washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Boston 'Restore Sanity' rally draws hundreds of Black Lives Matter counterprotesters

BOSTON — A small group holding what it called a pro-police rally near the Massachusetts Statehouse on Saturday was met by several hundred counterprotesters holding signs with messages such as “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ I can ’ t breathe.
” The “ Restore Sanity ” rally was billed as an effort to support law enforcement by Super Happy Fun America , a group with far-right ties that was behind last year ’ s “ straight pride ” parade in Boston , which drew outrage from the gay and lesbian community .
The organizers of Saturday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on residents to show up and oppose the rally , which they viewed as opposed to the Black Lives Matter movement seeking an end to the killing of unarmed Black Americans by police .
“ Once again , we as a city must come together to drown out their hate , ” Solidarity Against Hate-Boston said on Facebook .
There was a heavy police presence as the larger group of counterprotesters shouted at the pro-police group , which included some people holding signs supporting President Donald Trump .
The two groups were on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by barriers .
The dueling demonstrations were among several events held across Boston in response to the racial reckoning over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
At Copley Square , hundreds gathered at an event organized by a group of Black mothers to stand up against racism while other activists held a rolling bike ride through the city ’ s Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods , The Boston Globe reported .

BOSTON — A small group holding what it called a pro-police rally near the Massachusetts Statehouse on Saturday was met by several hundred counterprotesters holding signs with messages such as “Black Lives Matter” and “I can’t breathe.”
The “Restore Sanity” rally was billed as an effort to support law enforcement by Super Happy Fun America, a group with far-right ties that was behind last year’s “straight pride” parade in Boston, which drew outrage from the gay and lesbian community.
The organizers of Saturday’s counterprotest, Solidarity Against Hate-Boston, called on residents to show up and oppose the rally, which they viewed as opposed to the Black Lives Matter movement seeking an end to the killing of unarmed Black Americans by police.
“Once again, we as a city must come together to drown out their hate,” Solidarity Against Hate-Boston said on Facebook.
There was a heavy police presence as the larger group of counterprotesters shouted at the pro-police group, which included some people holding signs supporting President Donald Trump. The two groups were on opposite sides of the street, separated by barriers.
The dueling demonstrations were among several events held across Boston in response to the racial reckoning over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
At Copley Square, hundreds gathered at an event organized by a group of Black mothers to stand up against racism while other activists held a rolling bike ride through the city’s Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods, The Boston Globe reported.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Kenosha, Wisconsin, pro-police 'Back the Blue' rally disrupted by protesters

KENOSHA , Wis. — Protesters demonstrating against the use of police force briefly disrupted a Kenosha rally organized to show support for law enforcement .
More than 200 people packed Civic Center Park on Saturday for the Back the Blue rally .
Many attendees carried signs saying “ Back the Badge ” and “ Blue Lives Matter , ” the Kenosha News reported .
Protesters gathered across the street with signs reading “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ Jail Killer Cops.
” A confrontation between those attending the rally and protesters broke out just before the event .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman began shouting at the crowd .
Police immediately responded , and there were no arrests or injuries .
Rally-goers countered with chants of “ We back the blue ” and “ USA !
” The rally featured a prayer for law enforcement officers , the singing of “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance .
“ I am just an everyday citizen who wanted to show her support of law enforcement , ” organizer Keri Martin said before the event .
Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporter of law enforcement and the Trump administration , Clarke criticized orders for police to stand down .
“ The police as a profession doesn ’ t need any reform , ” Clarke said .

KENOSHA, Wis. — Protesters demonstrating against the use of police force briefly disrupted a Kenosha rally organized to show support for law enforcement.
More than 200 people packed Civic Center Park on Saturday for the Back the Blue rally. Many attendees carried signs saying “Back the Badge” and “Blue Lives Matter,” the Kenosha News reported. Protesters gathered across the street with signs reading “Black Lives Matter” and “Jail Killer Cops.”
A confrontation between those attending the rally and protesters broke out just before the event. A protester was tackled to the ground and a woman began shouting at the crowd. Police immediately responded, and there were no arrests or injuries.
Rally-goers countered with chants of “We back the blue” and “USA!”
The rally featured a prayer for law enforcement officers, the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I am just an everyday citizen who wanted to show her support of law enforcement,” organizer Keri Martin said before the event.
Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke was among the speakers. A vocal supporter of law enforcement and the Trump administration, Clarke criticized orders for police to stand down.
“The police as a profession doesn’t need any reform,” Clarke said.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Breonna Taylor protest shooting in Louisville leaves one dead

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Authorities were investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night at a park in downtown Louisville , Kentucky , where demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of Breonna Taylor .
Reports of shots fired at Jefferson Square Park came in around 9 p.m. , Louisville Metro police said in a statement , followed by calls that the Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Department was performing life-saving measures on a male who died at the scene .
Shortly after , police were told of a shooting victim across the street at the Hall of Justice .
That person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on social media appeared to show a man opening fire into the park as people scrambled for cover .
The footage later showed at least one person bleeding profusely on the ground .
Officers cleared the park and police “ are trying to gather as much information as possible in order to identify all who were involved in the incident , ” the statement said .
No information about arrests , possible suspects and the victims ’ identities and ages was immediately released .
Officials did not immediately release additional information .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence that erupted in Jefferson Square Park tonight , where those who have been voicing their concerns have been gathered , ” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement .
“ It is a tragedy that this area of peaceful protest is now a crime scene.
” The park has for weeks been the epicenter for protests in the city after the police killings of Taylor and George Floyd .
The Saturday night shooting was at least the second during nearly a month of protests in Louisville over Taylor ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when gunfire erupted near City Hall , prompting a statement from Taylor ’ s mother asking people to demand justice “ without hurting each other.
” “ Praying for our city , ” tweeted Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker of Louisville late Saturday .
The Democrat is running for his party ’ s nomination to challenge Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in the fall .
Taylor , a 26-year-old Black woman , was killed in her Louisville home in March by police who were serving a no-knock warrant .
Protesters have been calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be charged .
One of the officers was recently fired .
Kenneth Walker , Taylor ’ s boyfriend , was originally charged with attempted murder after he fired a shot at one of the officers who came into the home .
Walker has said he thought he was defending from an intruder .
The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville ’ s Metro Council .

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Authorities were investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night at a park in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, where demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of Breonna Taylor.
Reports of shots fired at Jefferson Square Park came in around 9 p.m., Louisville Metro police said in a statement, followed by calls that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department was performing life-saving measures on a male who died at the scene. Shortly after, police were told of a shooting victim across the street at the Hall of Justice. That person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Video posted on social media appeared to show a man opening fire into the park as people scrambled for cover. The footage later showed at least one person bleeding profusely on the ground.
Officers cleared the park and police “are trying to gather as much information as possible in order to identify all who were involved in the incident,” the statement said. No information about arrests, possible suspects and the victims’ identities and ages was immediately released. Officials did not immediately release additional information.
“I am deeply saddened by the violence that erupted in Jefferson Square Park tonight, where those who have been voicing their concerns have been gathered,” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement. “It is a tragedy that this area of peaceful protest is now a crime scene.”
The park has for weeks been the epicenter for protests in the city after the police killings of Taylor and George Floyd. The Saturday night shooting was at least the second during nearly a month of protests in Louisville over Taylor’s death. Seven people were wounded May 28 when gunfire erupted near City Hall, prompting a statement from Taylor’s mother asking people to demand justice “without hurting each other.”
“Praying for our city,” tweeted Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker of Louisville late Saturday. The Democrat is running for his party’s nomination to challenge Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in the fall.
Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was killed in her Louisville home in March by police who were serving a no-knock warrant. Protesters have been calling for the officers involved in her death to be charged. One of the officers was recently fired.
Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend, was originally charged with attempted murder after he fired a shot at one of the officers who came into the home. Walker has said he thought he was defending from an intruder.
The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville’s Metro Council.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Lazarus Chakwera inaugurated as Malawi's new president

BLANTYRE , Malawi ( AP ) - Lazarus Chakwera has been sworn in as Malawi ’ s new president Sunday after the announcement the previous night that he had won the southern African country ’ s rerun elections .
Chakwera is Malawi ’ s sixth president after winning the historic election held last week , the first time a court-overturned vote in Africa has resulted in the defeat of an incumbent leader .
Following a hard-fought campaign , Chakwera urged national reconciliation in his inaugural speech in the capital , Lilongwe , and spoke directly to supporters of defeated incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect of my presidency fills you with fear and grief .
I want you to remember one thing , that this new Malawi is a home to you , too , ” said Chakwera .
“ So long as I am its president it will be a home in which you , too , will prosper.
” Chakwera won with 58.57 % of votes cast , beating the incumbent president Peter Mutharika , according to official results announced by the Malawi Electoral Commission Saturday night .
There were night-long celebrations in the cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 65 , said said it was an honor to stand before inaugural crowd as their president .
“ It ’ s an honor that feels me with unspeakable joy and immense gratitude .
It ’ s an honor forged in the furnace of your desire and your demand for change , ” he said .
Chakwera ’ s election came after months of determined street protests against the results of the election more than a year ago , in May 2019 , in which Mutharika had been declared the winner .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing widespread irregularities including the use of correction fluid on ballots .
It was just the second time in Africa that a court has overturned a presidential election , following a ruling on Kenya ’ s vote in 2017 .
The Malawi Human Right Commission , one of the observers , endorsed the the rerun election as peaceful and transparent .
The defeated incumbent Mutharika criticized the rerun election as “ the worst in Malawi ’ s history ” but he urged the country to “ move on peacefully ” speaking to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Democratic Progressive Party issued a statement on Saturday calling on the electoral commission to annul the results of the second vote and declare a third election , but Mutharika did not call for that when he spoke to the press .
Acknowledging the discontent of Mutharika ’ s supporters , Chakwera asked them in his inaugural speech to give him a chance to earn their trust and to make his election a win for all Malawians .
“ Those of you that celebrate , celebrate with a humanness that all Malawians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebrating a victory that is not for one man , not for one woman , not for one party , not for one group , but for all of us together , ” said Chakwera .
“ That is how we will fulfill the dream of a new Malawi that will be for everyone .
”

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) - Lazarus Chakwera has been sworn in as Malawi’s new president Sunday after the announcement the previous night that he had won the southern African country’s rerun elections.
Chakwera is Malawi’s sixth president after winning the historic election held last week, the first time a court-overturned vote in Africa has resulted in the defeat of an incumbent leader.
Following a hard-fought campaign, Chakwera urged national reconciliation in his inaugural speech in the capital, Lilongwe, and spoke directly to supporters of defeated incumbent president Peter Mutharika.
“Perhaps the prospect of my presidency fills you with fear and grief. I want you to remember one thing, that this new Malawi is a home to you, too,” said Chakwera. “So long as I am its president it will be a home in which you, too, will prosper.”
Chakwera won with 58.57% of votes cast, beating the incumbent president Peter Mutharika, according to official results announced by the Malawi Electoral Commission Saturday night. There were night-long celebrations in the cities and towns across the country.
Chakwera, 65, said said it was an honor to stand before inaugural crowd as their president.
“It’s an honor that feels me with unspeakable joy and immense gratitude. It’s an honor forged in the furnace of your desire and your demand for change,” he said.
Chakwera’s election came after months of determined street protests against the results of the election more than a year ago, in May 2019, in which Mutharika had been declared the winner. The Constitutional Court struck down the results, citing widespread irregularities including the use of correction fluid on ballots. It was just the second time in Africa that a court has overturned a presidential election, following a ruling on Kenya’s vote in 2017.
The Malawi Human Right Commission, one of the observers, endorsed the the rerun election as peaceful and transparent.
The defeated incumbent Mutharika criticized the rerun election as “the worst in Malawi’s history” but he urged the country to “move on peacefully” speaking to the media in Blantyre on Saturday.
Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party issued a statement on Saturday calling on the electoral commission to annul the results of the second vote and declare a third election, but Mutharika did not call for that when he spoke to the press.
Acknowledging the discontent of Mutharika’s supporters, Chakwera asked them in his inaugural speech to give him a chance to earn their trust and to make his election a win for all Malawians.
“Those of you that celebrate, celebrate with a humanness that all Malawians deserve so that we have the magnanimity of celebrating a victory that is not for one man, not for one woman, not for one party, not for one group, but for all of us together,” said Chakwera. “That is how we will fulfill the dream of a new Malawi that will be for everyone.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Mississippi state flag set for Confederate emblem removal

JACKSON , Miss .
— Mississippi is on the verge of changing its state flag to erase a Confederate battle emblem that ’ s broadly condemned as racist .
The flag ’ s supporters resisted efforts to change it for decades , but rapid developments in recent weeks have changed dynamics on this issue in the tradition-bound state .
As protests against racial injustice recently spread across the U.S. , including Mississippi , leaders from business , religion , education and sports have spoken forcefully against the state flag .
They have urged legislators to ditch the 126-year-old banner for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state with a 38 % Black population .
Legislators are expected to start voting Sunday to remove the current flag from state law .
A commission would design a new flag that can not include the Confederate symbol and that must have the words “ In God We Trust.
” The state House and Senate met Saturday and took a big step : By two-thirds margins , they suspended legislative deadlines so a flag bill could be filed .
Spectators cheered as each chamber voted , and legislators seeking the change embraced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues .
There are issues involving football or whatever , ” Republican Lt. Gov .
Delbert Hosemann said Saturday .
“ But this vote came from the heart .
That makes it so much more important.
” Democratic Sen. David Jordan , who is African American , has pushed for decades to change the flag .
He smiled broadly after Saturday ’ s vote and said , “ This is such a metamorphosis.
” Mississippi has the last state flag with the Confederate battle emblem - a red field topped by a blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag has been divisive for generations .
All of the state ’ s public universities have stopped flying it , as have a growing number of cities and counties .
White supremacists in the Mississippi Legislature set the state flag design in 1894 during backlash to the political power that African Americans gained after the Civil War .
In 2000 , the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that the flag lacked official status .
State laws were updated in 1906 , and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward .
Legislators set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters kept the rebel-themed design .
Former Ole Miss basketball player Blake Hinson told his hometown Daytona Beach ( Florida ) News-Journal that the Mississippi flag played a part in his decision to transfer to Iowa State .
“ It was time to go and leave Ole Miss , ” Hinson said .
“ I ’ m proud not to represent that flag anymore and to not be associated with anything representing the Confederacy.
” Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves said Saturday for the first time that he would sign a bill to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sends him one .
Reeves and many other politicians have said people should get to vote on a flag design in another statewide election .
The new design - without the Confederate symbol - will be put on the ballot Nov. 3 , but it will be the only choice .
If a majority voting that day accept the new design , it will become the state flag .
If a majority reject it , the commission will design a new flag using the same guidelines .

JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi is on the verge of changing its state flag to erase a Confederate battle emblem that’s broadly condemned as racist.
The flag’s supporters resisted efforts to change it for decades, but rapid developments in recent weeks have changed dynamics on this issue in the tradition-bound state.
As protests against racial injustice recently spread across the U.S., including Mississippi, leaders from business, religion, education and sports have spoken forcefully against the state flag. They have urged legislators to ditch the 126-year-old banner for one that better reflects the diversity of a state with a 38% Black population.
Legislators are expected to start voting Sunday to remove the current flag from state law. A commission would design a new flag that cannot include the Confederate symbol and that must have the words “In God We Trust.”
The state House and Senate met Saturday and took a big step: By two-thirds margins, they suspended legislative deadlines so a flag bill could be filed. Spectators cheered as each chamber voted, and legislators seeking the change embraced each other.
“There are economic issues. There are issues involving football or whatever,” Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said Saturday. “But this vote came from the heart. That makes it so much more important.”
Democratic Sen. David Jordan, who is African American, has pushed for decades to change the flag. He smiled broadly after Saturday’s vote and said, “This is such a metamorphosis.”
Mississippi has the last state flag with the Confederate battle emblem - a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars. The flag has been divisive for generations. All of the state’s public universities have stopped flying it, as have a growing number of cities and counties.
White supremacists in the Mississippi Legislature set the state flag design in 1894 during backlash to the political power that African Americans gained after the Civil War.
In 2000, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that the flag lacked official status. State laws were updated in 1906, and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward. Legislators set a flag election in 2001, and voters kept the rebel-themed design.
Former Ole Miss basketball player Blake Hinson told his hometown Daytona Beach (Florida) News-Journal that the Mississippi flag played a part in his decision to transfer to Iowa State.
“It was time to go and leave Ole Miss,” Hinson said. “I’m proud not to represent that flag anymore and to not be associated with anything representing the Confederacy.”
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Saturday for the first time that he would sign a bill to change the flag if the Republican-controlled Legislature sends him one.
Reeves and many other politicians have said people should get to vote on a flag design in another statewide election. The new design - without the Confederate symbol - will be put on the ballot Nov. 3, but it will be the only choice. If a majority voting that day accept the new design, it will become the state flag. If a majority reject it, the commission will design a new flag using the same guidelines.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--AP Interview: US envoy calls for Iran arms embargo renewal

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - An expiring United Nations weapons embargo on Iran must remain in place to prevent it from “ becoming the arms dealer of choice for rogue regimes and terrorist organizations around the world , ” the U.S. special representative to Iran said Sunday .
Brian Hook told The Associated Press that the world should ignore Iran ’ s threats to retaliate if the arms embargo set to expire in October is extended , calling it a “ mafia tactic.
” Among its options , the Islamic Republic could expel international inspectors monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis created by President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrawing from Tehran ’ s 2015 atomic accord with global powers .
The U.N. arms embargo so far has stopped Iran from purchasing fighter jets , tanks , warships and other weaponry , but has failed to halt its smuggling of weapons into war zones .
Despite that , Hook argued both an import and export ban on Tehran must remain in place to secure the wider Mideast .
“ If we let it expire , you can be certain that what Iran has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in broad daylight and then some , ” Hook said .
Iran ’ s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hook ’ s remarks .
Hook made the comments while on a visit to Abu Dhabi , the capital of the U.S.-allied United Arab Emirates , as part of a Mideast tour .
Hook met Saturday with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and planned Sunday to meet with other officials .
Hook declined to say where else he would travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP journalists in Dubai via videoconference as Abu Dhabi ’ s borders remain closed to the UAE ’ s six other sheikhdoms over the coronavirus pandemic .
The United Nations banned Iran from buying major foreign weapon systems in 2010 amid tensions over its nuclear program .
That blocked Iran from replacing its aging equipment , much of which had been purchased by the shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution .
An earlier embargo targeted Iranian arms exports .
If the embargo is lifted , the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency predicted in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Su-30 fighter jets , Yak-130 trainer aircraft and T-90 tanks .
Tehran also may try to buy Russia ’ s S-400 anti-aircraft missile system and its Bastian coastal defense missile system , the DIA said .
Iran long has been outmatched by U.S.-backed Gulf nations like the UAE , which have purchased billions of dollars of advanced American weaponry .
In response , Tehran turned toward developing ballistic missiles as a deterrent .
Hook declined to discuss an explosion Friday in Iran near an area analysts believe hides an underground tunnel system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay for new , foreign weapons systems , however , remains in question .
U.S. sanctions imposed after Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal have crushed Iran ’ s oil sales , a major source of revenue .
Energy prices have also collapsed amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Asked about how Iran would pay for the new weapons , Hook said Tehran ’ s lowered revenues represented “ a good thing for the region ” and affected its ability to back its regional proxies , like Syria .
“ We have put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horns of a dilemma , ” Hook said .
“ They have to choose between guns in Damascus or butter in Tehran.
” That financial pressure has led to sporadic anti-government protests in Iran , including nationwide demonstrations in November that Amnesty International says saw over 300 people killed .
While the Trump administration has maintained it doesn ’ t seek to overthrow Iran ’ s government , its pressure campaign has exacerbated public anger against its Shiite theocracy .
Since Trump ’ s withdrawal from the nuclear deal , Iran has broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The U.N. ’ s International Atomic Energy Agency , which monitors Iranian nuclear activity as part of the deal , says Tehran ’ s stockpile of low-enriched uranium continues to grow .
While not at weapons-grade levels , the growing stockpile and increased production shortens the one-year timeline analysts believe Iran would need to have enough material for a nuclear weapon if it chose to pursue one .
Iran long has denied seeking atomic bombs , though the IAEA previously said Iran had done work in “ support of a possible military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely halted in late 2003 .
Iran has threatened to expel IAEA inspectors and withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty amid the U.S. pressure campaign .
North Korea , which now has nuclear weapons , is the only country to ever withdraw from the treaty .
“ If we play by Iran ’ s rules , Iran wins , ” Hook said .
“ It is a mafia tactic where people are intimidated into accepting a certain kind of behavior for fear of something far worse.
” Hook maintained that the U.N. ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also needed to remain in place , even though it has not prevented Tehran from smuggling arms .
Iranian arms in particular have turned up in Yemen , where Tehran-backed Houthi rebels fight a Saudi-led coalition .
“ I don ’ t think anyone believes that Iran ’ s behavior merits loosening restrictions on their ability to move weapons , ” Hook said .

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - An expiring United Nations weapons embargo on Iran must remain in place to prevent it from “becoming the arms dealer of choice for rogue regimes and terrorist organizations around the world,” the U.S. special representative to Iran said Sunday.
Brian Hook told The Associated Press that the world should ignore Iran’s threats to retaliate if the arms embargo set to expire in October is extended, calling it a “mafia tactic.” Among its options, the Islamic Republic could expel international inspectors monitoring Iran’s nuclear program, deepening a crisis created by President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrawing from Tehran’s 2015 atomic accord with global powers.
The U.N. arms embargo so far has stopped Iran from purchasing fighter jets, tanks, warships and other weaponry, but has failed to halt its smuggling of weapons into war zones. Despite that, Hook argued both an import and export ban on Tehran must remain in place to secure the wider Mideast.
“If we let it expire, you can be certain that what Iran has been doing in the dark, it will do in broad daylight and then some,” Hook said.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hook’s remarks. However, President Hassan Rouhani described 2020 as Iran’s “most difficult year” on Sunday due to the U.S. economic pressure campaign and the coronavirus pandemic.
Hook made the comments while on a visit to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.S.-allied United Arab Emirates, as part of a Mideast tour. Hook met Saturday with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and planned Sunday to meet with other officials. Hook declined to say where else he would travel on his trip.
Hook spoke to AP journalists in Dubai via videoconference as Abu Dhabi’s borders remain closed to the UAE’s six other sheikhdoms over the pandemic.
The United Nations banned Iran from buying major foreign weapon systems in 2010 amid tensions over its nuclear program. That blocked Iran from replacing its aging equipment, much of which had been purchased by the shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. An earlier embargo targeted Iranian arms exports.
If the embargo is lifted, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency predicted in 2019 that Iran likely would try to purchase Russian Su-30 fighter jets, Yak-130 trainer aircraft and T-90 tanks. Tehran also may try to buy Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft missile system and its Bastian coastal defense missile system, the DIA said.
Iran long has been outmatched by U.S.-backed Gulf nations like the UAE, which have purchased billions of dollars of advanced American weaponry. In response, Tehran turned toward developing ballistic missiles as a deterrent. Hook declined to discuss an explosion Friday in Iran near an area analysts believe hides an underground tunnel system and missile production sites.
Being able to pay for new, foreign weapons systems, however, remains in question. U.S. sanctions imposed after Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal have crushed Iran’s oil sales, a major source of revenue. Energy prices have also collapsed amid the pandemic.
Asked about how Iran would pay for the new weapons, Hook said Tehran’s lowered revenues represented “a good thing for the region” and affected its ability to back its regional proxies, like Syria.
“We have put this regime through our strategy on the horns of a dilemma,” Hook said. “They have to choose between guns in Damascus or butter in Tehran.”
That financial pressure has led to sporadic anti-government protests in Iran, including nationwide demonstrations in November that Amnesty International says saw over 300 people killed. While the Trump administration has maintained it doesn’t seek to overthrow Iran’s government, its pressure campaign has exacerbated public anger against its Shiite theocracy.
Since Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran has broken all the accord’s production limits. The U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors Iranian nuclear activity as part of the deal, says Tehran’s stockpile of low-enriched uranium continues to grow.
While not at weapons-grade levels, the growing stockpile and increased production shortens the one-year timeline analysts believe Iran would need to have enough material for a nuclear weapon if it chose to pursue one. Iran long has denied seeking atomic bombs, though the IAEA previously said Iran had done work in “support of a possible military dimension to its nuclear program” that largely halted in late 2003.
Iran has threatened to expel IAEA inspectors and withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty amid the U.S. pressure campaign. North Korea, which now has nuclear weapons, is the only country to ever withdraw from the treaty.
“If we play by Iran’s rules, Iran wins,” Hook said. “It is a mafia tactic where people are intimidated into accepting a certain kind of behavior for fear of something far worse.”
Hook maintained that the U.N.’s ban on Iran exporting weapons abroad also needed to remain in place, even though it has not prevented Tehran from smuggling arms. Iranian arms in particular have turned up in Yemen, where Tehran-backed Houthi rebels fight a Saudi-led coalition.
“I don’t think anyone believes that Iran’s behavior merits loosening restrictions on their ability to move weapons,” Hook said.
____
Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Rolling Stones threaten Donald Trump lawsuit

LONDON — The Rolling Stones are threatening President Donald Trump with legal action for using their songs at his rallies despite cease-and-desist directives .
The Stones said in a statement Sunday that their legal team is working with music rights organization BMI to stop use of their material in Trump ’ s reelection campaign .
“ The BMI have notified the Trump campaign on behalf of the Stones that the unauthorized use of their songs will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement , ” the Stones said .
“ If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed.
” The Stones had complained during Trump ’ s 2016 campaign about the use of their music to fire up his conservative base at rallies .
The Rolling Stones ’ 1969 classic “ You Can ’ t Always Get What You Want ” was a popular song for his events .
It was played again at the close of Trump ’ s recent rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma - an indoor event criticized for its potential to spread coronavirus .
Other artists have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Trump ’ s events .
The family of the late rock musician Tom Petty said that it had issued a cease-and-desist order after Trump used the song “ I Won ’ t Back Down ” in Tulsa .
“ Trump was in no way authorized to use this song to further a campaign that leaves too many Americans and common sense behind , ” the statement said .
“ Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind .
Tom Petty would never want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a campaign of hate .
He liked to bring people together.
” Grammy Award-winning musician Neil Young lashed out at Trump in 2018 after hearing one of his songs played against his wishes during Trump ’ s pre-midterm campaign rallies .
The Canadian-born musician admonished Trump for using his 1990 single , “ Rockin ’ in the Free World , ” in spite of earlier warnings .

LONDON — The Rolling Stones are threatening President Donald Trump with legal action for using their songs at his rallies despite cease-and-desist directives.
The Stones said in a statement Sunday that their legal team is working with music rights organization BMI to stop use of their material in Trump’s reelection campaign.
“The BMI have notified the Trump campaign on behalf of the Stones that the unauthorized use of their songs will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement,” the Stones said. “If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists, then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed.”
The Stones had complained during Trump’s 2016 campaign about the use of their music to fire up his conservative base at rallies.
The Rolling Stones’ 1969 classic “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” was a popular song for his events. It was played again at the close of Trump’s recent rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma - an indoor event criticized for its potential to spread coronavirus.
Other artists have also complained about having their music associated with Trump’s events.
The family of the late rock musician Tom Petty said that it had issued a cease-and-desist order after Trump used the song “I Won’t Back Down” in Tulsa.
“Trump was in no way authorized to use this song to further a campaign that leaves too many Americans and common sense behind,” the statement said. “Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind. Tom Petty would never want a song of his to be used in a campaign of hate. He liked to bring people together.”
Grammy Award-winning musician Neil Young lashed out at Trump in 2018 after hearing one of his songs played against his wishes during Trump’s pre-midterm campaign rallies. The Canadian-born musician admonished Trump for using his 1990 single, “Rockin’ in the Free World,” in spite of earlier warnings.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Bangladesh's northern regions brace for monsoon floods

DHAKA , Bangladesh ( AP ) - With the monsoon setting in and waters from India rushing downstream , Bangladesh is facing a serious threat of floods that could cause extensive damage to farmlands across the delta nation ’ s vast northern regions , officials said Sunday .
The country ’ s Flood Forecasting and Warning Center said water levels in many rivers were continuing to rise , posing threats to flood protection embankments that could burst , potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people in more than 20 districts .
Abdur Rahim , a disaster management official in northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already been affected after the Jamuna River swelled .
“ If the waters continue to rise , many areas will go underwater , ” he said .
“ The signs are not good.
” In other parts of the north , water levels in some major rivers , including the Teesta and the Dharla , have risen due to heavy rainfall in the last few days , inundating many areas in Lalmonirhat , Nilphamari , Gaibandha and Kurigram districts , according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center .
The region is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living .
Arifuzzman Bhuiyan , an engineer with the warning center , said Sunday that waters would continue to inundate low-lying areas over the next week , affecting croplands and homes .
He said officials were monitoring the situation so that the government can take action to try to mitigate the impact .
Heavy rainfall in India ’ s Meghalaya and Assam states and in nearby parts of Bangladesh have triggered flash floods .
Bangladesh and India share 54 transboundary rivers .
Bangladesh , a delta nation of 160 million people , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with hundreds of thousands of people losing their homes and land .
The country , which is crisscrossed by 230 rivers , is prone to tropical cyclones and receives monsoon rains between June and October every year , often leading to floods .

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - With the monsoon setting in and waters from India rushing downstream, Bangladesh is facing a serious threat of floods that could cause extensive damage to farmlands across the delta nation’s vast northern regions, officials said Sunday.
The country’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Center said water levels in many rivers were continuing to rise, posing threats to flood protection embankments that could burst, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people in more than 20 districts.
Abdur Rahim, a disaster management official in northern Sirajganj district, said about 50,000 families have already been affected after the Jamuna River swelled.
“If the waters continue to rise, many areas will go underwater,” he said. “The signs are not good.”
In other parts of the north, water levels in some major rivers, including the Teesta and the Dharla, have risen due to heavy rainfall in the last few days, inundating many areas in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha and Kurigram districts, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center. The region is impoverished and most people farm for a living.
Arifuzzman Bhuiyan, an engineer with the warning center, said Sunday that waters would continue to inundate low-lying areas over the next week, affecting croplands and homes.
He said officials were monitoring the situation so that the government can take action to try to mitigate the impact.
Heavy rainfall in India’s Meghalaya and Assam states and in nearby parts of Bangladesh have triggered flash floods. Bangladesh and India share 54 transboundary rivers.
Bangladesh, a delta nation of 160 million people, has experienced devastating floods over the years, with hundreds of thousands of people losing their homes and land. The country, which is crisscrossed by 230 rivers, is prone to tropical cyclones and receives monsoon rains between June and October every year, often leading to floods.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Women 'on precipice' in developing countries amid COVID-19

KAMPALA , Uganda ( AP ) - Rebecca Nakamanya rolls her eyes , dismissing a question about school fees .
What really worries her is how to feed three children and a jobless partner on a daily wage of less than $ 3 , minus transport to and from her job as a cook .
“ We have not even started thinking about school fees , ” she says .
“ When we don ’ t have what to eat ?
When the landlord is also waiting ?
” In the usually bustling labyrinth of shops surrounding a bus terminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she and other women sit idle in their open-air restaurant , waiting for customers who rarely come .
They are fortunate to be working at all .
Business has been so poor under coronavirus lockdown measures that their nearest rivals have shut down .
Their restaurant remains open mainly because the landlord deferred rent payments , a rare gesture of goodwill .
The COVID-19 pandemic means that millions of women in Africa and other developing regions could lose years of success in contributing to household incomes , asserting their independence and expanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of each day , a hand-to-mouth existence that has consequences for the whole family when business is bleak .
Now many are increasingly under pressure as they deplete their savings and landlords threaten eviction .
The impact of COVID-19 “ has the face of the women , ” especially in Africa , Bineta Diop , an African Union special envoy , told reporters this month .
Although lockdown measures have affected 81 % of the global workforce , “ women ’ s economic and productive lives will be affected disproportionately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Nations said in April .
“ Across the globe , women earn less , save less , hold less secure jobs , are more likely to be employed in the informal sector .
They have less access to social protections and are the majority of single-parent households .
Their capacity to absorb economic shock is therefore less than that of men.
” More than 70 % of African women in non-agricultural jobs are employed in the informal sector such as street and market vending , work that requires no diplomas , resumes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t pay taxes , but in difficult times that means they ’ re not likely to benefit from government relief .
In Uganda , which had 848 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Sunday , authorities say restrictions on close-contact businesses such as beauty salons are necessary to prevent a sharp rise in infections .
Many men also work in the informal sector but vehicle mechanics , metal fabricators , taxi operators and carpenters - who are often men - are now allowed to operate .
The sectors seen as being at high risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and food services ; real estate , business and administrative services ; manufacturing and the wholesale/retail trade - employ 527 million women worldwide , representing 41 % of total female employment , compared to 35 % of total male employment , the International Labor Organization said last month .
The numbers suggest “ women ’ s employment is likely to be hit more severely than men ’ s by the current crisis , ” it added .
Many women face further distress as some local authorities in Africa , claiming to be improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dilapidated markets and restrict access to public spaces in which women are more likely to work .
Such demolitions have been reported in Congo , Zimbabwe and Kenya .
In a report this month the humanitarian group CARE said the pandemic has “ a disproportionate impact on the very women entrepreneurs who have worked hard so hard to lift themselves out of poverty.
” It cited Guatemala , where 96 % of women entrepreneurs benefiting from the group ’ s programs can no longer afford basic food items .
The international response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong focus on the economic justice and rights of women ” to retain progress made over decades in gender equality , said Reintje van Haeringen , a CARE official .
Grace Twisimire , 25 , operates a once-thriving shop in Kampala .
She said she now can go hours without selling even a pair of plastic clogs that go for less than $ 2 .
She quickly rises to her feet when a potential customer passes by , then slowly settles into her seat when they walk away .
Dust has settled over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There is no money now , ” she said .
“ There are no people .
I don ’ t know , but if business does not improve I may go back to the village.
” In the streets of Kampala women squat on curbs , selling everything from passion fruit to undergarments .
But they must look out for law enforcement officials who occasionally swoop in to confiscate goods sold in undesignated markets .
Recently there was public anger after men in military uniform were seen whipping women carrying baskets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just run .
Otherwise they will take our things , ” said Gladys Afoyocan , a basket heaped with passion fruit in her lap .
“ I do this for my children .
Our children must stay alive.
” The mother of five now needs a week or longer to sell a single bag of fruit .
Before the outbreak , two days were usually enough .
“ What can I do now ?
” she said .
“ This is my business.
” Even relatively comfortable entrepreneurs such as Marion Namutebi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delicacies , have shut down operations and furloughed workers until further notice .
This is the first time she ’ s had to close since since the restaurant opened in 2014 .
“ Business was just not adding up , ” she said .
“ For many people , going to the restaurant is now a luxury .
”

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) - Rebecca Nakamanya rolls her eyes, dismissing a question about school fees. What really worries her is how to feed three children and a jobless partner on a daily wage of less than $3, minus transport to and from her job as a cook.
“We have not even started thinking about school fees,” she says. “When we don’t have what to eat? When the landlord is also waiting?”
In the usually bustling labyrinth of shops surrounding a bus terminal in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, she and other women sit idle in their open-air restaurant, waiting for customers who rarely come.
They are fortunate to be working at all. Business has been so poor under coronavirus lockdown measures that their nearest rivals have shut down. Their restaurant remains open mainly because the landlord deferred rent payments, a rare gesture of goodwill.
The COVID-19 pandemic means that millions of women in Africa and other developing regions could lose years of success in contributing to household incomes, asserting their independence and expanding financial inclusion.
Often they are paid at the end of each day, a hand-to-mouth existence that has consequences for the whole family when business is bleak. Now many are increasingly under pressure as they deplete their savings and landlords threaten eviction.
The impact of COVID-19 “has the face of the women,” especially in Africa, Bineta Diop, an African Union special envoy, told reporters this month.
Although lockdown measures have affected 81% of the global workforce, “women’s economic and productive lives will be affected disproportionately and different than men,” the United Nations said in April.
“Across the globe, women earn less, save less, hold less secure jobs, are more likely to be employed in the informal sector. They have less access to social protections and are the majority of single-parent households. Their capacity to absorb economic shock is therefore less than that of men.”
More than 70% of African women in non-agricultural jobs are employed in the informal sector such as street and market vending, work that requires no diplomas, resumes or formal approval. They don’t pay taxes, but in difficult times that means they’re not likely to benefit from government relief.
In Uganda, which had 848 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Sunday, authorities say restrictions on close-contact businesses such as beauty salons are necessary to prevent a sharp rise in infections. Many men also work in the informal sector but vehicle mechanics, metal fabricators, taxi operators and carpenters - who are often men - are now allowed to operate.
The sectors seen as being at high risk of job losses this year - accommodation and food services; real estate, business and administrative services; manufacturing and the wholesale/retail trade - employ 527 million women worldwide, representing 41% of total female employment, compared to 35% of total male employment, the International Labor Organization said last month.
The numbers suggest “women’s employment is likely to be hit more severely than men’s by the current crisis,” it added.
Many women face further distress as some local authorities in Africa, claiming to be improving infrastructure and protecting citizens, tear down dilapidated markets and restrict access to public spaces in which women are more likely to work. Such demolitions have been reported in Congo, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
In a report this month the humanitarian group CARE said the pandemic has “a disproportionate impact on the very women entrepreneurs who have worked hard so hard to lift themselves out of poverty.” It cited Guatemala, where 96% of women entrepreneurs benefiting from the group’s programs can no longer afford basic food items.
The international response to the pandemic “needs to include a strong focus on the economic justice and rights of women” to retain progress made over decades in gender equality, said Reintje van Haeringen, a CARE official.
Grace Twisimire, 25, operates a once-thriving shop in Kampala. She said she now can go hours without selling even a pair of plastic clogs that go for less than $2. She quickly rises to her feet when a potential customer passes by, then slowly settles into her seat when they walk away. Dust has settled over the jeans hanging by the doorway.
“There is no money now,” she said. “There are no people. I don’t know, but if business does not improve I may go back to the village.”
In the streets of Kampala women squat on curbs, selling everything from passion fruit to undergarments. But they must look out for law enforcement officials who occasionally swoop in to confiscate goods sold in undesignated markets. Recently there was public anger after men in military uniform were seen whipping women carrying baskets of fruit on their heads.
“We just run. Otherwise they will take our things,” said Gladys Afoyocan, a basket heaped with passion fruit in her lap. “I do this for my children. Our children must stay alive.”
The mother of five now needs a week or longer to sell a single bag of fruit. Before the outbreak, two days were usually enough.
“What can I do now?” she said. “This is my business.”
Even relatively comfortable entrepreneurs such as Marion Namutebi, who runs a restaurant specializing in local delicacies, have shut down operations and furloughed workers until further notice. This is the first time she’s had to close since since the restaurant opened in 2014.
“Business was just not adding up,” she said. “For many people, going to the restaurant is now a luxury.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Asia Today: Seoul considers new curbs as virus cases climb

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) - South Korea has reported 42 new infections of COVID-19 as infections steadily climb in the greater capital area , forcing authorities to consider stronger social restrictions .
The figures announced by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday brought the national caseload to 12,757 , including 282 deaths .
Twenty-four of the new cases were reported from capital Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas , which have been at the center of a virus resurgence since late May .
At least 12 of the new cases were linked to international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its hold elsewhere around the world .
South Korea was reporting hundreds of new cases a day in late February and early March following a major surge surrounding the southeast city of Daegu , where the majority of infections were linked to a single church congregation with thousands of members .
But while health authorities had used aggressive testing and contact tracing to contain the outbreak in that region , they are having a much harder time tracking recent transmissions in the Seoul metropolitan area , where about half of the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people increasingly venturing out in public , new clusters are tied to a variety of places .
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo during a briefing Sunday afternoon announced that the government is prepared to implement stronger social distancing measures if the epidemic continues to grow .
He said the strongest measures - including banning all gatherings of more than 10 people , shutting schools , halting professional sports , and restricting operations of non-essential businesses - will be enforced if the daily increase in infections doubles more than two times during a span of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Asia-Pacific region : - Health authorities are using a saliva test while working against a coronavirus outbreak in Australia ’ s second-largest city .
The test appears to be less accurate than the nasal swab but is a more comfortable option .
Victoria state Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the situation in Melbourne was “ a genuine challenge now , ” in part because the better situation elsewhere in Australia made it harder to tell people to stay vigilant .
Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said on Monday that 75 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest 24 hours .
She said the saliva test was first used in a Melbourne suburban hot spot on Sunday .
The saliva tests in research were only 87 % as accurate as the nasal swab because saliva contained less virus than the throat , said Sharon Lewin , director of the Doherty Institute in Melbourne , which developed the saliva test being used .
- China reported a further decline in new cases , with just 12 .
Seven of those were locally spread cases in Beijing , where nearly 8.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
The number of new cases in the city was down by half from the day before , the National Health Commission reported .
Beijing temporarily shut a huge wholesale food market where the virus spread widely earlier this month , reclosed schools and locked down some neighborhoods .
Anyone leaving Beijing is required to have a negative virus test result procured within the previous seven days .

NEW DELHI (AP) - India has reported a daily record of nearly 20,000 new infections as several Indian states reimpose partial or full lockdowns to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
India’s health ministry has recorded 548,318 COVID-19 total cases as of Monday, a jump of nearly 100,000 in a week in the world’s fourth-worst affected country after the United States, Brazil and Russia. India’s death toll has reached 16,475, while 321,723 patients have recovered from the disease.
The capital district of the northeastern state of Assam on the Bangladesh border has reimposed a full lockdown until July 12 following a spike in cases. Another border state, West Bengal, has extended its lockdown until July 31.
However, in India’s worst-affected states, Maharashtra, which includes India’s financial capital, Mumbai, and Delhi, home to the federal capital of New Delhi, most lockdown restrictions have been eased, with restaurants, shopping malls and parks reopened, and public buses and shared-ride services back on the roads.
In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:
- Fans of South Korea’s pro sports may be required to wear masks and will be discouraged from shouting or eating food when they possibly return to the stands in coming weeks. Jung Eun-kyeong, director of South Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said such measures are being discussed as health authorities and the sports ministry map out plans for spectators to return to sports. The plans could be announced as early as this week. Jeong said it will be crucial for the leagues to enforce distance between the fans. Limits on attendance could be eased as the country’s anti-virus efforts progress. South Korea’s professional baseball and soccer leagues returned to action in May without spectators. The discussions of fans’ return come despite a resurgence of the virus in the Seoul area. South Korea on Monday reported 42 new infections, and authorities are considering stronger social restrictions if if the epidemic continues to grow.
- Philippine officials say authorities in a central village may face criminal or administrative complaints for allowing a street parade and dance despite a strict coronavirus lockdown. Mayor Edgar Labella of Cebu city said officials of Basak village have been ordered to explain why the religious fiesta in honor of St. John the Baptist was held Saturday despite a prohibition against public gatherings. Performers in native wear and face masks danced during the night procession, which drew a large crowd. While the Philippines has eased quarantine restrictions in most regions, Cebu city is under a strict lockdown following a spike in infections. The Philippines has more than 35,000 virus cases, including 1,244 deaths.
- Health authorities are using a saliva test while working against a coronavirus outbreak in Australia’s second-largest city. The test appears to be less accurate than the nasal swab but is a more comfortable option. Victoria state Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the situation in Melbourne is “a genuine challenge now,” in part because the better situation elsewhere in Australia makes it harder to tell people to stay vigilant. Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said on Monday that 75 people had tested positive in the state in the latest 24 hours. She said the saliva test was first used in a Melbourne suburban hot spot on Sunday. The saliva tests in research were only 87% as accurate as the nasal swab because saliva contains less virus than the throat, said Sharon Lewin, director of the Doherty Institute in Melbourne, which developed the saliva test being used.
- China reported a further decline in new cases, with just 12. Seven of those were locally spread cases in Beijing, where nearly 8.3 million people have been tested in recent weeks. The number of new cases in the city was down by half from the day before, the National Health Commission reported. Beijing temporarily shut a huge wholesale food market where the virus spread widely earlier this month, reclosed schools and locked down some neighborhoods. Anyone leaving Beijing is required to have a negative virus test during the previous seven days.
- Japan’s capital reported 58 new coronavirus cases on Monday, as the number remains near recent highs and a top government official said the trend doesn’t look good. Sixty new cases were reported on Sunday, the highest since early May and nearly twice the 31 five days ago. About half of the recently confirmed cases were among staff or customers of Tokyo’s nightlife districts. “We are closely watching the latest development,” Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said. “Frankly, this gives me a rather bad feeling.” He said he plans to meet with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike to discuss the situation. Nishimura said on Sunday that the uptrend was due in part to expanded testing of nightclub staff and there was no immediate plan to reissue requests for business closures. The new cases bring Tokyo’s total infections to 6,172 with 325 deaths - about one third the national total.
- Thailand’s coronavirus response agency has suggested a very limited reopening of the country to foreign visitors that would not yet include the resumption of regularly scheduled passenger flights. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration announced Monday it wants to allow the entry of a maximum 200 foreigners daily who would be able to travel on repatriation flights that bring Thai citizens home. The measures will be implemented Wednesday if the Cabinet approves them on Tuesday. Foreigners including those legally working in Thailand and their families, those with residence permits, spouses and children of Thais, medical tourists and students would be confined at government quarantine facilities for 14 days after arrival. Businesspeople, technical experts and investors from Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore would have to stay at officially approved hotels and travel in specially arranged transport with escorts. Other recommended measures include allowing pubs, nightclubs and massage parlors to reopen. They are considered to have a higher coronavirus risk than restaurants, which were already allowed to reopen.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--At least 12 killed in flooding in southwestern China

BEIJING ( AP ) - Authorities in southwestern China ’ s Sichuan province say at least 12 people have died and 10 are missing following heavy rains , adding to a grow toll from summer flooding across the country .
Sichuan ’ s Mianning county was battered by storms on Friday and Saturday , with flooding especially bad in Yihai township , the county government reported .
Two vehicles plunged into a river along a flood-damaged highway , and 7,705 people were evacuated in the area .
The area lies on a plain at the foot of steep hills that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the source of China ’ s major rivers .
Nationally , flooding since the start of June has left 78 people dead or missing , destroyed or damaged more than 100,000 homes and caused direct economic losses estimated at more than 25 billion yuan ( $ 3.5 billion ) , the Ministry of Emergency Management said on Sunday .
Seasonal flooding hits much of China each year , and authorities have sought to mitigate the damage through the use of dams , particularly the massive Three Gorges structure on the Yangtze .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in 1998 , when more than 2,000 people died and almost 3 million homes were destroyed .

BEIJING (AP) - Authorities in southwestern China’s Sichuan province say at least 12 people have died and 10 are missing following heavy rains, adding to a grow toll from summer flooding across the country.
Sichuan’s Mianning county was battered by storms on Friday and Saturday, with flooding especially bad in Yihai township, the county government reported. Two vehicles plunged into a river along a flood-damaged highway, and 7,705 people were evacuated in the area.
The area lies on a plain at the foot of steep hills that eventually rise to the Tibetan Plateau, the source of China’s major rivers.
Nationally, flooding since the start of June has left 78 people dead or missing, destroyed or damaged more than 100,000 homes and caused direct economic losses estimated at more than 25 billion yuan ($3.5 billion), the Ministry of Emergency Management said on Sunday.
Seasonal flooding hits much of China each year, and authorities have sought to mitigate the damage through the use of dams, particularly the massive Three Gorges structure on the Yangtze.
China’s worst floods in recent years were in 1998, when more than 2,000 people died and almost 3 million homes were destroyed.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Senate Democrats accused of 'presidential politics' in blocking crime bill

Democrats ’ wait-until-November approach to police legislation is suddenly under attack from both the right and the left as evidence of a new crime wave emerges .
Sen. Tim Scott , South Carolina Republican , cited New York City figures released last week showing that overall crime fell from the same period last year , but that murder had increased by 79 % ; shootings were up 64 % , and burglaries rose 34 % .
“ The question is , what is the consequence of trying to demonize and stereotype all law enforcement ?
” said Mr. Scott on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union.
” “ Well , New York City is starting to give us the answer.
” His comments came after Senate Democrats blocked last week debate on his JUSTICE Act , a policing bill that would have made lynching a federal crime , provided incentives for localities to use body cameras and cease chokeholds and improved data collection .
In fact , Republicans said the bill was similar in many respects to the House Justice in Policing Act passed Thursday , but Mr. Scott said Democrats refused to discuss amendments or strike a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential politics.
” “ We could do so much together for those folks in the streets today , ” Mr. Scott said on CBS ’ s “ Face the Nation.
” “ We missed a golden opportunity , not because the bills weren ’ t similar enough , but because what the House wanted was not what the Senate Democrats wanted to have a conversation about.
” One sticking point was the House bill ’ s ending of qualified immunity for officers from civil lawsuits , which Mr. Scott said would have “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad .
“ When you start demonizing and stereotyping all law enforcement as evil and bad , you start putting targets on their backs , ” Mr. Scott said .
“ You start seeing them withdraw from some areas and that creates a powder keg .
That ’ s not good for the nation.
” Indeed , even before the protests spurred by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody , some cities , including Minneapolis , were showing troubling upticks in some crimes .
Serious crimes such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % last year in the Downtown East neighborhood , according to a Minneapolis Star-Tribune analysis , while robberies rose 53 % in the city ’ s central downtown , driven by packs of teens , as reported by City Pages .
In Milwaukee , the homicide rate spiked by 96 % in 2020 compared to the previous year , from 25 to 49 homicides , according to police figures reported last month by CBS58 .
The uptick in some areas comes after overall U.S. crime dropped for about 25 years after peaking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report that examined the trend from 1990-2016 .
In 2016 , however , violent crime in cities rose , which Manhattan Institute fellow Heather Mac Donald attributed to what she dubbed “ the Ferguson effect.
” On the other side are progressives pushing for a radical overhaul of policing .
Democrat-controlled city governments have responded to the protests and rioting with proposed cuts to police departments after calls by Black Lives Matter to “ defund the police.
” The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously Friday to place a measure on the November ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace it with a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention .
The proposal must still clear the charter commission .
Given that Democrats have controlled most major city governments for decades , however , the promises of reform have rung hollow with some protesters .
Hawk Newsome of Greater New York Black Lives Matter said that many Black people simply don ’ t trust either party .
“ What we have to understand is : Black people do not trust politicians , ” Mr. Newsome said on “ Fox News Sunday.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they don ’ t trust Republicans .
Black people also have a problem with government overstepping its bounds .
The biggest manifestation of that is policing.
” Mr. Newsome , who drew headlines last week for saying on Fox that protesters would “ burn down the system ” if they don ’ t get what they want , called for a major funding transfer from policing to community services , education and job development .
“ Over 80 % of their calls are not violent felonies , ” said Mr. Newsome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into why police are being called .
Look at the causes of why people are committing crimes .
They ’ re desperate , they ’ re poor , they ’ re undereducated , and they are left out to dry by this American system of government.
” Del .
Eleanor Holmes Norton , who represents Washington , D.C. , defended the Democratic reaction to the George Floyd demonstrations , crediting the rapid response to “ the impatience in the streets.
” She also stood up for the Senate Democrats ’ decision to block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling it a “ disgrace.
” “ They blocked it , that is to say they would not agree to any part of it , because it was a disgrace , ” Ms. Norton told “ Fox News Sunday , ” adding that “ it didn ’ t even rise to the level of a remedy.
” That said , Mr. Scott said he has no plans of abandoning the fight .
“ I look forward to having the conversation with my House colleagues that have been very serious , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat , for being “ very serious about getting to a compromise.
” “ I spoke with her last week , and we ’ re going to get together this week and that ’ s good because I ’ m serious about getting something done , ” said Mr. Scott .
“ But we can not get something done if the Democrats in the Senate are more interested in presidential politics than they are getting something actually finished this year .
”

Democrats’ wait-until-November approach to police legislation is suddenly under attack from both the right and the left as evidence of a new crime wave emerges.
Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, cited New York City figures released last week showing that overall crime fell from the same period last year, but that murder had increased by 79%; shootings were up 64%, and burglaries rose 34%.
“The question is, what is the consequence of trying to demonize and stereotype all law enforcement?” said Mr. Scott on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Well, New York City is starting to give us the answer.”
His comments came after Senate Democrats blocked last week debate on his JUSTICE Act, a policing bill that would have made lynching a federal crime, provided incentives for localities to use body cameras and cease chokeholds and improved data collection.
In fact, Republicans said the bill was similar in many respects to the House Justice in Policing Act passed Thursday, but Mr. Scott said Democrats refused to discuss amendments or strike a compromise, blaming the intransigence on “presidential politics.”
“We could do so much together for those folks in the streets today,” Mr. Scott said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” “We missed a golden opportunity, not because the bills weren’t similar enough, but because what the House wanted was not what the Senate Democrats wanted to have a conversation about.”
One sticking point was the House bill’s ending of qualified immunity for officers from civil lawsuits, which Mr. Scott said would have “stereotyped” officers, both good and bad.
“When you start demonizing and stereotyping all law enforcement as evil and bad, you start putting targets on their backs,” Mr. Scott said. “You start seeing them withdraw from some areas and that creates a powder keg. That’s not good for the nation.”
Indeed, even before the protests spurred by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, some cities, including Minneapolis, were showing troubling upticks in some crimes.
Serious crimes such as robbery, burglary and assault rose 70% last year in the Downtown East neighborhood, according to a Minneapolis Star-Tribune analysis, while robberies rose 53% in the city’s central downtown, driven by packs of teens, as reported by City Pages.
In Milwaukee, the homicide rate spiked by 96% in 2020 compared to the previous year, from 25 to 49 homicides, according to police figures reported last month by CBS58.
The uptick in some areas comes after overall U.S. crime dropped for about 25 years after peaking in 1991, according to a Brennan Center report that examined the trend from 1990-2016.
In 2016, however, violent crime in cities rose, which Manhattan Institute fellow Heather Mac Donald attributed to what she dubbed “the Ferguson effect.”
On the other side are progressives pushing for a radical overhaul of policing. Democrat-controlled city governments have responded to the protests and rioting with proposed cuts to police departments after calls by Black Lives Matter to “defund the police.”
The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously Friday to place a measure on the November ballot that would eliminate the police department and replace it with a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention. The proposal must still clear the charter commission.
Given that Democrats have controlled most major city governments for decades, however, the promises of reform have rung hollow with some protesters.
Hawk Newsome of Greater New York Black Lives Matter said that many Black people simply don’t trust either party.
“What we have to understand is: Black people do not trust politicians,” Mr. Newsome said on “Fox News Sunday.” “They don’t trust Democrats, they don’t trust Republicans. Black people also have a problem with government overstepping its bounds. The biggest manifestation of that is policing.”
Mr. Newsome, who drew headlines last week for saying on Fox that protesters would “burn down the system” if they don’t get what they want, called for a major funding transfer from policing to community services, education and job development.
“Over 80% of their calls are not violent felonies,” said Mr. Newsome. “Therefore, we should really look into why police are being called. Look at the causes of why people are committing crimes. They’re desperate, they’re poor, they’re undereducated, and they are left out to dry by this American system of government.”
.@IamHawkNewsome says that America needs to look at crime as a health problem, citing that 80% of 911 calls to the police are for non-violent crimes. #FoxNewsSunday — FoxNewsSunday (@FoxNewsSunday) June 28, 2020
Latest NYPD Crime Statistics Show Increase In Murders, Shootings, Burglaries – CBS New York https://t.co/d80NnpVQjN — Bernard B. Kerik (@BernardKerik) June 19, 2020
GOP Sen. Tim Scott on Democrats blocking the Republican police reform bill: “We cannot get something done if the Democrats in the Senate are more interested in presidential politics than they are getting something actually finished this year.” #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/254PKECgIS — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) June 28, 2020
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents Washington, D.C., defended the Democratic reaction to the George Floyd demonstrations, crediting the rapid response to “the impatience in the streets.”
She also stood up for the Senate Democrats’ decision to block Mr. Scott’s policing bill, calling it a “disgrace.”
“They blocked it, that is to say they would not agree to any part of it, because it was a disgrace,” Ms. Norton told “Fox News Sunday,” adding that “it didn’t even rise to the level of a remedy.”
That said, Mr. Scott said he has no plans of abandoning the fight. “I look forward to having the conversation with my House colleagues that have been very serious,” he said, crediting Rep. Karen Bass, California Democrat, for being “very serious about getting to a compromise.”
“I spoke with her last week, and we’re going to get together this week and that’s good because I’m serious about getting something done,” said Mr. Scott. “But we cannot get something done if the Democrats in the Senate are more interested in presidential politics than they are getting something actually finished this year.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Populist conservatives feel abandoned in rift against Big Tech companies

The clash between conservatives and Big Tech has revealed a rift separating those who feel victimized by the social media giants and free-market thinkers who have long guided the political right .
The populist right says institutions such as the American Enterprise Institute think tank and conservative stalwarts such as Sen. Mike Lee of Utah have abandoned them on tech companies ’ aggression , but critics say those claims can not be further from the truth .
After Google threatened to remove the Federalist , a conservative website , from its advertising platform this month , Federalist co-founder Ben Domenech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Washington free-market think tank , or the libertarian Cato Institute came to his defense .
He said the think tanks are “ wholly owned subsidiaries of Big Tech , ” criticism that Sen. Ted Cruz then amplified on Twitter .
“ This is a serious problem .
Big Tech is like the [ Chinese Communist Party ] : they both use $ $ to buy silence , acquiescence , or support , ” the Texas Republican tweeted .
“ Every think tank with integrity should wean themselves [ off ] both CCP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have true objectivity & independence.
” AEI told The Washington Times it has a longstanding tradition of not discussing its donors and noted it does not do contract research , which serves to create a firewall between the integrity of their work and those funding it .
“ AEI operates independently of any political party and has never held institutional positions , ” said spokeswoman Phoebe Keller .
The Cato Institute did not respond to requests for comment .
Free-market allies of the two think tanks were less laconic .
Criticisms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting attention and not about finding solutions , said Jesse Blumenthal , Stand Together vice president and Charles Koch Institute director of technology and innovation .
Mr. Blumenthal said the attacks on the free-market thinkers are about getting clicks , viewers and voters in the November elections .
“ It is childish and incorrect to assume that serious scholars who have spent years of their lives studying these issues are simply doing the bidding of particular companies , ” Mr. Blumenthal said .
“ I think that that type of ad hominem attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making it know better , quite frankly.
” The struggle over how Republicans should respond to Big Tech is expected to become more bitter in the run-up to the 2020 election .
Fox News personality Tucker Carlson is the Big Tech critic with perhaps the largest megaphone in media .
Mr. Carlson this month accused Mr. Lee of ignoring social media companies ’ trampling on Americans ’ rights and said he hopes the Utah Republican is forced out of the Senate in the 2022 election by someone who challenges Big Tech head-on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he is the man who could do something to protect you from Google , but Lee has not bothered to do that , ” Mr. Carlson told his viewers .
“ Instead , Mike Lee repeatedly has taken the side of the Big Tech companies over your constitutional rights , the constitutional rights Mike Lee has sworn to uphold and protect but refuses to.
” Mr. Lee responded to Mr. Carlson in a lengthy statement published on his website that rebuts what he says are inaccuracies by Mr. Carlson .
Mr. Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be alarmed that the tech sector is large , wealthy , powerful and opposed to their beliefs .
He said his subcommittee recently held a hearing looking at whether companies such as Amazon and Google are violating antitrust law .
“ Look , this is a tough issue .
There are no easy answers here .
I don ’ t believe those attacking me are doing so in bad faith , ” Mr. Lee said in a statement .
“ But we need to be realistic about what our options are .
… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fairness Doctrine for the Internet is the way to go here .
”

The clash between conservatives and Big Tech has revealed a rift separating those who feel victimized by the social media giants and free-market thinkers who have long guided the political right.
The populist right says institutions such as the American Enterprise Institute think tank and conservative stalwarts such as Sen. Mike Lee of Utah have abandoned them on tech companies’ aggression, but critics say those claims cannot be further from the truth.
After Google threatened to remove the Federalist, a conservative website, from its advertising platform this month, Federalist co-founder Ben Domenech tweeted that no scholars from AEI, a Washington free-market think tank, or the libertarian Cato Institute came to his defense. He said the think tanks are “wholly owned subsidiaries of Big Tech,” criticism that Sen. Ted Cruz then amplified on Twitter.
“This is a serious problem. Big Tech is like the [Chinese Communist Party]: they both use $$ to buy silence, acquiescence, or support,” the Texas Republican tweeted. “Every think tank with integrity should wean themselves [off] both CCP & Big Tech $$ so they can have true objectivity & independence.”
AEI told The Washington Times it has a longstanding tradition of not discussing its donors and noted it does not do contract research, which serves to create a firewall between the integrity of their work and those funding it.
“AEI operates independently of any political party and has never held institutional positions,” said spokeswoman Phoebe Keller.
The Cato Institute did not respond to requests for comment. Free-market allies of the two think tanks were less laconic.
Criticisms of Cato, AEI and others are about getting attention and not about finding solutions, said Jesse Blumenthal, Stand Together vice president and Charles Koch Institute director of technology and innovation. Mr. Blumenthal said the attacks on the free-market thinkers are about getting clicks, viewers and voters in the November elections.
“It is childish and incorrect to assume that serious scholars who have spent years of their lives studying these issues are simply doing the bidding of particular companies,” Mr. Blumenthal said. “I think that that type of ad hominem attack is lazy and the people who are making it know better, quite frankly.”
The struggle over how Republicans should respond to Big Tech is expected to become more bitter in the run-up to the 2020 election.
Fox News personality Tucker Carlson is the Big Tech critic with perhaps the largest megaphone in media. Mr. Carlson this month accused Mr. Lee of ignoring social media companies’ trampling on Americans’ rights and said he hopes the Utah Republican is forced out of the Senate in the 2022 election by someone who challenges Big Tech head-on.
“Lee chairs the Senate antitrust subcommittee, he is the man who could do something to protect you from Google, but Lee has not bothered to do that,” Mr. Carlson told his viewers. “Instead, Mike Lee repeatedly has taken the side of the Big Tech companies over your constitutional rights, the constitutional rights Mike Lee has sworn to uphold and protect but refuses to.”
Mr. Lee responded to Mr. Carlson in a lengthy statement published on his website that rebuts what he says are inaccuracies by Mr. Carlson.
Mr. Lee told The Washington Times that conservatives should be alarmed that the tech sector is large, wealthy, powerful and opposed to their beliefs. He said his subcommittee recently held a hearing looking at whether companies such as Amazon and Google are violating antitrust law.
“Look, this is a tough issue. There are no easy answers here. I don’t believe those attacking me are doing so in bad faith,” Mr. Lee said in a statement. “But we need to be realistic about what our options are. … I just don’t think a Fairness Doctrine for the Internet is the way to go here.”
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Portland police use riot-control munitions, arrest 8 rock throwing protesters

PORTLAND , Ore. — Portland police arrested eight people and fired crowd-control munitions to disperse protesters who threw rocks and bottles during demonstrations in front of law enforcement buildings on Saturday night and Sunday morning .
The series of confrontations began late Saturday , the 30th consecutive day of demonstrations outside the Multnomah County Justice Center , where protesters used fencing and street barricades to block off a street , according to KOIN-TV and the Portland Police Bureau .
Thousands of people in the liberal Pacific Northwest city have turned out every night for a month since the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates say the police response has been overly aggressive and said in a lawsuit Sunday that the tactics appear designed to squelch free speech .
Portland police said that lasers were shined into officers ’ eyes , and people threw rocks , bottles and paint at them during the demonstration .
After using loudspeakers to tell the protesters to leave , officers used riot-control munitions to disperse the crowd , police said .
It was unclear what munitions specifically were used .
Police said the protesters later reassembled in front a police precinct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the crowd refused to disperse .
An officer suffered minor injuries after being struck in the face with a skateboard .
The clashes between police and protesters continued until about 2 a.m. Sunday , with crowd-control munitions also used at a second site where two dumpsters were pulled into the street and several garbage cans lit on fire .
Police were barred under a temporary federal court order from using crowd-control munitions in situations where people engaged in passive resistance could be injured by the devices .
That order was extended Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesting has been peaceful .
But early Friday a group of several hundred demonstrators set fire to a precinct building while people were inside , the Portland Police Bureau said .
In that incident , police used a type of tear gas to disperse the crowd .
A lawsuit filed Sunday by the American Civil Liberties Union alleged police have targeted and attacked journalists and legal observers during their attempt to disperse demonstrations in recent weeks .
The lawsuit filed in federal court includes claims several journalists and two ACLU observers were mistreated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ batons and attacked with rubber bullets , flash-bang grenades and tear gas .
“ The police should not be shutting down the public ’ s access to the messages and realities of protest in Portland ’ s streets where people are calling for an end to police killing of Black people , ” Kelly Simon , interim legal director of the ACLU of Oregon , said in a statement .
Police did not immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press seeking more information about the latest confrontation and a response to the @ @

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police arrested eight people and fired crowd-control munitions to disperse protesters who threw rocks and bottles during demonstrations in front of law enforcement buildings on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
The series of confrontations began late Saturday, the 30th consecutive day of demonstrations outside the Multnomah County Justice Center, where protesters used fencing and street barricades to block off a street, according to KOIN-TV and the Portland Police Bureau.
Thousands of people in the liberal Pacific Northwest city have turned out every night for a month since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Civil liberties advocates say the police response has been overly aggressive and said in a lawsuit Sunday that the tactics appear designed to squelch free speech.
Portland police said that lasers were shined into officers’ eyes, and people threw rocks, bottles and paint at them during the demonstration. After using loudspeakers to tell the protesters to leave, officers used riot-control munitions to disperse the crowd, police said.
It was unclear what munitions specifically were used.
Police said the protesters later reassembled in front a police precinct, and arrests were made when some in the crowd refused to disperse. An officer suffered minor injuries after being struck in the face with a skateboard.
The clashes between police and protesters continued until about 2 a.m. Sunday, with crowd-control munitions also used at a second site where two dumpsters were pulled into the street and several garbage cans lit on fire.
Police were barred under a temporary federal court order from using crowd-control munitions in situations where people engaged in passive resistance could be injured by the devices. That order was extended Friday until July 24.
Much of the protesting has been peaceful. But early Friday a group of several hundred demonstrators set fire to a precinct building while people were inside, the Portland Police Bureau said. In that incident, police used a type of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
A lawsuit filed Sunday by the American Civil Liberties Union alleged police have targeted and attacked journalists and legal observers during their attempt to disperse demonstrations in recent weeks.
The lawsuit filed in federal court includes claims several journalists and two ACLU observers were mistreated, including being beaten by police with batons and attacked with rubber bullets, flash-bang grenades and tear gas.
“The police should not be shutting down the public’s access to the messages and realities of protest in Portland’s streets where people are calling for an end to police killing of Black people,” Kelly Simon, interim legal director of the ACLU of Oregon, said in a statement.
Police did not immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press seeking more information about the latest confrontation and a response to the lawsuit.


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--Pats fined $1.1M, lose pick for filming game last season

NEW YORK ( AP ) - The New England Patriots have been fined $ 1.1 million by the NFL for inappropriately filming the Cincinnati Bengals ’ sideline during a game last season .
On Sunday , the league also took away a third-round pick in the 2021 draft .
Also , the team ’ s production crew will not be allowed to shoot any games in the 2020 season .
ESPN first reported the penalties .
An NFL spokesman confirmed the discipline to The Associated Press .
The filming occurred at the Bengals game at Cleveland on Dec. 8 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriots the following week and lost 34-13 .
When the taping became known last season , the team said at the time a three-person crew producing a web series titled “ Do Your Job ” “ inappropriately filmed the field from the press box ” as part of a feature on the scouting department .
The filming took place “ without specific knowledge of league rules , ” the statement said .
Also , the team ’ s statement last season said that while they were granted credentials for the crew from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bengals and the league was an unintended oversight.
” When confronted , the team said the crew “ immediately turned over all footage to the league and cooperated fully.
” At the time , Patriots coach Bill Belichick says neither he nor his coaching staff had watched any of the video footage .
“ I personally have never viewed any video footage at all , anything that those production people have done , other than what ’ s shown on public television or something like that , ” Belichick said in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 250,000 and lost a first-round draft pick in 2007 for violating NFL rules against using video to steal signals in a scandal dubbed “ Spygate.
” Belichick was also fined $ 500,000 .
Spygate fueled a distrust of the Patriots that persisted when the team was accused of illegally deflating the footballs used in the 2015 AFC championship game .
The punishment by the NFL in that case was also severe .
Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended four games , and the team was fined $ 1 million and docked another first-round @ @ @

NEW YORK (AP) - The New England Patriots have been fined $1.1 million by the NFL for inappropriately filming the Cincinnati Bengals’ sideline during a game last season.
On Sunday, the league also took away a third-round pick in the 2021 draft.
Also, the team’s production crew will not be allowed to shoot any games in the 2020 season.
ESPN first reported the penalties. NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed the discipline to The Associated Press.
The filming occurred at the Bengals game at Cleveland on Dec. 8 of last season. The Bengals hosted the Patriots the following week and lost 34-13.
When the taping became known last season, the team said at the time a three-person crew producing a web series titled “Do Your Job” “inappropriately filmed the field from the press box” as part of a feature on the scouting department.
The filming took place “without specific knowledge of league rules,” the statement said.
Also, the team’s statement last season said that while they were granted credentials for the crew from the Browns, “our failure to inform the Bengals and the league was an unintended oversight.”
When confronted, the team said the crew “immediately turned over all footage to the league and cooperated fully.”
At the time, Patriots coach Bill Belichick says neither he nor his coaching staff had watched any of the video footage.
“I personally have never viewed any video footage at all, anything that those production people have done, other than what’s shown on public television or something like that,” Belichick said in December.
Previously, New England was fined $250,000 and lost a first-round draft pick in 2007 for violating NFL rules against using video to steal signals in a scandal dubbed “Spygate.” Belichick was also fined $500,000.
Spygate fueled a distrust of the Patriots that persisted when the team was accused of illegally deflating the footballs used in the 2015 AFC championship game.
The punishment by the NFL in that case was also severe. Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended four games, and the team was fined $1 million and docked another first-round draft pick.
___
AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this report.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


washingtontimes--2020-06-28--14 missing from fishing boat after Philippine sea collision

MANILA , Philippines ( AP ) - The Philippine coast guard was searching on Monday for 14 people missing since a fishing boat and cargo vessel collided in choppy waters two nights earlier .
It was not immediately clear if the fishing boat sank and the search for its occupants was being hampered by strong waves , officials said .
The Philippine coast guard said the cargo vessel MV Vienna Wood collided with the FV Liberty 5 for unclear reasons after midnight in the early morning hours of Sunday about 27 kilometers ( 17 miles ) off Mamburao town in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Manila .
A coast guard light plane and a helicopter joined the search Monday for the 12 fishermen and two passengers on board the Liberty 5 , coast guard spokesman Armando Balilo said .
The fishing boat had been heading for metropolitan Manila when the collision happened .
The Hong Kong-flagged cargo vessel , which first reported the collision , was being escorted by a Philippine coast guard vessel to nearby Batangas province , the coast guard said .
The vessel with 20 crew on board was not carrying any cargo at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been en route to Australia .

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippine coast guard found no signs Monday of 14 people missing since a fishing boat and cargo vessel collided in choppy waters a day earlier.
The fishing boat was damaged and overturned, and the search for those aboard was hampered by strong waves, according to officials and coast guard photos.
The coast guard said the cargo vessel MV Vienna Wood collided with the FV Liberty 5 for unclear reasons in the early hours of Sunday about 27 kilometers (17 miles) off Mamburao in Mindoro Occidental province south of the capital, Manila.
A coast guard light plane and a helicopter joined the search Monday for the 12 fishermen and two passengers on board the Liberty 5, coast guard spokesman Commodore Armando Balilo said. After a daylong search, there was no sign of the missing people, he said.
The fishing boat had been heading for metropolitan Manila when the collision happened.
The Hong Kong-flagged cargo vessel, which first reported the collision, was taken into custody for an investigation and was escorted by a coast guard vessel to nearby Batangas province, the coast guard said.
The vessel, with 20 crew on board, was not carrying any cargo at the time of the collision. It was en route to Australia.
Sea accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago because of frequent storms, badly maintained boats, overcrowding and spotty enforcement of safety regulations. In December 1987, the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker, killing more than 4,341 people in one of the world’s worst peacetime maritime disasters.