and play a crucial role in our state ’ s public safety and reopening strategy , ” Newsom said in a statement .
The contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first announced it in April on a nightly cable news show before the deal was finalized .
Lawmakers immediately voiced skepticism when the administration didn ’ t show them the contract .
Newsom ’ s administration eventually released it .
The contract revealed the state was paying $ 3.30 per N95 mask , which officials said was a good deal at a time when many states were paying double that for masks .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Millions of protective masks will soon be on their way to California after the manufacturer paid by the state to make them finally won U.S. federal certification, the governor’s office announced Monday. It came more than a month after the masks had originally been set to start arriving.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration signed a nearly $1 billion contract with BYD, a Chinese company with California offices, in April for hundreds of millions of protective masks for health care workers and others amid the coronavirus. The deal included both tight-fitting N95 masks ideal for health care workers and looser-fitting surgical masks. The surgical masks started arriving last month, but the critical N95 masks were twice delayed as BYD failed to win certification from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Now that the company has approval, the state expects to receive the first shipment in “the coming days,” according to a press release from Newsom’s office. The state will receive a total of 150 million N95 masks.
That’s half of what the state originally planned to receive when it took the unusual step of paying nearly $500 million up front. BYD refunded California half of that in May when it failed to meet its first certification deadline. Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the Office of Emergency Services, said the state could decide to pay that money back to BYD for more masks.
The masks “are game-changing and play a crucial role in our state’s public safety and reopening strategy,” Newsom said in a statement.
The contract faced a series of delays since Newsom first announced it in April on a nightly cable news show before the deal was finalized. Lawmakers immediately voiced skepticism when the administration didn’t show them the contract.
Newsom’s administration eventually released it. The contract revealed the state was paying $3.30 per N95 mask, which officials said was a good deal at a time when many states were paying double that for masks.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--Boat parade in Michigan to celebrate Trump's birthday

HARRISON TOWNSHIP , Mich. ( AP ) - President Donald Trump ’ s 74th birthday will be celebrated with a boat parade in southeastern Michigan .
The Michigan Conservative Coalition and Michigan Trump Republicans 2020 are hosting the “ Make American Great Again ” parade Saturday afternoon .
It will start at MacRay Harbor marina in Macomb County ’ s Harrison Township and end near the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit , the Detroit Free Press reported .
Trump ’ s birthday is June 14 .
Matt Seely , spokesman for the coalition , said organizers are anticipating that nearly 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with everything we ’ ve been through ( with ) the COVID-19 crisis , I think that people are really just excited that Michigan is opening back up on Monday , and that it ’ s summer in Michigan , ” Seely said .
“ The Great Lakes are beautiful and everyone wants to get on their boat .
They expect that about three seaplanes , one helicopter and several drones are to join the parade , Seely said .
A car parade will also be taking place at the same time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Arizona , South Carolina and California .

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - President Donald Trump’s 74th birthday will be celebrated with a boat parade in southeastern Michigan.
The Michigan Conservative Coalition and Michigan Trump Republicans 2020 are hosting the “Make American Great Again” parade Saturday afternoon. It will start at MacRay Harbor marina in Macomb County’s Harrison Township and end near the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, the Detroit Free Press reported. Trump’s birthday is June 14.
Matt Seely, spokesman for the coalition, said organizers are anticipating that nearly 1,000 people will attend.
“Truthfully, with everything we’ve been through (with) the COVID-19 crisis, I think that people are really just excited that Michigan is opening back up on Monday, and that it’s summer in Michigan,” Seely said. “The Great Lakes are beautiful and everyone wants to get on their boat.
They expect that about three seaplanes, one helicopter and several drones are to join the parade, Seely said. A car parade will also be taking place at the same time.
There have been similar events honoring Trump in Arizona, South Carolina and California.


washingtontimes--2020-06-08--State granted joint jurisdiction in restraint death probe

TACOMA , Wash. ( AP ) - The state Attorney General ’ s office has been granted concurrent jurisdiction in the investigation into the death of a black man who died while in Tacoma Police custody .
The move by Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett Monday allows Bob Ferguson ’ s office to immediate access to the investigation of Manual Ellis ’ March 3 death , KOMO-TV reported .
On Friday , Gov .
Jay Inslee pledged an independent state review after the Pierce County prosecutor ’ s work was finished , but Robnett said she didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests of justice , the Attorney General ’ s review should begin now , ” Robnett said in a news release .
Police encountered Ellis on March 3 after he was reportedly punching the window of a car .
Officers asked Ellis if he needed help , at which point he told officers he had warrants , according to Detective Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff ’ s Department .
Troyer said Ellis picked up the officer by the vest and slam-dunked him to the ground , prompting the second officer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to physically restrain Ellis in order to detain him .
At one point while Ellis was being restrained , he told officers he couldn ’ t breathe , investigators said .
Medics performed CPR on him but he died at the scene .
The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled Tuesday Ellis ’ death as a homicide — specifically , respiratory arrest to hypoxia , due to physical restraint , the examiner ruled .
The office found contributing factors that included methamphetamine intoxication and dilated cardiomyopathy , also known as an enlarged heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ family have called on all four officers involved in Ellis ’ death to be fired and arrested .
The officers were put on administrative leave last week after the autopsy results were made public .
The state patrol will review the Pierce County sheriff ’ s investigation of Ellis ’ death to ensure it is complete .
Ferguson ’ s office determine whether any different charging decisions need to be made by the attorney general .

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - The state Attorney General’s office has been granted concurrent jurisdiction in the investigation into the death of a black man who died while in Tacoma Police custody.
The move by Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett Monday allows Bob Ferguson’s office to immediate access to the investigation of Manual Ellis’ March 3 death, KOMO-TV reported.
On Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee pledged an independent state review after the Pierce County prosecutor’s work was finished, but Robnett said she didn’t want to wait.
“In the interests of justice, the Attorney General’s review should begin now,” Robnett said in a news release.
Police encountered Ellis on March 3 after he was reportedly punching the window of a car. Officers asked Ellis if he needed help, at which point he told officers he had warrants, according to Detective Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. Troyer said Ellis picked up the officer by the vest and slam-dunked him to the ground, prompting the second officer to get out of the police cruiser and work to physically restrain Ellis in order to detain him.
At one point while Ellis was being restrained, he told officers he couldn’t breathe, investigators said. Medics performed CPR on him but he died at the scene.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled Tuesday Ellis’ death as a homicide — specifically, respiratory arrest to hypoxia, due to physical restraint, the examiner ruled. The office found contributing factors that included methamphetamine intoxication and dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as an enlarged heart.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and Ellis’ family have called on all four officers involved in Ellis’ death to be fired and arrested. The officers were put on administrative leave last week after the autopsy results were made public.
The state patrol will review the Pierce County sheriff’s investigation of Ellis’ death to ensure it is complete. Ferguson’s office determine whether any different charging decisions need to be made by the attorney general.