usatoday--2020-08-20--Trump says he will demand UN reimpose sanctions on Iran, but the US move may fail

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will push the United Nations to reimpose sweeping international sanctions against Iran – setting up a contentious fight with U.S. allies that could leave his administration more isolated than ever .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to New York Thursday to formally trigger the process of trying to restore the sanctions , which were suspended under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal .
But the fate of the U.S. effort is murky at best .
For starters , the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Iran deal two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touted .
Other foreign leaders say the Trump administration can not invoke a provision of an agreement it jettisoned , and they could say the U.S. move is illegitimate .
The Trump administration plans to argue that Iran is no longer compliant with the 2015 agreement , thus allowing the U.S. to invoke a provision in the deal that calls for a `` snapback '' of international sanctions .
`` It 's a snapback .
Not uncommon , '' Trump told reporters during a White House briefing on Wednesday .
But Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as do other Security Council members , including Britain and France .
Those U.S. allies have tried to salvage the Iran nuclear deal , despite the U.S. withdrawal .
After Trump took the U.S. out of the 2015 agreement , Iranian leaders initially said they would keep abiding by its terms , even as Washington slapped crippling sanctions on the country .
Last year , as U.S.-Iran tensions spiked , Tehran breached the agreement by enriching uranium at higher levels than the deal allowed .
More : Iran 's navy shoots missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Strait of Hormuz The Trump administration 's latest sanctions push comes a week after the U.S. lost a bid at the U.N. to renew an international arms embargo against Iran .
The embargo expires in October , and Pompeo has expressed concerns about the prospect of Iran being able to purchase weapons from Russia or China .
But the U.S. proposal to renew the arms embargo failed , with China and Russia opposing the move and 11 other member countries abstaining .
If the U.N. restores global sanctions on Iran , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran to suspend all nuclear-related enrichment activities .
`` We have every expectation that they ’ ll be enforced just like every other U.N. Security Council resolution that is in place , '' Pompeo told reporters earlier on Thursday .
He dismissed a question about how the U.S. could trigger the sanctions now that it is no longer a party to the 2015 nuclear deal .
`` We are confident that every country will see that it is in their best interest that U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 is fully enforced as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of obligations , '' he said , referring to the provision at issue by its official number .
But critics say the Trump administration 's position is absurd .
And contrary to Trump 's remarks , snapback sanctions are not common , one expert noted .
`` In fact it is unique and unprecedented , '' Richard Gowan , an expert on the United Nations and peacekeeping with the International Crisis Group , said in a tweet after Trump 's remarks .
`` It simply strains credulity for a state to withdraw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provisions and then turn around and claim the ability to invoke it against an actual participant , '' the Crisis Group said in a report issued Wednesday morning .
Critics say the Trump administration 's move is designed to permanently kill the Iran deal .
After Pompeo files the U.S. notice on Thursday , the sanctions will automatically come back into force unless the U.N. Security Council passes a resolution barring the penalties .
The U.S. would seem to have a strategic advantage , because as a permanent member of the Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.N. could veto such a resolution .
But Gowan and others say the Security Council could simply ignore the U.S. move or try to undercut it .
The Crisis Group report suggests that other Security Council members could use procedural rules `` to block or delay '' the snapback of sanctions or undermine the sanctions through obstruction UN sanctions or other avenues .
Either way , the U.S. move will provoke a `` vehement row '' at the normally staid international body , the report says .
Contributing : John Fritze and @ @ @

Trump says he will demand UN reimpose sanctions on Iran, but the US move may fail
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump seeks return of UN sanctions against Iran The United States will demand Thursday that all United Nations sanctions be reimposed against Iran, President Donald Trump said Wednesday, a move that follows America's embarrassing defeat to extend an arms embargo against Tehran. (Aug. 19) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will push the United Nations to reimpose sweeping international sanctions against Iran – setting up a contentious fight with U.S. allies that could leave his administration more isolated than ever.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to New York Thursday to formally trigger the process of trying to restore the sanctions, which were suspended under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
But the fate of the U.S. effort is murky at best. For starters, the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Iran deal two years ago – a move Trump has repeatedly touted. Other foreign leaders say the Trump administration cannot invoke a provision of an agreement it jettisoned, and they could say the U.S. move is illegitimate.
The Trump administration plans to argue that Iran is no longer compliant with the 2015 agreement, thus allowing the U.S. to invoke a provision in the deal that calls for a "snapback" of international sanctions.
"It's a snapback. Not uncommon," Trump told reporters during a White House briefing on Wednesday.
But Russia and China fiercely oppose reimposing sanctions on Iran, as do other Security Council members, including Britain and France. Those U.S. allies have tried to salvage the Iran nuclear deal, despite the U.S. withdrawal.
After Trump took the U.S. out of the 2015 agreement, Iranian leaders initially said they would keep abiding by its terms, even as Washington slapped crippling sanctions on the country. Last year, as U.S.-Iran tensions spiked, Tehran breached the agreement by enriching uranium at higher levels than the deal allowed.
More: Iran's navy shoots missile at mock-up of US aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz
The Trump administration's latest sanctions push comes a week after the U.S. lost a bid at the U.N. to renew an international arms embargo against Iran. The embargo expires in October, and Pompeo has expressed concerns about the prospect of Iran being able to purchase weapons from Russia or China.
But the U.S. proposal to renew the arms embargo failed, with China and Russia opposing the move and 11 other member countries abstaining. If the U.N. restores global sanctions on Iran, that would extend the arms embargo and require Iran to suspend all nuclear-related enrichment activities.
"We have every expectation that they’ll be enforced just like every other U.N. Security Council resolution that is in place," Pompeo told reporters earlier on Thursday.
He dismissed a question about how the U.S. could trigger the sanctions now that it is no longer a party to the 2015 nuclear deal.
"We are confident that every country will see that it is in their best interest that U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 is fully enforced as it is a valid, extant, continuing set of obligations," he said, referring to the provision at issue by its official number.
But critics say the Trump administration's position is absurd. And contrary to Trump's remarks, snapback sanctions are not common, one expert noted.
"In fact it is unique and unprecedented," Richard Gowan, an expert on the United Nations and peacekeeping with the International Crisis Group, said in a tweet after Trump's remarks.
"It simply strains credulity for a state to withdraw from the nuclear deal, violate its provisions and then turn around and claim the ability to invoke it against an actual participant," the Crisis Group said in a report issued Wednesday morning.
Alireza Miryousefi, a spokesman for Iran's mission at the UN, described the U.S. move to "snapback" the UN sanctions as "manifestly illegal."
"The U.S. is no longer a 'participant' in the (nuclear deal), and as such has no rights under that accord or UNSCR 2231, which endorsed it. Even the former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, said so in 2018 and repeated it just this past weekend."
Critics say the Trump administration's move is designed to permanently kill the Iran deal.
After Pompeo files the U.S. notice on Thursday, the sanctions will automatically come back into force unless the U.N. Security Council passes a resolution barring the penalties. The U.S. would seem to have a strategic advantage, because as a permanent member of the Security Council, the Trump administration's ambassador to the U.N. could veto such a resolution.
But Gowan and others say the Security Council could simply ignore the U.S. move or try to undercut it.
The Crisis Group report suggests that other Security Council members could use procedural rules "to block or delay" the snapback of sanctions or undermine the sanctions through obstruction UN sanctions or other avenues.
Either way, the U.S. move will provoke a "vehement row" at the normally staid international body, the report says.
Contributing: John Fritze, Kim Hjelmgaard and the Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-19--Kamala's private army: Why Harris' HBCU, AKA affiliations could help Biden's campaign

When it comes to mobilizing Black voters , Kamala Harris has something even President Barack Obama did n't have as America 's first Black president .
Her degree from Howard University , a historically Black university , and membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha , the nation 's oldest Black sorority , could give her an advantage among loyal members and alumni , including in Delaware .
`` It ’ s a part of Black America that most Americans are not aware of , '' Akwasi Osei , a political science and history professor at Delaware State University , said about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is huge . ''
It could be the blessing Joe Biden 's campaign needs after Black voter turnout dropped in 2016 .
Osei expects Harris to revitalize turnout to match , if not surpass , historic levels during Obama 's presidential bids .
Since her presidential bid last year , members of the sorority have formed into Harris ' unofficial private army .
It 's one of nine service-oriented Black sororities and fraternities known as the Divine Nine , and those familiar with the organizations said they should not be overlooked as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
AKA boasts more than 300,000 members , and for the first time , it is watching one of its own run for vice president .
Harris joined the sorority in 1986 .
`` It is that level that I think Kamala has , as it were , tuned into , '' Osei said .
`` And that is enough for some people to say , ‘ I ’ m with her because I ’ m a Greek and I identify as such . '
`` AKA is active at Delaware State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Delaware .
Sorority members drove from around the state Thursday to stand outside A.I .
du Pont High School in Greenville , where Biden and Harris made their first joint appearance , in support of their sister .
`` She has definitely energized the African American community because of her affiliations , '' said L. Germaine Cheatham-Hemphill , a DSU graduate and AKA member .
`` The HBCU ( historically Black colleges and universities ) community , for example , is tightknit , and it ’ s small , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , is even deeper . ''
In other words , it transcends politics .
Cheatham-Hemphill , who lives in Camden , compared the allegiance to a lifelong marriage .
`` I don ’ t know that people really understand the real power of Greekdom in the African American community and the seriousness of it , '' she said .
`` It stretches from teachers to preachers to lawyers to doctors to housewives , everybody .
If you ’ re an AKA , if you ’ re Greek in any way , shape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You are excited right now.
” Spotting Joe Biden : Delawareans share their sightings of the former VP The `` friendly rivals '' within the Divine Nine are coalescing around Harris , largely via social media .
Members plan to galvanize their networks outside the Greek organizations and will probably throw money at Biden 's campaign .
AKA includes other famous members such as Jada Pinkett-Smith , Phylicia Rashad and Toni Morrison .
To have one of their own taking the national stage as the potential vice president is another level .
Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to challenge Gov .
John Carney in 2020 election '' I would daresay it was immediate , '' Cheatham-Hemphill said about members ' organizing around Harris .
`` One , it was ‘ Congratulations to us as AKAs for a member of our sorority being named to this role.
’ And number two it was , ‘ All right , everybody get together to get out to vote . '
...
The mobilization is going to be amazing . ''
When Harris ran for president in 2019 , AKA members hosted fundraisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign events .
Before Cheatham-Hemphill learned that Harris was her sorority sister , she was attracted to her personality and politics , watching her question Supreme Court nominees and Trump administration members such as Attorney General William Barr in the Senate .
Once she found out , it made perfect sense .
`` She ’ s one of us , '' Cheatham-Hemphill said .
`` She ’ s a leader .
She ’ s an alpha woman .
She ’ s a go-getter . ''
Biden and Harris speak at Chase Center : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speeches at Chase Center in Wilmington Obama , who graduated from Columbia and Harvard , gave communities of color unprecedented hope that a Black man could be president .
Delaware State University professor Alexa Silver said Harris ' degree `` gives credence '' to the value of an education from a historically Black school , especially for minority students who do n't know how far the degree might take them .
`` There ’ s just been more talk in the news about HBCUs , and most people don ’ t even know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t even think about what they mean , '' she said .
`` This is an opportunity for people to see how colleges devoted to helping particular portions of the population are creating leaders .
It ’ s not just that we ’ re giving students who aren ’ t as strong an opportunity to get a college degree .
No , we ’ re creating future leaders . ''
Delaware liberals : Do candidates have a shot in 2020 after coronavirus hurt campaigning ?
When classes resume , Silver said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women of color – will feel hopeful about Harris and possibly more empowered than in 2008 when Obama was elected .
The day after Obama 's election 12 years ago , Silver said , she arrived to teach her survey history class where her 30 or so freshman and sophomore DSU students typically sauntered in and threw themselves down into their chairs .
That day , she remembers , they walked in lighter with smiles on their faces .
“ They just kind of emanated this sense of hope that something that no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` For those who had actually gone home and voted , they were feeling super proud of themselves .
I just remember it was the happiest day of teaching I ever had .
Just to see the looks on their faces , the level of engagement . ''
First day after the announcement : Biden , Harris make first joint appearance It was an opportunity for Silver to remind them about the importance of voting and that America 's political system of representative democracy , though it 's not perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and politics for Delaware Online/The News Journal .
You can reach her at sgamard @ delawareonline.com .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ SarahGamard .

Kamala's private army: Why Harris' HBCU, AKA affiliations could help Biden's campaign
Show Caption Hide Caption Kamala Harris: 5 things to know about Joe Biden's running mate Joe Biden made history when he chose Kamala Harris as his running mate. USA TODAY
When it comes to mobilizing Black voters, Kamala Harris has something even President Barack Obama didn't have as America's first Black president.
Her degree from Howard University, a historically Black university, and membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation's oldest Black sorority, could give her an advantage among loyal members and alumni, including in Delaware.
"It’s a part of Black America that most Americans are not aware of," Akwasi Osei, a political science and history professor at Delaware State University, said about the Greek organization. "And it is huge."
It could be the blessing Joe Biden's campaign needs after Black voter turnout dropped in 2016. Osei expects Harris to revitalize turnout to match, if not surpass, historic levels during Obama's presidential bids.
Since her presidential bid last year, members of the sorority have formed into Harris' unofficial private army.
It's one of nine service-oriented Black sororities and fraternities known as the Divine Nine, and those familiar with the organizations said they should not be overlooked as a pervasive and organized sector of the Black community. AKA boasts more than 300,000 members, and for the first time, it is watching one of its own run for vice president. Harris joined the sorority in 1986.
"It is that level that I think Kamala has, as it were, tuned into," Osei said. "And that is enough for some people to say, ‘I’m with her because I’m a Greek and I identify as such.' "
Joe Biden: The story of Delaware's most prominent politician
AKA is active at Delaware State University, Wesley College and the University of Delaware. Sorority members drove from around the state Thursday to stand outside A.I. du Pont High School in Greenville, where Biden and Harris made their first joint appearance, in support of their sister.
"She has definitely energized the African American community because of her affiliations," said L. Germaine Cheatham-Hemphill, a DSU graduate and AKA member. "The HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) community, for example, is tightknit, and it’s small, and it’s nurturing. ... Greekdom, within that, is even deeper."
In other words, it transcends politics. Cheatham-Hemphill, who lives in Camden, compared the allegiance to a lifelong marriage.
"I don’t know that people really understand the real power of Greekdom in the African American community and the seriousness of it," she said. "It stretches from teachers to preachers to lawyers to doctors to housewives, everybody. If you’re an AKA, if you’re Greek in any way, shape or form, you are buzzing. You are excited right now.”
Spotting Joe Biden: Delawareans share their sightings of the former VP
The "friendly rivals" within the Divine Nine are coalescing around Harris, largely via social media. Members plan to galvanize their networks outside the Greek organizations and will probably throw money at Biden's campaign.
AKA includes other famous members such as Jada Pinkett-Smith, Phylicia Rashad and Toni Morrison. To have one of their own taking the national stage as the potential vice president is another level.
Republicans run against John Carney: Republicans line up to challenge Gov. John Carney in 2020 election
"I would daresay it was immediate," Cheatham-Hemphill said about members' organizing around Harris. "One, it was ‘Congratulations to us as AKAs for a member of our sorority being named to this role.’ And number two it was, ‘All right, everybody get together to get out to vote.' ... The mobilization is going to be amazing."
When Harris ran for president in 2019, AKA members hosted fundraisers, donated money and showed up to campaign events.
Busing: Joe Biden's complicated opposition to busing for school desegregation
Before Cheatham-Hemphill learned that Harris was her sorority sister, she was attracted to her personality and politics, watching her question Supreme Court nominees and Trump administration members such as Attorney General William Barr in the Senate. Once she found out, it made perfect sense.
"She’s one of us," Cheatham-Hemphill said. "She’s a leader. She’s an alpha woman. She’s a go-getter."
Biden and Harris speak at Chase Center: Biden, Harris to give DNC convention speeches at Chase Center in Wilmington
Obama, who graduated from Columbia and Harvard, gave communities of color unprecedented hope that a Black man could be president. Delaware State University professor Alexa Silver said Harris' degree "gives credence" to the value of an education from a historically Black school, especially for minority students who don't know how far the degree might take them.
"There’s just been more talk in the news about HBCUs, and most people don’t even know what they are, and most people don’t even think about what they mean," she said. "This is an opportunity for people to see how colleges devoted to helping particular portions of the population are creating leaders. It’s not just that we’re giving students who aren’t as strong an opportunity to get a college degree. No, we’re creating future leaders."
Delaware liberals: Do candidates have a shot in 2020 after coronavirus hurt campaigning?
When classes resume, Silver said, she expects her students – especially women of color – will feel hopeful about Harris and possibly more empowered than in 2008 when Obama was elected.
The day after Obama's election 12 years ago, Silver said, she arrived to teach her survey history class where her 30 or so freshman and sophomore DSU students typically sauntered in and threw themselves down into their chairs. That day, she remembers, they walked in lighter with smiles on their faces.
“They just kind of emanated this sense of hope that something that no one ever thought could happen," she said. "For those who had actually gone home and voted, they were feeling super proud of themselves. I just remember it was the happiest day of teaching I ever had. Just to see the looks on their faces, the level of engagement."
First day after the announcement: Biden, Harris make first joint appearance
It was an opportunity for Silver to remind them about the importance of voting and that America's political system of representative democracy, though it's not perfect, does work.
Contributing: Julie Hinds and Chanel Stitt, USA TODAY Network
Sarah Gamard covers government and politics for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach her at sgamard@delawareonline.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @SarahGamard.


usatoday--2020-08-19--Trump knocks Mitch McConnell, Republicans for USPS hearings during RNC

President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday over the timing of hearings on the U.S .
Postal Service .
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing , which will feature the testimony of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , is set to take place Friday .
Trump , who has levied attacks on the Postal Service , tweeted that the hearing , as well as the Democratic-controlled House hearing Monday , should occur during the Democratic National Convention rather than before and during the Republican National Convention next week .
`` Why are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post Office hearings on Saturday & Monday , just before and during our Convention , '' Trump wrote , incorrectly identifying the date of the Senate hearing .
The full House will vote Saturday on a bill that would stop changes at USPS .
`` Let them hold them NOW ( during their Convention ) or after our Convention is over , '' Trump wrote .
`` Always playing right into their hands ! ''
he added , tagging McConnell 's Twitter handle , @ senatemajldr .
DeJoy , a Republican megadonor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowed mail delivery and raised concerns over mail-in ballots .
Trump claims mail-in voting will lead to widespread fraud .
More : Trump 's Postmaster General DeJoy will testify before Senate on Friday about USPS delays Tuesday , DeJoy said he would pause operational changes for the Postal Service until after the election .
McConnell , R-Ky. , told The Courier Journal on Tuesday that the House legislation focusing on the Postal Service could be a chance to gain ground in the stalled negotiations over a coronavirus relief package .
He indicated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that addresses only the Postal Service .
Contact Ben Tobin at bjtobin @ gannett.com or follow on Twitter @ TobinBen .

Trump knocks Mitch McConnell, Republicans for USPS hearings during RNC
Show Caption Hide Caption How the US Postal Service found itself in debt The U.S. Postal Service is facing record demand because of COVID-19 and the upcoming election. Does it have the funds to rise to the occasion? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday over the timing of hearings on the U.S. Postal Service.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, which will feature the testimony of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, is set to take place Friday.
Trump, who has levied attacks on the Postal Service, tweeted that the hearing, as well as the Democratic-controlled House hearing Monday, should occur during the Democratic National Convention rather than before and during the Republican National Convention next week.
"Why are Republicans allowing the Democrats to have ridiculous Post Office hearings on Saturday & Monday, just before and during our Convention," Trump wrote, incorrectly identifying the date of the Senate hearing. The full House will vote Saturday on a bill that would stop changes at USPS.
"Let them hold them NOW (during their Convention) or after our Convention is over," Trump wrote. "Always playing right into their hands!" he added, tagging McConnell's Twitter handle, @senatemajldr.
Why are Republicans allowing the Democrats to have ridiculous Post Office hearings on Saturday & Monday, just before and during our Convention. Let them hold them NOW (during their Convention) or after our Convention is over. Always playing right into their hands! @senatemajldr — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2020
DeJoy, a Republican megadonor and Trump supporter, instituted cost-saving measures that slowed mail delivery and raised concerns over mail-in ballots. Trump claims mail-in voting will lead to widespread fraud.
More: Trump's Postmaster General DeJoy will testify before Senate on Friday about USPS delays
Tuesday, DeJoy said he would pause operational changes for the Postal Service until after the election.
McConnell, R-Ky., told The Courier Journal on Tuesday that the House legislation focusing on the Postal Service could be a chance to gain ground in the stalled negotiations over a coronavirus relief package.
He indicated the Senate is unlikely to pass a bill that addresses only the Postal Service.
Contact Ben Tobin at bjtobin@gannett.com or follow on Twitter @TobinBen.


usatoday--2020-08-19--US won't pursue death penalty against ISIS 'Beatles' in exchange for British cooperation

The Trump administration will not pursue the death penalty against two ISIS suspects in exchange for Britain 's cooperation in the prosecution of the terrorists known as the `` Beatles , '' allegedly linked to the kidnapping and murders of American and British hostages in Syria .
Attorney General William Barr , in a letter to Britain 's Home Secretary Priti Patel , said the U.S. was taking the action because it needed evidence held by the United Kingdom to pursue the prosecutions of Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh , who are now in the custody of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the two suspects as the `` Beatles '' because of their British accents .
Britain has traditionally sought assurances that the death penalty would not be sought as a condition of cooperation in cases involving other governments .
`` I know that the United Kingdom shares our determination that there should be a full investigation and criminal prosecution of Kotey and Elsheikh , '' Barr said .
`` If a prosecution is to go forward , our prosecutors should have the important evidence that we have requested ... We hope and expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the evidence can and will be promptly provided .
`` Further delay is no longer possible if Kotey and Elsheikh are to be tried in the United States , and further delay is an injustice to the families of the victims , '' he wrote .
If the matter is not resolved by Oct. 15 , Barr said that the two suspects would be transferred to Iraqi custody for prosecution by that country 's criminal justice system .
Last year , the two suspects admitted to roles in ransom negotiations for Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and murder .
`` I consider my role in this whole scenario , this whole episode as one of my mistakes , '' Elsheikh , a native of Sudan , told CNN .
`` I would like to apologize ( to ) everybody who was affected , directly or indirectly . ''
Kotey , who is British , said he extracted `` proof of life '' information and email addresses from European hostages so ISIS could contact family members with ransom demands .
Elsheikh said he was a liaison between the prisoners and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of the hostages ultimately were released but others were executed .
Some were killed on video by Mohammed Emwazi , an infamous cell member known as `` Jihadi John . ''
Emwazi reportedly was killed in a 2015 drone strike .
The State Department says the group was responsible for holding captive and beheading approximately two dozen hostages , including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff , and American aid worker Peter Kassig .

US won't pursue death penalty against ISIS 'Beatles' in exchange for British cooperation
The Trump administration will not pursue the death penalty against two ISIS suspects in exchange for Britain's cooperation in the prosecution of the terrorists known as the "Beatles," allegedly linked to the kidnapping and murders of American and British hostages in Syria.
Attorney General William Barr, in a letter to Britain's Home Secretary Priti Patel, said the U.S. was taking the action because it needed evidence held by the United Kingdom to pursue the prosecutions of Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, who are now in the custody of the U.S. military in Iraq.
Captives had referred to the two suspects as the "Beatles" because of their British accents.
Britain has traditionally sought assurances that the death penalty would not be sought as a condition of cooperation in cases involving other governments.
"I know that the United Kingdom shares our determination that there should be a full investigation and criminal prosecution of Kotey and Elsheikh," Barr said. "If a prosecution is to go forward, our prosecutors should have the important evidence that we have requested... We hope and expect that, in light of this assurance, the evidence can and will be promptly provided.
"Further delay is no longer possible if Kotey and Elsheikh are to be tried in the United States, and further delay is an injustice to the families of the victims," he wrote.
If the matter is not resolved by Oct. 15, Barr said that the two suspects would be transferred to Iraqi custody for prosecution by that country's criminal justice system.
Last year, the two suspects admitted to roles in ransom negotiations for Western hostages but denied U.S. claims of torture and murder.
"I consider my role in this whole scenario, this whole episode as one of my mistakes," Elsheikh, a native of Sudan, told CNN. "I would like to apologize (to) everybody who was affected, directly or indirectly."
Kotey, who is British, said he extracted "proof of life" information and email addresses from European hostages so ISIS could contact family members with ransom demands. Elsheikh said he was a liaison between the prisoners and the ISIS officials who handled negotiations.
Some of the hostages ultimately were released but others were executed. Some were killed on video by Mohammed Emwazi, an infamous cell member known as "Jihadi John." Emwazi reportedly was killed in a 2015 drone strike.
The State Department says the group was responsible for holding captive and beheading approximately two dozen hostages, including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and American aid worker Peter Kassig.


usatoday--2020-08-19--Live air-to-air missile found at Florida airport removed to MacDill AFB, awaits disposal

A live French S-530 air-to-air missile discovered at Lakeland Linder International Airport is now at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa awaiting its disposal .
The unarmed missile was discovered Friday .
“ It was transported back to MacDill where we have munition storage facilities , kind of similar to what a bunker would look like with some thick walls , ” said Lt. Brandon Hanner , chief of media operations at MacDill .
“ It is secured and safe and they are just waiting on when and where they are going to dispose of the missile.
” The air-to-air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a defense contractor located at the airport .
Draken officials told Military Times the missile , which was in a container , was found in a shipment of other items .
Its discovery led to a partial evacuation of the airport for a few hours .
Hanner said the typical method of ordinance disposal is to take it out to the explosives range and detonate it .
But this missile is “ too large to do that at MacDill , ” so the logistics are being planned out .
“ Sometimes it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Range ) … but the details of when and where that is going to happen are not drawn in stone yet , ” Hanner said .
“ The only thing out of the ordinary about this is it is not a U.S.-made missile , which is why we were dispatched out to it .
”

Live air-to-air missile found at Florida airport removed to MacDill AFB, awaits disposal
LAKELAND — The missile awaits its final destination.
A live French S-530 air-to-air missile discovered at Lakeland Linder International Airport is now at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa awaiting its disposal. The unarmed missile was discovered Friday.
“It was transported back to MacDill where we have munition storage facilities, kind of similar to what a bunker would look like with some thick walls,” said Lt. Brandon Hanner, chief of media operations at MacDill. “It is secured and safe and they are just waiting on when and where they are going to dispose of the missile.”
The air-to-air missile was found by Draken International, a defense contractor located at the airport.
Draken officials told Military Times the missile, which was in a container, was found in a shipment of other items. Its discovery led to a partial evacuation of the airport for a few hours.
Hanner said the typical method of ordinance disposal is to take it out to the explosives range and detonate it. But this missile is “too large to do that at MacDill,” so the logistics are being planned out.
“Sometimes it is done in Avon Park (Air Force Range) … but the details of when and where that is going to happen are not drawn in stone yet,” Hanner said. “The only thing out of the ordinary about this is it is not a U.S.-made missile, which is why we were dispatched out to it.”


usatoday--2020-08-19--Coronavirus doesn't take a vacation, neither should Congress on relief for the unemployed

For the estimated 30 million out-of-work Americans struggling to make ends meet during a virus-fueled economic collapse , Friday will mark four weeks of living on little more than a few hundred dollars a week in state unemployment compensation .
That average income of $ 370 per week falls shamefully short of what the jobless need to survive , and it 's why Congress and President Donald Trump agreed in March to add $ 600 a week in federal benefits .
But the federal supplement ended in late July , and Americans — millions of whom lost their health coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making hard choices on spending for food , rent or medical bills .
`` It ’ s just about life or death in some situations , '' said Melissa Rusk , an unemployed resident of Bradenton , Florida .
And how did Congress respond to this dire situation ?
It left town .
Without a deal .
In the middle of a health and economic crisis .
Lawmakers do n't even have the excuse that they have to attend the national political conventions , which are primarily virtual in this year of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work now and come together on an agreement for desperately needed relief .
Not only would this keep countless families financially afloat , but it also remains one of the best ways to stimulate an economy stricken when states ordered businesses to shut down in March as the virus rapidly spread .
The partial recovery that began after many of those states quickly reopened has already begun to stall , with the epidemic untamed and an unemployment rate of 10 % that continues to rival the Great Recession .
If there is any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are signs of movement after weeks of stalemate between House Democratic leaders and the White House .
The House has been called back into session to pass separate funding for the U.S .
Postal Service , and Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled Tuesday that Democrats are open to compromise on a broader relief package that would include supplemental unemployment payments .
Pulling new post office money out of the larger relief debate is a smart move .
The Postal Service has enough cash on hand to operate into next year , and additional funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans on the coronavirus relief .
( The larger concern for now has been whether the new postmaster general , a Trump ally , was purposely slowing down mail delivery , potentially delaying mail-in balloting . )
One of the toughest areas of impasse remains the amount of any unemployment supplement .
Trump tried to fill the void with an executive action directing a $ 300 a week federal payment , to be matched by $ 100 from the states .
But the federal money might only last a few weeks , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 100 , and clunky state computer systems make the whole plan unwieldy to implement .
Far better to address the situation through legislation .
The parties are n't that far apart that this ca n't be resolved : Many Republicans want to cut the federal supplement to $ 400 , while Democrats demand keeping the additional $ 600 .
Republicans argue that the money , in some cases , is more than recipients were earning and can be a disincentive to returning to work .
A compromise might already exist within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have suggested that the $ 600 could be ratcheted down over time depending on the jobless rate in individual states .
The other key area of disagreement on the relief package was bailout funding for state and local governments strapped by coronavirus-driven budget shortfalls .
Trump has argued that this would simply be largesse for poorly run blue states .
That 's nonsense .
Plenty of Republican-dominated states — Alaska , Idaho and West Virginia , to name a few — face similar budgetary crises .
Even so , the Democratic demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several nonpartisan analysts have projected state budget shortfalls falling somewhere between $ 200 billion and $ 800 billion , plenty of room for Congress to make a deal .
And , in good faith , the Democrats should also agree to the Republican demand to protect businesses that follow public-health guidelines from COVID-related liability lawsuits .
For lawmakers another week off in August , for vacation or campaigning or fundraising , is just another week .
But for jobless Americans , every day of political posturing is another day of staring into @ @ @ @

Coronavirus doesn't take a vacation, neither should Congress on relief for the unemployed Our View: $600 a week federal insurance expired four weeks ago, and millions are making hard choices on spending for food, rent or medical bills.
For the estimated 30 million out-of-work Americans struggling to make ends meet during a virus-fueled economic collapse, Friday will mark four weeks of living on little more than a few hundred dollars a week in state unemployment compensation. That average income of $370 per week falls shamefully short of what the jobless need to survive, and it's why Congress and President Donald Trump agreed in March to add $600 a week in federal benefits.
But the federal supplement ended in late July, and Americans — millions of whom lost their health coverage along with their jobs — have started making hard choices on spending for food, rent or medical bills. "It’s just about life or death in some situations," said Melissa Rusk, an unemployed resident of Bradenton, Florida.
And how did Congress respond to this dire situation? It left town. Without a deal. In the middle of a health and economic crisis.
Unemployment remains 10%
Lawmakers don't even have the excuse that they have to attend the national political conventions, which are primarily virtual in this year of COVID-19. They need to get back to work now and come together on an agreement for desperately needed relief.
Not only would this keep countless families financially afloat, but it also remains one of the best ways to stimulate an economy stricken when states ordered businesses to shut down in March as the virus rapidly spread.
The partial recovery that began after many of those states quickly reopened has already begun to stall, with the epidemic untamed and an unemployment rate of 10% that continues to rival the Great Recession.
If there is any good news, it is that there are signs of movement after weeks of stalemate between House Democratic leaders and the White House.
Ways to compromise
The House has been called back into session to pass separate funding for the U.S. Postal Service, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled Tuesday that Democrats are open to compromise on a broader relief package that would include supplemental unemployment payments.
Pulling new post office money out of the larger relief debate is a smart move. The Postal Service has enough cash on hand to operate into next year, and additional funding for it was one sticking point for Republicans on the coronavirus relief. (The larger concern for now has been whether the new postmaster general, a Trump ally, was purposely slowing down mail delivery, potentially delaying mail-in balloting.)
One of the toughest areas of impasse remains the amount of any unemployment supplement. Trump tried to fill the void with an executive action directing a $300 a week federal payment, to be matched by $100 from the states. But the federal money might only last a few weeks, many states say they can't afford the $100, and clunky state computer systems make the whole plan unwieldy to implement.
Far better to address the situation through legislation. The parties aren't that far apart that this can't be resolved: Many Republicans want to cut the federal supplement to $400, while Democrats demand keeping the additional $600. Republicans argue that the money, in some cases, is more than recipients were earning and can be a disincentive to returning to work.
A compromise might already exist within the House Democratic caucus, where three members have suggested that the $600 could be ratcheted down over time depending on the jobless rate in individual states.
The other key area of disagreement on the relief package was bailout funding for state and local governments strapped by coronavirus-driven budget shortfalls. Trump has argued that this would simply be largesse for poorly run blue states. That's nonsense. Plenty of Republican-dominated states — Alaska, Idaho and West Virginia, to name a few — face similar budgetary crises.
Even so, the Democratic demand for $915 billion is arguably too high. Several nonpartisan analysts have projected state budget shortfalls falling somewhere between $200 billion and $800 billion, plenty of room for Congress to make a deal.
And, in good faith, the Democrats should also agree to the Republican demand to protect businesses that follow public-health guidelines from COVID-related liability lawsuits.
For lawmakers another week off in August, for vacation or campaigning or fundraising, is just another week. But for jobless Americans, every day of political posturing is another day of staring into the financial abyss.


usatoday--2020-08-19--Enjoy the outdoors and avoid pesky bug bites

Don ’ t let the fear of bug bites keep you from enjoying the outdoors .

Prevent bug bites with these tips
Don’t let the fear of bug bites keep you from enjoying the outdoors.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-19--Rhode Island's calamari steals the show at Democratic convention

PROVIDENCE , R.I. – Did a platter of fried cephalopods dressed with hot peppers steal the show at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night ?
Many national writers thought so after watching state Democratic Party Chairman Joe McNamara , flanked by a masked and black-clad chef , tout the “ calamari comeback state ” during the the virtual roll call of state delegates .
“ GAME OVER , Rhodey wins by using video to hawk its damn calamari , ” tweeted New York Times national political correspondent Jonathan Martin .
“ The calamari just got the keynote slot for tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Itzkoff tweeted .
The Washington Post this morning declared calamari “ an unexpected star of the DNC ” and quoted an unnamed tweet that the state ’ s use of its time to “ hawk calamari ” is “ the most on-brand of all the states and territories.
” On “ The Late Show , ” host Stephen Colbert quipped that a calimari comeback “ was something that happens after you fried squid that ’ s been sitting out in the sun too long.
” Not everyone thought McNamara ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the food made the state ’ s official appetizer was the best choice .
“ Our governor was a finalist for VP .
Our senior senator is a possible Defense Secretary .
Our bad-ass Latina ed commissioner is fixing our schools .
Our health director is a rock star Black woman leading the way on COVID .
“ But we had a plate of calamari nominate Biden !
?
Rhode Island House GOP leader Blake Filippi on Wednesday morning tweeted what appeared to be an alternative approach .
“ R.I. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gaspee to the sea bed months before the Boston Tea Party .
The first colony to declare independence , and the last to join the Union , we stand for freedom and self-determination , and nominate [ INSERT ] as the next President of the U.S. , ” Filippi tweeted .
Here are a few more highlights from Twitter :

Patrick Anderson, The Providence Journal

Rhode Island’s calamari steals the show at Democratic convention
Show Caption Hide Caption Democrats officially nominate Biden for president The Democratic Party has formally made Joe Biden its presidential nominee, a position he has sought for more than 30 years. Delegates from each state took a roll call vote during the second night of the Democratic National Convention. (Aug. 19) AP
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Did a platter of fried cephalopods dressed with hot peppers steal the show at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night?
Many national writers thought so after watching state Democratic Party Chairman Joe McNamara, flanked by a masked and black-clad chef, tout the “calamari comeback state” during the the virtual roll call of state delegates.
“GAME OVER, Rhodey wins by using video to hawk its damn calamari,” tweeted New York Times national political correspondent Jonathan Martin.
GAME OVER, Rhodey wins by using video to hawk its damn calamari. — Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) August 19, 2020
“The calamari just got the keynote slot for tomorrow night,” his Times colleague Dave Itzkoff tweeted.
The Washington Post this morning declared calamari “an unexpected star of the DNC” and quoted an unnamed tweet that the state’s use of its time to “hawk calamari” is “the most on-brand of all the states and territories.”
On “The Late Show,” host Stephen Colbert quipped that a calimari comeback “was something that happens after you fried squid that’s been sitting out in the sun too long.”
Not everyone thought McNamara’s decision to highlight calamari, and his own quest to have the food made the state’s official appetizer was the best choice.
Mike Raia, former communications director for Gov. Gina Raimondo, tweeted:
“Our governor was a finalist for VP. Our senior senator is a possible Defense Secretary. Our bad-ass Latina ed commissioner is fixing our schools. Our health director is a rock star Black woman leading the way on COVID.
“But we had a plate of calamari nominate Biden!?
“C’mon.”
Our governor was a finalist for VP. Our senior senator is a possible Defense Secretary. Our bad-ass Latina ed commissioner is fixing our schools. Our health director is a rock star Black woman leading the way on COVID.
But we had a plate of calamari nominate Biden!?
C'mon. — Mike Raia (@mikeraia) August 19, 2020
Rhode Island House GOP leader Blake Filippi on Wednesday morning tweeted what appeared to be an alternative approach.
“R.I., where we burnt the British tax ship Gaspee to the sea bed months before the Boston Tea Party. The first colony to declare independence, and the last to join the Union, we stand for freedom and self-determination, and nominate [INSERT] as the next President of the U.S.,” Filippi tweeted.
Here are a few more highlights from Twitter:
don’t pretend like you didn’t wake up contemplating a Rhode Island-style calamari breakfast pic.twitter.com/et2i8uVDm4 — Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) August 19, 2020
And @BWilliams for the win tonight “I love Rhode Island & their local favorite Dels frozen lemonade. I love calamari but I have not had calamari in RI but now I’ll make it one of my life’s goals” & @maddow ! “coffee milk & calamari & I’ll meet you there” pic.twitter.com/Ak74lZQ3Zd — creightonc (@creightonc) August 19, 2020
Follow Patrick Anderson on Twitter: PatrickAnderso_


usatoday--2020-08-19--NY AG Letitia James called the NRA a 'terrorist organization.' Will it hurt her case?

ALBANY , N.Y. – Two years ago , Letitia James – then a candidate for New York attorney general – made a provocative campaign promise .
The National Rifle Association , the nation 's preeminent guns-rights group , had a `` poisonous agenda '' that was `` directly antithetical '' to New York 's tough gun-control laws , James said at the time .
She vowed to investigate the powerful and controversial group to determine whether it should keep its charitable status , making it the first plank of her plan to combat gun violence .
`` The NRA is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a charity for public good , '' the plan read .
`` Its agenda is set by gun-makers who think arming teachers is a better idea than making it harder for kids to get military grade guns . ''
Two years later , James – now the attorney general – made good on her pledge , filing a lawsuit this month alleging a wide array of fraud and corruption at the NRA .
James says it is enough to warrant shutting down the 148-year-old organization .
The NRA wasted no time in using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filing a counter suit accusing the Democrat of displaying a preconceived outcome that guided her investigation into the organization and violated its First Amendment rights .
Ultimately , it will be up to the state courts to determine whether James ' prior remarks will hurt her headline-grabbing case , which seeks to dissolve the NRA and oust longtime executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre .
`` It 's never helpful for any prosecutor to show any bias against a potential target in advance of litigation , '' said Sean Delany , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the New York attorney general 's office in the late 1990s .
`` But given the amount of wrongdoing alleged in the complaint , which draws a picture of a cesspool of fraud , it 's hard to believe that the attorney general wo n't be able to prevail if she can prove even a fraction of those allegations . ''
James has been critical of the NRA James , then the New York City public advocate and a former City Council member , made no secret of her disdain for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the comments sprinkled in her anti-gun-violence plan , James also called the NRA a `` criminal enterprise '' and a `` terrorist organization '' in interviews and a debate prior to her November 2018 election , saying an investigation into the group would be her `` top issue '' if elected .
`` The NRA holds ( itself ) out as a charitable organization , but in fact , ( it ) really ( is ) a terrorist organization , '' James said in a 2018 interview with Ebony magazine .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her anti-gun-violence campaign , are at the center of the NRA 's countersuit , which seeks to severely limit the scope of James ' ongoing investigation and force the state to pay the organization for damages .
In short , the NRA claims James unfairly targeted the organization for investigation because she disagrees with its efforts to stop gun-control laws , violating its free-speech and equal-protection rights .
`` James 's threatened , and actual , regulatory reprisals are a blatant and malicious retaliation campaign against the NRA and its constituents based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech , '' according to the NRA 's lawsuit .
Is the NRA trying to distract ?
James contends the NRA is simply trying to take away from the widespread fraud and corruption alleged in her lawsuit .
The suit , filed Aug. 6 in state Supreme Court in Manhattan , lays out a series of highly detailed , specific accusations across more than 160 pages .
The NRA , LaPierre and three other current and former organization leaders are named as defendants .
Much of it focuses on LaPierre , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrich himself and support his family 's lavish lifestyle , wasting millions of dollars on private travel , including eight trips to the Bahamas and use of a yacht with four staterooms , a jet boat and two jet skis .
More : What to know about the NY AG 's attempt to take down the NRA LaPierre is also accused of engineering a post-employment contract without NRA board approval that guarantees him a lifetime salary even if he is let go .
That contract is currently worth about $ 17 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the NRA are also accused of hiding spending in a number of ways , including by having Ackerman McQueen – the NRA 's longtime advertising firm – cover travel and entertainment expenses before billing the organization for reimbursement .
That allegedly fraudulent relationship allowed LaPierre to file false personal tax returns , according to the lawsuit .
The NRA 's countersuit is just an attempt to divert attention away from the organization 's `` deep-rooted '' fraud , James said in a statement .
`` The facts speak for themselves , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
James has civil jurisdiction to investigate and regulate the NRA because the organization was chartered in New York way back in 1871 , when it was formed to promote marksmanship .
Pursuing the dissolution of a charity is the most severe form of punishment the attorney general 's office can pursue against a not-for-profit organization .
And the NRA is the most prominent organization the state has sought that punishment against .
Ted De Barbieri , an associate professor at Albany Law School who specializes in nonprofit law , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending itself against litigation .
Using James ' campaign comments in its countersuit fits into that playbook , he said .
`` Based on what I know of the NRA 's litigation strategy in the past , they are very aggressive , '' he said .
`` They 're going to use all the legal tools they have available . ''
James is not the first New York official the NRA has accused of violating its First Amendment rights by highlighting critical comments that preceded state action .
In 2018 , the NRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Cuomo and the state Department of Financial Services over state actions that dissuaded major insurers from doing business with the organization .
Later in the year , U.S. District Judge Thomas McAvoy dismissed much of the NRA 's lawsuit .
But he allowed the NRA to continue with its claim that Cuomo and the state agency violated its freedom-of-speech rights by making direct and implied threats against insurers that were in business with the organization .
“ The allegations ... are sufficient to make out plausible First Amendment freedom-of-speech claims , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said her investigation 's conclusions are based on the NRA 's action and clear violations of New York 's charity laws – not her position on gun control .
`` This is not a question of the moment that I 've been waiting for , '' she said Aug. 6 , the day she filed her lawsuit .
`` This is a question again of following the facts and applying the law , and when you apply the law , the only conclusion you can come to is that these four individual defendants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directors and officers violated the law . ''

NY AG Letitia James called the NRA a 'terrorist organization.' Will it hurt her case?
Show Caption Hide Caption NY attorney general files lawsuit to dissolve the NRA New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a suit seeking to dissolve the NRA following a fraud investigation. USA TODAY
ALBANY, N.Y. – Two years ago, Letitia James – then a candidate for New York attorney general – made a provocative campaign promise.
The National Rifle Association, the nation's preeminent guns-rights group, had a "poisonous agenda" that was "directly antithetical" to New York's tough gun-control laws, James said at the time.
She vowed to investigate the powerful and controversial group to determine whether it should keep its charitable status, making it the first plank of her plan to combat gun violence.
"The NRA is an organ of deadly propaganda masquerading as a charity for public good," the plan read. "Its agenda is set by gun-makers who think arming teachers is a better idea than making it harder for kids to get military grade guns."
Two years later, James – now the attorney general – made good on her pledge, filing a lawsuit this month alleging a wide array of fraud and corruption at the NRA. James says it is enough to warrant shutting down the 148-year-old organization.
The NRA wasted no time in using James' campaign comments against her, filing a counter suit accusing the Democrat of displaying a preconceived outcome that guided her investigation into the organization and violated its First Amendment rights.
Ultimately, it will be up to the state courts to determine whether James' prior remarks will hurt her headline-grabbing case, which seeks to dissolve the NRA and oust longtime executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre.
"It's never helpful for any prosecutor to show any bias against a potential target in advance of litigation," said Sean Delany, a Westchester attorney who led the Charities Bureau of the New York attorney general's office in the late 1990s. "But given the amount of wrongdoing alleged in the complaint, which draws a picture of a cesspool of fraud, it's hard to believe that the attorney general won't be able to prevail if she can prove even a fraction of those allegations."
James has been critical of the NRA
James, then the New York City public advocate and a former City Council member, made no secret of her disdain for the NRA during her 2018 campaign.
Along with the comments sprinkled in her anti-gun-violence plan, James also called the NRA a "criminal enterprise" and a "terrorist organization" in interviews and a debate prior to her November 2018 election, saying an investigation into the group would be her "top issue" if elected.
"The NRA holds (itself) out as a charitable organization, but in fact, (it) really (is) a terrorist organization," James said in a 2018 interview with Ebony magazine.
Those comments, along with the quotes from her anti-gun-violence campaign, are at the center of the NRA's countersuit, which seeks to severely limit the scope of James' ongoing investigation and force the state to pay the organization for damages.
In short, the NRA claims James unfairly targeted the organization for investigation because she disagrees with its efforts to stop gun-control laws, violating its free-speech and equal-protection rights.
"James's threatened, and actual, regulatory reprisals are a blatant and malicious retaliation campaign against the NRA and its constituents based on her disagreement with the content of their speech," according to the NRA's lawsuit.
Is the NRA trying to distract?
James contends the NRA is simply trying to take away from the widespread fraud and corruption alleged in her lawsuit.
The suit, filed Aug. 6 in state Supreme Court in Manhattan, lays out a series of highly detailed, specific accusations across more than 160 pages. The NRA, LaPierre and three other current and former organization leaders are named as defendants.
Much of it focuses on LaPierre, who is accused of using the longstanding organization to enrich himself and support his family's lavish lifestyle, wasting millions of dollars on private travel, including eight trips to the Bahamas and use of a yacht with four staterooms, a jet boat and two jet skis.
More: What to know about the NY AG's attempt to take down the NRA
More: NY attorney general seeks shutdown of NRA; accuses leaders of massive fraud
LaPierre is also accused of engineering a post-employment contract without NRA board approval that guarantees him a lifetime salary even if he is let go. That contract is currently worth about $17 million, according to James' lawsuit.
LaPierre and the NRA are also accused of hiding spending in a number of ways, including by having Ackerman McQueen – the NRA's longtime advertising firm – cover travel and entertainment expenses before billing the organization for reimbursement.
That allegedly fraudulent relationship allowed LaPierre to file false personal tax returns, according to the lawsuit.
The NRA's countersuit is just an attempt to divert attention away from the organization's "deep-rooted" fraud, James said in a statement.
"The facts speak for themselves, and our lawsuit will continue undeterred," she said.
James has civil jurisdiction to investigate and regulate the NRA because the organization was chartered in New York way back in 1871, when it was formed to promote marksmanship.
Pursuing the dissolution of a charity is the most severe form of punishment the attorney general's office can pursue against a not-for-profit organization. And the NRA is the most prominent organization the state has sought that punishment against.
NRA known to defend aggressively
Ted De Barbieri, an associate professor at Albany Law School who specializes in nonprofit law, said the NRA has a history of aggressively defending itself against litigation.
Using James' campaign comments in its countersuit fits into that playbook, he said.
"Based on what I know of the NRA's litigation strategy in the past, they are very aggressive," he said. "They're going to use all the legal tools they have available."
James is not the first New York official the NRA has accused of violating its First Amendment rights by highlighting critical comments that preceded state action.
In 2018, the NRA filed a lawsuit against the Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Department of Financial Services over state actions that dissuaded major insurers from doing business with the organization.
Later in the year, U.S. District Judge Thomas McAvoy dismissed much of the NRA's lawsuit. But he allowed the NRA to continue with its claim that Cuomo and the state agency violated its freedom-of-speech rights by making direct and implied threats against insurers that were in business with the organization.
“The allegations ... are sufficient to make out plausible First Amendment freedom-of-speech claims,” McAvoy wrote at the time.
James said her investigation's conclusions are based on the NRA's action and clear violations of New York's charity laws – not her position on gun control.
"This is not a question of the moment that I've been waiting for," she said Aug. 6, the day she filed her lawsuit.
"This is a question again of following the facts and applying the law, and when you apply the law, the only conclusion you can come to is that these four individual defendants and the NRA and all of its directors and officers violated the law."
Follow Jon Campbell on Twitter: @JonCampbellGAN


usatoday--2020-08-19--Joe Biden defined: The key issues and events that shaped Delaware's favorite son

Through a half-century of life in public service , from his shocking upset of a Republican incumbent in his first Senate run to his years as President Barack Obama 's right-hand man , Joe Biden has helped reshape Delaware politics while playing a significant role in the course of the nation at large .
Biden 's lengthy track record reveals several gaffes that have drawn attacks from rivals throughout the election cycle .
But it also shows many significant achievements , including the highest award a civilian can obtain .
Here is a look at the key issues and events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the years .
Biden 's political life has been bookmarked by personal tragedy .
Just weeks before he was sworn in as a U.S. senator in 1972 , his wife , Neilia , and his daughter Naomi died in a car accident .
As Biden interviewed potential staffers in Washington , D.C. , Neilia and their three children were Christmas shopping in Delaware .
The family 's Chevrolet station wagon collided with a tractor-trailer loaded with corncobs in Hockessin .
Neilia was 30 ; Naomi was 1 year old .
Toddlers Beau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family tree : An introduction to Delaware 's most famous family Biden wrote in his 2007 memoir `` Promises to Keep '' that he felt `` trapped in a constant twilight of vertigo . ''
`` Most of all I was numb , but there were moments when the pain cut through like a shard of broken glass , '' he wrote .
`` I began to understand how despair led people to just cash it in ; how suicide was n't just an option but a rational option . ''
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourned the loss of his oldest son , Beau .
Delaware 's former attorney general , who many thought would one day be governor , died from brain cancer at age 46 in 2015 .
The former Delaware Army National Guard major was first diagnosed in 2013 .
Beau 's death ultimately diverted Biden 's plans to run for president in 2016 .
As the race began , Biden said he was still grieving his son 's death and `` time had run out . ''
Dive deeper : How Joe Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the 1970s , Biden has opposed mandatory busing of students to integrate public schools .
He adopted the stance as a freshman Delaware senator when Wilmington 's school desegregation plan was being fought out in federal court , saying he believed in equal educational opportunities but disagreed that busing was the way to offer them .
In a 1975 interview unearthed last year by The Washington Post , Biden suggested government-backed integration plans would hold white people back , `` to even the race . ''
`` I am philosophically opposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school desegregation plans in that interview .
`` They insure mediocrity . ''
Biden 's busing stance received renewed attention after attacks from Kamala Harris , now his running mate , during the Democratic presidential debates .
Harris said she did n't think Biden was a racist , but she told a story of a girl who was part of mandatory busing to desegregate schools in the 1970s .
`` That little girl was me , '' Harris said in the June 2019 debate .
Overnight , the line became a rallying cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991 , Biden presided over the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in which Anita Hill , an African-American law professor , said Thomas sexually harassed her .
Biden has been criticized for his part in the all-white , all-male committee that grilled Hill in excruciating detail during her testimony before a national audience .
Critics say he should have done more to defend Hill as Republicans sought to discredit her .
He has also been criticized for not taking testimony from others who offered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launching his 2020 presidential campaign , Biden called Hill to apologize for the way she was treated .
`` I can not be satisfied by simply saying , ' I 'm sorry for what happened to you , ' '' Hill told The New York Times in April 2019 .
`` I will be satisfied when I know that there is real change and real accountability and real purpose . ''
To quash criticisms that Democrats were `` soft on crime , '' Biden 26 years ago wrote the Violent Crime Control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1994 crime law .
The law , which became central to attacks on Biden 's criminal justice record during the Democratic primary race , contained several now-controversial provisions including tougher prison sentences at the federal level , funding for 100,000 more police officers and backing for grant programs that encouraged officers to carry out more drug-related arrests .
It also included elements considered more progressive today , namely the Violence Against Women Act that provided more resources to combat domestic violence and rape , and funding for background checks for gun owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to blame than the 1994 crime law for the increase in mass incarceration over the past few decades , but criminal justice advocates still take issue with the intent behind the law .
For years , Biden defended at least some of the law – his 2008 presidential campaign heralded it as `` the Biden Crime Bill . ''
In January 2019 at a breakfast honoring Martin Luther King Jr. , he called it a big mistake , adding that he has n't `` always gotten things right '' but has `` always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden learned from his life-threatening brain aneurysms Biden served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for three decades .
In 1991 , he voted against the first Gulf War , which quickly pushed Iraqi forces from Kuwait , but a few years later urged President Bill Clinton to take military action in the Balkans .
He voted in favor of the Iraq War in 2003 , but later became a vocal critic of the war and President George W. Bush , particularly after the U.S. began deploying more troops in 2007 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his foreign-policy experience .
Biden led the administration 's Iraqi policy during Obama 's first term and played large roles in other international conflicts as vice president .
Twelve years ago , the center of the American political world was in Delaware – as it , in many ways , is now – when Biden was announced as Obama 's running mate .
The media swarmed his Greenville home as he prepared to leave for the airport , and neighbors and supporters lined Barley Mill Road trying to get their own glimpse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms as vice president , the highest-ranking federal office ever reached by a Delawarean .
As The News Journal editorial about his selection put it , `` A nomination for vice president is quite an honor for the senator , and , by reflected glory , for our small state .
`` Sen. Biden now has a chance to influence American history the way no Delawarean has since 1801 when Rep. James A. Baynard chose principle over party by helping break an election deadlock and put Thomas Jefferson in the White House over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's pick as VP in 2008 was prideful for Delawareans As they were leaving office in 2017 , Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Biden , calling him `` the best vice president America has ever had . ''
Only two others have received it for service as vice presidents .
President Gerald Ford gave it to his vice president , Nelson Rockefeller , in 1977 , and President Jimmy Carter awarded it to Lyndon Johnson 's vice president , Hubert Humphrey , in 1980 , two years after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by two decades , Biden , at age 77 , is now the Democratic Party 's choice to run for the White House .
Biden 's first run in 1987 was derailed by charges he had plagiarized a speech by British politician Neil Kinnock .
He withdrew after more allegations related to past law school plagiarism surfaced .
Biden 's 2008 run never gained momentum and failed to separate him from a deep field of Democratic contenders , including Obama and Hillary Clinton .
A look back at Joe Biden 's run for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended in Delaware In a video in April 2019 , Biden announced his 2020 candidacy , saying he would help repair the soul of the nation as president .
The crowded Democratic race ended a year later when his last challenger , Sen. Bernie Sanders , dropped out .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , Biden has largely campaigned for the highest office in the land from his home in Greenville .

Joe Biden defined: The key issues and events that shaped Delaware's favorite son
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden and Kamala Harris make first public remarks as running mates Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden made his first joint appearance with his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Through a half-century of life in public service, from his shocking upset of a Republican incumbent in his first Senate run to his years as President Barack Obama's right-hand man, Joe Biden has helped reshape Delaware politics while playing a significant role in the course of the nation at large.
Biden's lengthy track record reveals several gaffes that have drawn attacks from rivals throughout the election cycle. But it also shows many significant achievements, including the highest award a civilian can obtain.
Here is a look at the key issues and events that have defined Delaware's favorite son over the years.
Family tragedy
Biden's political life has been bookmarked by personal tragedy. Just weeks before he was sworn in as a U.S. senator in 1972, his wife, Neilia, and his daughter Naomi died in a car accident.
As Biden interviewed potential staffers in Washington, D.C., Neilia and their three children were Christmas shopping in Delaware. The family's Chevrolet station wagon collided with a tractor-trailer loaded with corncobs in Hockessin.
Neilia was 30; Naomi was 1 year old. Toddlers Beau and Hunter were severely injured.
Biden family tree: An introduction to Delaware's most famous family
Biden wrote in his 2007 memoir "Promises to Keep" that he felt "trapped in a constant twilight of vertigo."
"Most of all I was numb, but there were moments when the pain cut through like a shard of broken glass," he wrote. "I began to understand how despair led people to just cash it in; how suicide wasn't just an option but a rational option."
More than four decades later, the then-vice president mourned the loss of his oldest son, Beau.
Delaware's former attorney general, who many thought would one day be governor, died from brain cancer at age 46 in 2015. The former Delaware Army National Guard major was first diagnosed in 2013.
Beau's death ultimately diverted Biden's plans to run for president in 2016. As the race began, Biden said he was still grieving his son's death and "time had run out."
Dive deeper: How Joe Biden's political life has been bookmarked by tragedy
Complicated opposition to busing
Since the 1970s, Biden has opposed mandatory busing of students to integrate public schools.
He adopted the stance as a freshman Delaware senator when Wilmington's school desegregation plan was being fought out in federal court, saying he believed in equal educational opportunities but disagreed that busing was the way to offer them.
In a 1975 interview unearthed last year by The Washington Post, Biden suggested government-backed integration plans would hold white people back, "to even the race."
"I am philosophically opposed to quota systems," he said of school desegregation plans in that interview. "They insure mediocrity."
In Democratic debate 2019, Harris and Biden have heated exchange In night two of the Democratic debate, candidates bore down into issues, and each other. Kamala Harris went after Joe Biden for his past on busing. USA TODAY
Biden's busing stance received renewed attention after attacks from Kamala Harris, now his running mate, during the Democratic presidential debates. Harris said she didn't think Biden was a racist, but she told a story of a girl who was part of mandatory busing to desegregate schools in the 1970s.
"That little girl was me," Harris said in the June 2019 debate. Overnight, the line became a rallying cry for her campaign.
Dive deeper: Joe Biden's complicated opposition to busing for school desegregation
Anita Hill testimony against Clarence Thomas
As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991, Biden presided over the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in which Anita Hill, an African-American law professor, said Thomas sexually harassed her.
Biden has been criticized for his part in the all-white, all-male committee that grilled Hill in excruciating detail during her testimony before a national audience. Critics say he should have done more to defend Hill as Republicans sought to discredit her. He has also been criticized for not taking testimony from others who offered to share their stories about Thomas.
Before launching his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden called Hill to apologize for the way she was treated.
"I cannot be satisfied by simply saying, 'I'm sorry for what happened to you,'" Hill told The New York Times in April 2019. "I will be satisfied when I know that there is real change and real accountability and real purpose."
The controversial crime law Biden helped write
To quash criticisms that Democrats were "soft on crime," Biden 26 years ago wrote the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, now known as the 1994 crime law.
The law, which became central to attacks on Biden's criminal justice record during the Democratic primary race, contained several now-controversial provisions including tougher prison sentences at the federal level, funding for 100,000 more police officers and backing for grant programs that encouraged officers to carry out more drug-related arrests.
It also included elements considered more progressive today, namely the Violence Against Women Act that provided more resources to combat domestic violence and rape, and funding for background checks for gun owners.
Many say state policies were more to blame than the 1994 crime law for the increase in mass incarceration over the past few decades, but criminal justice advocates still take issue with the intent behind the law.
For years, Biden defended at least some of the law – his 2008 presidential campaign heralded it as "the Biden Crime Bill." In January 2019 at a breakfast honoring Martin Luther King Jr., he called it a big mistake, adding that he hasn't "always gotten things right" but has "always tried."
Life lessons: What Joe Biden learned from his life-threatening brain aneurysms
Foreign affairs and the Iraq War
Biden served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for three decades.
In 1991, he voted against the first Gulf War, which quickly pushed Iraqi forces from Kuwait, but a few years later urged President Bill Clinton to take military action in the Balkans.
He voted in favor of the Iraq War in 2003, but later became a vocal critic of the war and President George W. Bush, particularly after the U.S. began deploying more troops in 2007.
Obama chose Biden, in part, for his foreign-policy experience. Biden led the administration's Iraqi policy during Obama's first term and played large roles in other international conflicts as vice president.
The highest office for a Delawarean
Twelve years ago, the center of the American political world was in Delaware – as it, in many ways, is now – when Biden was announced as Obama's running mate.
The media swarmed his Greenville home as he prepared to leave for the airport, and neighbors and supporters lined Barley Mill Road trying to get their own glimpse.
Biden went on to serve two terms as vice president, the highest-ranking federal office ever reached by a Delawarean.
As The News Journal editorial about his selection put it, "A nomination for vice president is quite an honor for the senator, and, by reflected glory, for our small state.
"Sen. Biden now has a chance to influence American history the way no Delawarean has since 1801 when Rep. James A. Baynard chose principle over party by helping break an election deadlock and put Thomas Jefferson in the White House over Aaron Burr."
Dive deeper: Biden's pick as VP in 2008 was prideful for Delawareans
As they were leaving office in 2017, Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Biden, calling him "the best vice president America has ever had."
Only two others have received it for service as vice presidents. President Gerald Ford gave it to his vice president, Nelson Rockefeller, in 1977, and President Jimmy Carter awarded it to Lyndon Johnson's vice president, Hubert Humphrey, in 1980, two years after his death.
Running for president
Third time's a charm?
After two failed campaigns separated by two decades, Biden, at age 77, is now the Democratic Party's choice to run for the White House.
Biden's first run in 1987 was derailed by charges he had plagiarized a speech by British politician Neil Kinnock. He withdrew after more allegations related to past law school plagiarism surfaced.
Biden's 2008 run never gained momentum and failed to separate him from a deep field of Democratic contenders, including Obama and Hillary Clinton.
A look back at Joe Biden's run for president: How the primary started and ended in Delaware
In a video in April 2019, Biden announced his 2020 candidacy, saying he would help repair the soul of the nation as president. The crowded Democratic race ended a year later when his last challenger, Sen. Bernie Sanders, dropped out.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Biden has largely campaigned for the highest office in the land from his home in Greenville.
Contact Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @holveck_brandon.


usatoday--2020-08-19--John Kasich's DNC speech was filmed at a crossroads near his Ohio home

WESTERVILLE , Ohio – On national television Monday night , former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich stood at a fork in the road as he made his pitch to fellow disaffected Republicans that they should vote for Democrat Joe Biden .
America is at a crossroads , Kasich said in a pre-recorded speech , and he urged Americans to choose `` the right path . ''
For Kasich , the path on the right is probably the right one – it leads to his house .
The scene was filmed in Kasich 's suburban Columbus neighborhood , the Enquirer has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a neighbor 's house ; the one on the right dead-ends at Kasich 's $ 850,000 home .
The house , built in 1997 , sits on 10 acres of land that backs up to a golf course , according to county property records .
While serving as governor from 2010-18 , Kasich opted to stay there instead of the governor 's residence east of downtown Columbus .
The Westerville home , he said at the time , was closer to his then-10-year-old twin daughters ' school .
More : Michelle Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kasich blasts Trump and other top moments from the DNC 's opening night The opening scene garnered chuckles from some on the internet , but Ohio political types recognized the schtick right away .
Kasich closed his 2010 campaign for governor with a `` two paths '' ad .
That one was filmed at a different site not far from his house .
And toward the end of his failed 2016 presidential run , Kasich brought back `` two paths '' to draw a distinction between himself and President Donald Trump .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two Paths : America Divided or United . ''
The Democrats ' largely virtual convention has been a mash-up of previously recorded speeches and performances , as well as some live shots .

John Kasich's DNC speech was filmed at a crossroads near his Ohio home
Show Caption Hide Caption DNC: GOP speakers, including John Kasich, Christine Todd Whitman Former elected officials from the Republican party were among the speakers on the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention. USA TODAY
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – On national television Monday night, former Ohio Gov. John Kasich stood at a fork in the road as he made his pitch to fellow disaffected Republicans that they should vote for Democrat Joe Biden.
America is at a crossroads, Kasich said in a pre-recorded speech, and he urged Americans to choose "the right path."
For Kasich, the path on the right is probably the right one – it leads to his house.
The scene was filmed in Kasich's suburban Columbus neighborhood, the Enquirer has learned. The gravel path to the left leads to a neighbor's house; the one on the right dead-ends at Kasich's $850,000 home.
The house, built in 1997, sits on 10 acres of land that backs up to a golf course, according to county property records. While serving as governor from 2010-18, Kasich opted to stay there instead of the governor's residence east of downtown Columbus. The Westerville home, he said at the time, was closer to his then-10-year-old twin daughters' school.
More: Michelle Obama goes 'high', GOP's John Kasich blasts Trump and other top moments from the DNC's opening night
The opening scene garnered chuckles from some on the internet, but Ohio political types recognized the schtick right away. Kasich closed his 2010 campaign for governor with a "two paths" ad. That one was filmed at a different site not far from his house.
And toward the end of his failed 2016 presidential run, Kasich brought back "two paths" to draw a distinction between himself and President Donald Trump. His 2017 book borrows the phrase: "Two Paths: America Divided or United."
The Democrats' largely virtual convention has been a mash-up of previously recorded speeches and performances, as well as some live shots.


usatoday--2020-08-19--DNC: Democratic delegates formally nominate Joe Biden for president

Joe Biden garnered enough nominations to officially become the Democratic nominee for president .

DNC: Democratic delegates formally nominate Joe Biden for president
Joe Biden garnered enough nominations to officially become the Democratic nominee for president.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-19--Joe Biden secures formal presidential nomination during night two of DNC

Jill Biden , Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter highlighted the list of speakers during night two of the Democratic National @ @

AOC nominates Sanders, Clinton slams Trump during DNC night 2
Jill Biden, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter highlighted the list of speakers during night two of the Democratic National Convention.
Associated Press, USA TODAY